The FY10 Annual Report of the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

opportunities
CVB evolves and innovates with eye on challenges,

The Iowa City/Coralville Area Jay LeaVesseur, immediate past to some new ideas for moving things
Convention and Visitors Bureau president of the CVB board and the forward.
certainly acknowledges that the region is general manager of Comfort Suites in
facing a variety of challenges. However Coralville, agrees with Schamberger’s “Our annual meetings give us the
CVB President, Josh Schamberger, is assessment of the overall situation, but chance to really reflect on what we’re
quick to point out the strengths that points out that the CVB deserves credit doing and how we can tweak it, refine
have allowed the area to weather the for lessening the impact of a negative it, and continue to live right on the
economic downturn better than many situation. edge of innovation and new ideas,”
other places, as well as the signs that said Roth. “This year, we decided to
things are starting to move in a positive “2009 was a bad year for the hospitality get a lot more involved with things like
direction. industry, but it wasn’t so bad in Iowa support for our local festivals and with
City, Coralville, and North Liberty,” quality of life opportunities. Also, we
Through the recent peaks and valleys, LeaVesseur said. “2010 has seen positive decided to continue to work hard to
the CVB has been steadily moving growth and 2011 looks to continue the incubate projects in open time slots in
forward, constantly improving in the recovery. A big part of this has been the calendar—like the CVB did with
areas that are its traditional strengths the vision of the CVB, and the fact the development of FRY Fest for the
and consistently innovating in new areas that they simply work harder for area Labor Day weekend—so that we can
to allow it to serve the region even more businesses and visitors.” strengthen those lighter periods.”
effectively.
Even with the hard work, Schamberger To that end, the CVB has increased
As Schamberger points out, during this notes that this past year has been its ability to incentivize conferences,
difficult period, the area has benefitted challenging. meetings, and sporting events that can
from a strong infrastructure. fill “need dates”—such as the period
“We’ve seen a dip in the hotel/motel between December and February—in
“We’re very fortunate as a community tax revenue and a dip in the economic the calendar.
to have the infrastructure that we do,” impact of visitors over the last year as
Schamberger said. “The University of the downturn continues. We’ve seen an “All in all,” Schamberger said, “we’re
Iowa, our strong healthcare system, our evening out after a strong year.” zeroing in on conferences and meetings
proximity to Interstate 80—all of these on a whole new level while also putting
things and more have helped us during As LeaVesseur points out, however, more resources in quality of life
the downturn. Arguably, just about things are starting to turn around, opportunities.”
everyplace in the state has been hit and the CVB is more equipped than
harder than we have by the economic ever with the people and ideas that the The hiring of new team members is a
conditions.” community needs to continue to attract key component of this enhanced set of
visitors to the area. priorities.
Schamberger even argues that in some
ways the area benefited from the “Conferences, meetings, special events, “We’ve added four new professionals to
devastating flooding of 2008. sponsorships—everything is starting to the CVB staff, each of whom is bringing
get back to normal,” Schamberger said. expertise and enthusiasm to their efforts
“It sounds bad, but the flood—as “There are clear signs that things are to help the organization reach it goals,”
horrible for the community as it moving in the right direction.” said Roth.
was—helped our hotels and motels as
we went into the economic downtown,” The CVB isn’t waiting for good things New staff members include Director
Schamberger said. “For months, you to happen; the organization is at of Sales Anissa Wolfe who leads
couldn’t find an open hotel room the center of helping them happen. convention sales and sports for the CVB
around here, and that helped fend off According to Neal Roth, president of in an effort to leverage overnight stays
the worst of the downtown’s effects in the CVB board and general manager and conventions in the community;
the early going.” of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Convention Sales Manager Geni Krier
Suites, the annual board retreat led who works with Wolfe to market the

2 • Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report
ahead
Tourism Expenditures (millions)
350
300
250
200
150
100

area as a meeting destination; Special 50

Event Director Jillian Jorgensen who
0
will focus on the increasing number of 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
events the CVB puts on and supports;
and Marketing and Membership
Manager Cecily Gabel who is working
to expand membership benefits
while focusing on partnerships, both Tourism Employment in Johnson County (thousands)
traditional and innovative. 3.5

Even as the CVB forges ahead, the 3.0

organization still relies on traditional 2.5
sources of support.
2.0
“We continue to rely on our wonderful
1.5
members and their ongoing support, as
well as on the confidence and support 1.0
of the Cities of Iowa City, Coralville,
and North Liberty,” said Schamberger. .50
“Those are the things that make it 0
possible for us to succeed and to help 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
other organizations succeed.”

