Statewide Tourism & Hospitality Award Recipients Honored

Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), the leading statewide association for Iowa’s tourism and hospitality sector, celebrated the outstanding achievements of the industry during the second annual iTIP Awards at its annual meeting on June 11, 2024, in Sioux City.

The iTIP Awards highlight excellence across Iowa’s tourism landscape, recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations that significantly enhance visitor experiences and contribute to economic vitality. Organized by the iTIP Foundation, the awards underscore the Foundation’s commitment to advancing education, research, and advocacy within Iowa’s tourism industry.

“This year’s iTIP Awards showcase the remarkable resilience and boundless creativity of Iowa’s tourism leaders, who consistently set new standards in service excellence and innovation,” remarked Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director of Iowa Travel Industry Partners.

The 2024 iTIP Awards recipients include:

• Arts, Culture & Heritage, presented by The Group Travel Leader, recognizes a business, organization, event, or destination that showcases the arts, culture, or history for the enhancement of the tourism experience and economic well-being of the community.
  • Small Market: Town of Colors – Charles City Art Center, Charles City
    • The project began in 2021 with two murals painted on business walls downtown. Four additional murals were added in 2022, and another two murals added in 2023. Each mural tells its own story, often related to its wall. Unique art draws tourists, and the Charles City murals provide great photo opportunities. Several murals are near shopping and dining, encouraging visitor spending. All murals have a QR code directing visitors to a Charles City Arts Center page.
  • Medium Market: Fort Dodge Grain Silo Mural, Fort Dodge
    • The Fort Dodge Grain Silo Mural is a destination asset for tourists coming to Fort Dodge – standing 110 feet tall and spanning the entire circumference of the silos. International artist Guido Van Helten created the mural, depicting residents who are part of the community’s industrial and cultural fabric. The location where the grain silos were had not been used for decades and was becoming an eyesore in an under-utilized section of town. Now, over $16 million dollars have been invested in the area to create the River’s Edge Discovery Center, outdoor recreational and educational attractions, fishing piers, skatepark, and other attractions to make Fort Dodge a true destination.

 

• Only in Iowa, presented by the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, recognizes a business, organization, or destination that makes the state of Iowa unique, noteworthy, and proud.
  • Small Market: Surf Ballroom and Museum, Clear Lake
    • As Iowa’s 27th National Historic Landmark, the Surf draws visitors from around the world who are interested in paying homage to the iconic musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson who played their final concert here before perishing in a plane crash 5 miles north of Clear Lake. In addition to their historical significance and cultural tourism, the Surf hosts music events and festivals that draw visitors to Clear Lake all year long. These initiatives enrich the tourist experience by offering context and deeper understanding.
  • Medium Market: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, Boone
    • For over 40 years, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad has been thrilling visitors with train rides over the Des Moines River. More than 50,000 riders annually ride the railroad with over 10,000 coming from out of state. The railroad offers more than train ride experiences, including the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum located on-site. Additionally, the railroad has partnered with Rail Explores which uses the rails when the train is not operating for a cycling-type experience for tourists.

 

• Rising Star, presented by Neapolitan Labs, recognizes someone new to the Iowa tourism industry within the past five years who has demonstrated leadership, commitment, and passion for the Iowa travel industry.
  • Medium Market: Dylan Does, Meet in Marshalltown
    • Within the first year, Dylan organized a Tourism Advisory Committee with strong Hispanic representation, launching Iowa’s first bilingual tourism identity, “Nos Vemos en Marshalltown” (“Meet in Marshalltown”). He became a certified tour guide, supported Workforce Development with customized tours, and recruited doctors to Marshalltown. Under his leadership, Marshalltown secured the Iowa High School E-Sports Championships, held three times annually. Dylan’s passion and excitement are evident in his active participation in iTIP initiatives, expanding his network and leveraging state grants for Marshalltown. His impact has reignited community passion for local tourism.
  • Large Market: Kristen Heimgartner, Explore Siouxland
    • Since joining the Explore Siouxland team in April 2023, Kristen has significantly impacted Iowa tourism. Her proactive engagement led to participation in nearly 15 meeting planner shows, doubling appointment requests for Sioux City. At the 2024 ABA event, Kristen secured 52 out of 54 appointments, up from 18-20 the previous year. She has tripled the proposals sent in response to RFPs by optimizing their CVENT account and fostering partnerships with hotels and attractions. Her efforts have elevated Siouxland’s visibility and solidified Iowa as a premier destination for meetings and events.

 

• Service Excellence, presented by Oak View Group, recognizes a business or organization that has achieved significant success and growth by providing exceptional customer service.
  • Small Market: Petite Café & Pammel Park Coffee Co., Winterset
    • Matt and Naomi Hupton, owners of Petite Cafe, transformed an old insurance office into a 250-square-foot cafe serving exceptional coffee. They moved from Minneapolis in 2017, inheriting Matt’s family’s fifth-generation farm. In 2018, they founded Pammel Park Coffee Co. to roast and ship coffee nationwide. Petite Cafe, their extension, opened on January 13, 2023, offering espresso, baked goods, and healthy meals. The cafe increased Winterset Courthouse Square’s traffic and gained attention from the Iowa Tourism Office and Midwest Living magazine. The Huptons also promote local attractions and host tours at their farm, making a significant impact on Winterset.
  • Medium Market: Wright on the Park, Mason City
    • Wright on the Park, formed in 2005 to rescue the Historic Park Inn, the world’s last Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel, preserves and maintains this landmark. The nonprofit invested in a website redesign for better navigation, direct tour bookings, and new professional photography. The site now features an events tab and an updated history section. The hotel’s relocated gift shop, now inside, doubled sales and offers Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired items and local artisan works. In the first four months of 2024, the hotel surpassed its 2023 group tour numbers, reflecting its success and community impact.
  • Large Market: CIT Signature Transportation, Ames
    • CIT is Central Iowa’s go-to motorcoach company, capable of handling any transportation need. This family-owned business, led by John and Kim Grzywacz, excels in customer service and logistical challenges. For the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, they transported over 1,000 attendees between Des Moines International Airport and Ames, showcasing their efficiency and dedication. CIT’s commitment ensured Iowa hosted this 14,000-person event, securing nearly $10 million in economic impact. Their ability to collaborate with other bus companies and prioritize the customer experience makes them an invaluable partner in the transportation industry.

