Chamber receives tourism award

Iowa Tourism Office Manager Nancy Landess (left)  and Iowa Travel Federatio President Kathy Dirks (right), present Centerville-Rathbun Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Director Joyce Bieber with the Tourism Consumer Publication of the Year award at the Iowa Tourism Conference in October.

The Centerville-Rathbun Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s visitors guide was name Tourism Consumer Publication of the Year on Oct. 21 during the 2008 Iowa Tourism Conference in Sioux City.   Joyce Bieber, executive director of the Centerville-Rathbun Lake Area Chamber o f Commerce, accepted the award. 

The guide was chosen from the category for communities with a population up to 10,000.   There were nearly 80 nominations for the award.  The winning publication was chosen based on several criteria including outstanding marketing piece, measurable and effective marketing results, and a quality publication distribution plan. 

“This visitor’s guide has been a truly effective marketing tool for the Chamber,” said Iowa Tourism Office Manager Nancy Landess.  “The multi-state distribution plan has resulted in an increase in visitors to the area.” 

The purpose of the visitors guide is to generate interest in the area and provide information regarding tourist attractions and events, recreational facilities, accommodations, amenities and other information of interest to potential visitors.  The guide uses the “Just Go There” theme, highlighting Centerville as a place to stay, dine, celebrate, shop, relax and play.   Appanoose County Tourism Committee funds the design, printing and distribution of the brochures. 

Landess, along with Travel Federation President Kathy Dirks, presented a total of 20 awards at the conference.    Professionals representing several facets of the Iowa tourism industry judged the nominations. 

The annual three-day conference, sponsored by the Iowa Tourism Office and Travel Federation of Iowa, brings together more than 300 industry representatives from across the state to network, attend educational sessions and discuss emerging industry trends.    

Tourism is a $6.3 billion industry in Iowa, employing more than 63,400 people statewide and generating more than $290 million in state taxes.   The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Department of Economic Development.