Careful stewardship of resources and

organizational agility will continue to
be hallmarks of the Iowa City/Coralville
Area CVB.
Visitor Tax Revenue (millions)
21
“We’re evolving, we’re optimistic, and
we’re careful,” said Schamberger. “We’re 18
committed to using our resources in 15
ways that have true impact. We want
to take advantage of every dollar we 12
have—as well as every bit of talent and 9
drive our staff and this community has
to offer—and invest in the programs 6
and ideas that will provide the best
3
return. I’m confident both the CVB and
this great community will continue to 0
find success.” 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

New CVB staff members,

left to right:
Cecily Gabel
Jillian Jorgensen
Geni Krier
Annissa Wolfe

Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report • 3
 Bureau collaborates on UI Football Economic Impact Study

14 million dollars.
with impressive
That’s the economic impact of in a Hawkeye season—and you have on the day of the 2009 game against
a Hawkeye home football game nearly $100 million in economic Northwestern. CVB staff ensured that
according to a pilot study completed impact each fall. the survey was administered at hotels
by University of Iowa professor and to riders of the Hawkeye Express.
Michael Lomax and graduate student “I was kind of shocked at the overall
Charlie Bullen in collaboration with number,” said Bullen, who is a The results of the study indicate that
the UI Athletic Department and the graduate assistant in the Hawkeye the football games also attract a hefty
Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention football program. “Putting a number number of folks to town who don’t ever
and Visitors Bureau. with the impact of Hawkeye football is enter Kinnick Stadium.
pretty amazing.”
“Quantifying the economic impact “We found that there are about 7,500
of a Hawkeye football game clearly It is also pretty important. additional visitors who weren’t even
demonstrates that the Hawks are going to the game,” Bullen said.
more than a source of pride for our “During these tough economic times,”
community,” said CVB President Josh said Lomax,“this study clearly makes “The people who come to town but
Schamberger. “The games and all the the case for the benefit of the Iowa don’t go to the game are an important
activity surrounding them bring an Hawkeye football program to the Iowa part of the economic impact,” said
impressive return to our community. City and surrounding community.” Schamberger. “They’re shopping in our
All of us at the CVB were happy to be Lomax and Bullen used existing stores and eating in our restaurants and
included in this ongoing research.” economic impact studies as a jumping staying in our hotels—all activities that
off point for creating their own survey contribute to a game’s impact on our
Multiply that $14 million by instrument. The survey was then community.”
seven—the number of home games implemented at Kinnick Stadium

