Politico Magazine published a lengthy story this week entitled: How America’s Dullest City Got Cool—One meeting, a visionary planner and old-fashioned Iowan cooperation reinvented Des Moines, Included in the story is a section on Gravitate and its role in our startup community.

The first Startup Weekend event in Iowa was held in Des Moines in July 2009 (see my post here). Organized by Shane Reiser and held at Impromptu Studio, it attracted 30 participants who created four companies throughout the three day event. 6+ years later, our community staged, supported and executed simultaneous events for the first time ever in four cities across the state last weekend.

Branding isn't a logo. It isn't colors. It isn't marketing or advertising. It isn't a business card. 

We're working on expanding Gravitate to Ames!

Jason & Zachary join Geoff to talk about their design agency, their design process, working with startup companies and designing the branding for a food truck. 

Last week I participated in my third annual EntreFEST, held again in Iowa City, and it was better than ever. I've seen the event rapidly grow and evolve over the years and as I think back about the experience, here are five thoughts.