December 19, 2013

December 17, 2013

Greater Des Moines Celebrates Local Champions, Year of Success – ABI Members

DES MOINES, IOWA The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission awarded 10 Champion Awards to local individuals or businesses, as well as Visitor Choice Awards to local organizations at last night’s Annual Celebration.

The following are ABI organizations that were recognized for their commitment to the community through acts of generosity, volunteerism, visitor services, donations and partnerships with Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau/Des Moines Area Sports Commission staff, clients and partners from July 2012 to June 2013:

Champion Award Winners

  • Civic Champion – Jerry Sullivan, former Mayor of Windsor Heights
  • Corporate Champion – Prairie Meadows
  • CVB Champion – Des Moines Register
  • Partner Champion – Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company
  • Community Champion – Principal Financial Group
  • Sports Champions – Iowa State University, Iowa Events Center & Polk County, hosts of the 2013 NCAA Division I Wrestling National Championships

Visitor Choice Awards – Determined by visitor vote

  • Hotel of the Year – Prairie Meadows
  • Restaurant of the Year – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (Fleur Drive)

Additional Honorees

  • Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau staff Vicki Comegys, Vice President of Sales, Sports and Services, and Katie Fencl, Director of Events, were recognized for completing the Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE) Program
  • Sue Elliott, upon retiring as Project Manager for the Polk County Supervisor’s Office, was honored for her outstanding support, service and advocacy of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, was recognized as Destination Leadership Champion for his support of local, regional and national tourism