Board approves $25,000 marketing grant for National Cattle Congress fair

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 approved a $25,000 marketing contract for the National Cattle Congress to support the fall 2025 fair, after the fair’s general manager presented economic‑impact figures and changes to the event’s marketing approach.

Jim Cook, general manager of the National Cattle Congress, told the board the fair generates significant local economic activity and that a recent statewide study showed fairs in Iowa create more than $1.18 billion in aggregate economic impact. He said the county’s marketing support last year helped produce a 16.5% attendance increase over the prior year and that the county’s $25,000 contribution produced an estimated $330,000 in local economic impact from that change.

Deb Polin and marketing staff described a shift in advertising toward a family‑friendly approach, more social media, a new cow logo and targeted placements intended to draw households rather than primarily concert or event audiences. Cook said last weekend’s equestrian event drew visitors from 63 Iowa counties, 26 states and one Canadian province.

Supervisors approved the $25,000 contract as part of the consent agenda; the motion carried on a roll call vote. County Finance Director Michelle Weidner had included the contract on the consent agenda and answered board questions about the submission; supervisors asked Cook and staff to provide a post‑fair report comparing this year’s metrics to last year for future budget considerations.