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Pottawattamie County proclaims National Travel & Tourism Week; local winners honored
Summary
The board approved a proclamation recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week and heard a presentation from county tourism leaders who announced local 'Best of Pottawattamie County' winners and new Interstate welcome signage.
The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation designating May 3–9, 2026 as National Travel and Tourism Week for the county and heard a tourism presentation highlighting new distributor signage and local tourism award winners.
At the meeting the board read a proclamation citing national travel economics — including U.S. Travel Association figures on jobs and tax revenue — and county figures showing direct traveler spending in 2024. The proclamation was presented as a formal recognition of the economic role of travel and tourism in supporting local small businesses.
Mark Ekman (introduced as executive director of Unleash CouncilBluffs; S8) and members of the Pottawattamie County Tourism Committee distributed a 44‑page county tourism guide and announced "Best of Pottawattamie County" winners in several categories: Central Perch (retail), Judge Richard Distillery (lodging/Airbnb), Back 40 Bar & Grill (restaurant), and Arrowhead (attraction). Ekman noted new large and trailblazing welcome‑center signs installed on I‑29 and I‑80 and wider distribution of promotional material through Iowa welcome centers and CTM Media Group in the region.
The board approved the proclamation by roll call. Tourism organizers encouraged residents to use the new guide and said the award process was community‑driven and aimed to boost local visitation.
