Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Annual Report 2016-2017
City of Dubuque ITEM TITLE: SUMMARY: SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Copyrighted November 20, 2017 Consent Items # 27. Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Annual Report 2016-2017 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission transmitting its 2016-2017 Annual Report. Suggested Disposition: Receive and File ATTACHMENTS: Description Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Cover Letter I MRPC Report 2017 Part I I MRPC Report 2017 Part II IMRPC Report 2017 Part III Type Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation Vacant Allamakee County Jenna Pollock Clayton County John Goodman Dubuque County Barbara Besch Jackson County Edith Pfeffer, Chair Clinton County Ann Geiger, Secretary Scott County Vacant Muscatine County Jay Schweitzer, Treasurer Louisa County Lisa Walsh Des Moines County Martin Graber, Vice -Chair Lee County Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Explore Iowa's Great River Road October 26, 2017 Dubuque City Council Dubuque City Hall 1298 Central Ave Dubuque IA 52001 Dear Distinguished Council Members— N) m 0 r On behalf of the Iowa Mississippi River parkway Commission let me express my thanks for your support over the years. It is my pleasure to enclose a copy of our annual report for you to review. The commission has been busy with activities promoting our Great River Road and all the communities within the corridor. I believe it important to always remember that we are a community along a National Scenic Byway, the Iowa Great River Road, and that identity is a valuable asset. I also believe we need to promote our community with that identity as we move forward. Again, thank you for your continued support of our commission. We meet regularly and often and no one on our commission is remunerated in any way but for mileage. Our work is out affection for our community and for the Scenic Byway and for the betterment of both. Sincere) `—mann Enc: uem.sK Clayton Dubuque IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION! JOHN E. GOODMANN COMISSIONER - DUBUQUE COUNTY 563-556-3232 I jgoodmann@real-good.com Discover the lowa Great River Road Discover more lowa Byways www.wwagrratrivirroad.com www.,cwabyways.orq www.iowadot!iowa sbyways!mississippi_ river.htm Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016-2017 Annual Report September 2017 $*4* AMERICA'S BYWAYS® Edith Reiss Pfeffer, Chair Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Jane Regan, Treasurer Allamakee County Jenna Pollack Clayton County 2016-2017 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Explore Iowa's Great River Road John Goodmann, Secretary Dubuque County Vacant Jackson County Edith Pfeffer, Chair Clinton County Scott Tunnicliff Scott County Daniel Petersen, Vice -Chair Muscatine County Jay Schweitzer Louisa County Lisa Walsh Des Moines County Martin Graber Lee County Contents MISSION STATEMENT 1 VISION 1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 2 IOWA MRPC STRUCTURE 3 Iowa MRPC Commission and Technical Members ... 3 IOWA MRPC COMMISSION MEETINGS 6 2016-2017 IOWA COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 7 IOWA MRPC BUDGET 39 Figure 1. Iowa MRP State Fiscal Year Budget 52 iowa activities and work plan 40 Iowa MRPC Website Development 40 Figure 2: www.lowa Great River Road.com 42 Iowa MRPC Social Media and Communications 43 Figure 3. Iowa GRR Facebook. 44 Iowa Great River Road Traveler Map 45 Figure 4 Iowa Great River Road Traveler map 45 Iowa Byways Travel Guide ... ..... 47 Figure 5: Iowa Byways Travel Guide ............. 47 Iowa MRPC Corridor Management Plan Workshop ...48 Great River Road Marketing 48 Great River Road Interpretive Centers 489 Iowa Participation in Meetings and Events 49 Iowa Birding Maps 51 MRPC Annual and Semi -Annual Meeting 55 Iowa MRPC Stakeholder Meetings 55 Great River Road Economic Impact 56 Great River Road Discussion with MPO's & RPA's .. .. 59 Commissioner and General Activities 60 Commission Awards 63 Great River Road Signs New Byway Signs . .. 64 Great River Road Concerns 64 2015 Corridor Management Plan Library for the Iowa Great River Road 66 APPENDIX Iowa MRPC Commissioner Responsibilities 2016-2017 ....... ..... .......... ... ...68 Text for Radio Ads 70 Great River Road Statistics Jul 1, 2016 - Jun 30, 2017 71 Great River Road Statistics Jul 1, 2015 - July 30, 2016 72 How The Travel Impacts The Counties Along The Mississippi River .................. . ... 73 Comparison of Great River Road Byway Impact to Iowa's Other Byways .. 74 Along Iowa's scenic byways, nature's fall splendor peak 75 Iowa Spring Break Escapes 78 Promotion aims to bolster Great River Road, bike trails ..... .............. 79 Dinner will highlight Q -C baseball history 80 Letter to Tracy Troutner 81 Letter to Legislators ............. ..... .................. 82 IRS 501(c) (4) Letter . 83 Mississippi River Parkway Commission Distinguished Service Award 84 The Great River Historic Loop 85 Letter of Support First Bridge Project in Davenport 87 Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist 88 2017 National MRPC Annual Meeting Draft Agenda 105 Iowa MRPC FY 2016 - 2018 FY BUDGET 107 Mississippi River PC Social Media Campaigns/Toolkit-Biking 109 National MRPC 2016 Annual Marketing Report 110 Iowa MRPC 2015 Strategic Planning Report ...................... 133 2015 Marketing Workshop Strategic Plan .... .......... 140 MRCC Year of Trails 2017 Media Kit.... .... 142 News Articles 145 Finance Letter. .... ............. . 148 MISSION STATEMENT The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission (IAMRPC) was organized to: • Preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, natural, archaeological, cultural, and recreation resources of the National Scenic Byway (NSB)/Iowa Great River Road (GRR) and the Iowa Mississippi River Valley. • Foster economic growth of the Mississippi River corridor. • Develop the National Scenic Byway/Great River Road. VISION The Iowa Great River Road will sustain rewarding lifelong experiences for Iowans and visitors from around the world through the support of a cooperative network of partners and stakeholder, each of which invest in and benefit from the conservation, development, promotion, interpretation and management of the diverse intrinsic resources of the Iowa Mississippi River Valley. (Adopted December 15, 2014). 1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES • Assist in coordinating the increase of investment and awareness of the National Scenic Byway/Iowa Great River Road and its amenities with roadside parks, scenic overlooks, educational experiences and opportunities and historic information. • Continue the identification, documentation and protection of the intrinsic resources of the Great River Road. • Expand the local citizen awareness of the resources and importance of the Great River Road in Iowa and the adjoining states. • Provide new travel experiences through effective interpretation and promotion of the Great River Road. • Increase information services to residents and organizations along the Great River Road. • Identify economic development opportunities based on the sensitive use of the Road's intrinsic resources. • Sustain existing alliances with other organizations that are interested in the future of the Great River Road and develop new partnerships where needed. • Identify volunteer opportunities for individuals and organizations along the Great River Road. • Assist in coordinating the increase of investment and awareness of the Great River Road and its resources with development of a variety of amenities and delivery of programs for public awareness, interpretation and promotion. • Increase the awareness for Great River Road stakeholders of availability of public and private funding for resource conservation, transportation enhancement, interpretation and promotion. • Develop communication opportunities to tell the stories of the National Scenic Byway/Great River Road. Arrange community involvement meetings and workshops pertaining to a variety of Great River Road related topics. Advocate for the Great River Road Interpretative Centers. • Advocate for the Great River Road research, planning, and development studies. Advocate for transportation related projects in the Great River Road Corridor that incorporate the principles of context sensitive design. • Advocate for the use of sustainable design principles such as L.E.E D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), native plant community restoration, multi- functional streets, etc. • Conserve, develop, promote and interpret, and manage the Iowa Great River Road. (Adopted December 15, 2014). A major factor in achieving these goals and objectives is partnering with area and national groups and associations that have similar goals and interests. By networking with other organizations, we can best utilize all our assets, including financial, contacts, and personnel. 2 IOWA MRPC STRUCTURE The Iowa Commission consists of ten commissioners appointed by the Governor of Iowa representing the ten counties that border the Mississippi River The commission by Iowa statue is gender and politically balanced. In addition, there are five technical members representing: Iowa Department of Transportation, Department of Economic Development, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Office of Tourism, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The commission has received verbal commitments from the Iowa Department of Economic Development to appoint new technical advisor but as of the date of this report no formal appointment has been completed. An updated Iowa MRPC commission member's contact list follows: Iowa MRPC Commission and Technical Members COMMISSIONERS ALLAMAKEE COUNTY Jane M Regan P.O. Box 34 Harpers Ferry, IA 52146-0034 CLAYTON COUNTY Jenna Pollock 23929 Aspen Avenue Volga, IA 52077 CLINTON COUNTY Edith Pfeffer 524 Mill Ridge Road Clinton, IA 52732 DES MOINES COUNTY Lisa Walsh 6172 Nikonha Place Burlington, IA 52601 3 IOWA MRPC OFFICE/NAT'L COMMITTEE Iowa MRPC Treasurer Nat'l Marketing Bylaws Committee Nat'l Culture & Heritage Iowa MRPC Chair Nat'l Culture & Heritage Nat'l Marketing Iowa MRPC Transportation ELECTRONIC ADDRESS & TERM PHONE NUMBER EXPIRES ireaanna leschenskvins.com 6/30/2017 PH: 563-568-6347 Cell: 563-380-3635 jpollock@claytoncountyia.gov PH 563-380-7808 Cell 563-880-1457 6/30/2017 edithrofefferla�amail.com 6/30/2019 PH: 563-243-7751 Cell: 563-357-3681 FAX 563-243-7751 PH. 319-752-0912 Cell: 319-850-1950 6/30/2019 DUBUQUE COUNTY John A. Goodmann 2744 University Avenue Dubuque, IA 52001 JACKSON COUNTY Vacant LEE COUNTY Martin Graber 2163 North Fork Drive Fort Madison, IA 52627 LOUISA COUNTY Jay Schweitzer P.O. Box 112 Columbus Junction, IA 52738 MUSCATINE COUNTY Daniel Petersen 3289 150th St. Muscatine, IA 52761 SCOTT COUNTY Scott Tunnicliff 718 Holmes Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 Iowa MRPC Secretary Nat'l Transportation Iowa MRPC Vice -Chair Nat'l Culture & Heritage Nat'l Enviro, Rec & Agriculture By laws Committee Iowa MRPC Secretary Nat'l Enviro, Rec & Agriculture Nat'l Culture & Heritage TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Iowa Department of Transportation Iowa MRPC Bd Administrator Nat'l Transp/Marketing Mary Stahlhut Iowa DOT, Systems Planning 800 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 4 i000dmannOreal-000d.com Work: 563-556-3232 Cell: 563-599-4350 Toll Free. 800- 498-4518 Col grabber @yahoo.com Day: 319-372-4819 Work. 319-372-1896 Cell: 319-470-5522 jayts@yahoo.com Work: 319-728-2219 Home: 319-728-3180 FAX 319-728-8449 6/30/2019 6/30/2019 6/30/2019 6/30/2017 shirleyraepetersen@gmail.com 6/30/2017 Home. 563-263-3527 Cell: 563-571-8009 hcvscott@gmail.com Work. 563 322 8293 Cell: 563 370 2098 marv.stahlhut aniowadot.us PH. 515-239-1369 FAX: 515-233-7857 6/30/2017 Department of Natural Resources Margo Underwood 609 S. Shore Drive Clear Lake, IA 50428-2546 Iowa MRPC Advisory Nat'l Enviro, Rec &Ag Department of Natural Resources Randy Schultz Department of Natural Resources - Parks Todd Coffelt Wallace Bldg., 502 East 9th St Des Moines, IA 50319 Economic Development Authority Shawna Lode East Grand Office Park 200 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 US Army Corps of Engineers Ron Deiss Clock Tower Bldg. Box 2004 Rock Island, IL 60204 SYS7`EMS PLANN N F Deb Arp Iowa MRPC Advisory Nat'l Marketing Iowa MRPC Advisory Nat'l Enviro, Rec &Ag Policy and Agency Support Grant Team Leader Craig Markley Office Director Peggy Riecken Secretary/Claims 5 Marao.Underwood( dnr.iowa.aov 641-420-3896 Randy.Schultz@dnr.iowa.gov todd.coffelt@dnr.iowa gov Phone: 515-725-8485 Shawna. LodelaiowaE DA. com 515-348-6255 Ronald.w.deiss@usace army mil 309-794-5185 debra.arona dot.iowa.aov 515-239-1681 craia.marklev( dot.iowa aov 515-239-1027 oeaay.rieckenladot iowa.aov 515-239-1664 IOWA MRPC COMMISSION MEETINGS The Iowa MRPC met on ten separate occasions in the past year. July 8, 2016 at Nahant Marsh, Davenport, la ; September 16, 2016 Natchez, MS; October 12, 2016 at Nahant Marsh, Davenport, IA.; November 21, 2016 McCarthy Center, 2nd Floor, Roshek Building, 700 Locust St , Dubuque, IA; December 16, 2016 Scott County Public Library, Eldridge, IA; February 13, 2017 at Pearl Button Museum and Industry Center, Muscatine, Iowa; March 20, 2017 at the Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center, Lansing, Iowa; April 21, 2017 at our National MRPC semi-annual meeting in Paducah, Kentucky, May 15, 2017 at Eco -Tourism Center, 3942 291st Street, Camanche, IA and June 19, 2017 at the Hurstville Interpretive Center, Maquoketa, IA. 2016-2017 Iowa MRPC Meeting Minutes Minutes of the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission are always public record. Public notices and meeting minutes are also posted here: https://iowadot.gov/iowasbyways/mississippi-river-parkway-commission 6 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Notes Meeting Minutes Monday, July 18, 2016 Nahant Marsh 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport, IA Call to order: Chair Edith Pfeffer called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken with a quorum of the eight -member 2016 roster present. Commissioners: Edith Pfeffer, Chair, Dan Petersen, VC.; Marvin Graber, Lisa Walsh, Scott Tunnicliff Tech Members: Mary Stahlhut, Iowa DOT Byways Program Guests: Brian Ritter, Nahant Center, Jean Pelton, Ft. Madison Welcome and Announcements: Brian Ritter provided a welcome to Nahant Marsh and a brief program including the site's development history and current unique partnership with the City of Davenport, colleges and other entities. Business: Minutes — June 20, 2016, meeting minutes as distributed were reviewed by Pfeffer. Moved to accept minutes as amended: Peterson, Second: Graber *Approved. Treasurer reports MRPC Foundation balance was not reported. Mary Stahlhut Reported the MRPC 2016 DOT appropriation budget final balance at $ 1428.61. Motion to accept MRPC DOT report as distributed: Tunnicliff, Second: Graber Discussion: *Approved. 2017 Fiscal Year Budget Discussion Other Reports Marketing: Activity is reflected in the budget. 7 • There are more visitors up and down the river in Iowa and the centers report that something has changed. • Public radio was concerned with the MRPC as a political/ government entity. MRPC wishes to have DOT AG clarify this. • MRPC is receiving monthly Google analytics from Travel Iowa. • Pfeffer reported on the radio spots and the text in the air time, and encouraged the commissioners to print the emails as a resource for their future activity. • Pfeffer remarked on how many stories there are to tell from ancient native populations throughout the GRR. Native American • The Iowa Tourism Conference will be held October 19, 20, and 21st in the Quad Cities. • Day trip itineraries are a good tool that we should develop for each county. Pfeffer asked each county to contact their CVB's for fresh itineraries to send to National. • Pfeffer shared Keokuk a CVB booklet and challenged all to check their local promotional materials for GRR references and to insert correct information. This year, the new GRR signs being installed are a good reason to refresh local stakeholders on the GRR and promote together. • Eastern Iowa Tourism provided information to Pfeffer and the invoice was received and approved for payment under previous action in June 2016 and the 2017 budget approved today. • January- The Byways sustainability collaboration on byway stories will result in the Great River Road having a culinary feature story on GRR businesses in the Edible Iowa magazine. Environment and Recreation: Peterson reported on the nomination we are preparing for a National MRPC Steward Award for CIPCO (Central Iowa Power Cooperative) who tore down an old coal fired power plant and converted it into a natural area. Commissioners agreed Peterson should submit the nomination. Transportation: Walsh reported the committee conference call scheduled for July was not initiated by national and has not been rescheduled. Pfeffer asked if there are any Iowa nominees for the Distinguished Service Award. Commissioners proposed to nominate the Keokuk River Loop promotion. Moved Tunnicliff, Second Walsh *Approved Pfeffer reported that National discussed the current USDOT FAST act that refers to a tourism modal model? Diane Threadgill was nominated to represent the 10 -state MRPC on this committee. 8 MRPC Annual Meeting Sept. 14-16, 2016, Natchez, Miss. • Natchez: Nat -Geo site will be unveiled, MRPC may need to coordinate and arrive early because the National Geographic meetings precede MRPC • The 2016 National meeting will include many outings. The first reception is at a private antebellum home. • Mississippi River Town and Cities Mayors also will be meeting Budget Discussion Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 TOTAL BUDGET State Fiscal Year 2017 Record Description Iowa DOT Amount Amount Annual Budget Paid to Date Remaining MRPC Annual Dues $15,000.00 Annual Meeting Natchez, MS $6,900.00 Semi -Annual Meeting, Kentucky $4,500.00 Travel/meals in state $2,215.00 Iowa Byways Foundation $500.00 Eastern Iowa Tourism Dues $135.00 Administration $300.00 Marketing (buys committed) $6,495.00 CMP Communications and Marketing $3,955.00 $40,000.00 Walsh Moved, Peterson second to accept the 2017 budget as presented Discussion: Edith will follow up on the media buys approved in June. * Budget approved. Committee Reports and Assignments Culture and Heritage Committee: Martin- Surveys should be submitted ASAP to include in the annual report and submit at the annual meeting. Pfeffer reported on the Sawmill survey. Commissioners were asked to share during their visits to interpretive centers and ask centers to gather information. Heritage museum in Burlington will be submitted for 2017 designation. Lisa will work with Edith and the site director to complete the application Election of Officers Peterson nominated Pfeffer for chair. Tunnicliff second. Nominations ceased 9 *Approved Peterson nominated Graber for VP Tunnicliff second. Nominations ceased. *Approved Pfeffer nominated Peterson for Secretary. Graber second. Nominations ceased. *Approved Walsh nominated Regan for Treasurer. Peterson second. Nominations ceased. *Approved Other Business • Iowa State Fair Booth: Jay, Martin, Lisa, Edith, John, Dan and Jane are scheduled to staff the booth Sunday August 14th and Friday the 19th • 4000 folded maps for the State Fair: Moved Graber, Second Walsh *Approved • Iowa Great River Road T-shirts were discussed. Proposal to order new GRR shirts at a maximum cost of $500 was proposed. Moved: Graber, Second: Walsh *Approved Iowa Byways Sustainability- Pfeffer reported Audio Tour call-in to listen protocol is being used around the Amanas and connecting to a service that provides an audio interpretation. ' IA Byway Foundation update included progress with the statewide art project and potential plans for a Casey's fundraiser again this September. National Annual Reports ▪ Commissioners discussed what to include in the 2016 annual report including: Jane's reports on impacts, riverboats, signs, and pictures. Our work plan, activities and accomplishments. Adjournment The business meeting was adjourned for lunch Call to order: Chair Edith Pfeffer called the meeting to order. Additional guests for the afternoon: Denise Bulat, Executive Director, Bi -State Regional Commission, and Chandra Ravada, Director of Transportation Department, East Central Intergovernmental Association. Fundraising Discussion- • MRPC to go back to DOT/AG legal counsel about the Commission Foundation raising funds. • Motion Graber, 2nd Tunnicliff. Consensus to request support for a GRR marketing plan. • Pfeffer requested that commissioners provide her with potential local or broader grant opportunities 10 Marketing proposal • Jean Peiton described a web -based QRT code -based promotion of the Great River Road tourist locations. Jean will provide a concept with Ft. Madison as an example to test and then discuss in the November meeting. • Banners: Scott and others will work on a committee to pull together the pictures and descriptions for new banners. This will be developed during spring FY2017. MPO- RPA Edith described the discussion of funding splits from STP and the input from the last meeting asking for specific tasks/ items that MRPC needs help with. Denise Bulatt responded suggesting that her intern in Allamakee and Clayton could work on items related to planning. Edith asked them to proceed with the appropriate planning tasks that are in the GRR CMP that would apply in Allamakee and Clayton counties. Pfeffer reported again how the interpretive centers are seeing an uptick in visitation and it includes a wide range of states. Many visitors arrive with the Iowa tear sheet or the 10 -state map in -hand. Denise Bulatt explained that STP dollars / the transportation alternative program cannot provide staff time. They do not fund projects under $100,000. MRPC could apply for a project to their policy board and compete. It could be a combined project among several planning organizations to cover the GRR. You would need a match and if the dollarsare already in -hand you would have a better chance. An interpretive signing project might be competitive. No help or money would be provided for marketing. Denise reported on a conversation with Craig Markley, DOT Systems Planning that morning about the Iowa Byways program and the potential funding in the Iowa Byways Program. The Great River Road/ MRPC could opt in to the State Byways program in order to receive a budget of about $20,000 and would need to raise some match. funding of $5,000. This could help fund the sort of staff time that other byways have under the DOT Iowa Byways Program. However, the other byways have other work tasks and requirements that the MRPC currently is not assigned. Denise and Chandra discussed the collaboration and network opportunities. • Planning organizations will include the GRR and its CMP in their plans and this becomes a part of their work. • Prior to MRPC committing to the Iowa Byways Program, the Planning organizations will determine their best match and make a proposal to MRPC • One MPO will review the CMP and then review with others. • The four entities will start looking into activities that already fit into the MRPC mission to help with existing items that may already be in the MRPC scope of work. 11 Stahlhut asserted that the GRR is the only Iowa byway that does not have a managing entity with local staff. The existing sustainability program will expire at the end of March, so all the byways will renew contracts and the program will update the process, partly based on the recent round of byway applications evaluated. All byways will be signing a program agreement with DOT to ensure strength of the program. National Meeting to be hosted by Iowa MRPC- Workshop The following items were discussed: • Pick a theme, pick a city, pick a date • Include field trips relevant to the theme • Consider agri-tourism and sustainable agriculture: 3 -legged stool: Environmentally safe, profitable and socially acceptable. • Quad Cities is a good base for travel • Edith has the schedule requirements • Riverfront time • On -water time • Blackhawk hotel • Visit interpretive centers • Camanche- get two pontoon boats, or pontoon and Seeser Boat and put on the river with tour guides • Location, facilities • Third week in September • Speaker for each committee topic area • Edith proposed two itineraries: Sygenta Plant visit and harvest of seed corn, followed by Tom Hotz cattle feeding operation, Tour of grain processing in Muscatine, or Cinnamon Farms, Cody Homestead, Buffalo Bill Museum, Eco - Tourism Center -boat ride, with Dinner at the Sawmill Museum. • Dan had a proposed itinerary: Nahant Marsh, Wildcat Den, Dan's Farm, another farm, Cinnamon farms, speaker, and Buffalo Bill locations • Speakers incuded: • Dr. Eugen Watkins- historian at the Fort in Ft. Madison • Brian Fox Ellis — Arc of the River- historian from Bishop Hi11,111. • Mark Twain - Muscatine • Putnam Museum - River reception. • Historic Home reception • Suzanne provided a count of 60-70 people. • Theme: Breadbasket of the World, • Ag- Iowa Style, • Food production 2017 • Technology, ecology and agriculture for your food • 60-70 people • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday or Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Notes Meeting Minutes Friday, September 16, 2016 Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez, MS September 16, 2016 minutes of MRPC meeting in Natchez, MS Chairman Edith called the meeting to order at 7:20 am in the Natchez Grand Hotel. Attending: Edith, Martin, Jay, Lisa, and Dan. Finances were reviewed and were good. Minutes were reviewed with several corrections made. Page 5, last paragraph edits were made. Lisa moved, Martin 2nd, passed. Edith reported on National Geo Website rollout on 9/15/16 in Natchez. Our rollout is 10/12/16. Next meeting at Nahant Marsh in Davenport with a demo of website at the (- Wireless Center in the afternoon following our meeting. We will begin at 9:30am. National Board meeting with Edith attending, reported very good usage of our internet sites. Casey's is back supporting GRR. Lisa reported on an app being developed but final decisions are to be made in the future. No attendance at the Transportation Committee. Jay and Dan reported the Ag Committee considered that a harvest schedule should be on our website which would allow tourists to see what is going on. Website review should be an important part of every meeting. Cultural and Heritage Committee was attended by Martin and several new sites were approved by committee as interpretive centers. Commissioners need to make contact with the IC's in their county earlier in the year, April -May timeframe. Edith went to Marketing Committee and lots of ideas for promotion were brought forth. No decisions were made. State Fair booth was discussed. Byways will try to get back into Varied Industries bldg. As more traffic there, more dates were possible, maybe a rack for brochures. Maybe also have a computer with info to show. Iowa will be hosting the National meeting the 3rd week of September 2017. Davenport and Dubuque have hosted before and new sites are needed. Lansing, Clinton, and Muscatine are all possibilities The next MRPC meeting will be Oct. 12 at the Nahant Marsh. Meeting was adjourned at 8:25am. Dan Petersen, Secretary 13 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday October 12, 2016 Nahant Marsh 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport, IA October 12, 2016 minutes from meeting at Nahant Marsh, Davenport Chairman Edith called the meeting to order at 9.35 am. Edith, Scott, Jane, Martin, Lisa, Jay, John, and Dan were in attendance. Brian gave a short talk about the Marsh and its history. Minutes were approved from the 9/16 meeting at Natchez, MS. Finances were reviewed. Paying national dues was discussed and hosting national annual meeting might cause us to put a hold on paying them. John moved to accept budget report, Jane seconded, passed. Jane moved to pay a $400 bill to Iowa State Fair for the booth. Seconded by Jay, passed. Jane reported radio costs were $1302.00 to four stations for Drive The Great River Road. Scott moved to pay this, seconded by Jay, passed. Brad from Hurstville Center reported recent activities. More signage is needed. Walt from Eco - Tourism Center in Camanche reported flooding caused problems but has re -opened. Matt from Clinton Sawmill reported they are halfway done raising the $1.5 million necessary for their new building. LuAnn Reinders from Travel Iowa reported many hits on DOT and Travel Iowa websites. Edith is working with other cities concerning a bill on renewing Hotel -Motel taxes. Committee Reports: Martin attended Cultural and Heritage, effort is being made to give tourists more info about IC's on websites. Edith and Lisa went to a combined meeting of Marketing and Transportation. New maps are being developed which would flow from state to state much better. Jay and Dan went to Ag meeting. Stewardship award is being given to CIPRO from Iowa at the Iowa annual meeting in September 2017. More info about harvest seasons in middle America needs to be put on websites. 14 Edith reported Bicycles were a big theme. Snapchat filter could help promote various activities and some fund raising will be necessary for marketing at the national level. Iowa companies with connection to river will be contacted by national MRPC. National Board meeting -10 state bike ride discussed, hiking also, 2018 goals, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has sponsored a similar ride 10 years ago. John will contact Jena reported on Motor Mill in Clayton Co. Next year's convention ideas were discussed, theme needed, after Sept 15th is best, Sept 20-22? Lansing and Clinton might be best options with more decisions in November. Next meeting is Monday, Nov 21st in Dubuque at Greater Dubuque Foundation Office (Roshek Building) It was moved and seconded to table decision on annual meeting site until November meeting, passed. DOT does not have new money for By -ways promotion. Moved and Seconded to adjourn, passed at 12:10 p.m. Lunch was served and members drove to I -Wireless Center in Moline to attend the National Geographic Website celebration at 1:30 p.m.. Dan Petersen, Secretary 15 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Monday November 21, 2016 McCarthy Center, Second Floor, Roshek Building, 700 Locust St., Dubuque, IA CaII to order: Chair Edith Pfeffer called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken with a quorum of the eight -member 2016 roster present. Commissioners: Edith Pfeffer, Chair, Martin Graber, VC.; Jane Regan, Treasurer; Dan Peterson, Secretary Lisa Walsh, John Goodmann, Jay Schweitzer Tech Members: Mary Stahlhut, Iowa DOT Byways Program Shawna Lode- Travel Iowa, Iowa Economic Development Administration Randy Schultz, DNR River Fish Hatcheries Manager Susanne Thiede-Barnet, MRPC National Office (NO) Roll call reports on annual report distribution: Graber- Mostly done Walsh- Planning to schedule after new officials are in office. Peterson- Harvest is over, will finish soon with new officials Guests: Jean Peiton, Ft. Madison Liesl Voges, DCA Community Development Penny Vacek from Senator Grassley's office Matt Gloss, Bellevue Foundation of Greater Dubuque — MJ Smith, former MRPC commissioner spoke. Serves eight counties in this immediate area. The Community Foundation movement. builds permanent funds for treasured places. MRPC endowment is held for the national endowment. Financial reports for commissioners. $1500 payout per year. Clayton County Fracking Study was funded this year, along with other bundled donations. The history of Iowa MRPC and 10 -state organization endowment position was to facilitate conversation and engagement on issues, rather than take a strong position is the. Discussion that fracking should not impact the GRR viewshed. "Please don't pile sand" in the viewshed." Five zoning restrictions were enacted. One thousand hours were contributed to the effort. 