#544, Club Bulletin, February 9, 2015
Posted by mlwilder@machlink.com
on Feb 09, 2015
Program for February 9, 2015: CodorDojo with Maxx Williams and Stephanie Christenson
Invocation: Erika Cox
Rotary Update: Pam Collins is happy that Bobby Fiedler is coming back to the Musser Public Library. Chuck Moody is happy because Today is his birthday!! Tony reminded us Guest Night on March 5th. We are attending the Madrigal Dinner at MCC. Needed are some volunteers to coordinate. See Tony or Bob Allbee if you can help!! Dawn Sturms Dodds is leading the 3.0 Senior Luncheon and Scholarship Committee. The Luncheon will be on April 20 or 27th!! If you are able to help with the Luncheon planning or the Scholarships let Dawn or Tony know!! We are looking at an event to let the community know more about Rotary which will follow the theme of "Light Up Rotary" ..perhaps being in the 4th of July parade...or it was suggested sponsoring the Fireworks for the 4th!! Great way to Light UP Rotary!! Marilyn Smith thanked Rotarians for all their support during Norm's final days and time at Lutheran Homes. She mentioned that many memorial gifts were given to Rotary in honor of Norm, which she gave to our Treasurer today!!
Program: NIck Cusick, Director of the Muscatine Convention and Visitor's Bureau provided an informative program on the Bureau and Tourism in Muscatine and in Iowa. The Convention and Visitor's Bureau's job is to get potential travelers to Muscatine as a destination. Funding is received through the County and the Hotel Motel Tax with 25% of the annual proceeds going directly to the CVB. In 2012 the CVB was reorganized and became a stand alone entity. The mayor appointed a 21 member board with Pam Collins, Mary Wildermuth and Greg Jenkins being members. The board membership has been lightened from 21 to 17. The CVB recognizes that what is good for a tourist is good for a community member, as well.
The CVB is known through the Muscatine Visitor's Guide and various social media platforms, including MeetMuscatine website, facebook and etc. Travel is a big industry with 8.2% growth in jobs in Iowa in 2013. Muscatine is fortunate to be known for the Mississippi River, the Great River Road, the Soccer Complex and our historical and manufacturing presence. The marketing slogan unveiled today is: Made in Muscatine which fits with many broad venues. Long range goals of the CVB are to increase staff and to move to a visible location. Nick is the staff person and the CVB is located in a small office at city hall within the Parks and Rec Dept.