April 25, 2024

Iowa Tourism Office announces new rolling billboards

Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division truck will promote Newton destinations

By Bob Eschliman

The Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau is among nine CVB's in Iowa to collaborate with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division to promote tourism. Nine ABD trucks have been wrapped with images from each of the communities to promote Iowa travel. (Submitted Photo)

Someday soon, as you’re driving down the road, you may see a truck promoting the Iowa Speedway, Maytag Blue Cheese and Newton’s many recreational and artistic amenities.

Monday, Gov. Terry Branstad announced that the Iowa Tourism Office and nine Convention and Visitors Bureaus in Iowa — including the Newton CVB — had worked out a deal with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division to promote travel across the state. Nine ABD trucks have been wrapped with images from each of the communities served by the CVBs, as well as graphics promoting Iowa travel in general.

The Iowa Tourism Office images feature Maquoketa Caves State Park in Maquoketa, Arnolds Park Amusement Park at the Iowa Great Lakes, the Loess Hills in Western Iowa and Sky Tours Ziplines in Dubuque.

“The Newton CVB was pleased to be able to participate in this co-op advertising with the Iowa Tourism Office,” CVB executive director Linda Bacon said. “We are always about getting the most visibility for our buck for Newton; and these trucks will be on the road four days a week for 18 months in all 99 counties of Iowa, with a value of $60,000.  With only nine communities being able to participate, we feel very lucky to spread the word about Newton with pictures.  I would also like to credit the good work of Art A La Carte for coming up with our design.”

Tourism in Jasper County generates almost $67.7 million in expenditures, employs 510 people and generates nearly $3 million in state taxes, according to a U.S. Travel Association economic impact study prepared for the Iowa Tourism Office.

Statewide, tourism generates more than $7 billion in expenditures, employs 63,400 people statewide and generates $328 million in state taxes. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

“Traveling takes many forms — watching your son or daughter play in a soccer tournament out-of-town, visiting friends and family or just getting away from it all,” Branstad said. “You don’t have to go far to make a lasting memory with your family and there’s plenty to do right here in Iowa.”

Daily News Editor Bob Eschliman may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 423, or at beschliman@newtondailynews.com.