 

• Sustainability Initiative awards efforts that reduce the impact of human activity on the environment while promoting tourism in Iowa.
  • Wilson’s Orchard & Farm, Iowa City & Des Moines
    • Wilson’s Orchard & Farm in Iowa City has evolved from a simple apple orchard to a year-round destination featuring fruits, vegetables, a performance stage, exhibition space, high-end restaurant, BBQ smokehouse, Christmas trees, an ice-skating rink, and a second location near Des Moines. Embracing regenerative growing, Wilson’s creates a harmonious ecosystem of crops and livestock, promoting sustainability. Visitors can pick their own crops and learn about ethical farming practices, including Integrated Pest Management. Business has tripled since 2017, with a 76% sales increase from 2020-2023 and 311,000 visitors in 2023, drawing customers from as far as Chicago.

 

• Elected Official of the Year, presented by the Iowa Gaming Association, is presented to an elected official, at any level of government, who champions and brings positive change to the tourism industry.
  • John Wills, State Representative, Okoboji
    • Former Okoboji Tourism Director, Rebecca Peters, nominated John as a leading voice for tourism locally and statewide. He emphasizes tourism’s positive impacts and advocates for policies supporting the industry’s strength. Notably, John passionately advocates for post-Labor Day school start dates, citing their economic importance for Iowa. Described as a genuinely good human being, he tirelessly supports others. John’s advocacy and support greatly benefit both the community and the tourism industry, making him a valued friend and ally.

 

• iTIP Partner of the Year is awarded to the business, organization, or individual that has provided extraordinary support to iTIP in the past year.
  • Ginger Williams, Charles City Chamber & Tourism
    • Ginger Williams has been the Tourism Coordinator at the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce since 2006, actively serving on multiple industry boards and taking leadership roles in iTIP projects, including chairing the Marketing Committee. She’s dedicated to enhancing Iowa’s tourism industry, contributing annually to projects like the Iowa Tour Guide. At national tradeshows, Ginger excels in promoting statewide partners and providing valuable support. Her commitment to Iowa’s tourism success extends beyond Charles City, advocating for collaboration and shared benefits across destinations statewide. Ginger’s passion and expertise make her a pivotal figure in advancing Iowa’s tourism initiatives.

 

• The Abby Kisling Leadership Award, presented by Meet Ottumwa, is named in honor of the late Abby Kisling, longtime member of Iowa’s tourism industry. Kisling worked for Tipton Economic Development, Eastern Iowa Tourism Association, Greater Ottumwa Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Villages of Van Buren. Her leadership for small and rural Iowa communities provided a strong voice within the industry. She brought spunk and spirit to everything she did.
  • Lindsey James, Visit Mason City
    • Lindsey James, Executive Director of Visit Mason City, brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, administration, sales, and event coordination to promoting Mason City and Iowa as vibrant places to live, work, and play. Recognized for her leadership and community involvement, she handles Mason City’s Main Street initiatives alongside her tourism responsibilities, ensuring strong visitor experiences. With leadership roles within the tourism industry, Lindsey plays a key role in shaping Iowa’s tourism future. From trade shows to strategic networking, she continuously champions Mason City’s tourism assets and advances the statewide industry, making a significant impact in tourism development.

 

• The Joe Taylor Vision Award, presented by Visit Quad Cities, is named in honor of the late Joe Taylor, longtime CEO of Visit Quad Cities and industry visionary. Taylor worked for the region’s official destination marketing and management organization for almost 30 years. He served as executive director of the Davenport Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in 1989. Then on July 1, 1990, the three local tourism organizations officially merged to become the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, now Visit Quad Cities.
  • Mark Shoemaker, Pottawattamie County Conservation
    • Mark Shoemaker began his tourism career as an intern at Pottawattamie Conservation in 1993, rising to become conservation director within four years. With over 31 years of service, he manages 20 staff across 2,400 acres of parks and wildlife areas, offering diverse activities. As president of the Council Bluffs CVB Board since 2022, Mark has helped earn 12 Iowa Tourism Awards and the Outstanding Community Award thrice. His leadership transformed Mt. Crescent Ski Area, generating $1.37 million in revenue in its first season under conservation management, boosting local businesses and preserving the Loess Hills. Mark’s innovative approach combines conservation stewardship with tourism development, earning recognition for his visionary impact.

The iTIP Awards ceremony, sponsored by the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, took place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux City, bringing together industry leaders to celebrate excellence in Iowa tourism. Iowa Travel Industry Partners extends heartfelt gratitude to these individuals and organizations for their unwavering commitment to advancing Iowa’s tourism narrative.