16 Welcome and Announcements: Business: Minutes — October 12, 2016, meeting minutes as distributed were reviewed by Pfeffer. Moved to accept minutes as amended: Graber, Second: Walsh *Approved. Treasurer reports Mary Stahlhut Reported the MRPC 2017 DOT appropriation budget balance at $29,306.31. Annual dues will be paid when the invoice is received in calendar year 2017. Graber reported that the budget at the state level will be very tight this legislative session. Motion to accept the MRPC DOT financial report as distributed: Peterson, Second: Graber Discussion: none *Approved. Other Reports Interpretative Center staff updates Jenna Pollack- Motor Mill will present the reports in the new year. Jenna reported the new roofs and other projects underway at Motor Mill. Meeting schedule MRPC meeting schedule was proposed and agreed to be December 19, 2016 and February 20, 2017 National MRPC Committee reports There is a wrap-up document on the National Office (NO) website now. NO is requesting fall photos to be shared. National Geographic affiliated geo-tourism web site now has 14,000 subscribers. Culture and Heritage: Commissioner Graber reported that interpretive center visits are very important. Each commissioner should complete their I -center surveys so the annual reporting records will be complete. NO is asking local I -Centers to identify their thematic area so they can tie the information to areas of interest online. Front line and other staff seem to not integrate their status with their business practice, despite efforts to inform and train locals. Discussion followed about what promotional and way -finding signs should focus on directing travelers to each interpretive center. Walsh is interested in having an I -Center in Des Moines County- possibly fish -related. The Leopold Center is in early development. 17 Marketing: No report, However, NO is beginning plans for a 2018 Great Bike Ride on the Great River Road. Transportation: National organization has committees collaborating on having the GIS files. National was asked to use a bid process. No recent meetings or conference calls. In Iowa, the Great River Road signing project continues. Agriculture: No report. -2018 Bike Ride on Great River Road was discussed. Chairwoman's report Meeting with Governor Branstad. Regan and Pfeffer met with him 10/21/2016. They provided a report and shared the funding letter sent to DOT for additional funding for the 2017 annual meeting. In 2013, DOT provided additional funding the last time Iowa hosted an annual meeting in 2009 in the amount of $23,000.00. The Governor suggested that the MRPC approach the riverfront gaming commissions for contributions / sponsorship, suggesting they could draw $50,000. One recent contribution was $15,000 for the Lansing interpretive center. MRPC is not a 501 C3 so cannot apply directly. The governor's response to the Japanese marketing effort was asking to have Chinese be the immediate priority. Mississippi River Country (MRC) is the tourism sister organization to the MRPC. MRC receives $250,000 from the US Department of Commerce. National Scenic Byway Foundation Capitol event is December 6" . State and national byways are encouraged to advise legislators to attend. Travel Iowa - Shawna - Confirmed what co-op advertising is still pending and what is available. $3500 Midwest Living magazine print ad. $1,000 You Tube advertising, Sponsored listings $1800 to promote your listing on Travel Iowa. Discussion of media including billboards. In Google analytics for both the national and state web sites, Iowa region had impact that Commissioner Regan attributed to the billboard ads. *MRPC Budget planning for 2017 Discussion of the budget needs for this year and next year's hosting of the MRPC 10 - state annual meeting. Pfeffer reported that with the 501 (c) 4 designation of the companion MRPC, Inc. non-profit. The MRPC. Inc. could raise funds to support hosting the annual meeting in Iowa Ex officio member reports Mary Stahlhut: Iowa Department of Transportation's signage project update. Most installations are done from Minnesota south into Muscatine County. The punch list will run the full route of the byway and there have been a number of problems with this project. Work will continue in the winter. Break 18 2017 National MRPC Fall Annual Meeting Planning - Susanne Thiede-Barnet MRPC Annual Meeting Goal: Provide tools, resources and training for MRPC commissioners to take home and use in their state. Fall 2017 dates and potential locations were mentioned. Both of the last MRPC 10 -state meetings Iowa hosted were in the Quad Cities. Iowa MRPC should determine what location ASAP. Marquette and Clinton casinos are possible locations. The current preference is to not include a weekend and the dates Sept 19 -21St or the following week. Annual Meeting typical schedule and elements discussion: -Board of Directors meeting - Welcome reception the first evening- not required. Discussion of the tone. Host state usually funds/ provides this. - 8 AM — 5PM business sessions - Banquet traditionally closed the meeting, but has changed in recent years. Lunch has been the closure the last two years. This has been less formal than the traditional Pilot's banquet. Effort to have speakers representing the 4 committee task areas. • Speakers should be vetted: Mayor of Dubuque, Roy Buell; MJ Smith could speak on the Foundation; Terry Goodmann regarding the extensive Bee Branch flood mitigation and trail development in Dubuque. • An action item for partnering with the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) bike trail may be on the agenda • Agri -tourism is an element that reflects Iowa's life on the river and commissioners have offered a list of destinations and hosts who receive agriculture tourist travelers regularly. • Silos and smokestacks - National Parks program of recognition of the region. • Farmer's market welcome, Hawkeye stages from Decorah. Suzanne challenged members to think of the time required to travel and board and de -board a bus. Iowa should determine what they want to educate visitors on and what the best assets are to showcase. Additional discussion included a desire to offer more than a hotel room hospitality suite to welcome MRPC members from other states. Requesting that the host community CVB host the welcome event free was mentioned. Iowa MRPC could solicit cities to respond to an RFP. $10,000/ year grants for Iowa fellowships from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs may be available for future assistance. Adjourn for lunch Reconvene 19 CaII to order: Chair Edith Pfeffer called the meeting to order. Welcome and introductions Informal meeting with stakeholder legislators Legislators attending: Mark Lofgren, Iowa Senate District 46 - Kristy Hager, Iowa House District 56 - Penny Vacek from Senator Grassley's office - Charles Isenhart, Iowa House District 100 - Rita Hart, Iowa Senate District 49 - Chris Brase, Iowa Senate District 46 - Norlin Mommsen, Iowa House District 97 - Joe M. Seng, Iowa Senate District 45 - Mary Wolfe, Iowa House District 98 Commissioner Jane Regan presented an overview of MRPC and the current duties and responsibilities defined in the Iowa Great River Road Corridor Management Plan completed in 2015. Documents may be found here. htta://www.iowadot.aov/iowasbvways/IAGRR-CMP html Commissioner Duties are described on pages 73-75. Other matenals provided are part of these minutes. MRPC history 10 Commissioners are appointed by the Governor with an expectation of gender and political party balance. - MRPC began in 1938 with national and presidential attention. 1973- A goal for the route was defined for one route alternating east and west sides of the river - 1985- A sister organization, Mississippi River Country (MRC) was established to promote tounsm collaboratively among the ten states. - MRPC Goals are currently dated through 2018 - Interpretive Plan and Toolkit - Ten state website: www. experiencemississiooiriver.com - Iowa Great River road web site is hosted by Travel Iowa at www.iowaareatriverroad.com - National Geographic Geo -tourism web sitehtto://mississiooiriver.nataeotourism.com/ - 16 Iowa Interpretive Centers are detailed in our map and tear sheet and on the Iowa GRR web site. - Iowa MRPC has received an annual appropriation from the Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF)at a level of $40,000 for some time. $15,000 of that goes to the 10 -state MRPC membership Iowa Great River Road Corridor Management (CMP) Implementation Includes the need for a new Companion Leadership Team and; - Funding Jane reported that the volunteers do all the work and use their own equipment. Commissioners are expected to do 3-4 days a week working on the MRPC and CMP implementation. Jane provided quotes from the CMP and reported on MRPC Commissioner activities • Asking for more money to hire staff. • Stakeholder wish list is part of the CMP. 20 • We meet twice a year with the governor and with senators and representatives in the GRR corridor. • Travel Federation Event for legislators late January • Transportation Day event at the capitol • MRPC requested a grant from NSB for signs - awarded 2012. • State Fair Booth • 2015-16 Advertising • MRC has the GRR app in Japanese — Governor wants it in Chinese Promo- Jane's presentation dated March 2016 • Use the GRR logo with permission in your promos • I -center promo • There aren't enough 10 -state GRR maps available - 100,000 10 -state maps 3500 requests per month for mailing. Need a national sponsor • Iowa DOT provides the Iowa GRR Tear sheet maps at no cost. • I -center brochures needs updated and a statewide brochure is a goal. • Economic Development report from Travel Iowa: Jane pulls out the 10 rivercounties. o Visitor dollars spent, transportation etc. o Categories o Breakdown per capita o RUTF increase did not hurt visitor traffic. o Hotel/motel/campground o Food o Retail and entertainment o $1.5 billion on the "east coast" is all about the river o Contrast with the next counties west is stark. Tourism dollars are in the eastern counties. o Jane also compared her figures to other byways • She attributes the revenue directly to the byways • Reported on each byway and noted they are supported by an "RC&D" Shawna clarified some points because her agency commissioned the tourism economic impact study. (Partnership tools including the study are available on the Travel Iowa web site here: htto //www.traveliowa.com/asox/media/industry oartners.asox ) Iowa MRPC Fall 2016 GRR radio and earlier billboard efforts were reported. Pushed birding, biking and driving the Great River Road with radio ads - Jane took credit for the web site traffic change - Annual Drive the Great River Road in September. GRR Does have excellent Google analytics on Travel Iowa Mississippi River Country E -newsletter has grown 23% - Sessions on the site are up 27% - 140,000 site users - Upper Miss. Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois are the top traffic areas. Edith reported • A NO push for biking and growth in RV and camping. DNR/ Army Corps promoting camping. New home rental market. VRBOTM Vacation Home Rentals web site and Air B&B have lots of Iowa GRR homes available. 21 Commissioner Regan concluded, "That's what we are commissioned to do. Hoping we can get some dollars from somewhere for administrative support." Commission Chair, Pfeffer and Commissioner Regan concluded with an appeal to the legislators present to protect the MRPC budget and requested their input. Can we meet you in the capitol in January? What would you recommend? Legislators' Response: Informative and big undertaking. We tend to put dollars where the locals are also contributing to the effort. Bring local leaders with yo.0 when you make the pitch. Edith mentioned the 401 (c)(4) that has been used for fundraising before. Kristy asked: How do the other 9 states fund their commissions? Goodmann responded: MN fully funded by DOT; Missouri- no funds, Wisconsin commissioners are elected and state funded. Arkansas has support from their university system. MN has 3 part-timers doing marketing and have legislators on their commission. What do you hear about the movement for a Driftless Rivers National Park? Commissioners had not heard of this movement in Iowa. Edith reported what Governor stated - wanted the MRC web site and materials translated into Chinese and suggested that MRPC solicit $50,000 from casinos Rita asked, "Did you make a particular ask of the Governor?" Rita suggested getting help from the Governor's office on approaching the casinos. Discussion: John countered that our goals to drive people to the interpretive centers is not the same as sending them to casinos. - 16,000 visited the Sawmill from MRPC www.experiencemississiooiriver.com - John reported on the CMP visitor and resident surveys Edith: Local economic development along the corridor is key. 29 legislators represent the Great River Road Counties along the corridor. - State fair Booth for the Iowa Byways. GRR did 2 days. Plan to again. - Need new interpretive panels. - Need additional scenic overlooks. - Capture Chinese visitors? - Appeal made for legislators to look out for the MRPC Rita suggested commissioners go to economic development not just transportation committees. Tourism is economic development. Cord Overton? Who with the Governor's office would help? Mark Lofren asked "How many partnerships do you have up and down the route at the local level? Your basic support should be these people who are directly affected." Mississippi River Trail MRT funding was lost. Staffer moved to where there was other funding for the Nat -Geo project. Edith reported MRT process. Discussion of MRT development. Adjourn Moved John, Second Dan 22 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Monday December 12, 2016 Scott County Library 200 N. 6th Ave. Eldridge, Iowa Call to order: Chair Edith Pfeffer called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken with a quorum of the eight -member 2016 roster present Commissioners: Edith Pfeffer, Chair, Martin Graber, VC; Lisa Walsh, John Goodmann, Jay Schweitzer, Scott Tunnicliff, Jane Regan Tech Members: Mary Stahlhut, Iowa DOT Byways Program, Tom Basten, DNR; Ron Deiss, Army Corps of Engineers Roll call reports on annual report distribution: Graber- Annual Reports delivered Walsh- All but a few delivered. These will be complete before the end of the year. Welcome and Announcements: Business: Minutes — November 21, 2016, meeting minutes as distributed were reviewed by Pfeffer. Moved to accept minutes as amended Graber, Second: Tunnicliff *Approved. Treasurer reports — Mary Stahlhut Reported the MRPC 2017 DOT appropriation budget balance at $28,864.17 as of December 6t''. Annual dues will be paid when the invoice is received in calendar year 2017 Graber reported that the budget at the state level will be very tight this legislative session. Motion to accept the MRPC DOT financial report as distributed: Walsh, Second: Graber Discussion: Pfeffer reviewed the outstanding items. There may be about $5,000 in the balance. Concerns were expressed about travel budget. *Approved. Other Reports Meeting schedule MRPC meeting schedule was proposed and agreed to be January 19, 2016 and February 20, 2017 23 National MRPC Committee reports There is a wrap-up document on the National Office (NO) website now NO is requesting fall photos to be shared. National Geographic affiliated geo-tourism web site now has 14,000 subscribers. Culture and Heritage: Commissioner Graber reported that interpretive center visits are very important. Each commissioner should complete their I -center surveys so the annual reporting records will be complete GRR NO is proposing changes to the sub -themes of the Interpretive Centers. The themes should help sites identify their strengths to identify their thematic area so they can tie the information to areas of interest online. Edith provided hard copies of the GRR Interpretive Plan and Toolkit Moved, Graber, Second: Tunnicliff that Iowa MRPC approves the proposed changes. Discussion. *Approved Graber explained the worksheet for prioritizing the themes of the interpretive centers. Deiss asked if the centers do have a mission statement. Martin will facilitate having input from the I -centers for their top 1-3 stories. Materials are available with the September 16th Culture and Heritage Committee meeting minutes online. Transportation Walsh- No recent meetings or conference calls have been held. Stahlhut- In Iowa, the Great River Road signing project continues. Marketing: The Midwest Living advertising opportunity was reported again. Suzanne also offered some clarification on what other states are proposing Iowa MRPC prefers to partner with Wisconsin and promote first the fall season and if possible do both fall and spring and Pfeffer is authorized to proceed with securing the best ad available with consultation with Travel Iowa staff Moved: Graber Second: Walsh *Approved Chairwoman's report *MRPC Budget planning for 2017 Discussion followed regarding the budget needs for this year and next year's hosting of the MRPC 10 -state annual meeting. Pfeffer reported that with the 501 (c) 4 designation of the companion MRPC, Inc. non-profit. The MRPC. Inc. could raise funds to support hosting the annual meeting in Iowa. Break 2017 National MRPC Fall Annual Meeting Planning - Susanne Thiede-Barnett arrived. Provided a summary of McGregor and Clinton site availability. MRPC Annual Meeting Goal: Provide tools, resources and training for MRPC commissioners to take home and use in their state. Dates for the Annual meeting will be September 19 — 21. Moved: Graber Second. Walsh *Approved 24 Location for the annual meeting proposed to be Marquette and Driftless Area. Moved by Tunnicliff, Second Goodmann Annual Meeting typical schedule and elements discussion: • Grant development Carl Samp and MJ Smith • 2 hours for national business- reports etc. • Board meeting 3 hours • Technical meeting 3 hours • Annual reports- offer more time • One banquet at lunch or dinner • Music — Edith has a source • Interpretive Center showcase or panel. Invite and value their participation. • 20 minute Mysteries of the Driftless documentary and the Decoding of the Driftless expected to be out spring of 2017 as second unveiling of the documentary. Mr. Thank you. • Bee Branch Dubuque — Terry Goodmann • Iowa Byways — "Sister Byways" • Wallace family and George Washington Carver Iowa history • Max Churchill as Mark Twain • Ft. Madison, Civil War Dr. Eugene Watkins portrays a War of 1812 period. • Discussion of whether the Driftless area documentary was presented at the Minnesota MRPC meeting. Adjourn for lunch Reconvene Commissioners continued the discussion of MRPC Annual Meeting logistics. Driftless- Jane will call Robert and hold the date for the backwater fish fry. Weather like high water, rain, or lightening could be a problem. Commissioners wanted to know the fish fry experience would be a go for the Driftless location. Call the question. Location for the annual meeting proposed to be Marquette and Driftless Area. *Approved January 16th telephone annual meeting conference committee meeting 9:30 a.m proposed for planning the September meeting. Moved: Walsh, Second. Petersen Discussion: none *Approved Further announcements: • Mississippi River Connections Collaborative MRPC Nat Geo discussion regarding website sustainability. A $50,000 donation was lost and there is not staff to push submitted sites to the live side of the web site. • The GRR will be in the Edible Iowa magazine and the story deadline will be July 16, 2017. MRPC can hire the feature writer, Cindy to write the story Commissioners • Kentucky April 19 -23rd in Paducah Kentucky. The Hotel 270-243-4480 25 Clarification from the Travel Iowa Office confirmed the dates and availability of Midwest Living Ads. Commissioners discussed placing the Midwest Living ad in the May -June issue with Travel Iowa partners. Moved: Graber Second: Tunnicliff *Approved MRPC adjourned Second meeting- MRPC, Inc. Plan to send fund-raising letters out soon. Edith will provide the fundraising letter. 26 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, February 13, 2017 Pearl Button Museum — Muscatine History & Industry Center, 117 West 2nd Street Muscatine, Iowa MRPC Meeting Minutes February 2017 The MRPC meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. on February 13, 2017 at the Pearl Button Museum in Muscatine, Iowa. The agenda was approved, minutes moved by Martin, seconded by Scott,and approved. Jay moved, Dan seconded to accept treasurer's report. Approved. Interpretive Center updates: Gwen Prentice from Wild Cat Den State Park, gave a report. "Friends of the Mill" does many things to keep it open for tourists and also operational with over 10,000 visitors in 2016. Terry Eagle from the Pearl Button Museum gave an overview of its activities. They are trying to become a "National Historic Treasure" They have recently submitted application to the National Historic Treasurer Foundation. Muscatine has a rich history to tell to visitors. He grew up in Muscatine and did not know the depth and breathe of the story here. Plastics came out after WWII and buried the Button Industry. Six hundred Tons of Mother of Pearl was shipped here annually by rail to be made into buttons. The shells were so heavy to ship so they sent cutters to those towns and they were called button factories and then shipped to Muscatine. The lower level of the Museum tells what this area did for Muscatine. Jena Pollock from "Motor Mill" interpretive center reported that they were broken into twice last year. Traffic problems with a bridge are being dealt with also and the visitation is growing. They have installed interpretive panels for exterior and interior of the Mill. They want to be open every single week -end for the summer. Our next MRPC meeting will be held on March 20, 2017 in Lansing, Iowa, home of the fall annual meeting for our National MRPC. Planning for the annual meeting followed. • Tuesday night (9/19) a movie is planned. Moved by Scott to pursue the folks from Sustainable Driftless to present Mysteries of the Driftless and their projects. Up to $750 fee from them allowable. Jay second Motioned carried. • Wednesday night, (9/20) V. J. Smith from South Dakota with a cost of $2500for speaking plus travel and lodging. Meal to be done by Empty Nest Winery. • Thursday lunch (9/21) a fish fry on the River and Backwater excursion. • On Sept. 19th Interpretive Centers will have 6 ft. by 8 ft. booths to display their information. Martin will ask each interpretive center to have a booth at the Tuesday (9/19) reception at 5 p m. Hope to have Max Churchill as Mark Twain there. • It was moved to hire V J. Smith for Wednesday (9/20) evening program for $2500which includes his fee, plus transportation and lodging. • It was moved to pursue a video on Driftless region for opening reception for Tuesday (9/19) night at a cost of no more than $750. • Wednesday (9/20) evening at the Winery with the Pilot's dinner. This event will be open to the public with tickets for purchase. It is hoped that the Ag speech by Secretary Northley will include talk about water quality, trends in Iowa Ag and its 27 importance. No more than a twenty -minute speech. Option 2 for Northey is the Current Cattlemen's Association President, Mike Kline. Dr. Phil Reetsma from DeWitt is another very good speaker and newly retired IA Cattlemen's President. • It was moved to have Dr. Eugene Watkins from Fort Madison speak about the Fort at Fort Madison. • We decided to use " Agritainment-Iowa Style", as our theme for the annual meeting in Marquette, Iowa on Sept. 19, 20, 21, at the Cobblestone Hotel. Martin Graber reported on Interpretive centers Jane Regan reported on the marketing committee and ads for various magazines. Various banners were looked at and Scott T. will be working with the Iowa DOT to make a few changes. Scott T. asked our Commission to support the Pedestrian bridge near E. Davenport being proposed Motion made and passed. Jay S. talked about Bicycle rides along the GRR. 2018 is the date for a bike ride the length of the GRR. We are looking for a sponsor to help get this project going. Edith talked about "Creation of Tourism Corridors" trying to re-emphasize the GRR. Buses, trains, etc. could lead the way to enhance economic development in the U.S. Trails, water, walking emphasis in 2017 (Year of the Trails). June 6 -July 31, Bike ride in Iowa dates, "Bike the GRR" March 16 is the Farnam Dinner that Edith, Scott and Dan will have a booth there. The State Fair booth was discussed and decided to ask for 1 day and a better booth location. Jena asked about a banner designed for each individual Interpretive Center to use. We might have some mock-ups done for the next meeting. Martin and Jane moved to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Secretary, Dan Petersen 28 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 20, 2017 Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing, Iowa MRPC Meeting Minutes 1 March 2017 The March 20, 2017 meeting of MRPC was held at 10 a.m. in Lansing, Iowa, at the Driftless Center. In attendance was Chairman Edith, Jane, Dan, John, and Jena. The meeting started with a presentation by Jim Janett of Allamakee Co. Conservation Committee on the new center and its progress towards completion. Minutes were approved as presented, Jane moved, John 2nd. Treasurer's report by Edith, approved, John moved, Dan 2nd. We have a spendable balance of $3547.70 before September 30, 2017. Jena reported on Motor Mills 5K Run in Clayton Co. Those attending the April National meeting in Paducah are John. Lisa, Edith and Jena. They will come back with some ideas as how to promote our Sept.19, 2017 meeting in Iowa. Suzanne from our national office will meet with us in Paducah. Planning for our Sept. Annual meeting in Iowa commenced. Budgeting and expenses were gone over. Wed., Sept. 20, in the mornings will be meetings with a 9:15 speaker, Peter Spero on drones, a 10:15 speaker and powerpoint by Tem Goodman on the Bee Branch Watershed and a luncheon speaker, Emma BigBear on basket weavers. The Corp of Engineers may also possibly have a Wed. moming speaker. After lunch the first bus stop will be at Effigy Mounds for 45 min. The second stop will be at the Army Post Project. Next stop will be the Highway 76 Scenic Drive on our way to the WW Dairy in Waukon-a cheese and milk facility. Wed. afternoon bus tours will be concluding at the Eagle Nest Winery for supper. There may be a possible speech by Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey after supper. After that our speaker V.J. Smith will talk about welcoming visitors. Thursday moming will be tech meetings and state reports for two hours. Thursday lunch will be at the Sugar Shack Fish Fry at McGregor Half of our guests will go to the Motor Mills and half to the fish fry, 2 hours, then flip groups. Everyone should be done with aftemoon tours by 4 p.m. Thursday evening we will stay at the hotel for a banquet with awards with some light entertainment -possibly barbershop quartet from Clayton Co. Committee reports: Martin sent I.C. surveys to each I.C. that needs to be done before the April Kentucky meeting. Jane talked about Marketing Com. with new maps to be done in May and sent out. John G. reported on Transportation Com. where a 10 state Corridor Management is being considered. National Geo Tourism website -sites are not showing up and it was previously OK. Big trouble in getting things done. Edith reported on "Year of the Trails" meeting in La Crosse on July 10th. Any special events should be sent in for a listing on MRCC. "Eastem Iowa Living" magazine ad needs improvement. "Edible Iowa" is for sale and "City Revealed" could be used instead. The State Fair booth under the Grandstand will be air conditioned this year. Banners and posters and texts and tear sheets all need revised and Scott Tunnicliff from Scott Co. will be working on this. Iowa DOT will also help with this. More fund raising solicitations are encouraged to help with costs. The meeting was adjoumed at 3:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dan Petersen, Secretary 29 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Friday, April 21, 2017 Paducah Kentucky Iowa MRPC State Commission Meeting April 21, 2017, Paducah, Kentucky Chairwoman Pfeffer opened the meeting at 7:45 a.m Attending, Martin Graber, Lisa Walsh, Jay Schweitzer, Jane Regan, Jenna Pollock, Susanne Thiede-Barnet. Reviewed Budget and expense report - Pfeffer commented that the Iowa Byways dues have not been received and Commissioners chose to table consideration of payment of this "donation" for 2017 until further discussion and review on Who the Iowa Byways Foundation is and how it would be beneficial to our Commission to participate in this Byway Foundation which would be in addition to the 10 State Great River Road Foundation also established and expected of our Commissioners to be active Stakeholders in. It was agreed to have Lora Friest new Treasurer for the Iowa Byways Foundation at NE Iowa RC&D provide the MRPC Commissioners with a written narrative of the Iowa Byways Foundation and the Iowa Byways coalition and how the two interact with each other. Tabled until a later meeting. Pfeffer stated we have $3500 that will be paid for MidWest Living Magazine Ad. Regan Moved /Walsh second to approve the financial reports. Motion Carried. Martin Graber, Culture and Heritage Committee Designee, reported he sent out a letter to all commissioners that we visit our Interpretive Centers and complete the questionnaire/survey with them. He has contacted all Iowa Interpretive Centers and asked them to SAVE THE DATE to make plans to attend the National MRPC meeting that Iowa will be hosting in Marquette, Iowa on September 19-21, 2017. There will be committee meetings specific to the Interpretive Centers during this meeting. Marketing Report from Regan: The Birding Bonanza Giveaway has started and will be available online to sign up for The Mississippi River Parkway Commission's Birding Bonanza Giveaway. A simple sweepstakes designed to help promote birding as a recreational activity along the Great River Road. The giveaway runs from March 20 to May 12, 2017. Radio Ads were discussed as a way to promote May Tourism month and a push around Memorial Day to get people out travelling the Great River Road and visiting the Interpretive Centers. The Commission agreed we should do ads again in late May and June. Regan will investigate costs at KUNI-Cedar Falls/Waterloo, WMT Radio, Augustana College in Davenport Transportation report: Edith Pfeffer reported that we need to nominate "shovel ready" projects that promote tourism to Diana Threadgille of Tennessee Commission. Two projects Commissioners felt definitely qualify are the Montrose road that needs to be completed and rebuilt where the floods washed it out and the bridge in the Crapo Park along the Great River Road in Burlington. Lisa Walsh will talk to the City Administrator in Burlington to move this forward with Diana Threadgille (National Federal DOT committee) and Mary Stahlhut, Iowa DOT. 30 It was reported that Hamline University has put together a video about the River. They would like the videos put in the I -Centers and it takes $35,000 per center to be include in the Center Commissioners felt at that cost, few if any I -Centers in Iowa would participate The meeting then turned to planning for the National 10 State meeting in September that Iowa will be hosting in Marquette, IA in the well-known Driftless Region Susanne Thiede-Barnet joined the meeting to review the draft agenda. I -Centers will be encouraged to attend this meeting and the Commission is planning educational and informative presentations for the staff or Board Members of these Centers on How to Interpret the Mississippi River, the Mission, Vision and Governance of your I -Center Boards and Foundations, and the Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in Iowa. Jennifer Kovarik, Registrar and Youth Educator at the Versterheim Museum in Decorah will present. Decision was made that Susanne would communicate with Tim Jacobsen to present the video on the Driftless and we will allow 45 Min for Tim to kick of the meetings on September 20th Susanne Thiede-Barnet will confirm with speakers chosen for the event and Regan and Pollock agreed to work on and finalize the vendors for the the meals. Meeting adjourned at 8:50AM so that Commissioners could participate in the National meeting general sessions. Respectfully submitted: Jane M. Regan, Acting Secretary for Dan Peterson 31 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 15, 2017 Eco Tourism Center Camanche, la Iowa MPRC Meeting May 15, 2017, Eco Tourism Center, 3942 291st St, Camanche, IA Meeting called to order at 1010 AM Attending were Chairwoman, Edith Pfeffer — Clinton Co, Randy Schultz, DNR; Jenna Beary, IA Tourism Office; Shawna Lowde, Iowa Tourism Office; Jenna Pollock, Clayton Co; Jay Schweitzer, Louisa Co; Martin Graber, Lee Co; Mary Stahlhut, IA DOT; Jean Pelton, Fort Madison CVB; and Jane Regan, Allamakee Co. Regan read the minutes of the April 21, meeting in Paducah. Minutes were approved with corrections to be made by Regan Moved by Schweitzer/ Pollock second. Motion carried. Walt Wickham, Director of the Eco Tourism Center welcomed the Commission and reported they had 150 4th grade students from Eagle Heights Elementary in Clinton today doing Blue Heron rides, voyager canoes, and other activities. They just finished the work on the Nature Gallery this past winter and it looks wonderful. Artist Susan Hoigersson from Rock Island, IL did the painting of the