Photo: Bob Goodfellow

4 • Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report
results
The survey instrument and methodology
were tweaked following the 2009 study;
“We found
the study will be repeated at the 2010
Ohio State contest. Results, which are
expected to largely confirm the 2009
numbers, are pending.
UI Athletic Director Gary Barta was
pleased with the execution and results of
the study. “Through the economic impact
study we were pleased to confirm what
we’ve all suspected: Hawkeye Athletics in
general and Hawkeye football specifically
are tremendous economic assets to the
community,” Barta said.
Barta cites the study as just one of many
ways his department benefits from
collaborating with the CVB. “We’re
truly grateful for the many levels of our
partnership with the CVB, and I’m
convinced the best is yet to come!”
Conferences Serviced for FY10
1st Field Artillery Observation Battalion
American Chemical Society
Anime Iowa
Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors
Barnstormer’s Basketball
Beta Sigma Phi
Clipper Windpower
Gamicon
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois
Health Enterprises
Holden Cancer Center
International Snowmobile Congress
Iowa Association for Play Therapy
that there are Iowa City Lion’s Club
Iowa City/Coralville Youth Hockey Club
Iowa Crash Investigators
about 7,500 Iowa Defense Counsel Association
Iowa Dental Association
additional Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association
Iowa Limestone Producers Association
Iowa Lippizan Association
visitors who Iowa Motor Truck Association
Iowa Neurological Association
weren’t even Iowa Order of the Eastern Star
Iowa Procurement Professionals
Iowa Psychological Association
going to the Iowa Ready-Mix Concrete Association
Iowa State Association of Counties
game.” Iowa Technology & Education Connection
Iowa Water Well Association
Iowa Women’s Leadership Conference
Charlie Bullen, UI grad student Jingle Cross Rock
Management of the Tinnitus Patient Conference
Midwest ContentDM
National Farmers Organization
National Insulator Association
National Volunteer Fire Council
North Liberty Fun Days
Northwestern Lumber Association
Petroleum Marketers of Iowa
Retirees Association of Big Ten Universities
SEECMO
Solidiers of Fortune Mixed Martial Arts
State Farm Insurance
UI Athletic Department
UI Center for Conferences & Institutes
UI Cheerleading & Dance Team Championships
UI College of Education
UI College of Medicine
UI College of Pharmacy
UI Counseling Service National Outreach Conference
UI Interpersonal Psychotherapy Institute
UI MBA Program
UI Nursing Department
UI Office for Study Abroad
UI Recreational Services
United States Tennis Association
University Club
University of Iowa Health Care
USSSA
Vintage Chevy Car Club
Whirlpool
Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report • 5
Second FRY Fest ‘shakes it to set world record and ce
During his legendary coaching tenure Fest jumpstarts the economic activity force. Because of FRY Fest, hotel rooms
at The University of Iowa, Hayden Fry in town during what could be a slower are now in increased demand and many
would lead his troops in a locker room weekend. As a bonus, FRY Fest is the sold out this year at substantially higher
edition of the “Hokey Pokey” after upset Corridor’s (possibly the State’s) biggest rates. Other area businesses benefit
victories. In homage to those celebrations, celebration over Labor Day weekend.” greatly every time a large event generates
the second annual FRY Fest celebration hotel room nights. Gas stations, grocery
included an effort to break the world While last year’s event fell short of the stores, restaurants, bars, and retail all do
record for most people simultaneously break-even point, the second iteration better when hotels are busy.”
shaking it all about. To get into the of FRY Fest was a moneymaker. “This
Guinness Book of World Records, 4,432 year’s FRY Fest finished in the black,” And how about that Hokey Pokey?
people needed to take part. said Schamberger, “bringing in over
$9,000. We predicted that the event “The Hawkeye Hokey Pokey world
Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention would start making money in year two, record event tapped into energy from
and Visitor Bureau President Josh and we were very pleased to reach this people of all ages,” LeaVesseur said.
Schamberger had a few nervous nights important financial goal this year.” “The crowd was huge and so was the
as the big event was approaching. “This excitement. With this fun focal point
was a risk,” Schamberger said. “You’d UI Athletic Director Gary Barta was for the event, FRY Fest was even more
hate to go for the record and come up thrilled with the event’s success, and successful than last year. The CVB and
short, particularly with Coach Fry on with the efforts of the CVB.
the stage watching the whole thing.”
“It’s been another great year for our
In the end, however, this was a blowout partnership with Josh, Laurie, and our
victory: 7,384 folks demonstrated that friends at the Iowa City/Coralville Area
they knew what it was all about. CVB. FRY Fest was again a tremendous
success. Go Hokey Pokey!”
FRY Fest itself is all about celebrating
Hawkeye football. Held on the Friday of Jay LeaVesseur, general manager of
Labor Day weekend—the day before the Comfort Suites Coralville, agrees.
first home game of the season—the event
takes places in Coralville’s River Landing “Following up on the inaugural success
District and includes “The World’s Largest of FRY Fest, the CVB, in partnership
Hawkeye Tradeshow & Tailgate Party,” with the City of Coralville, The
as well as an outdoor concert which this University of Iowa, and many others,
year featured Des Moines-based band The pulled off an even bigger celebration
Nadas and Three Dog Night. The 1960 of all that is Hawkeye. FRY Fest
and 1985 Hawkeye squads, both of which exemplifies the creative solutions that
won the Big Ten titles, were honored on the CVB puts forth to benefit local
the 50th and 25th anniversaries of their hotels and other area businesses, as well
glorious seasons. In addition, the late as creating a fun tradition for Hawkeye
Forest Evashevski—himself a legendary fans of all ages.”
Iowa coach and athletic director—was
celebrated as Stadium Drive, near Kinnick LeaVesseur believes FRY Fest is exactly
Stadium, was renamed Evashevski Drive. the kind of event that leads to ongoing
success.
The CVB dedicates significant resources
to FRY Fest, ensuring the event “Good tourism builds activities,
accomplishes a key goal. attractions, and events that appeal to
area residents, and also happens to
“Even though the first game of the pull in outside visitors. FRY Fest does
season is a big deal, nonconference exactly that. When challenged to help
games tend not to attract as many fans sell hotel rooms during a traditionally
to town,” said Schamberger. “So FRY slower weekend, the CVB responded in

6 • Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report
 all about’
Hotel Economic Impact
Average Occupancy Average RevPAR
93.8%
85.5% $121.50
$106.25
elebrate coach 61.8%
$65.20
its partners have set the bar very high,
and we can’t wait for next year.”

Echoing the thoughts of Barta and

LeaVesseur, Coralville City Manager *no FRY Fest 2008* 2009 2010 *no FRY Fest 2008* 2009 2010
Kelly Hayworth applauds the CVB’s
efforts and ingenuity.

“This year’s FRY Fest was a huge Average Daily Rate (ADR) Average Weekend Hotel Revenue
success. Beating the world record for $143.25
the Hokey Pokey was fun and a huge $50,848.00
$121.75
organizational success by the CVB. $104.25 $41,495.00
This festival would not be possible
without the great help of the CVB.
$21,980.00
We have seen positive economic
success from FRY Fest with additional
hotel room stays and busy restaurants
and other retailers.” *no FRY Fest 2008* 2009 2010 *no FRY Fest 2008* 2009 2010

Photo: Brian Ray/Gazette

Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report • 7
New Special Events department ensures
major endeavors receive major attention
To continue to succeed, organizations There are plenty of projects—both
need to be ready to take on new already underway and under
challenges as new situations arise and consideration—to keep Jorgensen busy.
new needs are identified. The Iowa City/
Coralville Area Convention and Visitors “The Special Events department will
Bureau is no exception. The staff of the enhance current CVB events, like The
local CVB is vigilant as it surveys the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital
tourism and economic development Open and FRY Fest, and will explore
landscape, and agile in its efforts to new event opportunities to increase
address current conditions. revenue and overnight stays in the Iowa
City, Coralville and North Liberty areas,”
A prime example: The creation of a new Haman said. “Jillian will also serve as a
Special Events department. resource for many of the area festivals
and events to assist where needed.”
“The Special Events
department is a direct result Jorgensen comes to the CVB
of the CVB adapting to with a strong background in
change and recognizing community events planning
the growth opportunity and execution. While at
represented by special events,” The University of Iowa, she
said CVB Vice President served as president of the
Laurie Haman. Campus Activities Board,
a position in which she
The development of this planned three events per
new department is in keeping with week, managed over 70 people, and
the ongoing evolution of CVBs in the organized the 2010 production of the
communities they serve. The Iowa City/ 10,000 Hours Show Concert. She has
Coralville Area CVB continues to be also served as a Freedom Festival event
at the forefront of this evolution. Of support intern, managing over 500
course, evolution often involves growth. volunteers and planning numerous
festival events. As Summer of the
“It’s very exciting to see our CVB go Arts operations intern, she helped to
a new direction by creating a special plan and execute SOTA festivals, and
events department with a dedicated full- interacted with city officials, food
time person,” Haman said. vendors, and performers.
That dedicated person is Jillian Jorgensen will serve as the CVB
Jorgensen, who sees great potential for communication liaison to RAGBRAI,
the new department. an event the CVB will work hard to
attract back to the area in the very
“I am thrilled about this new addition near future. She will play a similar
to the CVB and expect the department role for any number of events that the
to have a vital role in the continuation CVB seeks to woo to the community.
of the growth of the Bureau. After Additionally, she and Haman will
all, what better way to enhance the work together to ensure that the CVB
quality of life and tourism in the Iowa maximizes the opportunities presented
City and Coralville area than to play a when the Bureau sponsors area events
stronger role in the production of large, like the City of Iowa City’s Summer
attractive community-wide events?” of the Arts, Landlocked Film Festival,
