Van Buren County is made up of small, rural communities spread across southeast Iowa. There are no stoplights or branded hotels, and the places visitors come to experience are scattered throughout the county. Rather than focus on what they don’t have, the Villages of Van Buren has learned to connect what they do have and lean into what makes their corner of Iowa special.
That mindset has led to creative ideas, unexpected partnerships and experiences that give visitors a reason to explore. It starts with looking at what is already there, connecting the dots and being willing to try something that might be a little different.
This session will offer a rural perspective on creativity, collaboration and the power of owning who you are. You’ll leave thinking differently about the assets in your own community and what could happen when you bring them together. Being rural doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines of tourism. Sometimes, it might just be your advantage.
This event is open to any iTIP member. Be sure to register to gain the Microsoft Teams meeting login information.
PRESENTERS:
Emily Starnes: Executive Director, Villages of Van Buren
Emily Starnes has served as Executive Director of the Villages of Van Buren since July 2019, leading tourism efforts and supporting rural community development across Van Buren County. A native of the area, she brings a background in financial management, marketing, and communications, with experience in finance, education, and hospitality. Emily serves on multiple regional economic development boards and volunteers as a first responder. When she’s not promoting the Villages, she enjoys kayaking, gardening, and spending time with her two kids and rescue dog.