Ted,
>>In this scenario, you need to have the DataTable bound to your GridView return both the code and the description from the back end (by means of a join). That way the ItemTemplate label can bind to the description text rather than the code. This will require you to update the description when a user selects an item from the DropDownList.
You could do this in the RowUpdating event.
Best Regards,
Kevin McNeish
Eight-Time .NET MVP
VFP and iOS Author, Speaker & Trainer
Oak Leaf Enterprises, Inc.
Chief Architect, MM Framework
http://www.oakleafsd.com