2025 Annual Builder and Developer Luncheon – West Des Moines, IA

RSVP TODAY! The Builder and Developer Luncheon is a premier event for professionals in the central Iowa real estate, development, and construction industries. The event will feature a keynote address on national economic factors influencing the housing market by Elliott Eisenberg, a presentation by Kalen Ludwig on local housing statistics, and a panel discussion on designing the future through unique land planning and development with Jim MacRae and Steve Bruere.

KEYNOTES:

ECONOMIC TRENDS SHAPING HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
ELLIOT EISENBERG

• National Recognized Economist
• Chief Economist Graphs and Laughs

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. is an internationally acclaimed economist and public speaker specializing in making economics fun, relevant and educational. Dr. Eisenberg earned a B.A. in economics with first class honors from McGill University in Montreal, as well as a Master and Ph.D. in public administration from Syracuse University. Eisenberg is the Chief Economist for GraphsandLaughs, LLC, a Miami-based economic consultancy that serves a variety of clients across the United States. He writes a syndicated column and authors a daily 70-word commentary on the economy that is available at www.econ70.com.

Dr. Eisenberg was formerly a Senior Economist with the National Association of Home Builders in Washingtont, D.C. He is the creator of the multifamily stock index (the first nationally recognized index to track the total return of public firms principally involved in the ownership and management of apartments), the author of more than 100 articles, serves on the Expert Advisory Board of Mortgage Market Guide and is a regular consultant to several large real estate professional associations, financial institutions and investment advisory groups.

DESIGNING THE FUTURE: Unique Land Planning and Development, Including Middlebrook Agrihood
JIM MACRAE

• Principal Design Workshop

  STEVE BRUERE

• President Peoples Company

  Join us for an insightful conversation with Jim MacRae, a land planning expert from Design Workshop, and Steve Bruere, President of Peoples Company, a national leader in land brokerage, appraisal, and land management headquartered in Iowa. With his extensive experience in farmland and land development, Steve brings a unique perspective on the creation of the Middlebrook Agrihood, where Peoples Company is currently constructing its corporate office. Jim and Steve will share the vision behind Middlebrook, its progress to date, and offer valuable insights into broader trends in sustainable land planning and real estate development. This conversation promises practical takeaways and innovative ideas for professionals across the industry.

LOCAL HOUSING TRENDS, NEW CONSTRUCTION, AND DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS
KALEN LUDWIG

• Realtor® Peoples Company
• Director Sales and Marketing Diligent Development
• Partner Ground Breaker Homes

Join Kalen Ludwig as she shares the latest local housing statistics, including trends in new construction, building permits, and land development in the Des Moines Metro. With two decades of experience in real estate and a focus on keeping the market informed through her quarterly updates and blog, Kalen provides insights into the ever-changing landscape of housing and development. This talk will equip builders and developers with actionable data and a clear understanding of current market opportunities and challenges.