murals on the walls. The small classroom has a temporary display on loan from the National River Museum in Dubuque. High waters have not deterred visitors from coming. Half of the Campground is open due to the rest being under water at this time. Fishing tournaments will be starting soon. Walt stated the voyager canoe are very popular with the kids that come and they are looking at purchasing more and sharing with other County Conservation Boards up and down the River. The budget was discussed: Pfeffer reported the Iowa Legislature approved our $40,000 funding for FY18. An outstanding bill for the 2017 Iowa Byways Foundation was noted. Regan reported that at the National MPRC meeting in Paducah, KY in April, the National Marketing Committee and the National MRPC Board recommended that all States belong to the National Scenic Byways organization. After discussion on this recommendation to join the NSB organization, Schweitzer moved/Graber second to participate in this organization. Motion carried. Dues of $125 should be paid immediately. Discussed future meeting dates of June 19 possible conference call, and July 17, and Aug 21. Meeting sites to be determined to finalize plans for the National MRPC meeting in September 19- 21st in Marquette, IA. Planning for National MRPC meeting in Marquette, IA September 19-21 followed. Reviewed the draft agenda provided by the National Office and discussed actions that Commissioners need to complete before the next meeting Actions Include: Confirm the caterers for meals, confirm the transportation for tours, confirm menu with the Empty Nest Winery. (Table decorations at the winery) At the July meeting, we will plan the Iowa opening reception on Tuesday evening, September 21. Regan will provide a list of speakers and their biography for the Interpretive Center workshops being planned for the Directors/Board Members and their staff of the Centers. Those I -Center attendees will join our Wednesday afternoon tour and evening dinner at the Winery. Graber and Schweitzer are working on Welcome Bags for the attendees of the meeting MRPC Committee Reports: Culture and Heritage — Martin reported that all I -Centers will be encouraged to attend the National MRPC meeting in September and we welcome their participation in the opening reception in Lansing on September 19 and workshops on September 20th. He reported on the Culture & Heritage meeting in Paducah. They are working on re- evaluating the application for Interpretive Center themes, and removing the obligation that the I- 32 Center sell GRR maps Graber also reminded each State Commissioner to complete their visits to the I -Centers and the GRR Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist. This form is located on the National MRPC Members website under Culture and Heritage Committee. The surveys must be completed with I -Center staff and submitted to Graber and Pfeffer by July 1 He suggested we also discuss the passport idea with our I -Center staff during our visits. Make note on the survey if they are supportive of this idea and would participate Transportation - Pfeffer reported that Diana Threadgill, National MRPC Representative to the President's Committee on the Infrastructure bill, chaired by the Las Vegas CVB Director and a MN DOT representative reported on this Committee's responsibilities. Pfeffer shared documents, provided by Carol Zoff of MN, showing the type of projects that could be submitted for consideration and their requirements. Pfeffer shared the type of projects that could be submitted for consideration in Iowa. The two projects for Iowa that are now submitted are the GRR at Montrose washed away by flood waters and the GRR Bridge at Crapo Park in Burlington. Environmental, Recreation and Agri — Schweitzer reported that NO continues to want names of Agri -Tourism venues along the GRR for the national website Continue to submit your recommendations to the NO. Marketing Report — Regan talked about the Snapchat project along the Great River Road that National will be doing this fall. We are to find a site that is open on Sundays with a scenic view of the GRR and nominate it to NO for inclusion in the project. The new reprint of the GRR maps will be out by Memorial Day. Each State is to advise NO where we want the maps sent to. The new I -Phone and Adroid app designed for the Great River Road will be tested before Memorial Day by volunteers in each State and should be live by Memorial Day for travelers to enjoy using. A Review of the Facebook and Iowa GRR website was provided from the Iowa Tourism office on how well our social media and website are doing and increasing every month with visitors and also the length of time visitors spend on the GRR website was noted is greater than any average user spends on other websites with less tendency to move to other sites. Our I -Centers are commenting more frequently how their visitor count is up and they truly feel it is due to our advertising efforts done on radio to direct people to the GRR website and our I -Center promotions. The NO is working on a 10 State publication in MidWest Living for 2018 and each State will be featured. Efforts continue in finding Corporate Stakeholders that will fund more projects, activities and marketing of the GRR with the National Marketing Committee. Corporate sponsor and Stakeholder names were mentioned that we will be contacting in the near future. Regan addressed DNR technical advisor Schultz, advising that NE Iowa RC&D received grant funds from the Allamakee County Community Foundation for design and print of Upper Iowa River Trail maps. She reminded the DNR that we can have beautiful maps to depict the water trails but we also need safe access to the rivers. There is an extreme need for access to the Upper Iowa River and other heavily used tributaries to the Mississippi River that are used for recreation by those wanting to kayak/canoe and fish. There are limited areas currently available due to recent years of flooding that has made for extreme unsafe and destroyed access for parking and boat landings that deter visitors from getting onto and off the rivers. Schultz offered to look into this further and collaborate between County Conservation and private landowners and the State to review current access points and ways to improve upon river access. 33 FY18 Co -Op Advertising Program was presented by Jenna Beary, Iowa Department of Tourism Last year Iowa MRPC participated in MW Living, a 1/2 page ad in the Iowa Travel Guide, Outdoor Iowa and the Eastern Iowa Tourism Guide. We currently have not committed to the Iowa Travel Guide for FY18 because the Iowa Tourism office does not have a FY18 budget in place due to State Budget restraints. Those opportunities for the Travel Guide will come in the next few weeks. We have two opportunities done in house by Iowa Tourism Office: Travel Iowa.com opportunities are all done in house. 1. Print opportunities include anything in newspaper or magazine and 2. digital opportunities are available. We discussed the target market of demographics we want to reach. Are we trying to drive traffic to our website or the road? Most of Travel Iowa is Regional driven and does not include Chicago. Travel Iowa does not target Chicago except on billboards. Print opportunities generate leads, where the magazine has reader service cards that travelers fill out and can express interest in your location. Many partners find a lot of value in the print generated service. The Iowa Outdoor package includes Iowa Outdoors and Iowa Sportsman for $300. Motion by Graber/Second by Schweitzer to reserve the following digital ads through the Iowa Tourism Office; Expedia -DMO program for $500, Meredith Digital Network $2,000, TripAdvisor $2000. Motion Carried. Shawn Lode said they would hold these ads for us so that we do not have to go online on Jun 6th to reserve them. Our Facebook is not managed by Travel Iowa but rather the IOWA DOT (Mary Stahlhut). Chairwoman Pfeffer gave an update on the Iowa Byways Coalition meeting she attended in April and a telephone conference in May, the Iowa Byways Foundation, and the Iowa State Fair Commission discussed whether to participate in the Iowa State Fair booth located in the Iowa DOT and Iowa State Patrol booth area under the Grandstand with a cost of approximately $200 per day. Stahlhut commented our booth area is double the size that is available in the Varied Industries building Our booth area will be air conditioned this year as well. Those commissioners that worked in 2016 commented it was well worth participating in this venue and saw considerable traffic at our booth. Commissioners chose Saturday Aug 12th as GRR day to work from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It was indicated we might work a half day on August 13th if needed. We will use the 10 State GRR Brochures, Iowa GRR Tear off Sheet and the I -Center brochures. Martin Graber, Jay Schweitzer, Edith Pfeffer, Dan Peterson and Jean Peiton and Kurt Brandenburg have volunteered for the booth. If commissioners are working the booth, they should book a hotel now because there is another large event (Solheim Golf Cup) in Des Moines that weekend. Moved Schweitzer, Second Graber, Motion passed to purchase booth at Iowa State Fair for Aug 12th and August 13th if needed. Lode stated the Iowa Tourism office does not participate in the Iowa State Fair because everyone has gone back to school and families are not planning travel and the Iowa Tourism office feels it is not the time to promote Discussion on joining Iowa Byways Foundation: Stahlhut commented that our participation would help with the Art Project along the River. Currently serving for GRR on the coalition are Edith Pfeffer and Julie Allesee, retired CVB and Chamber Director both from Clinton. Stahlhut stated the Coalition has two conference calls a year. Foundation Board raises money and directs what projects the money is directed to. Coalition participation provides you a voice for the work the Foundation does. There is NO cost to join the coalition. Troy Seifert, Iowa DOT and former Technical Advisor to MRPC, started this effort so that the State Byways had collaboration statewide. Pollock moved to pay $500 dues to the Iowa Byways Foundation Graber seconded to move the motion to further discussion. Following discussion, a vote was taken with Pollock 34 voting yes, Schweitzer, Regan, Graber abstained from voting and Pfeffer voted no. Motion died for lack of interest Schweitzer moved to table the discussion and it died for lack of a second. Pfeffer advised the Commission of 2018 Eastern Iowa Tourism meetings. Iowa MPRC has been approached to host one of the meeting dates. As a host, you have an opportunity to present about your Byway. Graber moved/Schweitzer second to bid to host the March 7th 2018 meeting and second choice May 2' 2018. Motion carried. Stahlhut reported our GRR Signage Project continues to have a punch list with outstanding work and have ongoing meetings between the contractor and the DOT office. The Signage project which is the installation of the GRR signs is not complete and beginning our fifth year since the awarding of the Federal Scenic Byway grant dollars for this project in 2012. There are approximately one dozen signs missing and between 20 and 30 signs to be corrected. Stahlhut reported that newly designated State Byways in 2016, Covered Bridges and White Pole Road have signage projects in the works. Pfeffer asked that the Iowa GRR logo be sent to the I -Centers for use on their materials. Stahlhut stated that a marketing call would be needed to incorporate the usage agreement of our logo. Stahlhut agreed to put together the call and the usage agreement similar to the other Byways usage agreement. Pfeffer asked all Commissioners to review pages 12-18 and 24 & 25 of last year's 2016 annual report and fulfill the responsibilities that need to be completed to close out our current fiscal year Pfeffer asked we develop an invitation list of guests for the National MRPC Dinner September 20, 2017 at the Empty Nest Winery and each commissioner is to send your list with current addresses of invitees to Pfeffer by June 15tH 1. All State Senators and State Reps. 2. State Elected officials. 3. DNR Randy Schultz will provide DNR Staff names 4. Shawna Lode to advise what staff from Iowa Tourism 5. Board of Supervisors and Mayors from our Counties and Corridor Cities 6. Core of Engineers: Our Mississippi Curriculum needed to be distributed in Marquette Sabrina Chandler, Ron Deiss. Deiss and Chandler to provide list of guests from Core of Engineers. 7. Welcome Center and CVB staff names and addresses. Shawna Lode will contact the CVBs and Eastern Iowa Tourism to inform them of the September 2017 National MRPC meeting in Marquette. Discussion and Review followed on the 2017 goals and accomplishments 1. Visits to the I -Centers 2. Attending City Council and Board of Supervisors meetings to request Stakeholder funding present annual reports 3. Meeting with the State Legislators 4. Meeting with the Governor and his staff —Presenting the annual reports 5. Attending Iowa Byway Meetings and conference calls 6. Completed update work for the 10 State Map/Brochure 7. Mailing of fund raising letters to Stakeholders in the Corridor 8. Distribution of our brochures, maps and Our Mississippi Curriculum 9. Attended Regional Planning Meetings to Present project needs for MRPC 10. Radio and Billboard marketing plans for FY17 11. Collaborated with Iowa Tourism office, DNR and County Conservation Boards 12 Presented annual report to Iowa DOT Commission. 35 Pfeffer reported on the Lansing Bridge report. Meeting coming up that Commission will be notified of. Motion to adjourn at 2:30 p.m. Graber/Schweitzer Second. Motion carried. Submitted by Jane Regan, Acting Secretary 36 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 19, 2017 Hurstville Center, Maquoketa, la MINUTES — JUNE 19, 2017 MEETING OF IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION The Iowa MRPC Commission meeting, held at the Hurstville Center at Maquoketa, was called to order by chair Edith at 10.25 a m. June 19th, 2017. Those in attendance were Edith, Martin, Scott, Jay, Lisa, Jenna, and Dan The minutes were approved as read. Treasurer's report: Scott moved, Jay 2"d, to pay the $150.00 dues for the National Scenic Byways Foundation from the budgeted $500.00 Iowa Byways Line. Motion approved, leaving the $350.00 leftover in the Iowa Byways Line. It was moved to divide these funds as so: $125.89 to travel to annual meeting line, and 224.11 for the travel to semi-annual meeting, moved and passed. Then in order to bring "travel to Semi-annual meeting line $580.20 deficit, up to zero, the $293.50 from Admin was moved to "Travel to Semi-annual" and $286.70 from marketing was moved to "Travel to Semi-annual meeting" line to achieve a balance there of zero. $13.93 was moved to marketing, Martin moved to put residual from travel to marketing, motion passed. Moved by Scott, 2nd by Jay to move budget as amended, passed. Jane was to spend the balance on marketing before July 1, 2017. Future meeting dates are July 17m, September 21st, and November 20th with legislators, moved and passed. Boxes of maps from National Office of MRPC were distributed after the meeting among those attending, 20 boxes total for Iowa. Each interpretative center received a box. The four remaining boxes were split between Iowa Welcome Centers. Annual meeting discussion followed: Jobs for everyone were assigned. The Iowa Commissioners should be at the Hotel in Marquette by noon on Sept. 19, 2017. Edith needs a list of people to invite to the Wednesday evening banquet from each commissioner as soon as possible. Lisa is looking for gift bags to give to meeting arrivals. Jay moved and Martin 2nd to have her spend an appropriate amount to secure 100 bags, passed. We are to bring along any brochures, printed matenals or Iowa items to the July meeting to get started on the stuffing of the bags. We discussed Iowa items to be included in the gift bags It was decided to have the July meeting at the hotel in Marquette or the Driftless Center at 10 a m. Chairman Pfeffer will arrange the meeting location. Each commissioner is urged to make Interpretive Center visits and fill out the white sheets and refer to the blue sheets for classifications by July 1, 2017. Interpretative Center visitation forms are to be returned to Martin. Martin reported for the Culture and Heritage Committee. Potential new Interpretative Centers are to complete the application before August 1, 2017. Lisa has a potential application from Burlington. Edith gave a marketing committee report: This is the "year of the trails — including biking, hiking and paddling." Bike the Great River Road social media/online toolkits were distributed. She will call Effigy Mounds dealing with Snapchat. Edith would like digital pictures from IC's to make the new banners, forward to Scott T. Lisa reported from the Transportation Committee - signage will continue late this summer Jay reported from the Ag Com. Cinnamon Dairy Farm from Donahue and Blue Hill Dairy - Clinton are active in promoting rural/urban interaction 37 The chairman's report included the following items: In 2018, the point of emphasis will be "Year of Art, Culture and History" along the Mississippi River. Commissioners were encouraged to share this information with the Interpretative Centers and other groups in their counties. We will be working in our booth at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday Aug 12th and 1/2 day on Sunday August 13th if needed. Lansing bridge project. The Iowa MRPC supports the new bridge and Jay S will be drafting a letter in support of this project. This was moved by Jenna and 2nd by Lisa, and passed. The "Iowa Byways Travel Guide" is to be updated and each Interpretative Center should give some updated digital photos. They are to be sent to Shawna Lode at Iowa Tourism Office. Chairman Pfeffer reported we had been approved for membership, by the Iowa Executive Council, in the National Scenic Byways Organization. Commissioners are urged to contact our U.S. Senators and Congressmen requesting re -instatement of Federal Funds for National Scenic Byways. Jenna reported on signage for IC's. DOT says lettering has to match sign size and their response is slow in coming. We are still looking for the permission form to use our logo from the DOT. LIDAR project guide for each commissioner was discussed It is available on line at the DOT website. Each commissioner then filled out a paper listing the activities, within their county, they achieved during the past year. This helps Edith with her annual report Jenna moved to adjourn, Jay 2nd, passed at 2:30 p.m. Secretary, Dan Petersen 38 IOWA MRPC BUDGET The FY2015-2016 budget for the Iowa MRPC was approved by the Iowa DOT for $40,000.00. The budget includes 2016 National MRPC dues, National Scenic Byway Membership, Eastern Iowa Tourism Dues, Marketing expenses, MRPC conferences and Iowa Commission meetings and travel expenses. Figure 1: Iowa MRPC State Fiscal Year Budget State Fiscal Year 2017 BUDGET RECORD Iowa DOT Amount Amount Item Description Annual Budget Paid to Date Remaining 1 10 State MRPC Annual Dues $15,000.001 $15,000 00 $0.00 2 Travel to Annual Mtg-Natchez, MS $6,900.001 $7,025.89 -$125.89 3 Travel to Semi -Annual Mtg-KY $4,500.001 $5,304.31 -$804 31 4 Iowa MRPC Mtgs-travel/meals $2,215.001 $2,010.31 $204.69 5 Iowa Byways Foundation Membership $500.00 p.00 S500.00 6 Eastern Iowa Tourism Dues $135.001 $135.00 $0.00 7 Administration $300 001 $6.50 $293.50 8 Marketing (advertising, newsletter, guides) $10,450.00 $9,802.30 $647.70 9 !National Scenic Byways Foundation $0.001 $150.00 -$150.00 TOTAL 1 $40,000.001 $39,434.31 $565.69 I )WA MRPC FY 2016 - 2018 FY BUDGET Marketing $2,650.00 Y2 page ad Travel Iowa $3,500.00 Midwest Living $495.00 ECIA 1/4 page ad $624.08 Pop up Banners $400.00 Iowa State Fair Booth $231.22 State fair travel $456.00 KROS $846.00 ENNES (Several stations) $300.001 IKROS $300.00 iHeart MEDIA $9,802.30 Total 39 MRPC LOCAL IOWA ACTIVITIES AND WORK PLAN Iowa MRPC Website Development The Iowa MRPC website — iowaareatriverroad.com — continues to enjoy success The url redirects to a microsite within the Iowa Tourism Office's web site, traveliowa.com traveliowa.com hosts more than 1.5 million people annually and also represents companion byways and communities and their local travel destinations. (Representatives of communities, events, attractions and restaurants can submit their information directly to traveliowa.com to be featured on it.) Features of iowaareatriverroad.com include: • Mississippi River photos and video • Calendar of events that can be sorted by date, location, type, etc. • Mapping functionality The Iowa Tourism Office provides analytics for the site that show an impressive performance in FY17. • Users: 37,969 • Bounce Rate: 58% • Average Session Duration: 3:29 • Page/Session: 3.76 In the fiscal year, roughly 6,000 users visited the site via organic search. The Iowa Tourism Office's paid marketing efforts, including Google and Bing keywords and Facebook advertising among other platforms, generated the remaining more than 30,000 site visitors. Example: Travel Iowa buys search engine marketing keywords that are seasonally changed The website for the Iowa Byways Coalition — iowabvways.ora — also redirects to content within traveliowa.com Travel Iowa staff have tracked the web activity for this site since adopting the dormant web content a year ago. It is performing at or above the standards expected or set by the web team. 2016 2017 • 21,838 sessions • 44,132 sessions • 18,833 users • 37,969 users • 15,025 new users • 28,549 new users • 122,190 pageviews • 166,133 pageviews • 5.6 pages / session with an average • 3.76 pages / session with an average for view 3.02 for view 1.15 • Bounce rate is only 33.35% • Bounce rate is only 58.27% (Bounce rates can be as high as 90% - goal is below 50%.) Average 56.04% comparing the two years • Visiting 4:53 minutes per visitor • Visiting 3:29 minutes per visitor. Generally, goal is 2:5 minutes. General average is 2:12 minutes • Travel Iowa has seen traffic grow from 1 million in 2015 to 1.5 million in 2016 to 1,714,597 in 2017 • Highest users on Travel Iowa are women 55-65. Visitors to this site can also click a link to "Get a Printable Guide" on demand. htto://www.traveliowa.com/Userpocs/aetinsoired/GRR printable map.adf In addition, Interpretative Centers and CVB's have been encouraged to use experiencemississippiriver.com. Interpretative Centers using this website have found it has dramatically increased visitors this past year. The centers are using the calendar to list events. 40 FACEBOOK AND OTHER DATA FROM IOWA TOURISM Other data gathered by Travel Iowa includes: Other source/Medium Sessions Facebookmaddenmedia / social 22,829 Google / organic 5,150 MaddenMedia / GoogIeCPC 5,119 (direct) / (none) 2,609 MaddenMedia / BingCPC 1,908 Bing / organic 822 Distribution consumer all / email 670 m.facebook.com / referral 608 DMC / EMAIL 560 Pinterest / banner 516 A detailed report may be viewed (Appendix p. 71, 72) 41 Win $otO to yob next awl fairer nand ke Figure 2: www.Iowa Great River Road.com travel ( )WA. lack l Mara to.,u Groot Pave./ Rood page Wei ..:c 1ettr 'AK:., xx „oua-w'r., ica Ceti 121=1c4! 110121006110012 Trip Ideas See & Do Events Slog itiivei Chide Iowa's Great River Road: Explore the Route September is Drive the Great River Road Month. and there's no better time to aolore =.menu's oldest and longest National Scenic Es -way. spectacular fall color, fun events, unique attractions—you'll find it all on the Great Raver Road. Nov.-, we'r a giving you a chance to win some cold bard crib to spend on your neat Great Raver Road trip' Enter the Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes before September so. and you could waa S5oo to spend ea -plot -Inc charminc tcwo . en_ay'ng museums and more Looking for unique attractions, upcoming events, comfortable lodging and tasty dining along the Great River Road' Click the links below to vvew your options' Get a Printable Guide Enter to win *250 for a trip on the Great River Road! Voo kV sore d toe wit tYR"00 0e earn 010,5 too f fel P.wr Roar wr.C, loIIn s bu NsusQ0 Rncr eoa, E-aattxrcm eur0t00ta to w GA 0160040. 'IN.(M. n.• Mtrrnef• M.p.w..1 :,l "its. Ar g 11r UiNrKY• Or.), L'111.1,:..ntew ma+ N 0r o.,iM.KIpe. IMxA-il%n Worts fttl'nt ete ON., fl&v rtn.,l N.N. utIr, 41.•‘; 'no.w^.c •.ro.,tttslt m y'J d w. Int.Val,Jrrq W10e1/.' WWI L'1l ..Pcdl liter ROM' Vier Pd,Iy t• •ay.UC 1.:w1. V840 bundm y,•I .p Wu' Ya..' o'/cd KVY1 P.C. yea 04 row oen Enter now! f 952 klcuootoco Ftem PaAway CWnIeG1011 704 E. Watton Am. Sro.:102 Mark. 'NI tii'Axi • 800.763.8310 42 These three events were posted and promoted by Travel Iowa on their website. Iowa MRPC Social Media and Communications No Iowa MRPC newsletters were produced this fiscal year. We do have a Facebook page maintained by the IDOT and will be using Constant Contact ® to email important updates to our GRR stakeholders httos://www.facebook.com/IowaGreatRiverRoad?ref=avmt homepaae panel 43 Figure 3: Iowa GRR Facebook f' Iowa Great River Road Page Messages Notifications Insights Publishing Tools 443 Bites +1 tins week breann Liye >rd 2 3tner fr-e.yc 15 post reach " . . invite frie ids to Ere this Page Reach a new milesxne Lej ABOUT 500 Likes Promote Page Add street acdress Csy. State. Zip Add phone number Add Pi -ice Range hr,p:r hewn. rowagreatrverroa. > Save Promote Website 44 Q Status Photo 1 Video Q Offer, Event + Iowa Great River Road Mary" We lone Iowa. Iowans and people who love visiting Iowa and Iowans! Join us on the Great River Road! Air LrkerR Comment .i Share Lon Roling, Vai Reinke. Joan Force and 20 others like this 12 shares 381 13 Peooie Reached Post Clicks View Insights Boost Past Iowa Great River Road Traveler Map The Iowa MRPC approved and reprinted our new colorful tear -off byway map to include the updated Interpretive Centers. A copy is included in this report (See Figure 4). The 11 X 17 map has been distributed to our welcome centers, interpretive centers, CVB and other tourist attractions along the byway The colorful map was developed in a tear -off format for the convenience of travelers and users. The new format was produced by the Iowa DOT and allows for easy updating in the years ahead. We have distributed over 20,000 copies during 2016-2017. 45 Figure 4: Iowa Great River Road Traveler map GREAT RIVER ROAD O Wpm Mrtbgq..a weornvrsoarratw3 Pera9e 0.WMI n eWO Pada nOna].e:Co. Cawtbtda O .toelion 00. ferret worn.awn O M. eta:We Net 10000900 V 01Oflr lane., Ira& M amu* u lirtmate .0 metror (an.Manan.. D Cie., NaM1]„ta.b aaaaaa.enert aro, Sada U Feb Pala CNawn Nrdery Or.. Onion O 0.010013 e., (3011001 U 003133.9.39 Wan « etMeve. Oxer. 0001 Ora Rat •-0,40.0. 1.t0m9.y Rhwhw tat Nrw9.at 34RKalC T 1.moeene,tat t.4wyr,n.. Mw..ar Oi.M Wag Ra/ Nrpam Maw. welt Rwanda. .,run 110.4(5 0,15HN lKIWW ,*Vaal . y e (0077 M.vut ....r Merman wore (MI' - p Grate beg lea la ro.wy..e aewe..1 QI K+boe,r aen4s,pp .000 Mara aro a aealt kat.. I.. Se. dthee. (0044,. 0 Cl levet etarm.*C00(4 (1110 Cerra. wCu% Warr Oma, Sawed wt...C.9.. aueroIN (ketal 3, c➢te IL t10,.+M... and ie ofe Cone 0..4.1 • al Newt Kin. Laudon Cent.. Nwer..t J nee O«9. Gad wl3..1000,00 0 &oota6w .toy.d 1.atee<eato, Pearl tuelcm akruvR orae V kee.300 I0e,Man39r04003.an WK+40 9.T3 Cee fp340d0Cn•tat Walton Coags M MeV PR etsd Fane.Sera. C ane NISCa0 00.0. G <arm area tr,cMlx4 rear. aeon Qt Apart aanr.ttaP..va t 3 M[ <anr MlYtbpea, [Is.q 360 Sr'il0li:W�i 0 aw nt mower Dry Park IanOng Res ltiM Lam RJR IKGeegur O Gumwegp 00040 aw.o0-Gtatra..9 0 tan. of Von wee ..amara 0nu Rem G Ona o e.lcd0 Gale but elK(Ineon O Carni Orn. ryl.,..Tenni °renal O Peel Ic6ao. ?peon YSfl MCI„ O.vaon-Wapob O(Jape Rae-W.V . aka Wdgal4JWiiiiWIYatitiYA *YAK Adai IJ hr.!y �11i.IILIO.,.iI�IIN dl1i14ii_ I��11_�!!�.I�l��<IA GREAT.. RIVER ROAD V naluµu Rot, wn<h defines the byway. n f 15000n d tee w pe0de.dant, and.notal that cal the Ina none A. you travel the GM Rev-• Road you are atm lotto..? tn0M3040070, Byer,, candor 400 migratory turd%two narrow middy rot,gt, of 1110 M,tin.pp Warm beta oda late mend and ItoC.p had. :o 0uC1t geese. and der lane, maltIng their nayw Cataa Mr.Ko and beydd. the t01.ge' and other *403043,0), o.er vn4 344 0Mwl19. l9.. Opocennubes to Mn, 6,It padda. and 'none 0)0.3410 yo... outdo, advent...1 *de m.s on ins wad We. many :urns Net•uenlbrmed their.... M4010ora.war, e.tmvve b.o,dnq and reaaln9 batt 04f1111.1u 1.IIVt0 IUWN( The tog of iw. 0,30d4o affects b*o ws3es9oull hal along the byway. Bed a,dbcelifatlh0ted. and dun,` CYN,, am often Iltal0V w13n a ,qw de to nate. Restaurant falweuth,h and ona outdoor deck, for ward weather lora Yenta Ye u,3pvad by dw naval beauty Vou tan our 01370.3100 Modlol Nap the way20 Ouh1MSe ,sorb bon watM01o4 and dbOtog'adn 10 pottery and $.000y. W4 -ihee d\ history, mere.. , Menet,. rt. or even .10od0q. the aver take, Center tugs on ye. ptenCy 1501191. 0(3at W,. Road Nauov1 Seenec flyway M - htto://www.traveliowa.com/Userpocs/aetinspired/GRR printable map.pdf e 414 Y O Fort 'Jose O Koo0tk lila it61:11 ,.. na„Ito cnargW ore. the ye.n a, Re0010 ..• '4x010 amo lt ma)Ny Wt I0,10d1ae.0n a one 01 the 11 la), and :earn 3yveln1 n n03n •..x.50me diet tow, and al ahem you may a1 i. Den 10 tet bodes carymq the.. loads of eon. Call team mote about eansportaboe Y one Ol neatoal mull,., .Dub... aM0,00, . ^RITO�Ia. ion, you real hkNy to see 331141 atboa. w Lng,enult You may spot camn,layaht ,atapatt hlewq boa. and ,et ,kin on the water.11 en you. got a h1nkdd.W104he a rote ?arse,( par hot 400.4.0(07 O44an0 up and /2044 Me Met ranging 'tan 0Un100n 1001001310 a droner Cruise• On a rep$ta,tean,lup. �t bsna.d tontape history on the Great 0ov40040 Omar peod0 have inhalmed the Mt:dsON 0,0er sr'ley 4,, [051;00005 of yeas. yo0tl'n4 evidence of prehator.t Nave forme.", at [Ploy Mounds Nabmal Monu0M•nt 15.10.1,00., 10et4 and TOOl0sbao Inc un M00ds about i man ,t of 0.000!0 You'll also b0 Wovmq In the tocetteo3 0[1-•30 fee :ompa0 3 W mut Iowa. neer e.pwnr Jacque, Marquette and tone )dot Later. mmb ranes hen Geer., Wad. Sranee. and kand.m.ea settled 0010 rho h0autdul lora., 01000 the byway Sixteen nutbnal mter03000 tenter% and Countless muSMM LOnq the byway Welt the Mtumes of the prodk wno lose fr.d neve. WWWu&W1iE11iiYiiYGllilil5diit WWWniiYtFl9Wit1i1151: UNWIND IN RIVERFRONT PARKS, HISTORK DOWNTOWNS, AND AT SCENIC RIVER OVERLOOKS. Fe/tor rhe Mhithtpp [Mer beam. loge soar hero and40Umot Imam on Ula boa portion of the Great Ones Goad Nalorol Sava. IY•a! You WI tend.ptl- dass ,este 00,010.9 reser tern, mord:cert ko.,40.,Alt, and 3o rod, aro. pat of 3p00.4410q neap, d Ulm{ wait And 00.10 road, the G.at G{Ma Gad aretho I.o thc4 Tem Metnsppl GeeMot IOU tdta in Marmot, god. Golfal Meow T e Nets al the rMr tower 000341, along the 330- 0114rano bloom You atm balat .)dam from Ow Mara •pen0a0k tone oral tight *nit* rlaarTlO0 40,00. 001 can dip your ton ilMoot. Ola constant moo noel %flit viort q.rlld Pout heal WOO WAR AM 01 tM1114R0 MO.n'p*o and t W. melon 11 helped bald ,1u�1:aN:.:cu:ss 00epdte0onk.00n .urnN0bw. :altwr.nolt01 M,;Wntwrn (ar 122.1 men. t . Y9Y111.191, eel 600 pretend, leai 3300 Get enterer We.e•med old Telr.W4'wr Com« O,0err7• Malan Cent... to. 0:35 naw na%Cm. We...Cwrw Go...9 wr 11 NO4534113 i.s. mks,ouehee wader 36YN5•t116 W,wW.kame Caner 110..5: roes dwbpton pn... Welcome Cent« xn)9eaau as hot St 149. 01wt ream Conry 13935Ie331 nm.Cena• *31.34 war u / 1r. Need moot saw, (ONY: otapSt .630011111 _ a. .es Gaut ion. toe! neito.reamre t: 01YrOe 000. 004 NC.. 115500.•1.0. 013'2?pen St. 0.3-110.1334 3102524MS K.e.. Ana Orden Ma 3210.1.51515l 311 S Seypse 53 rgauC Onto. 31?S-N-1399 561:.}530: 0000(.., NaWtw icat fmw0? Sue. IR, 500 is v. k. I0h,3oo.11 1100095.9aa. • lolMWhen c1.11nd. k a1L31. 5.11 www 00003ov0.abyw.r.wnhwae0aJhwO t 6/.01,,, ...vM a 1.O0.4.1..-..e.,un_. yew. papuweemn,l4•yme rpm 46 Iowa Byways Travel Guide Figure 5: Iowa Byways Travel Guide The Iowa MRPC in cooperation with Iowa's other designated byways and the Iowa Department of Transportation re -printed the high quality travel guide showcasing the Iowa Great River Road in four pages and the other ten designated Iowa scenic byways first printed in May 2014. This visitor friendly guide invites travelers to extend their Iowa visits and experience more of Iowa's nearby attractions that complement the GRR experience. The guide is free and can be viewed and ordered at www.iowasbvway.ora. Commission members have worked hard to distribute this guide to the welcome and interpretative centers, CVB'S and other tourist attractions in their counties. Figure 6. Ten State Great River Road Map This is our May 2017 Great River Road map following the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states. The map includes all of the national interpretive centers. Explore the route's rich history, unique traditions, spectacular scenery and much more. Detail found in Appendix p. 111 -112. 