Coralville’s 4th Fest, and others.
8 • Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report
CVB key to
including ‘Great Places’ grants, tours
With the help of two grants, the Iowa
City/Coralville Area Convention and
Visitors Bureau and the Iowa City
UNESCO City of Literature are making
this “Great Place” even greater. The
organizations collaborated on the grant
applications, as well as on literary tours
for convention attendees.
As part of its “Iowa Great Places”
program, the Iowa Department of
Cultural Affairs awarded two grants to
Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty,
which have collectively been identified
as a “Great Place.” An expansion of the
Iowa City Literary Walk and the first
phase of the renovation of the historic
Ranshaw House in North Liberty were
both funded.
“We’re pleased Iowa Department of
Cultural Affairs recognizes Iowa City,
Coralville, and North Liberty as a Great
Place, and especially pleased that our
Great Place was awarded $70,000 for
the Iowa City project and $8,000 for
the North Liberty project,” said CVB
Vice President Laurie Haman.
In 2009, the CVB took the lead in
the effort to have the area it serves
designated a Great Place. This year
marked the first during which this
Great Place could apply for grant funds
through the program.
“This is already a success story,” said
CVB President Josh Schamberger,
“and we’re excited to keep building
going forward. By collaborating with
UNESCO City of Literature and the
Cities of Coralville, Iowa City, and
North Liberty, we have been able to
move advance important projects. This
is just the beginning, as we’ll continue
to seek funding for significant projects
in the years to come.”
o City of Literature projects
With the Great Places funding the Iowa
City Literary Walk will be expanded “This unique tour provided visitors and residents
to the Northside Market. In keeping
with the existing components of the
project, the public art will include
alike a chance to delve into our shared literary
passages from famous authors, some of
whom lived and worked in Iowa City. heritage. Participants walked away with an in-depth
This project will connect the Northside
neighborhood to Iowa City’s downtown
Literary Walk and enhance the telling of
understanding of why Iowa City is the place where
the story of the City of Literature.
great writing begins.”
In North Liberty, the historic Ranshaw
Jeanette Pilak, executive director of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
House—a 1908 Italian Revival-
style Victorian house constructed by
prominent area farmer and community
leader Samuel Ranshaw—will receive
comprehensive exterior, interior, and Collections, and the Black Angel statue The connection between the CVB and
property improvements to serve as a at Oakland Cemetery. the City of Literature organization is
History and Visitors Center. The center both natural and essential.
will feature Ranshaw’s story and will be “This unique tour provided visitors
a featured attraction for the City and residents alike a chance to delve “We are, of course, very proud of
of Literature. into our shared literary heritage,” said our continued association with the
Jeanette Pilak, executive director of the City of Literature organization,” said
“These grants are the first payoff of Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, Schamberger. “Together, we’re able to
this area’s inclusion in the Great Places “Participants walked away with an in- call attention to one of the signature
program,” said Schamberger. “Both depth understanding of why Iowa City stories that make this community
projects will enhance the celebration of is the place where great writing begins.” so unique.”
the area’s literary legacy, making it even
more attractive to visitors and an even
greater source of pride for residents.”

The grants were not the only

collaboration between the CVB and the
City of Literature over the past year. The
two organizations also worked together
to provide an enjoyable, educational
tour for the hundreds of people in town
to attend the League of Cities and the
Iowa Library Association conferences.

