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Simpson College President and former Greater Des Moines Partnership President & CEO Jay Byers, CCE, IOM, was recently honored with the Life Member Award from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Based in Alexandria, Va., ACCE represents more than 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,600 chambers of commerce around the world.
“We are pleased to honor Jay with this well-deserved recognition,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Jay's leadership and dedication to advancing the Greater Des Moines Partnership and improving the economic vitality of the region, along with his exemplary service to the chamber industry, has inspired countless individuals within our profession.”
A panel of chamber leaders nationwide evaluated nominees and selected Byers to receive the award. Criteria for consideration include demonstrating measurable success in building communities and organizations, actively mentoring staff and others in the profession and making a significant contribution to the profession through ACCE board leadership, state and regional associations and U.S. Chamber institutes and programs.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition from ACCE,” said Byers. “It was a privilege to serve and contribute to the outstanding work of ACCE for many years. We were able to achieve tremendous gains for the Greater Des Moines Partnership through the powerful collaboration we enjoyed with ACCE. Our work together will forever be treasured and appreciated.”
Prior to his appointment as Simpson’s president in 2023, Byers served the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization representing the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region, for 18 years, including 11 years as CEO. Under his leadership, The Partnership experienced significant growth, expanding to represent 11 counties and 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce with more than 6,500 members, making The Partnership the fourth largest regional chamber of commerce in the country. During his tenure, DSM became the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest in terms of population, GDP and job growth, and received countless rankings and accolades.
As a chamber executive, Byers chaired the Iowa Chamber Alliance and was active with the Professional Developers of Iowa and the Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce and served at the statewide level, chaired ACCE and served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 at the national level and served as the U.S. representative on the International Chamber of Commerce World Chambers Federation General Council at the global level. Byers is a Certified Chamber of Commerce Executive (CCE) and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) and University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OUEDI).
Today, Byers continues to serve on multiple boards of directors, including the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Warren County Economic Development Corporation and ChildServe.