47 AMr.nc..', OYWAn GREAT RIVER ROAD NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER Minnesota • Wisconsin • Illinois lowa • Missouri • Kentucky • Tennessee Arkansas • Mississippi • Louisiana EXPERIENCEMISSISSIPPIRIVER.COM 866-763-8310 ICHD6 Corridor Management Plan Implementation Workshop A Corridor Management Plan Implementation Workshop was held on July 7, 2015. Facilitator for the Workshop was Terry Buschkamp, Main Street Program, Iowa Economic Development Authority. Six of our seven current 2016 commissioners, two 2015 commissioners, tech member Mary Stahlhut, Iowa DOT Byways Program, and David Rose, Iowa DOT Commissioner participated in the workshop The goal of the workshop was to think strategically where the Commission will focus their efforts in the coming year to implement the Corridor Management Plan accomplishing three or four priorities. The workshop opened with comments on the 2015 Corridor Management Plan we had received before lunch. We decided to use the duties of the commission that are found on the State of Iowa web page: "The Mississippi River Planning Commission is responsible for the continued development, preservation, and promotion of the byway and its amenities" as our mission. Workshop began with attendees working independently to list work that they had done in the past year to promote this mission of the commission. Individuals were asked to list and share their activities for the last 12 months. The facilitator then introduced a series of four questions designed to be reflective of the four areas that were identified in the Corridor Management Plan. Level 1: Existing Level of Appropriation Level 2* Existing Administration and Communications Level 3: Effective promotion and Interpretation Level 4. Facilitator for Capital Investment. Attendees worked individually, then shared their responses for project ideas. Attendees were then asked to indicate their first four top choices and their four second choices for each of the above levels. Creation of a Timeline to Implement Commission Priorities in each of the four levels was discussed. Each commissioner was asked what actions would need to be taken to implement the projects in the next 12 months and identify their willingness to follow through with the action items on the list. The following Projects were selected: Project #1: Request increased allocation from the state via the Iowa DOT (by October 2015) Project #2: Present the Corridor Management Plan to local authorities — City and County — at public meetings. Project #3: Create an ad campaign challenging folks to visit each of the Interpretive Centers. Project #4: Ask local governments for money. Each commissioner selected specific items they would work on in their county to accomplish these four projects. The facilitator provided a summary of the workshop and Recommendations for Next Steps. (Appendix Full report p. 133). As a commission, we have worked during Fiscal Year 2017 to implement this plan. We have used it as a guideline for our meetings and for individual commissioner's work MARKETING At our August 10, 2015 meeting, a marketing workshop was held with Shawna Lode, Director of Iowa Tourism, as the Facilitator. Commissioners were sent eight questions in advance to think about. During the workshop, we talked about our primary target audience, where travelers are drawn from, what are our goals, how will they be measured, what are we selling, what is the message, what is the best delivery method for this message, and what is the budget. Shawna explained the Travel Iowa Partnership Program advising they purchase advertising and then remarket it to groups such as ours. We have two opportunities done in house by Iowa Tourism Office: 1. Print opportunities include anything in newspaper or magazine and 2. Digital opportunities are available These Travel lowa.com opportunities are all done in house. We discussed the target market of demographics we want to reach. Are we trying to drive traffic to our website or the road? Most of Travel Iowa is Regional driven and does not include Chicago. Travel Iowa does not target Chicago except on billboards. Pnnt opportunities generate leads, where the magazine has reader service cards that travelers fill our and can express interest in your location Many partners find a lot 48 of value in the print generated service. With Ms. Lode's help, we continued to market using these guidelines. (Appendix p.140) Purchases for this year included Eastern Iowa Tourism 1/4 page once a year $495.00; Iowa Travel Guide 1/2 page & Outdoor Iowa package $2,650.00; Midwest Living $3500.00; Pop up Banners $624.08; Iowa State Fair Booth $400.00; State fair travel $231.22; Radio ads KROS $456.00 for Drive Great River Road and ENNES (several stations in NE Iowa and SW Wisconsin) $846.00 for Drive Great River Road; I Heart Radio $300.00 and KROS Radio $300 for Bike the Great River Road; and Travel Iowa — Web site remarketing. Our marketing chair, Jane Regan did local radio "103.5" program buy which was $103.50 ad cost and tag words. Trivia about GRR was on the air all week with a Friday prize of $103.50 In June 2017, we again took to air making media buys in the area promoting the Great River Road in Eastern Iowa and biking the great river road. Scripts were written by Commissioner Regan, our marketing chair and our IA MRPC Chair Edith Pfeffer. (Appendix p.70) All of these media buys were under $500 each to meet state requirements. The Commission feels this was a successful project as we work to make more people aware of the Great River Road and interpretive centers. Marketing is an area that we continue to struggle with as a commission. No one on the commission is a marketing major. We continue to try to determine who the targeted audience is, where is the traveler drawn from, and what are they looking for. Travel Iowa has been very consistent in reminding us of our priorities (Appendix p. 140) We constantly remind ourselves that this national scenic byway is home to history, the river, scenery, and charming riverfront communities with unique culture and recreation opportunities It is our duty to promote the road and protect this area. Great River Road Interpretive Centers Visits were made to each of the sixteen Interpretive Centers in the State of Iowa. Local commissioners visited each interpretive center in their county. The checklist was completed with emphasis on which of the eleven Culture and Heritage themes their center represented. Completed checklists may be found in the appendix. (Appendix p. 88-104) Commissioners continued training staff at our Iowa Interpretive Centers using the jump drive provided by Dr. Ruth Hawkins and the Cultural and Heritage Committee. Pictures and script were added to the jump drive talking about each of the sixteen Interpretive Centers in Iowa. During the visit, commissioners distributed Iowa Great River Road tear sheets, Iowa Byways Travel Guide, the Cultural Traveler and the 2017 MRPC National Maps. Each Interpretive Center received one box of these maps. (Appendix p 112) The Interpretive Centers were encouraged to list their center and weekly activities on the Iowa Tourism website — www.iowatourism.com/areatriverroad and on MRPC National website - experiencemississippiriver.com. In addition, Commissioners contacted centers regarding the National Geographic GEO Tourism project. Each center was encouraged to enter their center's activities at mississippiriver natgeotourism.com website and keep it up to date. The 2017 MRPC Ten State National Map was also delivered to the Iowa Welcome Center at Osbourne, Sabula, Quad Cities Welcome Center, and the 1-80 Welcome center at Wilton Commission meetings are held in interpretive centers and staff is invited to address us at the beginning of our meetings about their centers activities and needs from the commission. Iowa Participation in Meetings and Events The Iowa Chair and or her proxy participated in all National MRPC Board meetings and Executive Board meetings, as well as the Annual Meeting The majority of Iowa Commissioners also participated in the National MRPC meetings. 49 The MRPC has been representative at the monthly meetings of the Iowa Byways Coalition by our Chair. Meeting minutes and up -dates on Iowa Byway projects have been provided to commission members as all Iowa Byways work together to promote the great State of Iowa. The Iowa Commission participated in September Drive the Great River Road Month activities. Several commissioners appeared on local radio talk shows promoting the Great River Road. In addition, commissioners attended local city council meetings and county board of supervisor meetings gathering and reading proclamations declaring September Drive the Great River Road month. Press Releases, proclamations etc. were distributed to local media in their jurisdictions by each commissioner. Our chair forwarded the information to the CVB's and Shawna Lode at Iowa Tourism. Information about the event was posted on traveliowa.com. (Appendix p. 119) In addition, we participated in 2017 Year of Trails on the Mississippi River with The Mississippi River Connections Collaborative (MRCC). We provided information on trails in our various counties to the MRPC National Office and the Mississippi River Connections Collaborative, POC: Roxane Krutsinger (314) 331-8624, Mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com. (Appendix p. 142 — 144) We promoted biking, hiking, walking and paddling along with various trails in Iowa. We also purchased ads promoting biking along the Great River Road at the end of June. Press releases were sent and articles appeared in local newspapers. An article appeared above the fold on July 5, 2017 in the Clinton Herald with a biker on the Discovery Trail. (Appendix p. 79) Commission members have worked hard encouraging our interpretative centers and welcome centers to enter information about their attraction on the National Geographic GEO Tourism Website. In addition, we have contacted other tourist attractions and businesses in our counties to enter their information on this national website. We also looked at the "pending locations" and called the attraction asking them to make needed corrections. We are waiting for the updates to be made on this website by National Geographic. Commissioners continue to contact their key local people encouraging them to input tourism data at Travel Iowa website, MRPC website and National Geographic and bring all their local attractions and events up to date It is imperative that local organizations / special events (projects) populate their own data to be best represented in the statewide guide as well as national guides. They are also encouraged to use expericncemississippiriver.com for events and festivals. The interpretative centers that have used experiencemississippiriver.com are receiving visitors identifying with this website used when traveling the Great River Road. We also encourage using mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com reminding them they need to up -date every ninety days. We promoted Birding Along the Great River Road this spring. Information has been shared by Mary Stahlhut, Iowa DOT, with commission members regarding Audubon birding maps for the State of Iowa. Commissioners have shared these resources with their local interpretative centers. Several birding events were held in the Spring by our interpretive centers. The writer was particularly impressed by The Eco -Tourism Center Boat tours this spring More events are anticipated this fall with the interpretative centers hosting events during the Fall Bird Flyover. Two Iowa Birding Maps for Iowa follow in this report. 50 t..e.Iwo Wadden (Version Glenn Inaspetee Swam Birds of the Upper Mississippi River F4)1low the Great River Road to Great Birding! mama- Le. y. •..d llama .rd bad Gh slang cies %malic .a dim, mor emote a .4 mer dv.age. I.w • awl stream ,..ming dmayh ,M pm imaewr a martian NI busman data dawa* .4.. ws mac Asagswm ran: smi ant ta.nro ee trawl 41nws:Y Tim, a data m main w n awe. rimy. dr IAdlitwt4 of.eude.. 81irw.0.... 6ra1 nam. ewsF.s.r W..mdr wed sed.. !Swam Rad• Iin a.., h.bhs ad had Lk nine, rhe .•1e ear. anmhera Ura.. tad Mia.., .L.- dr Minims std pias tiro. F.. is. Yon we near este a sat vacird DL4.g saw w tin enadanu..i aaW..lrhar nh>r mar. aAmmr:a 4.oprt b,dieg val.. The 'Comm Rine! D...l4a, isheIwIId. Nab. des of Aw \ra(mypi f'... «ow dol 4u1m>ua.. lea. 1J66 ado w, d. a.Dsve mer. dm Ohio w,no a. Gill/ Iowa, maw and a paned.. dm+Leah met la.,... 4r4.a.. &Issa s! hewn.. dtm..11 J An lima Rio Wad thwpa. nnan (*MI In dr Bali N 4rri..a The Upper Mississippi River: A Globally Important Bird Area and Migratory "Flyway" for Birds The .Mile MAMA,: Inas..ln.y. ..e haw a... maw- Is dream mini.... n1 Maims rail ma's 64.14114 n, the mak) mea war.. wRato.r We raven, an/ r.agm4remu d dm mil we, .,Dry. WA n h'is .g wham. 4dmar and mmn.rL Hr pry mow .bawls Austaw.••,%dame. -Ani .s.n ',huh A,...,n4 mavdes hit me lima. a nirma,r lf.4.4. w .124 F.rd rpr:I' " 2" 'e t(,:a.. 8,4 In Skids A ani.><.nr 14 ams tourism. gid llr:mpayta Myst•• no sh.. rpeLr and (d aasiaium I hr lWei Ma:dppi Wen leatsod W414.• ..8 rive fl,.. , 4n41.e ..Laid dol ail mal Jw,y abc Miniuippi 4.e. idea hot Awe Rilmilm Mnns..w. neat, as Nae 4, 4. Womb. MA neap sad team (yrs nittar pp. 14,osla 41w1.w .Wean. vat ba Li.b, among chums, vudLtel. wailed Immo.. Lem!, mart mar.. wad pane. and mo,4d Nall Tit Owl nmwvawr..n h. ansa ..endo .......n'4n momiad 4n aim nom wawa. w. , F d...4 w spa,. da.dnd. >nJ nnnxp,hl 4.44.4.j8,4,. In ,ph,gand women da rarer cambia Marr.,. wain M4aac for mon, 1pnx• Gm i a she addax wand. n4 ow mines. a .en... 4.,.n4nmdma. 4M paraluium. Addax. m mgr..lml matron Success Storks :mu -names rak.m.md.wlan Skins Awn beadiledhaw !CAI mica aThr Liver Mwiwippi Dara. The D.W E,r4arida J Ire armee wawa mann.. dm manner am :oda,.., app.. glad . k... fait*. wan mrdalso. '4..Fr haw,*Wren, ars, an 1,.. Ja .,... A.tp.. fait*..a n e...pmi ann. 'bar mow raven mage aim LS.. line bine amain tar mnad.wd ..I mem d:K, mut, sed Nitres naagdin Wm time me.ra ers*mnoal Mom s'rwM rsnrarnssrraisWe.had JI .daq,nl in 1... Wiseman. std MIN.. r.. Ied.dwielnd times aro whore luno a orwre vfw.mrr4• iCusst ins ern. MUsUsipps Item+. Tk,. tut .wi.,>at iMnb f.ngr. etat eh,.t...4,. amis. , 41 en.roasA .at bird. They am limed. odaoyrdmlama and°Lam rad m,pnn a.w::snw du:Amami laWima.ma.mad Mou..1014 14.4 J.ou:ha,.r ,. 3111,3•131../111.11 s.M .vin a da limns \li....ign Ills. hw n.unl.l.. is::aW miss.* maims rat dram, Fineman \Sri.. m, Iia nM (mfr. W I. v..w.he pLaw wee Furls 1,311 )3,haoar. en swoon, 11 . Species of Concern VnsanaiLd adman mei n M tend -aa deadlier am de imw4mrop CLIs teet4 a4nr mart hard M. 1414.. nne..44. ..wr.ig,. Avec• usual* ohs.. ..all a C.,..4 Amo[a rad de send.,. .on of Satoh Anwar. Npalwens a boll, a dux madden hue Ova 4, 4.41 .4w.v .L' 0.4111.11110 iv, ti. t',...4.idpn Dm4Lo.ed ClAdp.4m bon a.a anon as Jeal unto, less i.a.. a talir prim.. ,qa. ..,.4, mammas. is.l.l l., aid l..n ndr.A'tive> fed... ave, •n•,, sad Fn4., aae..g data m odhv .Iia .1..4 ngna.ay. I lea ..ey.,.l and manna, ,8,4.4W0 a emv,en half .44, stat Jm: pass decal dam., law a m..Lwl, anImarilatamio ..4.14..ywv. S,sfug, 'Vat 1ppo naimryi 14ms cro.> a isapavm,tug. Fa ben ad amen 4d armors a mar Connecting People to the Mississippi River ihrime.l tow OWL.p T..4.as.iemimpsd to Lay. d4..a ..u... Alam. Our w. L., ..l situ aa.e of elm eyrieLrn . an mama e.nr Dwae (m- k.ri and en enamor airs ' so rd...she lryerr \Banta., °neem wpm: Army*. 4.a mnekmn. tam. �n..o4 raem ortmaao,. ram... I1. Lana: liner nrJmg and It •papa .44.. 4.,44...,. l 1pir..M.,mry.d lawn e'aarywp. Iia low slier .Lear .h. 4 .4:4n Blare Umamprl gi,n tanp,p,.nd lar (nem Nims "Halog Bail f awes iad„Mnrrtrbwlrra'mmm IBAs Take Flight: Identifying and Conserving Essential Habitat for Birds lapa,un Dint Ahs. v. Ms. s J.:field s nn du: pars hie ..,,n..0 M..u. ,s.a3( di same: semen se LAS. arca lack prom, .d.I a muse. rd..m Nab da sat J:.rat.,L ,.,4.,.,.4.'.4....lea w ,.,44,..,.elm. 11. IDA (harm h.:pa :Wee t.y mitat manand.ad ramie, 6t habits a.man..o.n and rm*mmg patnm mood or .'pad and Yard la&tark In 4994 ,Wars. i..mM4.a ISA n.4... a, tit l'.dmd ikkiki. . M mm41,4, ur..h 144 pmg7,,. .* 411,0 ,:ail no.. .e:mdr a, 4.r "Indio, ainy rsUa emruaw 4..(. anti mn ,.4...rd wing dna/wired ,'...,,h..4 sumo Vat ma hay. .La:IJy sac M Lams. Cad.4..., ,n yawmw ns .eels. Inn....• isdnwa... w. 4..,4.U.,. IDA Pterindth4o ao. vawa.labw,emgbid(ib.• Thi *n _.lata. dr Adm... name 14'4 ..s.. AS ..11 a i.fmmrvnm dew arae ahs Aadd+w !Cid ,.,.v:a ,, . Birds of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge Checklist troemid beim a. .4.44... Imchisdair, We w2rain of bard dad can be tamed milk. :tic Um" Me.aipp4 ti... sismd SrdDdi 11: FIJI ILfgla.. o bah ....yudaa.e.Mddam rue dr ewe. clips PG.eup1 Din. De 11/13 ,•• lama. 1.nelq I..i slate A...4..... m oan...4.. man e4s..lnmw.rwl.,4 Ikump•w .ate ophkeop.4 Lomax 4.. caw spank`' bailor, in I.. We rasa, you are mine, hewn. .Mandoee anal nee awn maw. 4n ueh Inrti wimbi, hamar d.,g da almwa c. near mer: im em nmol w Werra. Sola hpmac- Mod, rim,* \4t Stun. law 4..D da \ ',umber thwack `.. ubd Waw,. Lh.ed.. Jwr¢a Win," Abrassiesmn awl :Arming Aims A - dsnJan C ✓ .van k • mV .ran aa, Wrap C•.•••• East 44. 4. F W f For k SII r a Cam,. Nun Sr• >o F 4. smesem ...w4r •Lr we: mn la•m. n .r... 1.0 31114. Sws• � b•1.r.tm..11•131aa..w: v.'a,' nhu • a tniwn PIM�.awtlra nwca�P'x.r i+w -stat IraMie.m▪ �w. ..a_ yi:. .mar 1.i.� M . e- ats• 'L*. sr ht m dmawr •8vr sa Rammion w whare ow yr 4.,laud OM ,, Va./ Alroo v+r99les. Moues.. throsampr Fossil 1 aim' Iwa.l 310▪ 3.3.1111, .F.mram.w earl 1111•1 ire 3d. SIM OM V.wm n • • /147. ne0714emst I 0331•131,3113 4....4.. •4Jbm A.w1..m t'ml. alhl •••••••••••••••••••••••4•.••••••••• awn in awn�m arm. son..... to••• ..rw..re+.a. • • .b . ..4.4'-a ..... a r d...., how.• , Iva* vac 1,3n M.•••••,.1.1.1 1,133/413r1,133/413r1,133/413ra h ..aL a....w t . r.u.•. w...e muslin., ,k.m. w.(avr:+d �.. Amr:x an ..Ld. Lia nammd.. t al.a.,- .1d4.W:.an,r.m.arb.:Jaw m,..v 1, car., •. Lr.A Y .. .A Yfts,y, WN' •••11,..w I. mama.. Mow lAvain dibmh.aam 3/3./.......14..3.•• ...4w.m'mAL 4.1..n anti. L••••••• 'Audubon 51 n a 4. 1 - r - t•1.�.41dYS /• 11w ha* hid 04/.. t N., aiO:Yla.. al:W r..s..r �4 * • 4r rW .he.r.rrr[wYl lgiw...Jw,.Ow�*aro. wl .Irwi..aNr4.l LI.W lr.d.Y JYw W� LL --,e 111.,,••••• 41 hb.C.wTh W.... ....:R. rwM W.D4M1hem.O.., ra • a ft 11.91.• 1114 .r+..-,......r....wr .ru M....✓r.m w^Y•ar wr.4wr1..1w.1.11aY r a N.tl.rp14 aw u...ga.1 .riwlw Nn+d.r WM..Lrrw..n...1a ..r�ew..�I•I! b Y.waw.14.J 4ibl:sa .•. I...., IOW a.e mw•rla.aVO wa Ma..L.a.Y, So". KYR...ga..J.era.1..ttlO.I l ......1.1.... a4M.a.nY }'.a. Mr 0.•bu.«0..3.1NrYa.a.. Cul�...lti.b. • r.aywl.l w� L.Q w••11wma1X1wr.Ra,.M 4..11.• Ix ✓ ot. norm.*awy,•rw✓44r Coal* +:.aswl.C.4 n.4.1:.1.:..aY1nr1..i e a.. aw..c......rue.,a.«D..wr«... •b•1..w nlh 4.A...t 1•101w✓aA.. Ghia hr. *hit .UAW. Ivo. Yoh Ilawla ....10.9.1..4+.-.L.�X• geirmllum ,« ofl.aw.fq k W lli.en4/Eat rhea. uol Cwr..Awn+w .:.JitYwh.q..p1. ww•r•Xa .a..J.w...was.n ✓ ilrw.l r.w".•M9i.i Noah. Sim 1w4.+.e.b�ar.....rw NL.1 /..ara.I.Gi.11Y4a :,.. r4r 1 m v a..1M /ohms* McC•re .roelr....rai.. ii RawY.a. a.ar.b .Ywabra. ,. rola. I..MLrelwli.a1:11.44.wOU11•••• •.W r 1=w•! •1•.RY..aR.11.1.. aar1..... r.... .. M.Krt Yb.rr...ia a wpwrq..y+rr.wA...«vrr .a..rt.rirr ti1wr.1X • Ld.w v. •▪ W IMr..6 W...P 4.i4tl4a re•Y1.•.w Iw4...4..L.+4.+r,•wu..l.asr... 1.a,a 9s.e.lo..w...+a• aqw.. r m ks4M..i1.4rw p.+rJ il.I...rL. (......11...1••••• r 1 • X • 1,411,11.7 Mx • Ni. r......r.., S,.AI Cr.•M Flea Llrr4w M.O.n•r Dr1.1.:AV..1 la* •1w A,1..4w1w.r. ww.n,.w. .,. •. J4.4' K..I..16...CP Dd LM DYr...a..\.M1a•••• 1.eFr•.rrahra L.i Y1w1• f«.ary..iir ..a..▪ ..w.1...a.mr.4.s.wal..uaK ... 11.a..Maµ:4 Lk. Ch. rui..... ..rwr.a.l. .. X e • • Y. }•.. a r. a a'w. w 1... w ... U.+Nwwra.n.4,....rF...ua. r-•.w4.✓wires. r.4xa..a. W a.l.r 4Mr.19rY.M1+w.>....rYY.\.1.1 Great River Birding Trail I) b1,y1,<•, Ioea )lap Irons SaBcvilk, Iowa, ro Clinton, Iowa (Riva Mile 586 w 507) a• 4-. IOWA WISCONSIN Ks N.. OS n..awY..etwO*.IeN fib..t.Mwrnl.. •K.4w•Lrw14 has 46141..YIW..4fr W l• ••11...••••• 1014•11.... 110 wtin.Ir.NN•r W 1..,..4r{.r..J.f.....r93yf M« 431Y 41.•.•+.rrw.•w EL Oh* alma r..r..aru« Tha r.aa..r ..LJ..a.ao� i .lrl. •iw. rr•Ileo YR, *I ..wl. h.,. WU..�hY.r+.+a.+rr..rr«na✓ea.�. .. w,w. i'r.Ir. Tow Y,.tl 1.1.tra•rr IrMh. r.n1atl•. '-▪ ---4--- ----4------ ' _4•• .....w0r164N14K AwYlmrd ,yllr� W,. R6. Y....irdm*.NN • w•IYra 0. .al.Arw1,1 Y a ✓I44«.lwaww... a4i 1.0.044 Mr.} M.LeDI.r✓trw er.w • Y A..1.44 0 W 44 •Y L.4O. 41.19 MY.1. ▪ Ilrrbi..r.4I W r41••• �. r4.dwya ar.M1.a.rd.a..p..w vNL. sat Whip. Rm .w.L. rr•rLr.N .rw.J.. Y.'S w.•J4 Ma w..� 11.0.0.1.4.34........0 4...1 U. I* C1ww1i..44 .r4iw lb. 41 .•.0., •.r ayr.aayr4 •Mr. M r r,.w....aa Or..4.wL. Y N i 10.4.11.1. tali r,a. Y.YI W b.}ar414• 0. ▪ env Ar.bi l:.u.N.�,t..L wriwi.rY mu.4wnwr ▪ •r.yrwrrIair w.AW aWLDd.w.ltap .wauwrl K •91T C..r.11.LM.w- 4:t. My.fa4w 41 �.1..y:.Y.. ns.:,rr K.14TM--'.....1Jr11I.1r. Oh. r•l..nw./C• •Y...1.• .walYw• hag a..r,. * LL K ayrl,yw.WMW4u4.4 N..e.MP... r.. ••••. aLL.rlw.wrr w L.wa..,aD. X Law .1w1Loh u.L•J•••1& ]CII Who W oar0,1.. M..Rr.. rll..r.. x4r ✓r 1. Khali.. r'.. NI., a r.K4...w. J..d44 r s •J.. hods 11.L+.WO �.rYpeir...yu S..yp,.. n.lrr.lR.•.frr w41•awab. 11.•••••• ,warair1 «wMs..r+ra"9r iw. . UM a141rrnae. . w 41 •IA UM. Y.w •.1...r 1x Way. na..4.....11rea•e •...}v.,..uaL.r.r,wp.Mw...a.rf. •.wRi.✓r Lrr,n.4a.a.rtwai Dta i lWlrer+I✓+WW 11.w.1i 1rw.J W I.L.JW aM.n4drla..rm.. , W ✓ CHYc 1L lis 4..M•• W'•.s.a /u4t •vW SI 4+a: a. a( • K ILLINOIS Smdhi0 G.O. 15...,1•. r wry Kn.yn.n /•rww..r.. ••••1110 X Mou4. wUa isaw fru4.1..a.a... Moo 4. W ▪ .r ur Wham. Mama -y«.. Rm.. 52 Tkf 9..•e. rWrRr <.,n Arr,p.,n Audubon • r✓..a bxYOp...r.ry. ai.O IOWA of Ciao.. Nef 4A o Clinton fidlI11114 4 ..w. lur spot ILLINOIS that ay rlwrr r...4wa aa..4-4 r.)ebw. 112.4.1..11r Drw..Kul..w. w u »w 0r.4 W N•••Ibra 4e, •4r•r.,sd10.1.,Ngre4.F ..1...1tl Yr rr0.1.iw4wr.:.4 0.•• Sha▪ h. w.4r.ruar4r.Rr•. !.r 1v1.a..urW,,...NYF•walw.a Cha Y • 10.iq wu3nlTlw 1..1..'. w...t ..r O✓w4Jaww aa... w•rw1W • Iw «raw.�gN4ir.1.,.4 awes 4.LM0 M 1W•w.1. ww AU,. twit or 1.6. Or rJ...+Thaw. • a4. ▪ Ida,.wltY.rw. :Ow9 r.4i11we I..M....w,. r .. e.rlrni.r aw..i•.mw.4 Iowa W rr 1I.a1.4 Nor • xor.m..x. rr4 w.:r: .a1.1..0 n Chi •..►RYA.. a«.L SC •1wJwla•1..rwaN.. M1wwlab n...aMrM u.w.r.N.t...r.N•it ✓wwarres 1.0...••.• ahem. haohari.. a4 awa •M•rrww1M.M..ara.w 01.111..d. ahem ha Moo .4rw.1.4.... rL Rod-.l4d Hak Y.Poomw.ped Woad. 1e.prr$ewna. Nemo` Tolosa Tr owner \bin Birds of the Upper Mississippi River Follow the Great River Road to Great Birding! Iwag.rc aw Me MM barer ,not 1,11 it Al., d..1114 oupp IAo ow shower n its w. rhrnpo Gwn ',mall now winning Owe die pier 4.4,1. .4 ,..d.. Mows.. Wen radoogh.hr WO or...1 . twine sof oak v.... of stool &Gres,,... Then shows spa... or inn. m✓ugh Mr 1.1.1%.• .. anwl»m Know. owlrw lel.•. ...Iwo. Wooed° and northwest 114,.,. Swap 4, Ors hd.4, nJ Lad kte crawl 5, 14 . ods new M meow. DI,,Yi And M.... wbm Je M„men anf 111iwi, ri.., iriv l'w.,w row tido a *deryudad bid,h;,aom,s• wd.amw m•M of .l.»is blear ow ,.i0....4. .4p b4..p ,ni4.11.Gw, kw, noting lira" ow.,,• LoJ, ..Sod Jw M.dadpp. Row Poo sM hobos.. don 1.2•T• ..4 .h• wnw,h.vra 44, do n. Olio R.(:a4 YP •k The roil o..wd a. die Acids ..l Lwow Wad1. .4 . dle. draw u.11ni taw Gies.k.ir kn•1rhe p`°' Town a owls n, the l:wlfd Moak. The Upper Mississippi River: A Globally Important Bird Area and Migratory "Flyway" for Birds IArm.fjo. 1.5 .t,. 14.w d...;4 ,br brut w✓w,ll draws mil4ons ri.wows .r4 fir g',11ad owe rive weld wt. woe w o.n.o. »ws did mom, 'M onoyogrrnee of nor '.ker. {, i. advisory, odor, luhkar, ,ud monde. 544 J4] a.ah rh, y.4 odors .r dng.14«14, '-,.dNorth .n[wIro✓ a wit.:o Ara, end1•a1..4s, . ILA of wow uNooh,4.rri . uwoJdr . mmNea1..1 nllrroM1war I4 Oslo...rind sod LA ruWatba•u. Ito I .fora A14.wpfi Nm. Vo.wl KILN,` aro fid. Ref,. vend. v✓'bward'4 'e•1 odes stung no Mi. W. Rin from i»w Woe KA4•d✓. Minnow. nods w Rob bind, INloni.11i, ..'loge sot do trims tlfp,, M.O.,. Nov wrier WvLn nparaw,M lir Mn1:,.F owe, ramose mmktr.d...wd,J lwuu lokle•n wn. hard prior, rid wwvh 1 AGF, The rho ....wom sow in• ..wow tw.i.A„not dr ...fowl o..wl w,ew151 Rumor. ober Nati loth o two, duirl.in. and....'pieal row., v.K4•dr b, tkr stows awl ,wow,,1 0:,., ovoids frymmnr amfng 4af.v, Tor mor rko», tiw io dot odds. worths ,h ane woo s,...MR. ground r woken. awl tq.daiou 1 .blown iv roe wed widow Success Stories wiand en Atm. 4n. how4id wa swot hes, `w. w, do t1p, Moi.ippi Pan .s w,. 14 Add rag4 •...arid.. .n -n,. won, and. i.Or mossy.i so nda..piolye s.Wok•4.,lundm1.yfJr,..I to w:mw atop.. Mi»!dppi levo. Jas au viae .Lw.u.4. hasy%m: hk.nA nor ro.r..ed:wo OW ...we .aunn roti to L S. L'. Lam .u..ufollo nrwub' i dad row .. or Jiffs. .wen. and h.q., beg Oe nor'I kap woe mordy e.a»,d feu, J. w4•opisd .pxiw I.., bis.." .41 m4.,per„1 in M. VYw.,,•,,, .ad Moa... 41,4.l.',41an,I Howls ..a ,n hese wo',, d • wwlon.y.t Ma.ein ,,.'o.'wn;4. ,,,,l.. 1..r. Tav 44&,9,X4 bur `dolt, i"'F• ewlf,h. ob..wslos roan. will ...owl. rd k W., rho a loud w endangeird in low and itir.M %1!a.d.'Ireitr d wow. •• Awl -rad u. KSwua.ua atl >Gnau,a 4,441,. Brei..' ' .,.pin wow ra.s.Jdr 1;qn Moi epyl So•u. W. wood. tog WM.ev4 ...,ty.,we .,....w. brow. ctags.lA rid t t.xr. Ka wdwsloe lllim4.h.na tau thiwour...$r'nos IL Species of Concern Wows wok n 4,, (e4Lvn W.M.. and Or Polon nay bead.k. baud slop, dr twin 4Lwawpt, Risovan • ons in rnhL•r•».,.a.1.J tenv Annie sod Jar w oke . sou d SwS Ams fuel hw...4a,.e fn M.4 ed One wrists. haw Ams m Sebm ton 4 r:4we.m.,Avis do lino Whoop,.. I:dOwledKor.11n 1.w s lar . u•i,a n drd noon kmt p4.asw olio po'•, .n noon wow ur..n.s nw4.S. and la.awdati1, lbw Gal or aeons.. l• wo beow. awns. Wo :d4,441 ,his dries. LOOM.+...powls IA4 w.lowcaloLOOM.wuga.Lad.. h&r ailoO1 .n.h;r1."Waif. doren le. ama4bnd .d."..pes4n w e& roe Luwyrrn S4nd14 Thr e77,, Afnuesipp. Ram an n1,11.1. slier 4n: spews id Connecting People to the Mississippi River floe I.m, Rew Minting ltd ..Jn.4.pd to help a44 ,...i4sn slow.,. aobgrd .pnihC a of oho M Mi.,.pn.Riser asan i.rl,r-a: lbws, r Lob rid In`«,Leap Ioap W t:.. l'pf., M4..71, ltm+ elm., 0..4. ora • Iwpr..I.4hm''9'9"pra.nana-m Ibe idea:,e'er144.1Lµ;:rad u. www,of Or Audobw, . L•pfr. b1i.Wippi N..- l asy»iy. ,..Gnu wee Low 1.,4,44.., WN 4G.I.Ipp R:v Campo...oil 1.w 4 inn River 114.. lied, ps .....,k.tvu,rpr npoirt int IBA's Take Flight: Identifying and Conserving Essential Habitat for Birds Iti.wsu. 044 .A..n. a 111.1., r,. .4.,,.1 r ties due points essential l.dao for w vs r woo bi.ds4, . 5 • h.'A pis w4hs m,h m lo46w as sliouriod. e.d.y.nd r, to. too .,.'.".r..n.leda.e. 1 hr INS M.pao. Iib+boL by m,11.w one 4adp nishahm rl powwow, '.,,.es•wow vinWol�.ud 1„d Mows. he Imx +r.4•ar. O e..do Nu wow., n yr Lr..ets1 4a:.a .w4y so woLdidl IIIA p,og,arn in or 5.1 won INA,1aluls..n Co I.m4Gyg doing. andira .Igr.4. Mu oaf .v✓lod .e.. ,,.4.,444 .wrnre'dn.r. ✓1nla Toe t,. halt m.vnfy sent rooms Pow.. Dad Awa di ow woo. 1w weer n .M 9.444.. 115A Pry,. 5. w .....a lutou vietwYstrot f A„ r -r Mon row Marr eINA ..radi,»wn✓••411 ra .s.n•..on slow ry 4.' winos n:n,vnvmm..' rnww•. G _ -^ ►�• co) P. 53 Birds of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge Checklist I1444,41eb,. Is , Jmk„ 45114.9.7 J. WI spot. d hods lis um to land wrhln 4 l'ppo MAW., IL.w &swot,Ko7.pi(e & 4uh K4, is no a .,.p'.144..1444.Toa..,mNL•py.. 1.44liilVi R. s• ors is being • lar, ,hog r a w, Jaw. f)N»un.m w V....44. ,, owe CAudwbp.l lien Toe otur ... A. bWinrIoM . 4, ,„yn.'w we win iey Sow... 4,andwr oil wog Iwo law wadi bird, .wrah. Adios 4.4.11. S.44047. Miser weld. or old s taw: 5.aw *Op ,M4yda \I•,. $ywoo- pow '" 1A.Aug,w. Nit *wool. ,Yngh Sward. WO. f4v,4., .Mngh Parva& A...lo `aid Noel, pato« ool r.-w,wow. mno..ser it_n •_\www disWt.& Coro. Nave 5p 5. r r li...m'tl..r b y 1' W C.vwn `hag Sr S. i W • • • • ORS Pop.' nip MOW,. whets' S`rI ,n.i ea .ar.,0•110,10. _ ,w`.� Aom� � L•n•a••rte. • , Y. • • a.`i.M • r w•,▪ • moa•w•e Wpbe+, .1 • . 1..r•%.. - d.1 , • p• f y4ei•4vtmo .' . • w I,P+.•dv 4 pial_ -areToitr; Ca, .na ,. isovisowie AAA. 111. rleg aver •-ww, wisinose ower rr. ow: Otwo weal' N�Ar a� Ase• .r . .t. Bt4ng A,... . •4G of tah4. .ass..wv ow.4.in.•L. woo*. ••••• . .r r y r u•w.m. •.a•r a'•»"wi..r..w✓m•,.row .A Et< ,e P•271,1 WOW W t Mnw•aw.. w it ▪ w t 1..A a..ww Va.J.ly.r, l.wn .,,Ahlwr.l r.. 2...1., ...� 0,, eNe..,v w4 .;om,th: Kf pia 61..4,4...,.. .' .kao4r• 7, udubon. 3 t r 3 f' at t f . ' 4 Great River Birding Trail Burlington, Iowa Map — from New Boston, Illinois, to Keokuk. lows (River Mile 437 to 361) \1.dr1 i ....vReu.aryAil. g•ner JK olr.wIwo A<:.F...4.0 1,.w latvy�8{ O4 ..fi Amd.r..1 vM.. ._•.a^•• V W uwa 61s4s1» `V I.... .a M...ew ...r ......«............___Ar+d.`�.- + f t1▪ �T... d4lomar, ,,..I.4,1,N. tP, ..W 11.b..id7� + MTM. n 1. 4.b GU P.,....1 -4..a. w.M.0 wrNM4h, ft*14'ne...nd.r....wnpbJ On. e.•*, M waa. ............4..r...W.41,.....e1...W .•T.K•geee � 1...e.nn. V 1A....1'e44.6dwu 1,0 ca. Le 1•».. 1 Ni1 n Fa.te:4ddJw..a... w 41..6.1. 'Own Nom .kok dPA .. no d11,61..end IN, n +�.+Mww _ ... wyw.d ..w e..nL.w. ro4tomod ?*V•%4•"• 11 ....... w.......... ., ..1/ sq Tr,.n..1. 1..d,n..Md+iia.. .•a•i `.1 ".: ti.. a.1...Sw. wftim. 1114a Omeu.1 ,..0...1`....w,a..+.e ...i i N O '� a.re......,a.uc.....r“,4111rudx. ).Oyr.:i Jk....ik W. wii i.o*di O.L.OJ:.ua Q:o, L10.a.1lJ oa(d. '. - •. ti_......r.-.:-.w..r n.ip.J rah . 11Yn. 14. e.a....Jv0.b..» • .line M.arCanMd.U.., WyyC • 7.1H i;j lavidt.tes•oa...u.W.•a..gew.,..1 ..a M.1.J...».•.r.d..y..ku Jr tl..,..... nbxlM. '• - .. MI.. .. 11•k..�50......w.. I u.e.•. 14.16“ iY.� {](� Alb iWd....�� flow :-1 Nam Ta�ivn1 �mt•1. , pg. .1••04Ow»e.. v0...1Md M.p.st v.. OrdC: OLW.M A ur...i - .r OA" ia+.M•.... 51.11.......n1..1.d a...l..t Yawn•}./• . li..w.....I is,. ie l• mod w.Or.....W.M1n Awl,.I.r.. G.r IN...m..,...1w .._* p1».'^+4•^6 d•• t.immixdY CJv - - - u.ws1..• n.ei...1.....u.1.d..... r• . V* L.n el ltd.....,..1.aw D.)Lw.r m .4 i J.o.11Fbu_.w .... tat - L wrd rJ.wWirr. F,n....•.va.u... su r.....d w.m..d F►I.i I.rSA:w ._....._.._ EJ.ii .w..ew. tM,.. e 1rm 1.W.Md.lath nds •:nex M med. ..,weMrw.:...n11n.r...-.e+. �carealM M.sen..e .a uy. .F...... ......a_i a.. W.......04.,,,... thy 1 1..o..J L..w.. c.1N•44. r ,w W. bitd a1..f.• du..». .KC O.+Men, wJY...M ...lad 401.•• Sys .........n 1 Z H ID Ran. Arir WMew.uv W1aeb or.e.,w.i.i..in.naan. as%le< . a1..,. q,a1n t<1....d1.d )M..iei iw, J.y i...w bf...y MI.JJu 01M..Wk.. b -..ny q1a d»...b. i. W ..r...w •,l.t Fluuum(Jl for i'» en, el i'a.Aww f..J ...ir0.omw io Syr,. KM.d.m4J .i...i.ymrv. G 'i n4..1lon• IMY!aw1 Conon.,, i. norm W Oi11Mi.iabC Mb.c _....w.:'.. 1n .7 el.. Ca **Nati. Lb ILL l.N 61..i...l go w an MMM 46 0v.. • P.Jwm.,Teli. Mind VA* 1.wd.,e•Mme M W.O,dYMe..plr elm[.nl toy ad.d L..iJ w..p4•..a.... %At, w.pdLNm uld-mwl ddmN •.m... .im.. s...1.r. rot pard Ow.lb Y.to* .o.nratrkfrea .grov.1ii Psalms.,` �.. . Mo. ,Q..n.i 1..44 ,h,• , meth... 10..m• wl4ni b am d Sr ••••14* befog 11.111n..,®n... 1 k N tin.. lb.w.n:.l elfin LA... sln.Md irr►� Rrfala 01L..d al d... Goo.* 1 Jariel O.. As•Oc.rynau0m.foie. ad.l.t..* •rt Madison oal WbJn 40......111.,.....11.14 toomai W N�»6f' ianJ.. ..Od M1 Pal OiY Lt Spa... lt1 W CJl.er.vl2.iw 4• Crnpe.. J ....As: iwair d...F..41..a' W..df..-.Ye.1.YY'�.4wa ti4." iM t4..O.r mk..wJ 00..•M 104.1.14. eV%L.ir....e.»A.1 W.u14. 1d.no be K., Y•.m tdew 1.000011 4W1 surfing 01.. — Vv S.Wp;pa KEY It .0 Y:... • Sbesap .e d wets., .0 ftexed.J h tm 1- boaLtd, M co, 1.