CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, 515-271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu;
Janet Green, 515-286-4972
In an effort to shine the spotlight on the issue of recruiting and retaining a qualified and talented workplace in the Des Moines area, Drake University President David Maxwell will join forces with a string of local CEOs in a “Take It From the Top” variety show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, on the Jordan Stage in Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave.
President Maxwell will play lead guitar in the Geezer Blues Band with Larry Cleverley, Professor Emeritus of English Bruce Martin and Drake jazz students Kyle Baas and Mark Grimm.
Other confirmed performers include Meredith Corp. CFO Suku Radia, Mike Tousley of The Weitz Co., Tim Neugent of The Neugent Group, Martha Willits of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Doug Reichardt of Holmes Murphy & Associates, Terry Rich of Blank Park Zoo, Johnny Danos of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation and Rich Willis of Betts Auto Campus. Other business leaders participating include Ed Wilson of WHO-TV, Dave Busiek of KCCI-TV, Steve Berry of Prairie Meadows, Matt Wilson of the Davis Brown Koehn Shors & Roberts Law Firm and Jay Byers of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Tickets are $30 for adults and free for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.desmoinesmetro.com/events or contact Jessica Walter at 515-286-4924 or jwalter@desmoinesmetro.com.
“This event is designed to show off a different side of area business leaders, to show that they’re not only terrific business people but that they’re also engaged in the community — they’re reachable,” said Greater Des Moines Partnership Executive Vice President Mary Bontrager. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to enhance the partnership’s new community marketing campaign, which will focus heavily on recruiting and retaining a workforce that meets the needs of area employers.