DES MOINES, Iowa (October 9, 2024) – Catch Des Moines honored the best of Greater Des Moines businesses and individuals for their support of the tourism and hospitality industry on Wednesday at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines.
Winners were recognized at the 2024 Catch Des Moines Annual Celebration, an event that celebrates success in bringing visitors to the metro through conventions, events, and leisure travel. Businesses and individuals received awards for their work in making an impact in various tourism sectors throughout Catch Des Moines’ fiscal year, from July 2023 – June 2024. Three additional businesses were awarded Visitor Choice Awards, which were selected through online public votes.
“Our Annual Celebration honors the successes of not only our team at Catch Des Moines, but the businesses, communities, and individuals who help make an impact. Each year we receive more and more support from our locals, this is a way we can recognize and celebrate these key players who are assisting us in bringing in and supporting more events which create lasting impressions,” said Catch Des Moines President and CEO Greg Edwards.
The awards honored the following individuals and organizations:
- Partner Champion: Great Caterers of Iowa
- This partner proudly supports tourism efforts in Greater Des Moines.
- Community Champion: Polk County Emergency Management
- Whether a group or individual, this community contributor has made Greater Des Moines a better place to live, visit, and work.
- Catch Des Moines Champion: Scott Wunn, National Speech and Debate Association
- This champion helps bring more visitors to Greater Des Moines.
- Corporate Champion: Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company
- The advocacy of this corporation brings vitality and strength to Greater Des Moines tourism.
- Spirit of Hospitality Champion: Christie Shull-Wendel, Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
- This Champion is committed to hospitality and goes the extra mile to create a memorable experience for the many who visit Greater Des Moines.
- Game Changer: Jean Berger
- This Game Changer doesn't take “no” for an answer if it benefits the “Iowa Girl.” She’s changed the game by enhancing the athlete experience, fan experience, and growth of sports for females in Iowa.
- Hospitality Associate of the Year: Winston Huang, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
- This associate provides exceptional customer service to visitors, guests, and community, going above and beyond to better serve visitors and guests in Greater Des Moines.
- Hospitality Manager of the Year: Tamara Chubb, Hilton Des Moines Downtown
- This manager provides exceptional customer service to visitors, guests and community, going above and beyond to better serve visitors and guests in Greater Des Moines.
Visitor Choice Awards – determined by online visitor vote
- Restaurant of the Year: Proudfoot and Bird
- Attraction of the Year: Iowa State Fair
- Hotel of the Year: Hilton Des Moines Downtown
For photos of the event or additional information about the awards, please contact Alex Wilson at alex@catchdesmoines.com or (515) 699-3466.
About Catch Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, collectively known as Catch Des Moines, is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.