Business Publications Corp. is honored to share that we were named a recipient of a 2022 Inclusion Award by the Greater Des Moines Partnership at their 10th annual Inclusion Summit on Nov. 9. These awards honor and celebrate the success of businesses and organizations that have championed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). 

At BPC, we believe diversity, equity and inclusion create a stronger workforce and culture, which in turn contribute to a stronger and more vibrant community now and in the future. 

DEI is not a new endeavor for BPC. Since our founding 40 years ago by Connie Wimer, we have been committed to an inclusive culture, and as a women-owned and women-led company, we have a long legacy of advancing gender equity. As part of a more comprehensive DEI strategy developed over the last several years, however, BPC has been even more intentional in attracting, retaining and advancing talent across diverse and underrepresented communities, expanding our vendor diversity strategy, and increasing coverage and representation of underrepresented communities in all our products and events.

Our company’s mission is to inform, inspire, elevate and celebrate our communities through the power of communication, connections and recognition. Specifically, the Business Record focuses on news to help you do business better. dsm and ia magazines cover arts and culture, food and dining, home and lifestyle, and the critical issues that shape our city and state. We believe we have a responsibility to use these platforms to advance DEI and, where possible, be role models or mirrors to the community. 

 As a media company, we have an opportunity and an obligation to lift all voices. Voices matter. Representation matters. Everyone needs to be a part of the conversation because we are creating our future together.

We are grateful for the recognition of our work through the Inclusion Award, but like many of the companies and individuals we write about, we have far to go to create a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We view our DEI work as a journey with no end. As a reader, sponsor or event attendee, thank you for your continued support and for taking this journey with us.