=1 ll.n O.'row a Mal ti Crow Ta ti Who T. • Intenvtan B Pemao-a 4. np.TN noway abd re.r (Nee W Ko V.w 54 1000 MISSOURI 11 Audubon relabl NiipN.W/ IIk..C..p.j.. 0 t�) MRPC Annual and Semi -Annual Meeting The National MRPC Annual meeting was held in Natchez with five commissioners attending. Seven Commissioners attended the Semi -Annual Meeting in Paducah in April 2017 Iowa MRPC Stakeholder Meetings MRPC stakeholder meetings took place twice this past year. The purpose of the first meeting October 21St, was to meet with Governor Branstad and his staff. Governor Branstad was provided the 2016 Annual report, shared a budget request letter for additional yearly funding to implement the 2015 Corridor Management Plan, and a request for special funding for the 2017 National MRPC Annual meeting which Iowa will host in September 2017. In 2013, IDOT provided additional funding for the national semi-annual meeting Iowa hosted. The last time Iowa hosted the National Annual Meeting in 2009, additional funds were received in the amount of $23,000.00. Documents detailing the work of each commissioner were given to Governor Branstad and his staff. (Appendix p. 68) A budget request of $301,435 was forwarded through IDOT and shared with Governor Branstad. Governor Branstad suggested the MRPC approach the CVB's / Hotel / Motel tax and nverfront gaming commissions for contributions/sponsorships, suggesting we could draw $50,000.00. It was pointed out the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission INC Foundation is a 501 (c) (4) and not eligible for Riverboat Funding. Later, in the conversation, Governor Branstad circled back and said: "Ask the five owners up and down the river for a $10,000.00 each donation. To get to the casino's they need to drive the Great River Road - Right " he said. A recent contribution for $15,00.00 across county lines for the Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center, a 501(c)(3) was noted. While we did not receive additional funding for the convention nor the 2017 / 2018 budget, our funding was not cut by the Governor nor the legislature in the Iowa 2018 Transportation Bill The economic impact and opportunities on the Great River Road were discussed at length (Appendix p. 73) Opportunities including the American Queen 2016 fall visits and plans for 2017 visits and the Viking Cruise Line for 2018 were mentioned. The Governor was surpnsed with the implementation of all these events on the Mississippi River and asked us to keep him advised of future growth. He encouraged continued discussion with his staff for additional funding and staff. It was pointed out that we are the only Byway in Iowa that does not have paid staff. While discussing the Japanese marketing effort by Mississippi River Country (MRC) the tourism sister organization to the MRPC, he asked to have the Chinese become an immediate priority. He wanted Iowa materials translated as soon as possible (NOTE: We did not know he was going to become ambassador to China at this time.) The GRR economic impact sheet with the GRR county facts pulled out were distributed (Report p. 57) The second stakeholders meeting was held on November 21, 2016 with members of the Iowa Legislature who joined us for lunch. Invited guests included twenty-nine State Representatives and State Senators who represent the ten river counties along the Great River Road. Reasons for this meeting included MRPC history, Iowa's 2015 Corridor Management Plan, Implementation of the plan including additional funding and Collaborative expectations for the Great River Road Communities. Duties of commissioners (Appendix p. 68) and uses of the current funding were discussed. It was pointed out commissioners have taken the 2015 Corridor Management Plan to each county board of supervisors, county conservation boards and city councils, convention and business bureaus, chamber of commerce, Rotary Clubs and economic development officials and legislators. In addition, copies have been provided to Senator Grassley, Senator Ernst, Congressman Blum, and Congressman Loebsak and their staffs who sometimes attend our meetings. Each group has also been provided with copies of the 2016 IOWA MRPC Annual Report. Requests were made to many of these entities for funding (Appendix p.148) 55 Great River Road Economic Impact Study sheet with the GRR county facts pulled out were distributed. Using the Economic development approach — attributing dollars spent, employees in travel industry etc. Scott County is one of the largest river counties and ranks #3 in the state. Most remarkable is the impact of visitors in the smaller population counties. Allamakee is #1 in the state in per capita of travel related income. These numbers illustrate the huge impact of the Mississippi River and the Great River Road on visitors Two counties are over $4 million and Allamakee $40 million. (Appendix p. 73,74) Discussion followed including the challenge to local organizations along the river who fail to recognize the Mississippi River and the Great River Road and their influences, the importance of the Education tool. Our Mississippi River prepared by the Core of Engineers for teaching about the river; the riverboat cruises from New Orleans to St. Paul, and the new websites including: www.exoeriencemississlooiriver.com and www.mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com - the National Geographic new geo-tourism web site as well as travellowa.com - iowagreatriverroad. According to the Code of Iowa "The Mississippi River Planning Commission is responsible for the continued development, preservation, and promotion of the byway and its amenities " Budgeting issues were shared with the legislators and a copy of the letter sent to Craig Markley, Office of Systems Planning, Iowa DOT. Commissioner Regan concluded, "That's what we are commissioned to do. Hoping we can get some dollars from somewhere for administrative support to implement." Commission Chair Pfeffer and Commissioner Regan concluded with an appeal to the legislators present to protect the MRPC budget and requested their input. A question and answer discussion closed the meeting. Our goal of educating legislators about the Great River Road and they educating us about funding is continuing. (Additional information may be found in our November minutes on pages 20 thru 24.) Economic Impact Report Jane Regan has reported data from the document titled The Economic Impact of Travel on Iowa Counties 2016. This document has been prepared by the U.S. Travel Association. She has specifically targeted the 10 Mississippi River Counties in Iowa. She has also listed the adjoining counties at the bottom of the data chart. The impact is staggering and it will be helpful for legislators and the CAT (Community Attraction and Tourism) Grant Economic Authority grant application of the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center. (Additional charts Appendix p.73, 74) 56 Domestic Travel Impact on Iowa — 2015 TRAVEL EXPENDITURES Domestic traveler spending in Iowa totaled close to $8.1 billion (in current dollars) during 2015, representing an increase of 0.1 percent from 2014. This low growth was mainly caused by a large drop in motor fuel prices. Auto transportation, foodservices and lodging are the top three spending categories for domestic travelers in Iowa. Domestic travelers spent $3.0 billion on auto transportation, down 8.2 percent from 2014 This sector accounted for 37.7 percent of total domestic travelers' spending in Iowa. Accounting for 21.4 percent of the state total domestic traveler expenditures, spending on foodservice rose 6.0 percent to $1.7 billion in 2015. Domestic travelers' spending on lodging was up 8.0 percent to $974.7 million in 2015. In 2015, domestic travelers' spending on public transportation was up 3.5 percent from 2014 to $895.4 million. Domestic travelers spent $834.0 million on the entertainment and recreation sector in 2015, up 5.7 percent from 2014. Domestic travelers' spending on general retail increased 5.2 percent to $593.1 million in 2015. Domestic Travel Expenditures in Iowa in 2015 by Industry Sector Entertainment & Recreation 10.3% Foodservice 71 4% General Retail. Trade 7.4% Public Transportation 11.1% Lodging 12.1% Auto Transportation 37.7% • Foodservice sector includes restaurants, grocery stores and other eating and drinking establishments • Lodging sector consists of hotels and motels, campgrounds, and ownership or rental of vacation or second homes • Public transportation sector comprises air, intercity bus, rail, boat or ship, and taxicab or limousine service • Auto transportation sector includes privately -owned vehicles that are used for trips (e.g., automobiles, trucks, campers or other recreational vehicles), gasoline stations, and automotive rental. • General retail trade sector includes gifts, clothes, souvenirs, and other incidental retail purchases. • Entertainment and recreation sector includes such items as golf skiing and gaming 57 Impact on the 10 Mississippi River Counties 2015 DATA: U.S Travel Association County and Visitor % Payroll # State Tax Local Tax Population Rank in Expenditures Increase $Millions Employed Revenue Revenue in 2014 & State Per $$ in Millions over $ Millions $ Millions Rank by Expenditure & 2014 Population $$$ Spent Per Capita in State Scott 624.07M 0.39% 99.53 6,200 39.52 9.83 172,126 3 3,663 PC (3) Dubuque 329.27M 0.08% 52.29 2870 18.35 4.49 97,125 6 3,441 PC f 7) Des 132.62M 23.6% 23 60 1050 6.55 1.92 4,76155 Moines 3,276 PC (16) 13 Clinton 116.29M -0.89% 16.67 970 7.00 1.52 47,768 14 2,401 PC (12) Muscatine 79.99M -0.32% 12.15 700 5.37 0.99 4011 1 18 1,867 PC 14) Lee 61.14 0.21% 9.20 520 3.93 0.88 31,019 ,0 9 21 1,713 PC (20) Allamakee 40.21M 0.21% 3.91 200 2.42 0.98 1f,816 ,8 6 28 2,832 PC (57) Clayton 33.47M 0.067% 4.47 250 2.13 0.66 17,644 32 1,883 PC (39) Jackson 31.23M 0.26% 4 21 230 2.20 0.65 10,444 33 1,594 PC (36) Louisa 13.69M 3.84% 1.71 90 1.16 0.34 11,185 64 1,213 PC f67) TOTAL 1,461,980B 27.45% 227.74 13,080 88,630,000 22,260,000 497,333 Adjoining counties Winneshiek 29.77 5.30 340 2.15 0 30 20,709 (30) Howard 4.60 0.55 30 0.32 0.05 9,410 (79) Fayette 16.95 1 75 90 1.09 0 14 20,257 (34) Chickasaw 10 36 1.59 100 0.79 0 12 12,097 (63) Van Buren 6 52 .85 50 0.52 0 08 7,344 Davis 6 86 .66 40 0.44 0 08 8,769 Henry 21.78 3.21 170 1.32 0.31 19,950 Jefferson 40.39 6.13 370 2.36 0.34 17,555 Washington 15.89 1.82 110 1.08 0.12 22,247 Keokuk 4 73 44 20 0.32 0.05 10,163 Iowa Population: 3,123,899 16% of Total Iowa Population Lives in the Great River Road (497,333 population of 10 River Counties). Example: If we closed off the Des Moines County boarders to our Visitors each citizen (40,055) would have to spend $3,276 each, to put back into our economy the $132,620,000 expenditures brought in by the visitors to our lodging, restaurants, and gas stations. How many of the 1050 jobs would disappear' 58 DISCUSSION WITH MPO's / RPA's Discussion began with the four MPO's / RPA's in Iowa along the GRR at our June 20, 2016 meeting. Commissioner Regan provided a presentation about MRPC responsibilities and the economic impact of the Mississippi River and the Iowa Great River Road. She stated that the MRPC goal is to partner with MPO's and RPA's to support this effort and • the interpretive centers along the Iowa GRR • the infrastructure of the road and the signing • better communication about the road including constant contact, web site, Facebook etc The MRPC is going to need assistance with funding and staffing to strengthen and support the Iowa GRR in terms of transportation and economic development. Discussion with the planning organizations present followed. Discussion summary: • The first point made was they do not do marketing. • Assistance would not be for staff and operations support. • Transportation and economic development are more in their bailiwick. • Might be able to help with destination signing for attractions. • On occasion, a COG will do a contract to organize and manage a project (i.e / a trail project). • Trails - Being aware of the GRR and the MRT needs toward projects that benefit both when we have more information. • Bi -state is pushing to put up bike trail signing with free signs from IDOT and local posts and installation. • Information in the Corridor Management Plan may be presented to their boards. • Any requests for money must go thru their boards for any project • To provide assistance in other ways, if MRPC can come forward with a finite list of what they want from the organization, the conversation could go forward within their regular mission and practices of the organizations to consider. Come forward with smaller issues we could start discussing what we can do. If we could give them a list of what we would ask someone to do ... they can go thru that list and see if they could help. (Note: they are receiving the National Scenic Byway money). A follow-up report was presented at our July 18, 2016 meeting. Denise Bulatt explained that STP dollars / the transportation alternative program cannot provide staff time. They do not fund projects under $100,000.00 MRPC could apply for a project to their policy board and compete. It could be a combined project among several planning organizations to cover the GRR. We would need a match and if dollars are already in -hand we would have a better chance. She stated an interpretive signing project might be competitive. Absolutely no help or money would be provided for marketing. Denise and Chandra discussed the collaboration and networking opportunities including: • Planning organizations will include the GRR and its CMP in their plans and this becomes part of their work. • Prior to MRPC committing to the Iowa Byway Program, the Planning organizations will determine their best match and make a proposal to MRPC. • One MPO will review the CMP and review with others. • The four entities will start looking into activities that already fit into the MRPC mission to help with existing items that may already be in the MRPC scope of work. No report has been received since these two meetings. Follow-up will be done following the National MRPC annual meeting in September 2017. 59 Commissioner Tunnicliff met with Bi -State Regional Planning in Quad Cities and presented the annual report. Commissioner Pfeffer met with the ECIA (East Central Intra -Governmental Agency) in Dubuque and presented the annual report. COMMISSIONER AND GENERAL ACTIVITIES Commission members were involved in a number of activities over and above our regular meetings and stakeholder meetings. Commissioner Jane Regan, treasurer Iowa MRPC, was Co -Chair of the $3.7 million dollar Fundraising committee for the Driftless Area Education and Visitor's Center, a three-story, 10,000 square foot building situated between Village Creek and Columbus Road, in Lansing, Iowa, which offers experiences and exhibits reflecting the cultural, recreational, environmental and historical significance of the Driftless Area. The Driftless area encompasses northeast Iowa, southwest Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota and portions of northwest Illinois. This project received a $1,361,400.00 National Scenic Byways Grant in 2012. Current and former Iowa MRPC Commissioners contributed $1500.00 to the Great River Road Driftless Area Education and Visitor Interpretive Center Project. Iowa is extremely proud of the fully funded completed new center and looks forward to the center becoming a MRPC National Interpretive Center. February 2017, found us again partnering with Fort Madison and Keokuk, Iowa and Nauvoo, Illinois providing promotional materials to be taken to the State of Utah for three trade shows. The Great River Historic Loop has been developed by the Keokuk CVB, Fort Madison Tourism and Nauvoo Tourism Office. The Great River Historic Loop is a fifty -mile drive along some of the most scenic shorelines of the Mississippi River. Many visitors come to Nauvoo — the City Beautiful, a National Historic Landmark District, to experience what the pioneer life of the 1840's and to visit the Nauvoo Temple This historic loop provides an excellent opportunity to show case the Great River Road in Iowa and Illinois. (Appendix p. 85, 86) The 14th Annual Henry Farnam Dinner March 16, 2017 focused on the 150th Anniversary of Baseball in the Quad -Cities. Speakers were Tom Sheiber, Tim Rask and Dave Heller. Sheiber, Senior Curator at the National Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York and lead curator of "We Are Baseball", a NHF traveling exhibit. He talked about "The Rivarly" a temporary exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, ILL which he curated This exhibit details the long and intertwined histories of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Tim Rask, has written numerous articles and is the author of the book, "Baseball at Davenport's John O'Donnell Stadium". He gave the history of baseball along the river in the Quad -Cities area. Dave Heller spoke about the current team and his role as owner of the Quad City River Bandits. Iowa MRPC booth, at the dinner, showcased our new banners and the Iowa Great River Road Interpretative Centers. MRPC key rings, MRPC pins, Great River Road Tear sheets and the Iowa Byways brochure were distributed. This venue also provided a great opportunity to tell the story of the Great River Road, its many attractions and opportunities for day trips. Three commissioners, Pfeffer, Petersen, Tunnicliff attended this informative evening and enjoyed eating dinner with the Editors of the Quad Cities Times. We were joined by Jean Peiton, Fort Madison Tourism, who had a booth next to us. She promoted Iowa's southern GRR including Fort Madison, Keokuk and Nauvoo, Illinois encouraging driving The Great River Historic Loop developed by Keokuk CVB, Fort Madison Tourism and Nauvoo Tourism offices. (Appendix p. 85, 86) Chairman Pfeffer presented a summary of Iowa MRPC Actions and the 2016 Annual Report to members of the Iowa DOT Commission at the IDOT Public Input Meeting October 11, 2016 in Dubuque, Iowa. 60 Individually, commissioners have been telling the Great River Road story in their individual counties. Commissioner Regan appeared on radio stations and at the Great River Rumble telling the story of the Iowa Great River Road. In addition, Commissioner Goodmann has been doing newspaper interviews including the Cedar Rapids Gazette "Community Attractions". (Appendix p. 75 -77) Our chair has been busy promoting Birding, Biking and Hiking or the Year of The Trails along the Great River Road in newspaper and radio stations in Jackson and Clinton Counties using the media kit. (Appendix p. 109) Lisa Walsh, commissioner from Burlington, has worked on an interpretative center for Des Moines county. Watch for exciting news as the Aldo Leopold project develops in Burlington with Commissioner Walsh's determination. Commissioner met individually with their Iowa senator and representatives sharing the annual report and requesting additional funding so the 2015 Corridor Management Plan may be fully implemented. We asked them to project our budget in the legislative process. Commissioners continue to promote "Our Mississippi" resource in our local school in each county. We have discussed with school administrators the importance of teaching about the river in our local communities. These materials have now been distributed to all the naturalists along the GRR. Letters of support were provided for the First Bridge Project in Davenport and the proposed new Mississippi River bridge in Lansing (Appendix p 87 and page 81). The Iowa MRPC Commission joined the National Scenic Byway Organization. The organization is working to have the National Scenic Byway money restored as a line item in the Federal Highway Budget. Members have visited with our US Senators and Representatives concerning this issue in Iowa. Scott County Commissioner Tunnicliff represented the commission at the ribbon cutting for the Great River Road Mississippi River Trail in Bettendorf. This project was partially funded with a 2012-2013 National Scenic Byway Grant in the amount of $494,956.00. We look forward to hosting the 2018 MRPC Bicycle Ride from Lake Itasca to New Orleans as more of the MRT is completed. Commissioners have been involved in the addition of bicycles paths (MRT) along the rural Great River Road in Iowa. (Appendix p. 145) 61 PROJECTS COMPLETED The Iowa Commission was pleased to see three Projects which received 2012 - 2013 National Scenic Byway Grants completed. Projects included $1,361,400 for the Great River Road Driftless Area Byway Visitor Center in Allamakee County at Lansing, Iowa; the Iowa DOT Great River Road Signage Project $346,160.00 for now signs along the Byway; and $494,956 00 for the Great River Road Mississippi River Trail in Bettendorf and Riverdale. The previous pages shows a picture of the ribbon cutting for the Mississippi River Trail, a picture of the new sign follows on page 64 and a picture of the new Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is featured below. We are very excited to the wonderful improvements to the visitors' experience along the Great River Road. COMMISSION HONORARY MEMBERSHIP NOMINATIONS Jane Regan and Scott Tunnicliff have been nominated for honorary membership for the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission. (Appendix p 151-152) 62 COMMISSION AWARDS Iowa received the Mississippi River Parkway Commission Great River Road Annual Pilot's Award. This award is presented to a state or province commission in recognition of outstanding achievements in pursuing the goals and objectives of the MRPC. The award was accepted by chairperson Edith Reiss Pfeffer on behalf of the Iowa Commission The commission received this award for the establishment of an active website, promotion of all MRPC websites, aggressive marketing and promotion of the Great River Road; stakeholder meetings with county supervisors, conservation boards, city councils; hospitality workshops, meeting with state representatives and state senators, and the Governor; and presentation with Iowa DOT Commission. MwN/Pw M�•• �.�� .s, ..I rll,,7 , \N ,ul' egit 63 Ain blomigti &Alit 01 spanning Cascade 64 Ravine has New Byway Signs Commission members are pleased the new byway signs have been installed along the Great River Road by the Iowa DOT during the past year. These were funded by a 2012-2013 National Scenic Byways Grant. Great River Road Concerns In Clayton County, the sand mine has re -zoned 800 acres to industrial for frack mining. The below mining is now above ground. The Clayton County Zoning Commissioners voted to approve permit on August 22, 2016. Two portions of the Iowa Great River Road have serious infrastructure challenges. Both are in Iowa towns We continue to remind Iowa DOT that we would like to have these areas opened and fixed. These projects were submitted as Shovel Ready Projects in Iowa to the Federal Highway Commission in Spring Of 2017 from the State of Iowa BURLINGTON In Burlington's bluff top Crapo Park, the bridge been closed to motor and pedestrian traffic. The bridge built in 1896 connects downtown Burlington with Crapo Park via South Main Street and is the recognized route for the Iowa Great River Road. It is now showing its age. Burlington stopped letting vehicles travel across Cascade Bridge in 2008, but does currently allow pedestrian traffic. A preliminary study has been completed and the City of Burlington has this on their list of bridges to be replaced. There is currently no timeline or funding available. MONTROSE MONTROSE — A portion of River Road near Montrose is closed to through traffic until further notice. Heavy downpours have eroded the hillside and roadway • Michael Hoenig and Police Chief Jordan Maag deemed the road unsafe for travel, as the lane on the bluff side has sunk at least 4 to 5 feet. Some motorists chose to drive around the barricades, so Hoenig placed a Targe pile of gravel in the intact lane to prevent traffic from traveling in the washed-out area. • The city has made temporary repairs to River Road several times since it first washed out in 2010, according to Hoenig. He's seen the road sink as far as 8 feet in the past. He estimates the washed-out area stretches about 100 feet long and 30 feet wide this time. We need a permanent fix. The city faces several obstacles to financial assistance for repairs. o Homeowners in the Bluff Park housing development that sits above River Road own the ravine that extends to the city right-of-way, as well as the bluff area between the road and Burlington Northern Santa Fe's right-of-way. o The Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn't fund recovery projects for privately -owned property, according to Reid. o Jordon Moser has determined that Montrose doesn't qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance for this project for several reasons. o The road first washed out in 2010. The city qualified for funding in 2010 and 2013, but declined because it did not believe it could afford the grant matches. o According to Moser, River Road is exempt from additional funding offers because of pre-existing damage. • The affected area of River Road is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration Roadways that are considered major collectors are not eligible for FEMA funds. May 2013 June 2015 • Re -Opening this important historical section, part of the oldest Iowa land grant, near the start of the famous Mormon Pioneer Trail is extremely important. Effigy Mount Coin Release Effigy Mounds National Monument was honored as the 36th release of the United Stated Mint Beautiful Quarters Program. This coin joins a collection that is set to honor a total of 56 national parks and other sites. Fourth-generation Iowan Richard Masters was the designer of the quarter and received special recognition at the ceremony. Masters is an artist in the United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program. This event was attended by Commissioner Regan and Commissioner Pfeffer. The Iowa MRPC is extremely proud that one of its national interpretive centers was selected for this honor. (Appendix p. 150) 65 The 2013 Iowa Great River Road Visitor Survey Summary report detailed result tabulation. and survey instrument for the 2013Iowa Great River Road Visitor Survev The 2013 Iowa Great River Road Resident Survey Summary report detailed result tabulation. and survey instrument for the 2013 Iowa Great River Rood Resident Survey. Report of Spring 2014 Stakeholder Meetings A complete report of the productionresults and public direction provided during the Spring 2014 Stakeholder Meetings. Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Stakeholder List A tabular presentation of the contact irstinu for the Iowa Mississippi River Parkwoi Commission current as of January Core Management Directions, Actions, and Financial Considerations Detailed background and descriptions of Actions and financial considerations supporting the Core Management Directions of the Iowa Great River Road. Iowa Great River Road Designated Route Update Map atlases for the ten Iowa Great River Road counties illustrating the routing of the Byway. Summary Report of Representative Intrinsic Qualities and Resources, Tabulation and Map Sets Report, tabulations and map county atlases of the intrinsic resources of the Iowa Great River Road. Condition of the Road Report A review of the existing conditions associated with the Iowa Great Road using 14 key topics recommended by the Federal Highway Administration. Iowa Great River Road Route Traffic Data and Safety Report A tabular presentation of traffic data and safety indicators for segments of the Iowa Great River Road prepared by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Iowa Great River Road Document Library An extensive listing of a wide variety of reference documents pertaining to the Mississippi River as well as the National and Iowa Great River Road. Report of Spring 2012 Stakeholder Meetings A complete report of the production, results, and public direction provided during the Spring 2012 Stakeholder Meetings. The 2015 Corridor Management Plan Library for the Iowa Great River Road A comprehensive collection of data, research findings, reports, maps, and presentations which provide additional detail and support for the 2015 Corridor Management Plan of the Iowa Great River Road. Each document is referenced with a lettered icon and title. Document files can be downloaded at www.iowadot.aov/iowasbyways/IAGRR-CMP.html and www.ddaforum.com/Doc.umentLibrarv.aspx. 66 Great River Road Interpretive Plan and Tool Kit A comprehensive guide for themes and stories for interpreting the entire Great River Road. Appendix 67 Iowa MRPC Commissioner Responsibilities 2016-2017 Attend all Quarterly and special State Business Meetings which included ten meetings. Attend two National Commission Meetings (Natchez and Paducah). Culture and Heritage Committee Work: 1. Visit all Interpretive Centers (I -Centers), conduct training session where needed 2. Provide the 10 State MRPC Maps and Iowa Tear Off Maps to the 16 I -Centers. 3. Communicate the importance of the I -Centers with our Chambers and CVBs to partner their promotions. Condition of the Road and Signage 1. Communicate to local County Engineers and District Engineers on the condition of the road and the MRT bike trail condition. 2. 2017 will be the Year of Birding, Year of Trails including biking, hiking, and paddling; and Driving the Great River Road. 3. 2017 will see the completion of the replacement of the Great River Road Signage. Communications 1. Regular communication with local Governmental entities and State officials, update them on activities of MRPC and partnering on projects for the greater economic good of our communities. 2. Newsletters to our Stakeholders and hold meetings with the Stakeholders. 3. Facebook updates regularly to show work and projects of the Great River Road. 4. Writing press releases to support and promote events and projects for the greater economic good of all along the Great River Road. Website and Social Media 1. Iowa Great River Road website hosted by Travel Iowa. iowagreatriverroad.com 2. 10 State National Website: experiencemississippiriver.com 3. National Geographic Website: mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com 4. Update photos, itineraries for day trips, locate and add agri-tourism sites. 5. International Tourism with the Japanese: created Japanese apps and language translation. Advertising 1. Ten State Map Update and reprint, update Iowa Tear Off Map and reprint, and deliver said materials to Interpretive Centers. 2. Promote and Distribute Our MississioDi Reference Material — Corps of Engineers. Gave to County Conservation Directors, Libraries, Schools, Interpretive Centers. 3. Purchasing ads in tourism guides, outdoor and travel magazines, radio, and Google remarketing. 68 Other Promotion: 1. Quad Cities Henry Farnam Dinner 2 Community Organizations, Lions Clubs, PEOs, Rotary, Kiwanis, Historical Societies, Booster Clubs, Chambers and Economic Development Groups, PEO Chapters, radio and T.V. stations 3. Staffed the Iowa Byways Booth at Iowa State Fair for two days. Funding: 1. Requesting increased funding for an administrative assistant or staff person. 2. Seek additional funding to promote The Great River Road National Scenic Byway 3. Reinstate Scenic Byway Funding and National Scenic Byway Funding at the Federal level. 4. Approach Iowa Legislature for increased funding to the Iowa MRCP Commission for promotion of The Iowa Great River Road. 5. Letters of support were provided for the First Bridge Project in Davenport and the proposed new Mississippi River bridge in Lansing. 6. The Iowa Commission joined the National Scenic Byway Organization. The organization is working to have the National Scenic Byway money restored as a line item in the Federal Highway Budget. Members have visited with our US Senators and Representatives concerning this issue in Iowa. 7. Raise partnership funds to use to market the Iowa Great River Road; to assist Iowa with expenses for hosting the 2017 Annual meeting of the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission September 19 — 21, 2017; and to expand the economic development impact of GRR tourism in Iowa's ten counties along the Eastern Coast of Iowa thru Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission INC a 501 (c) (4). Proposed Projects: 1. Develop Water Trails on Mississippi River and Tributaries located in the Corridor. 2. MRT (Mississippi River Trail) and request to join MRPC. 3. 2017 Birding and Biking Events. 4. Prepare to Host Fall 2017 MRPC National Meeting in Iowa. 5. Implementation of New Iowa Great River Road Signs. 6. Approach Iowa Legislature for increased funding of the Iowa MRCP Commission 7. Implementation of the 2015 Corridor Management Plan for The Great River Road. 8. Planning for the 2018 Bicycle Ride along the Iowa Great River Road. 9. Development of look -out points along the Iowa Great River Road. 10. Improved signage along GRR for the interpretive centers 11. New banners for our stands which were purchased in 2016. 69 TEXT FOR RADIO ADS: THE IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION CHALLENGES THE ADVENTURE SEEKING TRAVELER TO EXPLORE IOWA'S EAST COAST NATIONAL SCENIC BY -WAY THE 'GREAT RIVER ROAD" AND VISIT ALL OF IOWA'S 16 NATIONAL INTREPRETATIVE CENTERS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR HIKING OR BIKING TRAILS. BACKWATER EXCURSIONS AND STEAMBOAT PADDLE WHEELS, HISTORIC MUSEUMS AND WATER SPORTS. OR GREAT EATS AT THE MANY LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANTS. THE GREAT RIVER ROAD HAS ALL THAT ADVENTURE, CULTURE AND MORE. PICKUP YOUR GREAT RIVER ROAD TRAVEL MAP AT ANY LOCAL MUSEUM AND VERSION 1 LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE LUMBER INDUSTRY THAT MADE CLINTON. IOWA IN THE EARLY 1900'S, THE ECO TOURISM INTERPRETATIVE CENTER SOUTH OF CAMANCHE HAS THE LARGEST DISPLAY OF IOWA FISH, AND FOR RIVER HISTORY VISIT BUFFALO BILL'S MUSEUM IN LE CLAIRE, LOCATED 25 FEET FROM THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI AND MAQUOKETA'S HURSTVILLE INTERPRETIVE CENTER AND LIME KILNS. VISIT US ON LINE AT IOWAGREATRIVERROAD.COM OR EXPERIENCEMISSISSIPPIRIVER.COM AND ENTER THE BIKE THE GREAT RIVER ROAD SWEEPSTAKES TO WIN $250.00 AND MORE. VERSION 2 VISIT THE GRIST MILL AT WILDCAT DEN STATE PARK. MUSCATINE'S HISTORY AND INDUSTRY CENTER OFFERS A GLIMPSE OF MUSCATINE'S RICH HISTORY INCLUDING THE BUTTON INDUSTRY AND IN LOUISA COUNTY THE HOPEWELLIAN MOUNDS AT TOOLESBORO VISITORS CENTER ARE AMONG THE BESTPRESERVED REMNANTS OF AN ANCIENT CULTURE THAT FLOURISED FROM 200 BC TO 400 AD. VISIT US ON LINE AT IOWAGREATRIVERROAD.COM OR EXPERIENCEMISSISSIPPIRIVER.COM AND ENTER THE BIKE THE GREAT RIVER ROAD SWEEPSTAKES TO WIN $250 AND MORE. VERSION 3 SEE HOW HISTORY LIVES ON, BY WAY OF AUTHENTICALLY DRESSED HISTORIC INTERPRETERS AT OLD FORT MADISON, AN ACCURATE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST MILITARY GARRISON ON THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI FROM 1808-1813 AND THE GEORGE M. VERITY RIVERBOAT MUSEUM IN KEOKUK FEATURES THE VERITY. THE FIRST OF FOUR STEAMSHIPS BUILT IN 1927 FOR REVIVAL OF CARGO TRANSPORTATION ON THE MISSISSIPPI. TOUR THE ENGINE ROOM. SLEEPING QUARTERS AND GALLERY. VISIT US ON LINE AT IOWAGREATRIVERROAD.COM OR EXPERIENCEMISSISSIPPIRIVER.COM AND ENTER THE BIKE THE GREAT RIVER ROAD SWEEPSTAKES TO WIN $250.00 AND MORE VERSION 4 EXPLORE EFFIGY MOUNDS NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HIKE THE NATIVE AMERICAN TRAILS TO FIRE POINT LOOKOUT. TOUR THE RESTORED BRIDGE AND MILL AT MOTOR MILL ALONG THE TURKEY RIVER NEAR ELKADER. WHILE IN GUTTENBERG STOP BY LOCK & DAM 10 AND VIEW THE AQUATIC FISH AND WILDLIFE DISPLAYS AT THE FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM AND THE MINES OF SPAIN AND E.B. LYONS INTERPRETIVE CENTER IN DUBUQUE. VISIT US ON LINE AT IOWAGREATRIVERROAD.COM OR EXPERIENCEMISSISSIPPIRIVER.COM AND ENTER THE BIKE THE GREAT RIVER ROAD SWEEPSTAKES TO WIN $250.00 AND MORE. 70 Great River Road Jul 1, 2016 -Jun 30, 2017 Great River Road Sessions Users ..-.• .-er Road arra: River R_a: 44,132 1Ltr. J 14orrae:+:237t 1.1,7+4S97Y to -emr 3.0/t 1.1.2627711 37,969 Sessions • Sessiors 80^. .....cer:C-5 Avg. Session Duration encs: 4•:er Road 00:03:29 av0 nor Now: 00.02.12 t57.552) Ragas ; Session ter Read 3.76 Sessions • 3 311MMINIIIIM 31270 Saurce}Medium tWUl..,.r Source! Medium Sessions faceoosiunadder:redia. social 22929 gocgle! organic 5,152 +daddaiMedia: 2cogle2?C 5.179 ;direr:;./ ;none) 2609 VaddeiMedio: 3i+g^Fr, 1.9C9 a1rg; organic 922 di. rcior coesune: all r cries 67.: rr..facetook.c4r, ! referrai 6E9 :ARC ;;NI.I . 563 pirerst; banner 5 6 71 New Users Great Roe: Road 28,549 U %tat 2.29%11,244.3W Bounce Rate Great River Road 58.27% AnfOrYlrry 56.04X!3.99X1 Pegeviewe neat RrJet 4,:ad 166,133 t cr *cta' 3.53',14.7M.8211 Avg, Time on ?age 00:01:15 : !x •.4w 00:01 1e man) Sessions By State Resg:an Scsiorr_ Iowa 21,87.• Ilfrc s 452: vlisconsrr 3.967 I:ebeaska 2441: 1.1irmestra 2,332 Lfsserr 1.179 Texas 634 Ca _:forria SOB F:arida 450 Kansas 409 Great River Road Jul 1, 2015 - Jun 30, 2016 Great River Road 1 58% Sessions Sessions Great River Road 21,838 % of Total. 1.58% (1,379,26 Users Great River Road 18,833 J_ _L % of Total: 1.82% (1,034,192 New Users Great River Road 15,025 % of Total 1.47% (1,020,257 Pageviews Great River Road 122,190 % of Total- 2.93% (4,171,180) Pages / Session Great River Road 5.60 Avg for View 3.02 Avg. Session Duration Great River Road 72 00:04:53 Avg for View: 00:02:23 i 105.34%) Avg. Time on Page Great River Roa00:01:04 1 . Avg for View: 00:01:10 (-9.61%) Sessions 6 Bounce Rate Great River Road 33.35% Avg for View: 54.17% !- 3,160 2014 Figures How The Travel Impacts The Counties Along The Mississippi River Counties Along Mississippi River in the Great River Road Corridor County's In Iowa Scott Dubuque Des Monies Clinton Muscatine 1.ee 411W- Allamakee Clayton Jackson 1.ouisa Total County Sc Rank in State Per Expenditure SSS Spent 3 6 13 14 18 21 Visitor Expenditures SS in Millions Si Per Capita 621.67 M 3,649 PC 329.01 M 3,438 PC 131.99 M 3,261 PC 11733M 2,423 PC 80.25 M 1,873 PC 60.93 M 1,708 PC 40.12M $2,832 33.25 M 1,870 PC 31 15 M 1,590 PC 14.23 M 1,261 PC Increase Over 2013 3.89 Payroll S < State 78x Revenue S Local Tax Revenue S Millions Employed Millions Millions 95.42 6,100 31.61 9.34 3.07 1 50.58 2,830 14.72 5.5"2 •1._i4 4 29 4.33 22.60 1,030 5.23 16.19 970 5.67 11.73 700 4.33 8.82 510 3.1.1 1,459,930 8 Counties 1\'tnncshiek 35 2952 Surrounding 1lostiard 95 4.67 Allanrtkee fate•it, 57 17.72 County Chickasaw 178 10.34 1.05 3.93 3.396°io 1.94 4.27 240 1.69 4,05 230 1.76 1 72 100 0.97 219.4 12,910 71,060,000 4.28 1.82 1.46 0.95 0.84 0.63 0.62 0.34 21,220,000 5.06 330 1.71 0.28 .53 30 26 0.05 1.76 90 .92 0.14 1.52 100 .63 0.11 Population in 2013 & Rank by Population in Stak 170,385 (3) 95,697 (7) 40,180 (16) 48,420 (11) 42,836 (14) 35,682 (19) 14,167 17,773 (39) 19,587 (36) 11.282 (67) 496,309 20,768 (30) 9,449 (79) 20,343 (34) 12,264 (63) Travel Expenditures = Revenues from the "lranst7ortation Retailers (gas stations). i-lotel/Motel/Camnt>rounds and Reslaurants and Grocery Stores. 40.12 Mi lion / 14,167 = S2,832.00 (Amount each than, woman, and chikl in Allamakee County would nerd to contribute to maintain this economic stimulus.) (Visitor Expenditures SS in Millions & Per Capita) (Population) Comparison of Great River Road ByWay Impact to Iowa's Other ByWays 1 Loess Hills. A National Scenic F31 -Way and Iowa State By-Wav 200 road miles from Sioux City to St. Joseph. MO 7 Iowa Counties (Plymouth, Woodbury. Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie. Mill, Fremont) Support Staff: Golden Hills Resources Conservation 2015 Visitor Fxnenditures: $684.710,000 Jobs. 6.170 Payroll: $116,720,000 State Tax Revenue. $41 24 million Local Tax Revenue: $9 71 million 5 Historic Hill Scenic Bv-Wav 104 road miles 5 Iowa Counties (Lee 21; VanBuren 88, Davis 85; Wapello 17, Appanoose 58) Support Staff Pathfinders RC&D 201S Visitor Expenditures $177,280,000 Jobs: 1,360 Payroll: $24.200,000 State Tax Revenue $11,580,000 Local Tax Revenue: $2,390,000 74 2 Delaware Crossinn Scenic By -Way 36 road miles 1 Iowa County (Delaware) #80 per capita of visitor $$ spent Support Staff. NE Iowa RC&D, Postville 2015 Visitor Fmnditures- $8,580,000 (-4 72% down from 2014) Jobs 50 Payroll. $900.000 State Tax Revenue- $580,000 Local Tax Revenue $90,000 • 6 Iowa Valley Scenic. Bv-Wav 77 road miles 3 Iowa Counties (Benton 53, Tama 50; Iowa 26) Support Staff. Iowa Valley RC&D 2015 Visitor Expenditures: $81.320,000 (down from 82.340,000 in 2014) Jobs: 700 Payroll $11,570,000 State Tax Revenue $5,660,000 Local Tax Revenue: $1,000,000 0 El £3 Maa .....A; :.3 3- Fal Qoope e. 3 e 6 3 Glacial Trail Scenic Bv-Wav 35 mile loop 4 Iowa Counties (O'Brien 45. Cherokee 63; Clay 15; Buena Vista 34) Support Staff. Golden HMIs RC&D 2015 Visitor Fxnenditures $170.550,000 Jobs- 1,210 Payroll. $31,070,000 State Tax Revenue: $7.420.000 Local Tax Revenue $1,910.000 7 River Bluffs Scenic Bv-Wav 109 road miles 2 Iowa Counties (Clayton 32. Fayette 57) Support Staff NE Iowa RC&D 2015 Visitor Expenditures: $50,420,000 (down from $50,750,000 in 2014) Jobs. 340 Payroll: $6,220,000 State Tax Revenue: $3,220.000 Local Tax Revenue $800.000 4f 04004 4�Y b r~ i :yam oc„..a. .1.00110 3 4 Grant Wood Scenic By -Way 75 road miles 2 Iowa Counties (Jones 47, Jackson 33) Support Staff NE Iowa RC&D 2015 Visitor Fxnenditures $52,675,000 Jobs: 340 Payroll: $6,310,000 State Tax Revenue. $3,730,000 Local Tax Revenue: $800,000 8 I incoln Scenic Bv-Wav 460 road miles 13 Iowa Counties (Pattowattamie 7; Harrison 36; Crawford 48, Carroll 22; Greene 90, Boone 39; Story 10, Marshall 16; Tama 50; Benton 53, _ Linn 2. Cedar 43; Clinton 14) Support Staff Prairie Rivers of Iowa RC&D 2015 Visitor Fxnenditures $1,680,500,00 Jobs: 14,330 Payroll: $272,180,000 State Tax Revenue $97.850,000 Local Tax Revenue: $23,570.000 9 Driftless Area Scenic Bv-Wav 100 road miles 1 Iowa County (Allamakee) 1128 per capita of visitor $$ spent Support Staff: NE Iowa RC&D. Postville 2015 Visitor E aenditures. $40,210,000 (increase of 21% over 2014) Jobs: 200 Payroll. $3.910,000 State Tax Revenue $2,420,000 Local Tax Revenue: $980,000 1 0 The Great River Road Scenic ByWav trav e.Is through Allamakee Count and 10 stales along the Mississippi River. Support Staff. none paid 2015 Visitor Fxienditures $1.461,980,006 Jobs 13,080 Payroll- $227.74 M State Tax Revenue. $88.630,000 Local Tax Revenue: $22,260.000 Note NF Iowa RC&D suppqs four of the State B Ways tota inn . 20 road miles. and six counties. Along Iowa's scenic byways, nature's fall splendor nears peak Nem. itvv vveekei 1u6 wvill be tip H ie to gee and enjoy the fall colors Effigy Mounds 75 Orlan Love The Gazette More stories from Orlan Oct 3, 2016 at 5:30 am I Print View This is a good time to read about fall color. The next two weekends will be much better for actually seeing and enjoying it, according to Department of Natural Resources forester Bruce Blair. "The fall foliage is spectacular in northeast Iowa every year. There, that's my economic development speech," said Blair, who manages the 8,900 acres of soon -to -be -colorful trees in the Yellow River State Forest in Allamakee County. Blair said that "strong hints of color" have been appearing in individual trees and in such autumn "early birds" as sumac and Virginia creeper. "It's a little bit early yet, but we're getting there I think this season will be about average for color intensity, onset and duration," he said. The cool nights and sunny days that prevailed last week have been ideal for fostering the transition from green to red and gold, he said. Those colors will be especially welcome at the end of a wet summer that has kept grass, leaves, crops and even weeds consistently green. "Too much green. I'm tired of green," said Blair, a connoisseur of fall color. Blair said if he were limited to one day to enjoy fall color in northeast Iowa, he would choose Oct. 5 — or this Wednesday — which is typically at or close to the peak in Northern Iowa. Peak colors progress from north to south, with best viewing in the central third of the state during the middle of October and in southern Iowa during the month's latter half. Blair said the Yellow River State Forest offers spectacular views from several roadside overlooks But when he really wants to indulge, Blair said he drives along the Mississippi River. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which parallels the river for 328 miles in Iowa, is hard to beat, he said. 76 The Great River Road, he said, features many species of trees, vertical relief that showcases Tots of trees rather than the edge of a forest and a microclimate that encourages trees to retain their leaves longer. The reflection of colorful trees on the river's surface can double viewers' pleasure, he said. Not surprisingly, Edith Pfeffer, who chairs the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, emphatically seconds Blair's recommendation. "Start up north and work your way south with the season. Anywhere along the way you will see wonderful sights," said Pfeffer of Clinton, who specifically mentioned the views from Mount Hosmer in Lansing, Effigy Mounds National Monument north of Marquette, Pikes Peak State Park south of McGregor, Bellevue State Park near Bellevue and Eagle Point Park in Clinton. "Those are just high points. It's a beautiful drive anywhere you want to go," she said. Fall color is also abundant along Iowa's nine state scenic byways, according to Mallory Marlatt, who coordinates the Grant Wood Scenic Byway in Jones County and the Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway in Delaware County. Some of her favorite fall vantages, she said, include Goeken Park overlooking the Fayette County community of Eldorado, the drive into Clermont on Highway 18 from West Union, the north overlook in Bellevue State Park above Bellevue and Lock and Dam 12 and the drive along Highway 38 between Delhi and Hopkinton. Jessica Rilling, executive director of Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development, said the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway offers many scenic views of the Iowa River valley. Rilling said she looks forward each fall to driving the "Czech Trail" between Chelsea and Vining, Highway 151 from Amana to Homestead and along 220th Trail south of South Amana. For more information on scenic byways, visit iowabyways.org. 77 Iowa Farm Bureau Family Living March 2017 By M:.RY. 'ON r7 Iowa trave IOWA SPRING BREAK ESCAPES DISCOVER FUN DESTINATIONS Find history, entertainment and culture from Iowa's west to east "coasts." FAMILY SPRING BREAK CLOSE TO HOME families when it comes to fully tour information and even utilize enjoying spring break The good mapping tools to plan you trips. news is there are a lot of places to visit throughout the state if if you are still unsure about where For many Iowans, March is you find yourself lowa•bound to start. the following ideas offer traditionally a great time to Many of the things to see and do glimpses of Iowa's communities, leave the state in search of more are inexpensive if not free, which history and natural beauty for free, wnshine and a warmer climate is great for budget -conscious This is especially the case for families. Iowa's West Coast: Dominated families with kids who have an by the historic Missouri River. official break from their studies. A fun, interactive way to learn the west side of the state offers Not surprisingly, these breaks are moreabout the state's art& history a number of attractions worthy a popular. time-honored tradition and cultural destinations is to use oI exploration One is the Union given Iowa's normally long winters the Iowa Culture app. This free, Pacific Railroad Museum, which is moble app allows you to exp'ore located in downtown Council Bluffs A lack of time and money. how- more than 3,500 sites across all in an architecturally historic building ever, are often obstacles for many of the state's 99 counties. browse that once housed the Council Bluffs Carnegie Free Public Library The RAG8RAI exhibit at the Iowa State Historical Building features memorabilia donated by cyclists who participated in the statewide ride. Iowa's natural beauty is also on display all along the byway in places like Pikes Peak State Park. where scenic htuffs soar high above the river and offer impressive views of the surrounding land Given this, be sure to find ways to enjoy Iowa's outdtxtr spaces. no matter the weather or whatever part of the state you plan to visit. 78 Today. the museum otters hands- on exhibits for visitors interested in exploring the history Of the Union Pacific Rainoad Permanent exhibits at the museum include displays that celebrate the travel and destinations Americans have enjoyed thanks to rail passenger service; the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. and the lite of President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Pacific Railway Act, which led to the founding oI the Union Pacific Railroad. The Western Historic Trails Center u another option for people visiting Council Bluffs The center features a host of exhibits, films, rnaps and more — all of which sha•e the Everything in between. From border to border, there is much to see and do all across the state Nonetheless, don't overlook Des Moines, as the capital city has a wade variety of options for v:sttors to choose from. stories Of early pioneers who passed through lowa while traveling aiong the historic Lewis & Clark Oregon, Catitomle and Mormon Trails. Iowa s East Coast. Like the state's Free and open year-round, the Iowa State Historical Building is the states main museum. and it features a collection of more than 80,000 objects, 1,500 of which are en display Explore Iowa's rich natural history and what life was like before settlers arrived and learn about Iowa's role in the Civ! War and the more than 76,000 Iowans who served to the Union Arrny during the war. Look at the history of Iowa on the silver screen, from the early 1900s to today. And be sure to enjoy a great. Continued on page 7 Above: You will often find families walk• ins •mono the on et the Poppalohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines' popular Western Gateway Park. left tree tows are offered at the Iowa State Capitol to learn about the buildings history and architecture. "west coast- the eastern border of Iowa iS also dominated by a river that plays a key role in state history. Needless to say, the Mississippi River is a prominent, natural teatixe that is hard to overlook. A good way to explore this famous waterway is to follow the Great R,v..r Ruad N,rtiunal Scen,c Byway. a world-renowned route that stretches more than 3,000 miles along the entire length of the Mississippi River. from Lake Itasca in Minnesota t0 the Gull oI Mexico Along the Iowa portion o1 the route lies a host of interesting communities. which are home to many different sites and attractions worth closer examination. WWW.CLINTONHERALD.COM THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2017 BY JOHN ROHLF jrt lifO v tordterakl.com CLINTON — The Mississippi River Parkway Commission is hosting a giveaway to promote the Great River Road and the activities that take ',lace in coin - The Great River Road, established by Congress in 1938, is a road involv- ing 10 states, including Iowa and Illinois. The road begins in Minne- sota innasota and goes to the Gulf of Mexico. The driving time to go from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico is approximately 36 hours. 79 The Mississippi River Parkway Commission has focused the last cou- ple years on uttprove- ment of trails in the Clin- ton area. Work on bike lanes south of Comanche enables residents to ride their bicycles from Eagle the Eco -Tourism Center near Comanche and the Wapsipinicon River south of Folletts. There is also a Discovery Trail in Chnton and a Missis- sippi River Traii through Comanche. The commission hopes the Great River Road in part will promote tour- ism and attractions such as the trails, in commu- nities. "We just finished our management plan about 'two years ago and are hum -Icing to bring people ;in the area and promote tourism," lows Missis- sippi Parkway Commis- sion Chauwomen Edith Pfeffer said. One way the Missis- sippi River Parkway Commission hopes to do that is by hosting the Bike the Great River Road Giveaway. The promotion is designed to help promote bik-ing as a recreational activity along the Great River Road. Anyone Promotion aims to bolster Great River Road, bike trails Brent Holstein of Comanche rides his bike on the Mississippi River Trar7 along North Washington Boulevard in Comanche on Wednesday. RecbN Kban.V nton Hera(' interested in entering the promotion needs to Like the Great River Road Facebook page and pro- vide information for an opportunity to win_ One grand -prize Witmer will be selected at random tai receive a Great River Road prize package rhar includes a S250 prepaid credit card, a jacket from the Great River Road store and a copy of the 10 -state Great River Road map. Eniries are accepted until July 28. More information can be found at the Great River Road Facebook page at www.facebook. com'GreatR iverRoad. The Fourteenth Annual Quad Cities Henry Farnam Dinner Celebrating the Quad Cities' Place in Baseball History M1,11114111 mit ILiLi S i i. i 1! O..i bdL-' I 1 dyi. 1 t _ Jl liil m ILYIi t4.7 Rti ' Dinner will highlight Q -C baseball history DON DOXSIE ddoxsi egigctimes.com Baseball has a long tradition in the Quad -Cities, probably longer than most people realize. The sport extends back to around the Civil War and proba- bly before, and fans will be able to learn more about the game's early days both here and elsewhere at a special event Thursday night. Tom Shieber, who serves as the senior curator at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Mu- seum inCooperstown, New York, will be one of the featured speak - ers at the Henry Farnam Dinner, scheduled for Thursday at St. Ambrose University's Rogalski Center. Tickets are on sale un- til S p.m. Monday through River Action. Shieber 80 There will be two other speak- ers at the event. Tim Rask, a Ma- quoketa native who is the head of the Iowa chapter of the Soci- ety for American Baseball Re- search, will speak about Modern Woodmen Park and minor league baseball in the Quad -Cities. Also, Quad -Cities River Bandits owner Dave Heller will give a presenta- tion honoring Hall of Fame mem - bers who have ties to the area. Shieber's presentation will in- clude information about the first fair of the Rock Island County Agricultural Society in 1867 "As part of that fair, you had your basic kind of fair things, whetherit's showing off cows or artwork or whatever, they had a baseball tournament," Shieber said. "It's the first baseball tour- nament in the Quad -Cities so I'll be talking about that. It's the 150th anniversary, which is kind of a nice hook." Schieber began a lifelong love of baseball and its history as aldd in his native St. Louis and served as an intern with The Sporting News for several summers in high school and college although he didn't immediately get into it as a profession. He earned a degree in physics from Reed College and worked in astrophysics and solar physics at UCLA for 12 years. But in 1998 he was hired to oversee the Hall of Fame's relatively new website and gradually has worked his way up to being senior curator of a mu- seum that annually attracts more than a quarter million visitors. He also is overseeing a display on the rivalry between the Chi- cago Cubs and St. Louis Cardi- nals, which is scheduled to open March 24 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. Schieber said the display will include close to 100 Cubs and Cardinals artifacts, more than 60 IF YOU GO What: 2017 Henry Farnam Dinner When: Thursday (cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6:15. program at 7:30) Where: Rogaiski Center. 5t. Ambrose university, Davenport Tickets: $40, available until 5 p.m. Monday through River Action, 822 E. River Dr., Dav- enport Information: 563-322-2969 of which are being loaned by the Hall of Fame. The Cubs and Car- dinals also are contributing some items, as is the Chicago History Museum and a few individuals. "It's going to be all about this great Midwest rivalry that has „ been going on for a long, long time" he said �� June 20, 2017 Tracy Troutner Iowa Department of Transportation NEPA Document Manager Office of Location and Environment 800 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 RE: Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, Iowa BRF-1009-9(73}-38-04 Dear Tracy: On the 15th of May, 2017 you wrote to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission chair in Iowa, Edith Pfeffer on behalf of the Iowa Commission I want to thank you for keeping us in mind in regard to the placement and/or construction of the bridge at Lansing. At our meeting on the 19L1' of June I was assigned to communicate back with you in regard to this matter. Our position at this time is that we think the construction of the bridge is extremely important and we support your efforts in doing this. We feel that the construction will be done in an appropriate manner both aesthetically and environmentally. Please keep us in the loop. CC: Edith Pfeffer JTS.tt 81 Very truly yours, Jay T. Schweitzer Schweitzer & Wink PO Box 112 222 Main St. Columbus Junction, IA 52738 319-728-2219 Phone 319-728-8449 Fax Louisa County Commissioner Jane Reagan, Treasurer Allamakee County Vacant Clayton County John Goodman Dubuque County Vacant Jackson County Edith Pfeffer, Chair Clinton County Scott Tunnicliff Scott County Daniel Petersen, Secretary Muscatine County Jay Schweitzer Louisa County Lisa Walsh Des Moines County Martin Graber, Vice -Chair Lee County 82 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Explore Iowa's Great River Road October 26, 2016 The Honorable Darrel Branhagen 1796 Lincoln Hwy Road Decorah, IA 52101 Re: Invite to Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting November 21, 2016. Dear Representative Branhagen: You are invited to join commissioners of the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission for a Dutch Treat Lunch at noon and discussion at 1:00 P.M. regarding the Iowa Great River Road on Monday, November 21St, at the Cafe' Manna Java, 1" floor of Roshek Building, 700 Locust Street, Dubuque. The Commission meeting at 1:00 P.M. will be held in the McCarthy Center, located on 2"d floor of the Roshek Building. The Iowa MRPC would like to share the data collected in the Corridor Management Plan for the Great River Road with you our State Representatives and State Senators who represent the ten counties along the Great River Road. We are asking for your assistance and help implementing the plan in the coming months. We want to share our progress in the last year. We look forward to meeting with you and sharing our vision for The Great River Road in Iowa. Please responds with your attendance by Wednesday, November 16'h to 563-243-7751 or 563-380-3635. Please leave a message if no one answers. Yours very truly, Edith Reiss Pfeffer, Chairperson Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission 524 Mill Ridge Road, Clinton, IA 52732 Phone: 563-243-7751 Cell: 563-357-3681 INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE P. O. BOX 2508 CINCINNATI, OH 45201 Date OCT 13 2009 COPY IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION INC C/O MARIAN L MEYER AND JOHN E GOODMAN 24555 117TH ST MAQUOKETA, IA 52060 Dear Applicant: DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Employer Identification Number: 26-2648581 DLN: 509272009 Contact Person: MS. D. TOBLER Contact Telephone Number: (877) 829-5500 Accounting Period Ending: DECEMBER 31 Form 990 Required: NO Effective Date of Exemption: MAY 15, 2008 Contribution Deductibility: NO ID## 75111 We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax- exempt status we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Because this letter could help resolve any questions regarding your exempt status, you should keep it in your permanent records. Please see enclosed Publication 4221 -NC, Compliance Guide for Tax -Exempt Organizations (Other than 501(c)(3) Public Charities and Private Foundations), for some helpful information about your responsibilities as an exempt organization. Contributions to you are not deductible by donors under section 170(c)(2) of the Code. We have sent a copy of this letter to your representative as indicated in your power 'of attorney Enclosure: Publication 4223. -NC 83 Sincerely, Robert Choi Director, Exempt Organizations Rulings and Agreements Letter 948 (DO/CO) Otticc ;sc- I)ate I3' Received Mississippi River Parkway Commission Distinguished Service Award Nomination State Commission. Iowa Name of Honoree: Kirk Brandenberger, Executive Director, Keokuk Convention & Tourism Bureau, Rationale: (Brief description of nominee's accomplishments. Use additional sheets if necessary) This CVB director, Kirk Brandenberger, has developed a separate marketing piece in collaboration with a gentleman from Nauvoo, Illinois that is used by his agency as well as surrounding communities to encourage visitors and locals to travel the Great River Road in Iowa and Illinois. Titled "The Great River Historic Loop" it touches on Native American settlements, U.S. Military Forts, and Pioneer settlements throughout the area. Featured along the route are river towns Keokuk, Montrose, Fort Madison, Iowa and Nauvoo, Illinois which is a strong religious group travel destination. The Great River Historic Loop is a fifty mile drive along some of the most scenic shoreline of the Mississippi River. Four historic areas are seen: First, Fort Madison, named for the fourth United States President, while he was serving as Secretary of State in 1808. A short distance down river is Montrose, part of the oldest Iowa land grant, near the start of the famous Mormon Pioneer Trail. The river city of Keokuk which was named for the Indian chief of the same name. Finally, the city of Nauvoo - the City Beautiful, a National Historic Landmark District that features over 30 restored sites and homes along with four visitors' centers and two historical museums that come together to tell the history of Nauvoo with its beautifully restored temple. From Fort Madison to Keokuk, you will drive along the extreme eastern edge of the "Louisiana Territory" purchased by Thomas Jefferson from France in 1803, doubling the size of the nation. This is an exemplary sample of communities marketing and supporting the Great River Road. Recommended by the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission on this 15th day of May, 2017. Attested to by State Chair Edith Reiss Pfeffer. Signature: Date: May 20, 2017 Nominations for Distinguished Service Award to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission must be received at the MRPC National Office by September 1, annually to be considered by the Nominating Committee. 84 (5) Montrose. inclutic•d in the oldest land grant in the state of Iona wa. the site of Fort I)c 3loine . 1t beranie a companion cin to earls Nauvoo and a "stake" (regional heady artcr.) 01 the Church of,lcsu. Christ of Latter-t).i saints. it A4 a. the home of n)am rtrly-Mormon' baler. including Brigham Young and %Ilford ` oodron. ho later became presidents of that charch. IIIc first exiles from Sauvoo landed in Montrose on a frigid February 4. 1S4tr. %lnntra.r had been the site of the first home for some of !Item. in the abandoned barracks of Fort 1 e Moines. This site is just cast of the south end of Riicr Ileo Park. the Latter -dor) Saint Prophet, Joseph Smith was reported to have spoken from the llascnk Hall, former!) located near the north end of the park. when he prophesied the Saints could cventuall� he forced to Ie.ne afar ores then the United Siatc, and settle in the Rocky Mountains in the Nest. Visit thc Hunold Ilcritagc Center & Vuscum while in Montrose. (6) Mormon Trail first encanmpntcnt, at Sugar Creek. Those who wish a short. but historic side trip. will enjoy the site of the first en- campment. From State Highway 218. take Count) Highway J72 west 5.3 mites to the Suga: Creek crossing. The 1846 encampment lies to the north. C') Keokuk, on the Mississippi was named for Indian Chlef Keokuk. otiose statue stands in Rand Park. 10 miles south of 3lontrose, along the river road. Located on the Chil liar border between the Forth and South. Keokuk served as the swearing in point for Iowa soldiers. Keokuk also had five Civil war era hospitals and the first medical col- lege in Iowa. From Rand Park. drive down Grand Avenue to Park Place and admire the old Victorian mansions which still grace the city. At Triangle Park. a new marker commemorates the encamp- ment of 2.500 .Mormon immigrants from Europe Mho, during the winter and spring of 1553. found emplo)tncnt building the streets of the dty to finance their wagon trek west. (FS) The Keokuk National Cemetery at IR" & Ridge was one of the original twelve memorial cemeteries authorised by Congress (or Civil War dead. Soldiers front both North and South are buried here: This w:is the first National Cemetery west of the Ntississippi and still the only National Cemetery in lows. It b still an active cemetery. (9) Loch 19 anti the Keokuk Dam, built by private capital in 1913, raised the level of the Mississippi River 38 feet so river steamers could navigate beyond the Keokuk Rapids. The mile -long dam and acconipamingelectric pooer plant were the Largest in I ob'.enation platform on the olid bridge provides a good view of the locks, through ohich pass great river barges and their cargo, on their journey to the sea. .rl h a tlri%e of 15.c mile. north .tl„ni: Cie t,reJt River Road bring. the 1rncler full -circle to the dtyof Nauvoo. Beautiful Nauvoo is a National llistoric Landmark, with over 60 restored historic sites and i visitor centers that all come together to graceful! tell thc story of Nauvoo through the stories and the writings of the past. Once home to Joseph Smith and the Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nauvoo is a place to take a step back in time: escape the present and discover the past with bone drawn wagon rides. guided walk- ing tours. the entertainment. beautiful gardens, and hands on fun for all ages. Nautoo is home to Illinois' Oldest Winery, the Nauvoo State Park. the Nauvoo Temple and so much more. II The Great River Historic Loop FORT MADISON I CVVA Fon Madison towiint 1)1 Larivn f for. h146:44, :A S?t 1 319.312 1, :: KeoI I Convention L Tourism Bureov Iteaiatli, U 52637 319.523-5599 ant hoku kiaecioumm -orq uip(n bosaoomm or; Nawao Tourism Office 1295 yolhoaioad St PO Bot 500 Hoveoo.11623S1 2I1-4538641 111 H,1u'roo.1 rirn boou44Inorno.com ioWoi' ; twookitnovt-ao corn Thar Gnat River 1listcric Loop s a fifty mile drive along some of the most scenic shorelines of the Mississippi River. Four historic areas are seen: First. Fort Madi- son. named for the fourth United States President, while he was serving as Secretary of State in 1808. A short distance down river is Montrose, part of the oldest Iowa land grant, near the start of the famous Mormon Pioneer Trail. The river city of Keokuk was named for the Indian chief of the sante nate. © J72 IOWA Finally, the city of Nauvoo, with its beautiful restored temple. From Fort Madison to Keokuk, you will drive along the extreme eastern edge of the "Louisiana Terri- tory- purchased by Thomas Jefferson from France in 1803. doubling the size of the station. FORT MADISON NAUVOO ILLINOIS MONTROSE 61 River -Well. Park - For? Aladiion KEOKUK`.; • { 1) Fort Madison. 10.3 miles north of Nan. voo. The old fort sax built in 1808 but was burned In 1813 as soldiers Icft after repeated Indian attacks. Soon after. the city became an important river and rail transportation center. You will cross the longest double decker swing span bridge in the world. It was built in 1927. has a 525 foot swing span and series both trains and automobiles. Occasionally, a short delay occurs ss hen river ironic requires the giant pivot to close the bridge.:Near the lest end of the river bridge. at 10th Street and Highway 61, is the .North Lee County historical Center and Museum. Nest door is the Fort Madison Art Center. You will enjoy the late Victorian Aa or of architecture exhibited by seseral homes and businesses. The Lee County Court (louse was built in 1891, Is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest Court !louse In continuous use in Iowa. (2) Flue Iowa State Penitentiary built In 1839. is one of the oldest prisons still operating west of the 111sslssippi Riv er. ,1 maximum security facility; it houses about 1.000 inmates and h listed on the National Register of historic Places. Rand /'ark - ti enkuk 13 ) Kiverview Park. located adjacent to downtown. is the site of an authentic replica of the old fort built originally on the rugged edge of the Louisiana Territory. From the Park. your Oise continues south along t1.S. Highway 61. (4) Start of the Mormon Trail. down - river 11.8 miles from the Fort Madison bridge and one mile north of Montrose is tate peace- ful Linger Longer Rest Area. Here is located a memorial pavilion with story panels reciting the history of Nauvoo. the Nineteenth Century Mormon city. tragically abandoned in 1846. but now restored. The beautiful Nauvoo Temple. reconstruaed and dedicated in 2002. is clearly visible. as it was seen front here by the depart- ing refugees. From this arra the ,Moreton Trail sent west through southern Iowa toward Council Bluffs (Onuha) and thence to the Gnat Basin in the Rocky Mountains. Larger Langer Rest Area - Afuntro,r Jane Reagan, Treasurer Allamakee County Jenna Pollack Clayton County John Goodman Dubuque County Vacant Jackson County Edith Pfeffer, Chair Clinton County Scott Tunnicliff Scott County Daniel Petersen, Secretary Muscatine County Jay Schweitzer Louisa County Lisa Walsh Des Moines County Martin Graber, Vice -Chair Lee County 87 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission 14lore Iowa's. (;real River Road June 28, 2017 To Who It May Concern: The Iowa Commission of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission voted on February 13, 2017, to endorse the First Bridge project in Davenport, Iowa. First Bridge will add to the assets along the Iowa Great River Road Corridor. An important piece of American history, First Bridge is chiefly a vital passage from Davenport's downtown cultural, residential and commercial district across US Highway 67 and a set of active railroad tracks to the intersection of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) and the American Discovery Trail (ADT) in River Heritage Park. The bridge will convey commuters and other trail users daily from one side of the river to the other. It will also provide an unimpeded crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. Completion of First Bridge bicycle and pedestrian trail will be an added asset to the Iowa Great River Road and Great River Road National Scenic Byway which promotes the natural, cultural, historical, recreational and scenic properties in the Mississippi River Valley. Yours very truly, Edith Reiss Pfeffer, Chair Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State conmussioner visits annually orbi-aittnully by making an appolntmem with the I.C. Director of other appropriate personnel, The g0:21 15 CO develop a stronger relationship between the Imerpretivc Cutters CI.C.) and the MRPC During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or on,gning iazora tion about the ~7.. These talking points should. include bcnetts of being an I.C. (e .g 5pnu oil on website, printed Maps, social me*iia, irinera:1es and more.) Coramtvte DC bar other Interpretive Centers cb youcommunicate with regarding Great Riser Road activities? mmissioner's Signature eiricoritsrcit 88 .1'-li L.t4,0 I 1•1t c t Qi ve( 1 -1.1.,r --,k11.0\ AQ uU-f t u.in Name of interpretive center l!SF/-r-) V C i mlSiio ie.t'S r1tldae /7 Date drift 4 ,./ Name, rifle, email and telephone number of I_C. personnel interviewed 0./-1 .tom 4 S C S.t n,a , Dt ct- c1c-,,r c><= 1 -(.t) -f 1(9..i'+r.2 W b at arc your regular hams? Stern -lo I �ta1l `t - 5 vJ vci'e r l - r to SW Hon I Sp -4l0--•5 What is your admission pricing? °club- s' i b ` rswr lits} y�a1�SJ ( 11.r7 - lel JLtzti-, -11 all How maty Visitors do you see axwualty? , 0,00. Does LC. bstve a website? Frease provide the uri Unk. 'f ,v 2 C vv'V...i.ire-\ . e o M Do you have a button on your website with the Great R ivex Rad logo and link lb the experienumissiasippirieer.00rawebs ite? .Please provide ur1 link to page ul7.iv it is rocare4. Cf nor, wben will you be adding Ingo and rink? 't 1 re � v1kn'L .roe' / 1-(1i !rt Wive. t .1'\ 4 30P Does your LC. have aFaexbookpage? Plreaseprouide ur! bnk. . 4°,tp rev C'Jifti ll 1S41C/+'1 Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, distribution or on display? Wtt Do you display a Great R iver Roatf banner or other sigmge? rxit kvveirsirtps 51y. No pa Yet ❑ Na Arr. your frontline pers(1nnel knowledgeable 0 Yes Nc o. the Gitar River Road? Do they receive any COW) al Mainline fS C4.�rYid- Nr' Gd TO 4-r,ns l a,, �a S.e Ie.{- L.& iXU . Uoyou have photos orvideo ofyour LC. to NI Ye ❑:1a Share for promotional use? !tease sartdpbtxos, videc or arta tnndia the ,tiariona Ofcc = ri y let- us icrkoLZ u->i\o . c�b l t t� o ie tci ISkQ 1 Fr_ artskrcc.14zsurAtipii'iiw.corn I W67618370 I FAL-1-&&242- j torr .l� M!s>:istpprLitit er Parrs: c.y C.findn $,S IEA= alishr h;orr••-.t,, iti, �:L2 Madtsc, S, R"TS3?&i Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with the 1.C. Director or outer appropriate personnel_ The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (1.C.) and the MRPC. During the visit. the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about- the boutthe IvIRPC. Thea talking points shoukl include benefits of bong an 1.C. (c.g., featured on website, printed maps. social media, itineraries and more ) Comments U'i."`o0" . �C`.k-,r�lcl z>✓+E'.� rakke �) SCS 5 P lYl1i _ What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? 1 1/1 k1..) <.v' -t ommtssioaer's Signature r/ Ana ■row su 89 Nance of interpretive center ¥ . ��l talk Visiting commissioner's name Date of visit k i',1-1.1 . \ -i'l1!`.6..- .e ..JA _ N\o6r MA \ -1e.r4 Name, utlei entail and telephone number of Y.C. personnel interviewed What arc your tegular hours. ir••/ — 5 pM What is your admission pricing? ?`i CT\ €. -CD0fNekVOn.S f.A.NCkLivC' How many visitors do you see annually? 1 Wtu't.J . t' C,~ r ,tvL.C\ % . r^i'iff �Docs I.C. have a website? V PIt1asr provide the :xrl link.) Do you have a burros on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the eaperienceruississippiriver,corn website? Please ()inutile Lith lurk to page where ti Is located, If no' reben wilt yuu be adding logo and lurk? .t tivtl: ,-cA.L.P1ni�. r •- C.-”,.., / r4'\ri1nr c (-1 k �Y ‘-P Does your I.0 have a Facchook page? /l iv` u. J4,, Please provide Lir! leak ? 'leV4 - Lr vlx-ke- w% Do you carry CRR maps or rack cards for sale, aeries 0 10 distribution or on display? 1)o you display a Great River Road banner for other signage? Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable 1 oldie Great River Road? Do They receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of your LC. to share for promotional use? Please send photos. a ,dee ai, otlnr rued!! to the enioif i a7[rrr n • Otcs 0 N _ f i plc' tahCiN'ZIA/ I.C. Personrti[i Sii;nature ? • IMt ISSISSIPPi kik vas Expe,ierurMrssmlppeRurctom $Geri•"Cifdiin 1 FAX: 1.6 &2•f ..ai#o A4ess,sstppr Rtrv, Parkewj. Cvmsnis,oae 01 !;art Wash gltt0 ,t1.Y'tzte. 5,tlIP 02 ,4tathrw,, tV1 5 P03 90 Great River Road Network of interpretive Centers Visit Checklistt_ Mame of interpretivegeai�er State Commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appoiauncnt with the LC. Director or other appropriate personnel. The goal is to develop 2 stronger relationship between the interpretive Centers p.C.) and thc MMRPC. During the visit. the commissioner will review the checklist and chair new or ongoing information about thc MMRPC. These talking points should include benefits of being an LC (e.g., featured on website, printed maps, scxra ial media, itineries and more.) Comments f tV24�.Yri-1 -ManShe'ti- NWE-An .��fZ� fetes '�r-wv\ r...‘ , u1 roc ( c Visitin Dateconn tsstoner's name O ♦191t Name, title, matt and telephone number o i. pera 1 interviewed Q,q,M — M r1,1 - What ate your tegtttar hours? What is your admission pricing COQ How many visitors o you ace annually? Dots I.C. have a wc,snc Please provide the art link. I\L3 Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the experiencemississippiriver.com website? Please pr.aride url link to Mtge febrile It i. located /% not roben trip y au Or _e What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? (2k,n 4 , J'S (4� 0. , nissioner's Signature ttttafeasstrt�Revte>. Does your I.C. have a Facebook page? r Please protide. art link Do you cart/GRR maps or rack cards for sate, 61 les o N, rils� {i wa os on display - Do you display a Great Rivet Road t,annct of other signage? fY t ci ❑ i�u Are your frontline personnel knowledgeabk D lei OK of the Creat River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use? Please aerd p,ntos, rodeo or other ntcdtn to the nate / r,/pc. !lc}'cs ❑ 1\'.. I.C. Pets. ' el $t nature���G^ i1 Fxpervv' M1 stsaipptrns eecorn 1866-'6. 866-7634f 10 I ht X 1 6082424896 trtistutpp, Karr Parkway commission 701 Earl Was nnarou At ',nue Suite 202 Madison. %P/ 5j70 1 Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with thc LC. Director or other appropriate personnel_ Thr goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (I.C.) and the MRPC. During the visit, the commissioner will review thc checklist and share new or ongoing Information about the MRPC. These talking points should include benefits of being an I.C.(e.g , featured on website, printed maps, social media, itineraries and more.) Comments C.; (,r!;Aida ,,.r,,,�///�,,,,J1�e_�(c P2.154}oy tbS.^.ria'S . H'0shoe', •� I"'STtI) I//Al' Tr. bp pc)t /�J(shy) 7 /' 1 e/1io7�Lt.Y LlVi f(llk4atL '1 toa,Vll.j' bi efl�7i`J(C i`ysn9 .f/ ripg� c r eJ%ri,t.e- 91 What other Interpretive Center. do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? /T L[yS�tJf't'/G J Yi)(e r' f /of, ✓'' Name of interpretive center _w iia \ J a (Y4— Visiting co m sioner's name 2/ /ii ,ifil S- ii/ Dateofvisi aG.Ytila, ��zw�-e acicsaitN.eki.Gom { � b7�l r fel' e.yri.tl`ivr: d ,Sr„t4,r 0-43_ t c.9t - 37,e_ f Nafne, tide, email and telephone number of I.C. personnel interviewed /'f - r !o01m- •Alf:tPbljr+ a744i si.Ytriny /iAlrr -a s!? en What are your regular hours? (I 4 Jam. What is your admission pricing? II el I3ow many visitors do you sec annually? 4.4, k.50 t1 P- b . (( M e Rocs I.C. have a website? Please provide the url link. Q,, - bw>z w,•li 40 Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the cxperiencemississippirivcr.com website? Please provide url link to page wbere it is located If not, when will you be adding logo and link -il: / r Does your I.C. have a Facebook page? Please provide url link.// 1/ L U. LL a). f ttifbCCK.Garr,�llt.YS'{lfilleinterpde.7-L %+fie (re+r7'e't' Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards fur sale, IAYes 0 Nt' distribution or on display? �/ Do you display a Great River Road banner or Peo7ra m &ii A Edo /oiirss ,, (1vtie eother signage? a �lFtac r `i�rc fie• Axe your frontline personnel knowledgeable t7it ,o AI�tseu4n E„) 44 l� .� i11 'YJ , rr1S1�lj/ t1L-freo'lt "7 ty.4./i, -Yri-rPt anlA �L.>>! ) i'-e;,TO . i �Krtt f -from t' /!%/SS 1�/e/ of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? ���rt .• .sI •t s g• IDo you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use? Please send photos, video or National Office. ifflld)� /Jigs Commissiory6r's Signatu AM lIOA•S or,rwr,. eirssisstiv►Rwew r media to t. e 51 Yes 0 No lig Yt• 0 No Di Yes 0No Erpt'rierar.MksissipplRitvrco m ht66-76 -83i0 I FAX: 1408-2421896 attire Mlssisstppi River Parkway Commission 70? East Washington Avenue, Suite 202 Madison. WI 53703 Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist • -Lt Sat 4Jrnr/I Ali U4 rrP Name of interpretive center - 4-4 // /��//� Statc cotiunisAoncr visits annually or hi -annually by making an appointment with the I.C. Director or other appropriate personnel. Ilse goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (1.C.) and the MRPC. During thc visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. "These talking points should include benefits of being an I.C. (e.g., featured on website. printed snaps, social media. itineraries and more.) Comments Ps/nrc✓ i .'NY'f A - d Y ,yPOxa rieJ -fYFrns - /4.4v1 no !f �s as4a (st / /2- Visiting comrtSissiotser's name /9` Ar : / / ? Date of visit �jJ' , rr4fc r i 14-eSar1.%Prt, //rllu .cea }i.-7 IT / Yti bS �x,rttke',.sir 41re-r 6-6 3-ZV2-03/3 Nlne, title, email and telephone number of LC. personnel interviewed /0 -/o JrG4,6 if • / — 6P,4 - <3E4' - What arc your regular hours? / 1'V-eo Lau, 145 iLc/t'4{a i, -.,pe l�Te'eIt What isyour admission pricing? • "d..i4/ ti.. >, 5111,7?FRS64:»7 /6.140 How many visitors do you see annually? u1/11tt.ulvn,!( rnrtsPuYr? • r Dots I.C. have a website? Please provide the rid link % p 640 ylt >10-/ Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo yL tr/ 171a<,and link to the experiencemississippiriver.com website? Please provide or! lurk to page where F1 is located If not. when will you be adding logo and link? •-g eke_ a Ej O e 'c , ,? // Does your 1.C. have a faceb ok page? Plersse provide url link cn ke!Yiq <i C`e r � .eq a..Y? t 1 4a1'.) iv C�u ' C. rf aj 41-ief a•u -J 'Or` What otneyInterprettve Centers do' you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? .0 es" Icwrt x/71 15,4 !`ire/4 % jam • Do you carry GRR neaps or rack cards for sate, ,® Ves 0 No distribution or nn display? 1-eQ(arrrc- Commissioner's Signatur 6rwwre 92 lftsstsstnn Retreat Do you display a Great River Road banner or other signage? Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use? Please send photos, video or other media to the National (Vice. .C. Pcrsonn Signature EigverlencrMississi ppiRi r eeco m 1-866-70 41310 I FAX. I-608-242-8896 41 Yrs ❑ No Yes D No NIYcs DNo Mississippi River Parkway Commission 701 East Washington AVVille. SHite 2112 Madison. WI 53703 Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with the I.C. Director or other appropriate personnel. The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers CI.C.) and the MRPC. During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRP(: These talking points should include benefits of being an I.C. (e.g., featured on website. printed maps, social media, itineraries and more.) Comments rAr4o-s.a..1e-A€(LI per 5DX rtr-Ye�, Sign ter, roa - i/,'"5(47 nred®s 17 /!7 tie if $1 rS tm �s - XIsa-) 12 1 H What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? /pp/ Name of interfetive e�, x - Ardimet rod Ptse r is L[//M Saw lily'/(! : //%,a irr/d f- . - Woo �.- ) a ! K r -rt .5411"414/ /.'S �.(Jandrn/I!/, dDarcy aiXJ Ove( Ii/9 e -4.""f" 4u-4/ 144.311.44 et »,Bis LG�S .dA Commissioner', tgnature I A/41611.0:5 Re arAV b• 93 e !9iZ"re16r Strom* ..r. w1 wMa � i. , - 7 (. -I. 5 n-) enter isiting commisKoner's name 4f `flavzi 3 l ao/1 Date of /'t 5f3- 8 7 7.910.2.�&lit tofiee 4.- 44.4.fi /I e Leta 3)1'1 r e e )1a r i�it 1 � i cr its -e. rm./I./A.)4-A" Name, title., email and telephone number of l.C. personnel interviewed x%;00 /It fit 7446 : on n Yh• What are your regular hours? t 0didiniks/n rt What is your admission pricing? 1 Flow many visitors/do you see annually? m LAc?n t, M rt/ plc k.�L.Crl+rr%a /i, ice,. !/t:,r x7 {�- Does IA. have a wdbsite? f/ Please provide the url link. L ek ut -c- Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the experiencemississippiriver.corn website? Please provide url link to page where It IS located. /(ne& wben twill you be adding too and link? era G,I17 ) 00 Y1? /P/.a 11071. coua�-y goEser✓a.Y7c-tv Docs your I.C. have a 1acebook page? Please provide url link. I)o you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, 61 Yes 0 No distribution or on display? Do you display a Great River Road banner or other signage? Arc your frontline personnel knowledgeable of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal rrainirtg? Do you have photos or video of your 1 C. to share for promotional use? Please send photos. video or ether inertia to rbe .'lrationat Office. LC_ Personnel Si f nature E.a pert ence ltrssissippiRiter. com 14166-7(0-8310 1 FAX. I408-2-12-88% iflefes 0 No IYrs 0 No I Yes ❑ No Mississippi Rimer Prtrbuny Commission 701 East Washington rl ter. rrmr..Suite 202 sfaditon. wi ¶3703 Great River Road Network of interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner v1$ its :tumuli) or bi-annually by making an appointment with the I C. Director or other anprnpriate personnel 'the goal .s to develop a stronger :C::utDnolrii� bctwtcn 1110 ;ntc:pret :r Centers (I C) and the MRPC. During the visit, the commissioner 'will review tlic checklist and snare Sueor ongoing information about the MRPC These talking paints should include benefits of bring an 1 (:.(c g., featured on website. printed maps, serial media. ittacrarics and more ) Comments 31iPl�t?:� r)( -• •4�; (.,t„.0 0 7 ' re. ..r 1 t 5& Col i What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road at.tivities? tC. t r. i 9 �.•• 4rkt( A Com iss Signal M7S IZI.1. Mq RAVER 94 ;l, r. �, . ; t / Name of interpretive center G t,iw\N \r.�l�-� ��larttng Curti n'iissimier's n$tnte < .1JAA.. 5 .. L (7 is se�-.�- 1 •'-)i'1.. , •S K:.i i v e_: t .. . Name, title email and telephone number of F.C. personnel interviewed c.7 - yt'? What are your regular hours? " C'% What is your admission pricing? How many vi iite,ru dr, you ace annually? (.t:1.1 'r: xc • : ) bt 1 i r ri :. S et_ tr.-1 642.04. e Docs I.C. have a website? Hence ()rui icfe !Rx' ori !rink. "1,,!i. ) (it>t G`0 \ tc1t?t Du you lravv .i batten on yuur website with the Great Rivet Road logo :turd lint. to the cxperitncrmississippirivcr.cc!rn websitei' n,iri,rry. irr�,rr and )leek) t5oes )(int I.E. have a Pacebook page? Picas.? pp vt•tcfr nsrl /leek Do you carry GRR. maps or rack cards for sate, di.:or:hirev,n or on disptayi: 1)o you display a Great River Road banner or a�thcr signage? `'es 0 No les ❑ No Are our frontline personnel knowicdgeable 0 ye.. XN4.; eft the (creat River Road? 1)n they receive any I'M MAI training? n,, .el. nom....._: I.C. 1L share Fot prornortonat orae? Y .oc sr.•rtd frbotua, ii/Co II) W4rr media in i)r .•.�ri,i,rtal +)/fire. I.C. Petsonncl Signature J' tl,c,',.,•x, r.:llssrsuippikicrrcrn,r ! ttri✓r -:i. ' ie.; ! N.Y f -err,. -,,4 —» N`JG (c5 1011:41 ,tllssrsslpin Ro\rr Parkrmy Cun,rtijsiun 'V kart tttasbrnrg;onAvenue. Suite 202 Nadtcnq, W( 3 (ii 95 Great River Road State uimmissiuner visits annually or bi•annu,dll by making an .appointment with the 1.C. Dircetor or other appropriate personnel. The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the interpretive Centers (1 C.) and the MRPC During the visit,thc commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. ')'hese talking points should include hcnetits or )'icing all 1 C (r.g . featured on website primed maps, corral media, itineraries and MOM l Coin lents What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great (fiver Road activities? {rS;aalil`r 5 . t'winn gnaturc Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist M.0 eu w 4 &J I,lrt,r . P,�, t r Name of int rpretivc center 3eo-tt TUn.M,i eivri Visitin,Comrhptssioner'.s name Date ravisih d a P aw,.Orn D!�t,ic, t..i t lei V e il' � �1,6n5 %63— 3'54 —7 7 Name, title, email And tcicphoi c number elf l.C`. 1personnel interviewed • t OQ.YYi - uv► JtLfl firat r MDDa� - �rtn t I a,e your regular hours? ( Arit>_l�- $ 3 15pticr-$7 f You# ► $ 71 Mi \`What is your iidmission pricing? 1501000 How many visitors do you see annualh? its luta )- p ,.�/\ . OY'n Does I.C. have/a website? . J P!L usa Brut idr thrr ttri link 1)o you hate a biotVn on your iyebsrre with die Great River Road lop) and link to the cxperiencentlssissippiriver.Lom website? Plenue firer •irle oil flint to pikge tr'fiarl.• tl is hscatar( !f tart. tr be,' wilt tort be n rr(q k' 'crud lurk? Does your t.0 have a Facebook page? 1'h•o,u• provide ttrl link Do vuu carry GRR [naps or rack cards for sale, distribution or on display? Dv you tirsplat a Great River Road banner or other signage? Are your frontline pcisonuel lsiiuwledgcaliie cif rhe Great River Road? Do they receive am formal training? I)o you Ilam photos or video of votur 1 C ro share for promotional use? ,.r , Flrri ,rrrdirr tr. the. IMISSISYilP1 RIPEN 1.C:. personnel Signature ti'.pe'rh7ret I1ra sttvpjrrld n•r,,,ur 1 S6(1-6 -ti;.ft i 1(1 1 1•.11 ; {r l(2 r r R$941 ❑'lc> Q 1') 1h'�.ilt<tftfii r 1'nrka'r4r Cf.ruruin, -(11 ;Wit ttir.;lu, gervr ,1 ,711(e, truth' lir Mattson 111 53 —0 j Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with the LC Director or other appropriate personnel. The gcxil is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (LC.) and the MRPC. During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. These talking points should include benefits of being an I,C (e.g., featured on website, printed maps, social media, itineraries and more.) Comments What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? <�• ., l r. r), l\ Uxr. -n Lc l�1r.. r� R l j'4%`7.11l1 )"..t.) •1 • , l� Cot�rf,rissionerrs _,. ignature—` 96 L Missesstipilterm /Y4,14�r t jY%(dr,i ) t:Jc a..flar, La it f¢ -r Name of interpretive center r l('.ers-r .%?. % inti(?C-t-/ri- Visiting commissioner's name r _ ?_e! ?_O i7 Date of visit - S4,3 - - s41l,,4v - Y_ etin i a r[7froc,�r7 c- (NV," ,esa �(� e..„t'!'^ f. Name, title, entail and telephone number of I.C. personnel interviewed t R.1S •a.... — 4 , . c , s Sat 9 r w What arc your regular hours? What is your admiss on pricing? t -r goo r, '4 IR ( ir01$e ••c' r r er�t 47,0iHow many visitors do you see annually? (� 1/ 1 .4. to/in/ w . n.lh e7 .. f' fn O,• Y'r. Q r `T D(res I.C. have a website? Please prrwi Ic' the url link_ ,„,a-• r, -r D6 you have a button on your websitewiththe Great River Road logo and link to the experiencemississippiriver.corn website? Please provide url link to page where it is located. tj not, when will you Uv adding logo and link? Fott your I.C. have a Facebook page? Please protide url litre. er-r+ J e•.h OA P_ Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, !p j'ss CI Nn distribution or on display? Do you display a Great River Road banner or other signage? li3Arts ❑ No Are yetur frontline personnel knowledgeable Ilii Ycs 0 No oldie Great River Road? Do formal triining? vs' til be; they receive any ?p t?hrl� UT .T -t p,y r 1.`aLt. iw Do you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use? Please send photos, video or other media to the A'tehrr,al (Wier. ,/ ld Trs 0 No td -1— I.C. Personnel Sienaturc F_rper1encv.►7tsci:rtipptgir ercom 866.763 8 Jet 1 F,a X 1-608-242-.116 I1'(li Kt 11,0A roe() \iii'1t Ccoduratkil Mississippi River Parkway Commission 701 kits! Washington Avenger, Sidle 202 ,4fad&COti, WI 5370 i 97 Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner visits annually or bi-atumally by making an appoinuncnt with the I C Director or other appropriate personnel The goal is to develop a stranger rdationship between the Interpretive Centers (1 C.) and the MRP(: During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. These talking points should include benefits of being an LC. (e g , featured on website, printed maps, social media, itineraries and more ) Comments / F0 171-0 (1-1‘ `1 IAlSS wa-JJ !, cnet 010. I0.� What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? S �/ JI 2t a s, �/ I' YA �✓ yr Commissionet's Signature tKisaitt9PP1 Rrwut iZ4freatis6 j5Name of 1 nrerpredv nter / Visiting commissioner's name Date of visit /2 Name, title, entail and to phone number/of I.C.'personnel interviewed 563-X 3-1'i What arc your regular hours? i p What i§ your admission pricing? , hvt 5 How many visitots do you see annually? 4h - a.ar Does I.C. have a website? Please provide Ibe urt link. ! 1N\t 4C.h`'1jicAI5/6f� v1r� , Do you have a button on your website with the Great Rive Road log .I/ and link to the a speriencemississipplriver.com website? Please pwvlde serf link to page where ft i. located. If not. when will you be trig logo and lark! 1-C ry Does your I.C. have a Facebook page? Please provide urs' link Do you carry GR R maps or rack cards for sale, distribution or on display? lees nNo Do you display a Great River Road banner or i'es 0 No other signage? Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of your 1.C. to share for promotional use? Please send photos. video or other tnedIa to the .Vamaota/ tWire I.C. Personnel Si rite / cperee?treatisserseppfRI her.tont J-N6ri-76,3.8i In 1 14X. 1.608-242-88% t.. isstppt Ret er. /'st,kteay C:omntission 701 1iw411i%'adtrttgk»,,Iverme..1uite 202 diad/sort, WI 5.37O3 0 C 0 No A J \ Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist OIC For -1-024v,; Name of in �1'retive.c_. ffay- ,,,A,.\......wet State commissioner visits annually or hi -annually by making an appointment with the 1.0 Director or other appropriate personnel. The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (I.C.) and the MRPC. During the visit, the commissioner will reviety the checklist and share new or ongoing inli,rmation about the MRPC. These talking points should include benefits of being an I.C. (e.g., featured on website, printed maps,social media, itineraries and more.) Comments c.,,,„ 93.0Ar--- Visiting commis toner's name visit _` 31.6) Name, titl , ail and telephone number of I.C. personnr interviewed _What are your regular hours? f� q A-rn 6iA-dn e) -- sw ede M ?7_' What is your admission pricing? $Sa /74,95r _#;,S0 /6 y/,jler: /t1,lrr' ,7y).► tow stt6(ny visitors do you see annu•? 4. -- es T.C. have a eve e?//02. Cease provide the url link. GOl@S G)D)/il.- i) it t -i-' r rt Mtth i v, C?!)WI Do you have a button an your website with the Great River Road logo h4v Ci one. YI urno and link to the expericaccmississippirrver.com website? -re- V ! ery� it' he i a + Please provide url link to page where 11 is located. 1/ not. when will lxns he adding logo and link." What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? Thed dip hot )lTlrp b a' &) rnerci - Commissioner's Signature r 4HCet CA nrwnrr• 98 Nissl site RI WER zdtod, acei oL k cowl f ecryie nr o -Fsr Docs your T.C. have a Facebook page? Please provide url link. Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sate, li c5 0 No distribution or on display? tg [C1 0 No Do you display a Great River Road banner or other signage? Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of your T.C. to share for promotional use? Please send pantos. video nr otlrer media A, the Manna' Office. r rC. Irsonnel Signature F. rper•terrcem rsstssopiTh oerrrim 1.866-7G.i 8.11!) I FAX. I-608.142-8896 Li 1•t.:s 0 No .4fiss:.ssrppt Ranter Parkway Gu,unrs.su,n '01 East Washington Avenue. Suite 201 .aladtsrrn, WI 5 370j Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner snit. annually or hi -annually by making an appointment with the I.C, Director or other appropriate personnel The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (I.C.) and the MRPC During the visit. the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC These talking points should include benefits of being an 1 C. (e.g., featured on website, printed maps, social media, ittncraries and more.) Continents Qa.g4±-ge7 Y/ .4,1445 What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate .vide regarding Great River Road activities? `0 L`C.2ctYm.✓r) -SL E L1i_i �7 's Comm i,4ioner's Signature 99 �es!... e) M $ t� Namc of i pretire center g Visiting commi. loner's name Date of visit 7—.� �( / hkolr.. Ss" 1\ tIp1C+'}}E4—, t �'t — 6 Ll `4t33 Name, tide, email and telephone nu»J,f ir of LC. personnel interviewed 9 °=fi,.,, -�, 5")U '7/610 pr- 11,E j s`11 -fes Oci+4€ t4 tr lDryfJC $vi (`I } 1 What are your reg lar hours? M d.! „r• L'r ,y e• 1 What is your admission pricing? 2.000 How -many visitorsfa doo see annually? !D . 4/42e--- g)&54:44_ /.sia3/as>.v Does I.C. have a website? !'lease provide On. seri link. rd.se..).4).keckd kT0A.A fi -LS1K . o srrt Do you have a button on your website with the -Great River Road logo and link to the experiencetnississippiriver.com website? Please provide art link to page where 11 is ltx.s+ted010i, rvben awl you be adding logo aril link ' , i l.r 10 . 1C e.r4, .10, _ . Docs your I.C. have a Facebook page? Please provide art link Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, ttifl'es 0 No distrilnttion or on display? Do you display a Great River Road banner or fel les f] No other siguagc? Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use? Please sent photos. video or other ,milia to the NQtieu,a! Office. LC.1IS.rsonnel Signature OQ les 0 Biu Ififireel ❑ No Messissi�p ttits FapertenceMississtpptRwercon, Mississippi Rio rr Parkway C:ommas:0on "'""`s '" "— L866-763-8 i la 1 14X 1.608.2.2 S. 9G 701 East Waslangto i Avenue. Suite 202 Madison. WI 5,370.3 Great River Road Network of !Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist E, 8. kions /n crprth cell-1� Name of intcritretive center N(A Visiting commissioner's name State conunissionervisits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with the I.C. Director or other appropriate personnel. The goal is w develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (LC) and the MRPC. During the visit, the commissioner will review the cheeklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. Those talking -Points_ should include benefits of being an LC (e.g., featured on website, printed maps, social media, itineraries and more.) Comments What ocher Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? AOKMG. 'c orwAvi' 100 aletncir h{iSISSIPPI Rump' b1i4 Date of visit SII Pt 7-/ 0 . aD / 7 Name, title, email and telephone number of I.C. personnel interviewed G:ihtel' Hw rs : M -F, 10 -3 /ci.oRd citzkeAdc What arc your regular hours? rnLY HO urs : Sat'/Seth t 12 ler, jive -E: E0-3 (r'LO d Wee taslY tis your admission nricin ? par K 11 : D0.ttu "Pt? fid-(SiriY1 � /AMY 10.30 Elow many visitors do you sec annually? IJiP Does I.C. have a website? Please provide the tit.: link weve.„0.,rill2es Cspa/P). orzj Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the expetiencemississippuiver.com website? Please provide url link to page where it is located. If not, when will you be adding logo and link? Does your I.C. have a Facebook page? Yes. Please provide url lire 604.)st'• iilteb00. -. corn /art -roes of sipaw/ Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, ye.. 0 No distribution or on display? Do you display a Great River Road banger or other signage? Yes Cl No Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable 0 Yea )1(No of the Great River Road? 1)o they receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of your T.C. to share for promotional use? Please sero! pboeor, video or other media to the ,hittlonai Office. LC. Personnel Signature ZcperiencchfissrsapptRhrcrcum 1-864763.83101 PAY- 1-608.242-8846 ❑ Yrs ko Mississippi Muer Parkway Commission 701 hast WrubftrgfonALrntte. Suite 202 Madison, WI 53703 Great River Road Network of interpretive Centers Visit Checkhfst 'Foate,5bio ftvr k 114 useAv NfiL Starr commwioner visits annually or biannually by making an appointment with the 1.C. Director nr Other appropriate personnel. Thc gcial is to develop a stronger relationship bctween the Interpretive Centers il.C.) and the MRPC During the visit, the commissioner ail[ tcvtea• the checklist and sham neve or ongoing utfor action about the MRPC. These talking points should tncludc benefits of bang an I.C.