Individuals from across the state spent

a day touring the City of Literature
by bus and on foot with stops at
important sites connected to the
community’s literary history, including
Prairie Lights Books, the University of
Iowa’s International Writing Program
at Shambaugh House, The University
of Iowa Main Library Special
Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report • 9
 CVB supports organizations, events creating

wonderful place to visit, live

The leader of the Iowa City/Coralville Convention University of Iowa Children’s
and Visitors Bureau refuses to let the organization be Hospital Open:
defined too narrowly. The CVB changed the format of its
annual golf tournament and PAR-Tee
to partner with the University of Iowa
“We’re about far more than bringing visitors to the
Children’s Hospital Open. As a result,
community,” said CVB President Josh Schamberger. the CVB was able to donate $25,000 to
“We really are incubating new ideas all of the time.” the hospital while bringing hundreds of
visitors to town for the 2-day event.
Schamberger and his top-notch staff members pride
themselves on their willingness to listen to new ideas “The Iowa City/Coralville Area CVB
and to help the best of those ideas come to fruition. brought an incredible event to UI
Children’s Hospital. Not only did it raise
“I’ve never not taken a meeting, no matter how odd financial support, but the UI Children’s
an idea might seem at first,” Schamberger said. Hospital Open also created awareness of
the phenomenal things going on right
here in Iowa City. It was great to have
And even the ideas that don’t fit neatly into the one community organization helping
CVB’s overall efforts aren’t just abandoned. “The another and we look forward to an on-
idea might not be right for us,” Schamberger going relationship.” Mary Ferentz, chair
explained, “but we try to redirect folks who come to of the University of Iowa Children’s
us to other people and organizations that might be Hospital Council.
able to help them bring their ideas to life.”

From FRY Fest and the Landlocked Filmed Festival Summer of the Arts:
to the Iowa Children’s Museum and Goodwill “The ICCCVB was instrumental in
Industries to Coralville Parks and Recreation and the process that led to the formation
Coralville’s Winterfest, the Iowa City/Coralville of Summer of the Arts, Inc. In
addition, Josh Schamberger served as
Convention and Visitors Bureau is consistently
president of the board before leaving
helping great organizations do great things. the board to share his talents with
other organizations. After Josh left
The proof of the CVB’s value to a wide array of the board, we continued to call on
organizations can be found in the comments of Josh and the CVB for sage advice and
those involved. assistance. Most recently, Josh devoted
countless hours helping us to identify
and recruit new board members. In my
experience, the CVB is always ready
to help an organization like ours. The
CVB does everything it can to insure
“Without the CVB, the Adaptation Film Festival wouldn’t that organizations important to quality
of life, economic development, and
have been possible at the Bijou. Our thanks!” the attractiveness of our area to visitors
and investors succeed. I can’t think of
D. Jesse Damazo, Organizer, Inaugural Adaptation Film Festival, anything I’ve ever asked the CVB to do
held during the Iowa City Book Festival to help Summer of the Arts, Inc. that
resulted in anything but help exceeding
our expectations.” Donald Thompson,
President, 2010 Board of Directors.

