On behalf of the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, it was my honor to accept the “2008 Tourism Community of the Year, population over 10,000” award by the Iowa Department of Economic Development at the 2008 Iowa Tourism Conference, recognizing Ames as a great hosting community.

We would like to thank all of you for your help in making Ames the preferred destination for over a half million overnight guests who come each year to attend conventions, conferences, sporting events, special events and for leisure trips.

This past summer, Ames welcomed thousands of visitors to the area for annual favorites, including the Special Olympics State Summer Games, Iowa Games and the Iowa Shrine Bowl. We also greeted thousands of additional guests during the American Barnstormers Tour, Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour, Ragbrai and the Farm Progress Show.

I would also like to congratulate Reiman Gardens for being designated “2008 Tourism Attraction of the Year, population over 10,000.”

These two very important statewide recognitions are a tribute to the entire Ames community and would not have been possible without the tremendous support from Ames-area residents, Iowa State and the Ames business community.

The annual economic impact of these overnight guests with the addition of day visitors to our community is more than $69 million, which will continue to enhance the Ames community as a better place to live, work and visit for the future.

Karin Sevde

Board president

Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau