2008 Economic Impact and Celebrate Business! Award Winners Announced

October 22, 2008

By: Staff Writer

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will honor four companies with the 2008 Economic Impact Awards and eight local companies for their business practices with the 2008 Celebrate Business! Awards, at a joint ceremony on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. The awards program will take place at the Embassy Suites on the River, 101 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
 
Over the past 25 years, businesses have been recognized with the Economic Impact Awards to recognize and commemorate the impact a company has had on the local economy in terms of job creation, capital investment and facility expansion. This year’s winners are EFCO Corporation, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, John Deere Credit, and Prairie Meadows. 

Now in its eighth year, the Celebrate Business! Awards are presented annually to promote the development of the Greater Des Moines business community by publicly acknowledging innovative and enduring business initiatives. The awards recognize companies for specific business practices such as building a reputation for integrity and quality while remaining outside the public limelight, and encouraging involvement in community activities. Small- and large-business winners are selected annually in each category. This year’s winners are:
 
Best Kept Secret Award:
            Large Business – Broadlawns Medical Center
            Small Business – Diversified Management Services
 
Community Champion Award:
            Large Business – West Bank
            Small Business – Community CPA and Associates

New in 2008, the “Lifelong Learning Award,” sponsored by Simpson College, will recognize GCommerce, Inc. and Kemin Industries as businesses that champion personal and professional growth of employees.

The Young Professionals Connection will present the 2008 Best Workplace for Young Professionals award to DeWaay Capital Management. This award recognizes a business that fosters an atmosphere in which young professionals can work and grow. 

Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) and the Transportation Management