10 • Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report
Englert Theatre:
“Our CVB has always stepped up to
support the Englert’s vision of bringing
world-class talent to our stage.” Andre
Perry, Executive Director.
Jingle Cross Rock:
“The CVB has been an integral part
of the Jingle Cross since its first year
in 2004. With the CVB providing
personnel, local advertising, and critical
financial support, the Jingle Cross Rock
has grown into one the most widely
acclaimed International Professional
Cyclocross races and top level amateur
event in North America. Thanks to great
support from CVB, the Jingle Cross
Rock is recognized all across the US and
Canada as THE cyclcross race event
in North America...and its all for the
University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.”
John Meehan, Race Promoter.
Iowa City Book Festival:
“Our partnership with the CVB opened
many more doors into the community
for the 2010 Iowa City Book Festival
presented by The University of Iowa
Libraries. Our goal has always been to
create a community-based event that
is hosted in the University Libraries,
but sometimes people don’t think they
can participate in events on campus.
The energy, enthusiasm for the project,
and the creative ideas the CVB offered
helped us quadruple our attendance. We
look forward to future collaborations.”
Kristi Robinson-Bontrager, Public
Relations Coordinator, University of
Iowa Libraries.
4thFest
I believe Coralville 4thFest and FRY
Fest have developed a complementary
relationship. We offer FRY Fest
more public exposure as well as the
experienced staff to organize the concert
and beer garden and FRY Fest is able
to provide generous financial support
that is greatly appreciated. As a major
sponsor, FRY Fest allows us to continue
our well-loved 4thFest tradition.”
Paula Bakey, 2010 Coralville 4thFest
Chairperson.
Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance:
“The Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance
views the Iowa City Coralville Area
CVB as a leader, if not THE leader, in
the promotion of and support for the
quality of life in Johnson County and
beyond. The staff and board understand
that a key part of making an area a great
place to visit is making sure that it’s
also a great place to live. As one of the
original conveners and largest funders of
ICCA and its predecessor organization,
the Johnson County Cultural Alliance,
the Iowa City Coralville Area CVB is
one of the region’s leading investors
in helping to maintain the health
of arts, culture, and recreation for
both visitors and residents.” Marcia
Hughes, President, and Dennis Green,
Treasurer, Board of Directors.
Landlocked Film Festival
“The Iowa City/Coralville Area
Convention & Visitors Bureau was
absolutely critical in helping Landlocked
Film Festival to get off the ground. In
addition, the CVB has assisted us yearly
to spread awareness of Landlocked
outside Johnson County; the four-year-
old festival now draws attendees from
all around Iowa as well as the Midwest,
Los Angeles, New York City and even
other countries. Because of the vision
and support of CVB staff, Landlocked
is now a destination film festival that
pulls audiences to Iowa City specifically
to attend the fest.” Mary Blackwood,
President and Creative Director.
Iowa City/Coralville Hockey
Association:
“The support of the ICCCVB has
allowed the Iowa City/Coralville Hockey
Association to draw 20 regional teams to
our community, provide a tradition of
hospitality for nearly 300 families, and a
competitive, well-balanced environment
for almost 350 skaters ages 5 to 12
years in our annual Holiday Face-Off
Tournament.” Catie Kriewald, Iowa
City/Coralville Hockey Association,
Board Member.
Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FY10 Annual Report • 11
Iowa City/Coralville Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Theresa Dunkin
Visitor Services Assistant
Amy Fisher
Visitor Services Assistant
Cecily Gabel
Marketing & Membership Sales Manager
Laurie Haman
Vice President
Jennifer Howard
Director of Finance and Administration
Donna Jondle
Visitor Services Assistant
Jillian Jorgensen
Director of Special Events
Nick Kaeding
Director of Servicing
Geni Krier
Convention Sales Manager
Wendy Robbins
Visitor Services Assistant
Kristen Rooney
Visitor Services Assistant
Joshua Schamberger
President
Helen Thursby
Visitor Services Assistant
Sandra Tonne
Guest Welcome Center Coordinator
Anissa Wolfe
Director of Sales
CVB Mission: The Iowa
City/Coralville Area CVB
advances the economic
vitality and quality of life
for residents and visitors as
Iowa’s premier destination.
FY10 Board of Directors FY11 Board of Directors
Jay LeaVesseur, Chair Neal Roth, Chair
Comfort Suites Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Neal Roth, Vice-Chair John Weihe, Vice-Chair
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Council Member, City of Coralville
John Weihe, Treasurer Steve Parrott, Treasurer
Council Member, City of Coralville University of Iowa University Relations
Steve Parrott, Secretary Mark Ginsberg, Secretary
University of Iowa University Relations M.C. Ginsberg Jewelers
Mark Ginsberg, Past Chair Jay LeaVesseur, Past Chair
M.C. Ginsberg Jewelers Comfort Suites
Dale Arens Dale Arens
University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame
Debbie Bullion Debbie Bullion
Heartland Inn Heartland Inn
Matt Hayek Coleen Chipman
Mayor, City of Iowa City Council Member, City of North Liberty
Gerry Kuhl Matt Hayek
Council Member, City of North Liberty Mayor, City of Iowa City
Dennis Nowotny Jean Newlin-Schnake
The Golden Haug Bed & Breakfast Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors
Josh Sabin Mark Ruggeberg
Iowa Northern Railway Company Brown Street Inn
Jean Newlin-Schnake Josh Sabin
Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors Iowa Northern Railway Co.
Rod Sullivan Rod Sullivan
Supervisor, Johnson County Supervisor, Johnson County
Matt Traetow
Sheraton Iowa City Hotel
Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
900 1st Avenue/Hayden Fry Way, Coralville, IA 52241 · 800.283.6592
www.iowacitycoralvillearea.org
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