Three new award categories were added this year: Visitor Choice Awards for Restaurant of the Year, Hotel of the Year and Attraction of the Year. The GDMCVB invited visitors to nominate their favorite attraction, hotel and restaurant for the Visitor Choice Award. Winners were selected based on the quantity of nominations via e-survey.
“Greater Des Moines continues to attract 2.9 million visitors each year thanks in part to the support and assistance from these organizations and community champions,” said Greg Edwards, GDMCVB President and CEO. “As a community, we truly are stronger and better together.”
Fiscal Year Award Recipients
Civic Friend of Hospitality: Rick Clark, City of Des Moines
Corporate Friend of Hospitality: Business Publications Corporation
Friend of Hospitality: Paul Rottenberg, Orchestrate Management
Hometown Hero: Andy Goodman, Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association
Media Friend of Hospitality: OnMedia and Mediacom
Partner of the Year: Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Special Recognition: Mayor Tim Burget, City of Altoona
Spirit of the Community: Carl Voss, B-cycle
Sport Friend of Hospitality: Principal Charity Classic
Volunteer of the Year: Blank Park Zoo Foundation Board
Visitor Choice Awards
Attraction of the Year: Iowa State Fair
Hotel of the Year: Chase Suite Hotel
Restaurant of the Year: Centro
These organizations have been recognized for their commitment to the community and the GDMCVB through various acts of generosity, volunteerism, visitor services, donations and partnerships with the GDMCVB staff, clients and partners.
The GDMCVB Annual Celebration was sponsored by Iowa Beverage Systems and Copy Systems. Flowers at the event were donated by Gortz Haus in Grimes.
Pictures are available upon request.