(c.g .featured on webshc, printed maps, iotial media. itineraries and more.) Comments What other interpretive Centers do you coma+uolcuc wltb regarding Great Ricer Road activities?? Commissioner's Siipi ga.uu •ver•—�_ Nater ofiaterpreilve eienttes Tav ct ore( ftwe— visiting coisuntssionet's rum Dase,of t is i++ivcpcl )11ke 3'63 --b 0426j6 t( Nam.A COM and ecicpisonc autnber .1)C. rota d ism wed W -St/VI re. log:3D l U b'v - Memr What ate to tc let hoots? j� )^- What la your admission pricing? 7—i(1�Z Row any vis you aaatattli}? j� � , �N`3u �z,� �Y �yMt rva � . (Vy. Doo t.C. I4f! a vie;te? Paasddr rhuf!/ifl k !! p e a6 v>,�bst 1 k eye ljj edb` D u r t btstwn on your wcbtke wit a Grcat River Rood logo and link to the expettettcetoistiaipplriver.cosy website? Please provide tall link to page ubrre a (r ltoaretii. If not, when rent rut It. adding logo and Un l 1av�S4c i3icOrl erY " l.crq{t. .f .oftv4,(cm- Dacs yore I.C. haven Fa ok page? C Oit to en Plea It prutdJe rat link Do you carry GRR malas or rack cards for yak, O Vit a /'}1L pc 1d �! distribution or on display? /I f ,1 \i i Pte; Do you display r Great Rivet Road banner or Ayr, O C7 ether a�gaage? r�J Arc }our ftonclinc pertonncl knowledgeable .6 4. O No of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Do you have photos or video of yuut I.C. to :bare for promotional nse? t ;has/ son! pboror vid•o or uth.r .n.du p the ,�:rrrp4a/ Offs .. DNo LC. PctsonoeS Signnute F rprertsce}ti utts0 f0 lum fern 143ex.; C atm 1 Ft . r 60t&Z-Z-889G M.ntu:iaftr at. sr r'trkway commotion 74! Putt sbtbuserotrAtcsttr. Sun, 20i Madison. (7137 3 101 Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist State commissioner visits annually or bi annually by making an appointment with the LC. Director or other appropriate personnel. The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (.C.) and the MRPC. During the visit. the commissioner will review the checklist and slime new or ongoing information about the MRPC. These talking points should include benefits of being an I C. (e.g., featured on website, printed maps. social media, itineraries and more.) Comments )i? ear ;eckerrl13 cmLr • L V\ �14� SfPA (1 r . What other Interpretive Centers do you commtenleate with regarding Great River Road activities? FLU. t 10‘1..k.4. to rt<e•Ao kW Ci e6-.9ie Name of inter4retive cen nip 0.7";;11.41...."\-/ Visiting commissioners name Date of visit wcvr f(111-1 Name, title, email and telephone number of?.. personnel interviewed What are your regular hours? What h your admission ricing? How many visitors do you see annually? Jo .u0 0 Does I.C. have a website? Please provide the url link L400 f V4,4 woe to a. I ' C ov l lYkQ CV Pe.1 ck65* h1% I l . Cv►v-1 Do you have a button on yoi5r website with the Great River Road logo and link to the experiencemississippiriver.com websice? Please Provide w•1 link to page where it is located 1f not. when will you be adding logo and link? rio Does your LC. have a Facebook page? Please protide art link Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, 01cs 26,, distribution or on display? Do you display a Great River Road banner or other signage? 2 50 tie �0. til Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable • of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Commissioner's Signature ► A...w,e.•* 102 if Do you have photos or video of your LC. to share for promotional use? Please sena photos, video or other media !o the .Vcrloucrl Office (If, rf t 11 I.C. Personnel Signature Miisissr si Wept Ealieneneolusissippiltiverconi ' _ /•8 101 FAX- f-oo8 22.8896 'cs 0 t%:o ❑ Yes yO .:o Xr1cs1 D No Or~ Ytrke G ee Qto e. f Mississippi River Rrnkw r Commission 70i last Washington Avenue. sine. Stile 20' Madison. WI 53703 Great RiveE' Road Stec commissioner visits annually or bi-.innually by malting an appuiulment with the i C. Director or other appropriate personnel. The gnat is to develop a stronger re.latkinship hetweett the Enterpretive Centers (LC.) and the WPC During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. These talking points should include benefits of being an I t. (e.g, featured on website, printrd maps, social media, itineraries and snore ) Comments L11�y_t4 L •e414(....*t�trGc>FSu.rtsdl /V0 Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and Zink to the experiencemiss,ssippiriver.corn website? Please protide nil link to page where it Is located. 1/ not; when will you he urldi,&I; logo atter Ibik? " i•j3 mourIc Coes your. 1.0 have a Facebook page? Please pravIde ,tri link. etworkk ol* 8 aterpretive Centers Visit Checklist E t• -`.i fila -4 /1 /Q 7lJi?ct.1 ����vla Na >e ofihierpretiivve center n -a. Ai isiting commissionof s name 'MA/ i Ai'1 No ,RD/ ritre of visit Name, title, email and telephone number of T.C. personnel interviewed /Doxlrrl - Fin dct.us47 'hat are your regular hours? What is your admission pricing? How many visitors do you ?ye annually? Cir• Ii2LW ni.`.- jovleAysytrrt.0 4 !ikk) &. r'IACS.901 I (? md1 iiidiX Mtn Docs T.C. have a Yvebsite? Please, provide the ,,rl link c r kl t})rltyG /I: ter✓ietti- ' What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding Great River Road activities? 4.1'etiet. isv `cckwes lgiLY 1.4 �,,c •,di ";4 :I1 r65 t -t -ph., 016 (lwr b f)Cl7G( aQ • - r71.y C yltissioncr's Sign? 103 %-p--tc- urc MISSISSIPPI RIVER Do you carry GRA Wraps or rack cards for sale, ,1 Yes fl Nr, distribution or on display? Do you display a Great River Road banner or 0 other signage? Are your frontline personnel knowledgeable of the Great River Road? Do they receive any formal training? Do you have photos o,r video of your T.C. to share for promotional use? ,Please sendphoirts, r:ideo or other media to the National (Oct'. 1. 1.C. Personnel Signature Ii perler,r'ebhssiasippirir.mere, 1-8667634316 1 MX: 1-608-2q2-86'96 ' i YACs No � Yes X No Mississippi Ht,.•er Parkway commission '!ll Bast ttirsbington Avenue, Suite 202 th„ra ar,, W 153 703 Page 2 Effigy Mounds 104 1 0-1A4Luv-a../-i ‘41, V-lud e_11-de/i ce( AA Ck-L(kci 1-4/vc,-tt t,Cly 'WU ,-/-14 Wu (1_(.6._ (A) i (tArl -t_(.4) 4 bj/72,(Ad 4-() otz,La co-kl "1-.Iked Olutsci fi 2. (.944-ki ?C./ 61-4 Okd'th--1 ‘711/^id -4(1q L.it,t0 a4/ 110,1 LE -4 r- 72Aiti:ej 06 A id* 0-ixzebfra (1 10.71th, 7 /012' 1_,iA,0-60y77. Laa,_74-1 (,,1--A) .1-4 4( 6* --;/14U- AMAIA-du0 al( --4.1 • irt( 4M -44 -"poi Pdati, A -rum Alm* e -S) 7 1A 77 AkA-4.10( oixe__ L/4W ,6141'rl 4/ t/ii ) '?° Cy-P-Ltaell (4/ h rek_i /7101PACOIV_Aka `71-41-,/atild t_xmo-ef. 0 - /LAAA441 M 6,6 61) ktqi l `71-1-nr7 '711ff klgrk_ 7rn - Lt./ 2017 MRPC Annual Meeting Agri -tainment Iowa Style DRAFT AGENDA Tuesday, September 19 3:00-5:OOpm I Registration (Hotel lobby) I Board of Directors Meeting (20 people hollow square) at HOTEL Offering continuous shuttle service from hotel to visitor center and from Mount Hosmer overlook to visitor center. - NE Iowa Transit Service (15 person shuttles)- Jane to connect with Kurt/Monica 5:30-8:OOpm I Welcome Reception - Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center (IA-MRPC Hosts) - with IA interpretive centers on display (tables in lower level) Local foods/drinks through the three floors and possibly on outdoor patio (weather permitting) NO to follow up with interpretive centers once registration is ready. Also invite MN, WI and IL interpretive centers to participate. Organize a separate meeting for interpretive center Wednesday, September 20 8:00-9:OOam I Committee Chairs Meeting (8 people hollow square) at HOTEL New Member Orientation General Session (classroom) 8:45am — Noon I Community Center General Session (classroom) Community Center - Susanne to call city regarding clarification on set up/ clean up of tables, chairs, garbage, etc. 8:45-9:15am Welcome/ Introductions/ National Business (Edith - IA-MRPC State Chair, Karl - MRPC Pilot, Shawna Lode- IA Tourism, possibly legislators?) 9:15-10:OOam Driftless video and presentation — Tim Jacobson 10:00-10:45am Terri Goodman & Deron Muehring - Bee Branch Watershed 10:45-11:OOam Break 11:00-11:20am Dr. Eugene Watkins (Fort Madison and War of 1812) 11:20-11:40am Peter Spero — Drone Footage 11:40am to 12:45pm - Box Lunch (By the Spoonful, McGregor) Community Center. I assume we'll use the same set up and eat classroom style, rather than banquet. 12:00-12:15pm Welcome from area mayors 12:15-12:45pm Lunch Speaker - Rev. Terry Landsgaard - Emma BigBear 12:45-1:15pm Break. Return to hotel to change/freshen up for remainder of day. Bus Rental 1:15-130pm Load bus (1.30pm departure from hotel) 1:30-5:OOpm - Touring NE Iowa 105 1:35pm Arrive at Effigy Mounds (show 15 minute video, walk path, etc.) 2:35pm Load bus (depart 2 45pm) **Army Corp Backwater Project. Drive to landing. Pool 8 (Dependent on drive time.) Travel Hwy 76 scenic drive 3:45pm Arrive WW Dairy (milk and cheese tours) ** Peaks Orchard (Dependent on drive time.) 4:40pm Load bus (depart 4:50pm) 5:OOpm Arrive Empty Nest Winery 5:00-9:OOpm - Dinner at Empty Nest Winery 5:00-5:45pm Social/ wine tastings 5:45-6:40pm Dinner 6:40-7:OOpm Ag Sec. Bill Northey 7:00-8:OOpm VJ Smith (hosted by IA-MRPC) 8:05 pm Board bus and depart (depart 8:15) 8:40pm Arrive at hotel Thursday, September 21 8:00-10:30am Technical Committee Meetings Hotel and Community Center 10:30-10:45am Break 10:45am-12:15pm General Session - Reports - States (30min), technical committees (15min), nominating committee (10min), national office (10min), MRCC (12min), NACTTI (13min) 12:15-12:45pm Break. Return to hotel to change/freshen up for remainder of day. 12:45-1:OOpm Load bus (1:OOpm departure from hotel) 1:05pm Arrive at Sucker Shack for lunch fish fry 1:05-2:05pm lunch Option A: Boat ride in back water (first 49 people) rain or shine Option B: Motor Mill Historic Site 2:05pm Half of group boards bus to Motor Mill Historic Site/ Half of group take backwater excursion (Bus departs 2:15pm) 2:25pm Arrive at Pikes Peak State Park 2:55pm Load bus (Depart 3:05pm) 3:40pm Arrive Motor Mill 4:25pm Load bus (Depart 4:35pm) 5:20pm Arrive at Sucker Shack to pick up other group (Bus departs 5:30pm) 5:35pm Return to hotel 6:45-8:30pm Dinner, Awards and Barbershop Quartet/ Three Lads & Dad?? (Maggie's Diner or Marquette Cafe) 106 IOWA MRPC FY 2016 - 2018 FY BUDGET Item State Fiscal Year 2016 Description 1 MRPC Annual Dues 2 Annual Meeting NOLA 3 Semi -Annual Meeting, La Crosse 4 Travel/meals in state 5 Iowa Byways Foundation 6 Eastern Iowa Tourism Dues 7 Administration 8 Marketing TOTAL BUDGET RECORD Iowa DOT Annual Budget $15,000.00 $4,600.00 $4,500.00 $2,215.00 $500 00 $135.00 $300 00 $12,750.00 $40,000.00 MRPC Amount Amount LOCAL Paid to Date Remaining $15,000.00 50.00 $6,914.65 -52,314.65 $3,456.36 $1,043.64 $1,987.12 $227.88 $500.00 50.00 $135.00 $0 OQ $129.63 $170.37 510,448.63 $2,301.37 $38,571.39 51,428.61 State Fiscal Year 2017 BUDGET RECORD I MRPC Item Description 1 10 State MRPC Annual Dues 2 Travel to Annual Mtg-Natchez, MS 3 Travel to Semi -Annual Mtg-KY 4 Iowa MRPC Mtgs-travel/meals 5 Iowa Byways Foundation Membership 6 Eastern Iowa Tourism Dues 7 Administration 8 Marketing (advertising, newsletter, guides) 9 National Scenic Byways Foundation TOTAL Iowa DOT Annual Budget $15,000.00 $6,900.00 $4,500.00 $2,215.00 5500.00 $135.00 $300.00 $10,450.00 $0.00 $40,000.00 Amount Paid to Date $15,000.00 57,025.89 $5,304.31 $2,010 31 $0.00 $135.00 $6.50 $9,802.30 $150.00 $39,530.29 Amount Remaining $0.00 -$125.89 -$804.31 $204.69 $ 500.00 $0.00 $293.50 $647.70 -5150.00 $465.69 LOCAL Item State Fiscal Year 2018 Description 1 MRPC Annual Dues 2 Annual Meeting Commissioners 3 Semi -Annual Meeting 4 Travel/meals in state 5 Iowa Byways Foundation 6 Eastern Iowa Tourism Dues 7 Administration 8 Marketing (buys committed) 9 CMP Communications and Marketing 10 Annual Meeting Hosting TOTAL '07 BUDGET DRAFT Iowa DOT Amount Annual Budget Paid to Date $15,000.00 $4,500.00 $4,500.00 $2,215.00 $500.00 5135.00 $300.00 $6,495.00 $3,955.00 $2,400.00 $40,000.00 MRPC Amount LOCAL Remaining IOWA MRPC FY 2016 - 2018 FY BUDGET Marketing $2,650.001/2 page ad Travel Iowa_ $3,500.00 Midwest Living $495.00ECIA 1/4 page ad $624.08 Pop up Banners $400.00lowa State Fair Booth $231.22 State fair travel $456.00 KROS $846.00 ENNES (Several stations) $300.00 KROS $300.00 iHeart MEDIA $9,802.301Total 108 Mississippi River Parkway Commission "Bike the Great River Road Giveaway" social media/online toolkit Overview The Mississippi River Parkway Commission's Bike the Great River Road Giveaway is a simple sweepstakes designed to help promote biking as a recreational activity along the Great River Road. The giveaway runs from June 12 through July 28, 2017. To enter, fans have to like the Great River Road Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GreatRiverRoad) and provide basic contact information for a chance to win. One grand -prize winner will be selected at random to receive a Great River Road prize package that includes a $250 prepaid credit card, a jacket from the Great River Road store (htto://business.landsend.com/store/shootheareatriverroad/1 and a copy of the 10 -state Great River Road map. During the promotion period, we will highlight biking events and trails throughout the Great River Road states on our social media channels (Facebook, Pinterest) and blogs. We're asking for help promoting the giveaway (and biking overall) in the Great River Road states, and we have included some tools you can use to help us get the word out. On your website Add the button/logo provided to your website if possible (button will link to promo landing page) In your e -newsletters Sample e -newsletter content Win a biking getaway this spring! Explore the Great River Road on two wheels to find gorgeous Mississippi River scenery, great biking trails and more! Enter the Bike the Great River Road Giveaway, and you could win $250 in spending money, Great River Road merchandise and more. I LINK: promo landing page On Facebook Sample Facebook posts Enter the Bike the Great River Road Giveaway, and you could win $250 (and more) to launch your own cycling adventure along the scenic Great River Road. I LINK: promo landing page Explore the heart of America on two wheels this summer! Enter the Bike the Great River Road Giveaway, and you could win $250 and some Great River Road merchandise to launch your own cycling adventure! I LINK: promo landing page On Twitter Sample Twitter posts Explore the #MississippiRiver on two wheels with the Bike the #GreatRiverRoad Giveaway! You could win $250 and more! I Link to promo landing page Summer is a great time to explore the #MississippiRiver on your bike. Enter the Bike the #GreatRiverRoad Giveaway & you could win $250! Link to promo landing page 109 MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION 2016 ANNUAL MARKETING REPORT January -December, 2016 110 PiIch Rarnet ADMIN Fulfillments • 10,073 maps sent in 2016 o 152 phone and email requests (includes bulk orders requested by interpretive centers and other businesses). o 9,921 online requests Phone Calls • Responded to more than 530 phone inquiries • Researched and returned voicemails PRINT Map • Updates Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report o Created contact list (members, DOT, tourism and interpretive centers) o Collected and organized updates from contact list • Interpretive Centers 111 Pilch8Barnet 112 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report o Updated ICs information (compared to current information) o Added new ICs • Copy o Refresh copy • Design o Created draft 1 map based on updates provided o Created webpage for review • Uploaded new map files • Created feedback form • Created feedback page o Organized feedback o Created draft 2 map based on feedback o Update webpage for review o Collected final feedback o Made final changes to map • Web o Updated new pdf map and cover files on website Pilch83arnet E -N EWSLETTERS 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 9,504 1 9,734 i 9,968 I 10,260 i Subscribers 10,748 11,155 13,426 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report 14,438 14,980 15,552 15,840 16,349 �.• ?'� air ,s‘ 1m 1�11e Ng {cztg • Subscribers - Tourism list • Average open rate: 32% (industry average: 18%) • Average click rate: 11 % (industry average: 3%) 113 PiIch Barnet MRPC Members E -newsletters Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report • 11 E -newsletters sent to MRPC Members list in 2016 o 3/3 - announcing Semi -Annual Meeting details, hotel options, registration information and agenda o 3/29 - Semi -Annual Meeting early bird reminder, hotel deadline, up-to-date mrpcmembers.com site, event submission, year of birding, birding giveaway, marketing successes, save the date Annual Meeting and GRR fun fact. o 4/8 - early bird registration reminder and event submission reminder o 5/17 - announce save the date for Annual Meeting, hotel info, Semi -Annual wrap-up, event submission, photos & videos submission, birding giveaway update, nomination deadlines and GRR social media o 6/14 - toolkit for Drive the Great River Road Month o 6/30 - spread the word about new biking promotior o 7/27 - early bird registration for Annual Meeting, hotel info, nomination deadlines, biking giveaway, Drive the Great River Road Month o 8/22 - Annual Meeting reminder, nomination deadline (final reminder), DGRR o 10/18 - wrap up of Annual Meeting, special recognition, NatGeo site launch, marketing success, fall photo requests, cycling events, condolences, 2017 National Meetings o 11/22 - announcement of Semi -Annual Meeting 2017 and sustain the GRR o 12/7 - end of year giving 114 2016 MRPC Annual Meeting Wrap Up Missss� re litmus 000 node coot [•vrwV n0*. 9 071407000) Mpes.DC .a -w. Val!m I!. 6.rnt my O.vae,ne ab..n.ts. and a 4077 an I Nana mu n tee ant..4 eemep•aa.d t: b, hwrr.g Oben n rr. *rani Special recognition U;..pa,•Je:ana U 6. klrr..G pwp. and Oga.aarc.. 01 , ..•a •.•09.60.40 c4+•q o. annual1010009 • Oattnqual,G4etvlu Awve Bob W. Ann •07..40. dtu.spyl . pool's State Awal0 b a 000t< Mon, ..mato" Doe• 0. rya*' a1..M10 can b.46n40'e�e TN moot mama 00100,... •.0'4[107.07094 an Ab0 env. • • ..mc.a...t'en NatOeo Site Launch Tn. •Orn V.trax aCMoyeyne LI mow., Cy2.4.7. cY halaaar..d,I. am ...Wns.a. 0710.000* nam ..b..nrran tot u net... nap.&.U.Mona 00 trro.arae and 40000 anal ea 4M0C. 00..60(.10000 or.1.000( .c,e b h.ta h• cps.. O.. Road cewa.•t Berg bets act b..p00re9e.01000000c. 00..•. 000.079 Gnat a0*. R<..e t.va..a. ^10^9 mw..q em.yefw 701...0 arm bnnd.+j 0060.0' 00<40.0•R, 0 Road bqo tn..iyou br...',Or 440 cont. Woe eon.M to t00 •.r. .010007 A 1...40 el *90.61 *0 out..py 040 1.0 a•Da tp *71 .00.. b. 0.0.00n•t p}•uod w Immo ...cuob and f a...a.. =aw a lc+r..bb ....was and oyes: .•b.•..0*• .. c Marketing Success our aeon. le .06001 Vv C4oat R0*• Mum oo1 o,n b I.m 00640. Yb 070100.19' W boar. beco.caIFU.+o 09G,nl Rya. Rea. Mo.. 10,040 sl0.0^01019'•0...c.-wccb be an..nm0. wdy b 0070004190 tat 7e.W 00 the bfmb. I.o Hb.oneu. en •1e 0.vW R.... Rood.+.+earra let no..4tbm. 001 non Ob. 13.40 bm o 00l•.q up en mvoge 0, i•t.an.ytag.2..emach .70.00 t.. ....ace OP. .ab at v.. a.'a..}ta.. 033 lament (...eloy navvy. so 1bp....b end Oa0...000cictbar. 11 010.10,70. .700*00 000709.. 30.07..41 0. Gnat no, Rom co.,. b Saw We. me...a es F.e.0400 fan - 400.00770 worm.. and a Fa9ecor page HM ra..ea0n..ped aA new.er* e0m AOm..wre newly »C 0300., rke 00! 9690 Fall photos I'L.oO .1007 Nu' tan 0170 We.v. Mlbw.pp 0710*. arab W>a 0.. o. ,..n..uba. M 000010* !aa Va. 00 01e e,wea - Kine 01001a b.... In to eMon9 meat On01.ur 0070 angugn9 000 ,41 mala 700. Peons 1790 seer. 1a0K.11.1 can pods And 00000 009,mg 007101077 60 7000 01 79 0..1 eneg [re Maur^,.. an 0100,0 a u.. ...Inc poo} 070ng 0100001. 67019 and envy., eu,xa+ u 00lon P..W *0740 Cycling events .•.r w at. game eve nay..aebn on be elmg r.s1. aa.g (Wet. bp Rom boom 1 rubm.n.d 'MO.maten 10mMir pease 01 w ung Condolences M.Ry Beekman 00Nnc, mem 0.. et 0.10.12:7; 01...6.a than tO •7000 94baa...700b4.. 6 07071(.074040000 01 QpMr..No1I...pb,on env... .t rr,.ga 0etrvrtrny nay dw.gnalon 01 Ira'Na0en•n amun.».00ad96000,0 dn.c Byx.y. Maryneoa drsubd and tr0. ..00raew teat. and h 4.10.0. 0.610970.61 *000710. e1 d. MRPC ,to vaa atw re ..0.M cf 107 Debtpuelad 3.000 A66,0 0 1999 IN a,6 Co Joyce St Columbia 47AV...04 of atsena, enc.. ....St I:Lmue. 0(.7004 an0: 000t 12 40)0* atbMen Mart. COout 06100,0 nowt. y and t. nam. 410.7 00eowy H.10.,00.0 2017 National Meetings •,(.'01100 un7S0.6 1E7 Er. let 1 :;a7n*Arue6! M..emq mSy,M 0000..4arabm KMtuc4)' Sby fond tor Mb. KI*OM 6414 and Moog 0Ermy0n• 0,04 MJ Im41 Tee 40 Amu. MOawy -DilchLRarnct Experience Mississippi River Tourism • 3 enewsletters sent to the tourism list announcing promotions in 2016 3/21 — announced Birding Bonanza Giveaway • Sent to 10,153 subscribers • 34% open rate (industry average 18%) • 11% click -through rate (industry average 3%) o 7/7 — announced Bike the Great River Road Giveaway • Sent to 11,626 subscribers • 29% open rate • 7% click -through rate 9/1 — announced Drive the Great River Road Month • Sent to 14,986 subscribers • 32% open rate • 12% click -through rate 115 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report E -newsletters Win $250 for your next Great River Road trip! Enter to win $250 for a trip on the Great River Road! You'll find some of the best birding in the country along the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. You can see hundreds of species of birds along the Mississippi Flyway and find countless more at the wildlife refuges. parks and forests that line the Great River Road Now, we're giving you a chance to embark on your own birdwatching adventure along the Great River Road! Enter today, and you could win $250 to spend on your trip, plus some Great River Road gear of your own. 40 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 701 E. Washington Ave. Ste. 202 Madison, WI 53703 r":;,,y:,r::"rnississippitivr': • 866.763.8310 PiIch Barnet SOCIAL MEDIA 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 11,341 1 13,059 I Facebook posts 14,589 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report 2016 Facebook Fan Growth 16,106 17,287 19,040 21,067 22,495 25,356 23,995 26,293 27,200 `\\v ` `�`,�\` �O� \,, `\`` `. • • We posted to the Great River Road Facebook page 166 times in 2016 Top 5 Facebook posts • 9/9/16 ("Photo Friday! The unique Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa, was completed in 1931 and spans the Mississippi River between Iowa and Wisconsin" w/photo): 35,060 people reached, 1,878 reactions, 165 comments, 233 shares, 2,013 post clicks • 11/4/16 ("A beautiful story about the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi" w/link to USA Today article): 25,562 people reached, 811 reactions, 101 comments, 229 shares, 1,598 post clicks • 9/1/16 ("It's September, so you know that that means: it's Drive the Great River Road Month! We're encouraging folks to explore the nation's oldest and longest National Scenic Byway all September long. Plus, we're giving away $500 in our Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes!" w/link to website): 23,213 people reached, 794 reactions, 37 comments, 207 shares, 1,253 post clicks* • 4/20/16 ("Happy 125th birthday to the park that houses the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River!" w/shared post about Itasca State Park): 17,084 people reached, 521 reactions, 38 comments, 989 post clicks • 11/19/16 ("There's a lot to learn about the Mississippi River and the Great River Road..." w/link to blog on experiencemississippiriver.com): 16,558 people reached, 515 reactions, 18 comments, 142 shares, 793 post clicks *post was promoted with Facebook advertising 116 PiIch Bo rnet Pinterest • Followers added 2016. +230 (+53%) • Pins added 2016: 208 Blogs • Wrote monthly blog posts and shared on Facebook o Top 5 birds to see on the Great River Road o Golfing the Great River Road o Must -see birding on the Great River Roa o Find fresh flavor on the Great River Roac o Bike the Great River Road this summer o Your Twin Cities adventure, by bike o Exploring the Mississippi River Wine County o 6 things you might not know about the Great River Road o Welcome to Drive the Great River Road Month o Haunts of the Great River Road o Great River Road fun facts o National treasures on the Great River Rc Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report Top 5 birds to see on the Great River Road With warm spring temperatures care the clerks of rn.Zratory birds, hying north Mons the Mississippi Saver :he Mississippi flyway is the migration route fotibwed by 60% of all waterfowl and sho i1 in North America wildlife. setuset, state tants, federal torous and partes protect the <ruC Li habitat and food sources to these birds Grab a pair of binoculars. bevasne you wont believe the vanaty ,N tool Inst nests along the Misshs.ppi. mere err a rein of aur favorites. and where ppu ran find them: 0ald eagle Watch out nations bird sou over the pines and ekes elotb the Mississippi. Nearly every matt from Arkansas to Minnesota toasts superb bald eagle viewing. theconlitibns of the Mississippi are simply pfeotitut. A 'you warts to Team niece about the majestic bird tbe efalnral iMle Cta'er it` era Grit) M'nnrso4a Is a regional 'arcuate fa pomp situs Climb Into an eagles nest, meet Ile ressdrtit ,aptor i, or join a;Wded field tour to se• the birds the In wild, further south, al the ltdaksigpl Rrsts S"'s,br !lone, ,n Roc1vislarit, point find a bold eagle hot spot this location is best In Weeklies and very tarty spring. when ten eagles gather near the open water to teed. Takeaways • We more than doubled our fan numbers in 2016, thanks to a successful Facebook advertising campaign and three successful promotions. We should easily surpass 30,000 fans in early 2017 and will continue to use our Facebook advertising to gain fans, as well as to boost interaction for some of our posts. • We saw a fair amount of variety in our most popular posts in 2016, ranging from photos to blog posts on our website to magazine/newspaper articles about various locations on the Great River Road. We also in 2016 started some new social media features like Interpretive Center Tuesdays that cast a light on some of the other things to see and do along the Great River Road • The two new themed promotions (biking and birding) in 2016 allowed us to take a deeper dive into some of the recreational activities along the Great River Road and highlight some areas and attractions that might not get as much play during the rest of the year, when we're focusing on more "general interest" travel. 117 PiIch Barnet PROMOTIONS Birding Bonanza Giveaway Overview • Run dates: 3/21-5/31 • Overview: Launched in conjunction with the Year of Birding, this giveaway was designed to raise awareness of the plentiful birding options along the Great River Road • Prize: $250 prepaid credit card, Great River Road jacket (from online store), copy of "Roadtrip with a Raindrop" by Gayle Harper, Great River Road map Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report b'�9 Bah, • Entries: 1,234 • Fans added: 3,136 • E -newsletter subscribers added: 895 • Pageviews: 5,786 Takeaways • We were able to achieve both of our main goals of the promotion: to raise awareness of birding options along the Great River Road and to increase fan numbers (we increased our fan base by more than 3,000 fans during the promotion period) and interactions (we saw an increase of more than 150% in engagements compared to the same period in 2015) on the Great River Road Facebook page. • This was our first niche promotion with the Great River Road in a number of years; previous giveaways were associated with the more general Drive the Great River Road Month promotion in September. The niche targeting of this promotion resulted in fewer entries (1,234 in the birding promo v. 2,132 in the general Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes in September 2015), but that's to be expected with a more specifically targeted promotion (and 1,200+ entries is still an impressive number). • It was also nice to see that several states and destinations helped promote the giveaway. In our entry forms, we had several dozen people cite mentions of the contest by tourism organizations in Iowa and Minnesota, as well as author Gayle Harper, who wrote the book we included in our prize package. 118 PiIch& Barnet Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report Bike the Great River Road Giveaway • Run dates: 6/6-7/31/16 • Overview: Summer promotion designed to highlight biking trails/events along the Great River Road • Prize: $250 prepaid credit card, Great River Road jacket (from online store), Great River Road map • Entries: 1,144 • Fans added: 3,412 • E -newsletter subscribers added: 3,208 • Pageviews: 5,663 Takeaways • The number of e -newsletter signups grew by an impressive 28% during the promotion — people who are interested in the Great River Road and open to receiving additional information. We will take advantage of this warm market in the future with more regular e - newsletters encouraging travel. • We asked entrants what kind of biking events and activities they were interested in along the Great River Road and while the vast majority responded with "casual rides," a substantial number indicated an interested in guided bike tours along the byway. Thought should be given to providing this as an offering in bike -friendly communities along the road. • Judging by the success of the promotion, biking opportunities along the Great River Road should be incorporated more regularly into the marketing materials (social media, e - newsletters, etc.). Drive The Great River Road Sweepstakes • Run dates: 9/1-9/30/16 • Overview: Fall sweepstakes tied to our annual promotion encouraging visitors to drive the Great River Road; focus on fall color as well as fall activities, with a general focus on the GRR itself • Prize: $500 • Entries: 1,799 • Fans added. 1,282 • E -newsletter subscribers added: 604 119 Pilch8Barnet • Pageviews. 7,607 Takeaways • The Great River Road Facebook page gained almost 1,300 new fans during the promotion, with a total of nearly 1,800 entries. This indicates an influx of new fans, rather than only reaching current ones. • The promotion gathered approximately 600 new e -newsletter signups – a large pool of new potential travelers to market to moving forward. • The e -newsletter was, by far, the most popular method people listed for learning about the contest. Incorporation of regular e -newsletters would be a great way to reach this warm market and encourage them to travel the Great River Road. Promotions summary • Our three promotions (two of which were new): o Received more than 4,000 combined entries o Added more than 7,500 fans to our Facebook page o Added 4,500 people to our e- newsletter list • Our annual Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes received the most entries (1,799) of the three contests and has proven to be very successful each of the last three years, receiving a significant amount of entries every time. This is a good showcase to highlight some of the attractions, cities and more along the Great River Road, and the $500 prize (meant to encourage fans to spend the money on their next Great River Road trip) draws significant interest. • The other two promotions – Birding Bonanza and Bike the Great River Road—were themed promotions we had not run before, but both were very successful, registering more than 1,100 entries in each. While these promotions reached more of a niche audience (that's especially the case with Birding Bonanza), they allowed us to highlight different recreational aspects along the Great River Road and should continue to prove fruitful in the future. Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report Win $500 for your next Great River Road trip! we the GA IVER ROA Want to explore the Great River Road? Enter to win $500! Want to explore the Greal River Road this fall? September is Driyelhe_GresILBi eLR an.M2rJU]. so there s no better time to do it—and now we're giving you a chance to win 5500 to spend on your next Great River Road getaway! Sign up for the r- ,: Ir•. : rn,iav and yeti; "nu Jit win Cann In c npnd at mot Ilh•wgier,nn restaurants, unique attractions and more along America's oldest and longest National Scenic Byway. >1i1tiv,.r:.'.�� issssippr ttiver rarxway commission 701 E. Washington Ave. Ste. 202 Madison, WI 53703 120 Pilch8Barnet Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report PR/PUBLICITY Press releases written and distributed at launch and conclusion of each promotion. • A press release announcing the launch of the Birding Bonanza Giveaway was sent to media in all 10 Great River Road states the week of 3/22. o Picked up by River Cities' Reader • A press release announcing the launch of the Bike the Great River Road Giveaway was sent to the same media list the week of 6/6. • A press release announcing the launch of the Drive the Great River Road Sweepstakes was sent to the same media list on 9/1. o Picked up by: o Marion Evening Times (Arkansas) (http://www.theeveningtimes.com/site/2016/09/05/fall-in-love-with-the-mississippi- river-drive-the-great-river-road-month-returns/) o Wilton -Durant Advocate News (Iowa) (http://www. northscottpress.com/wdadvocatenews/news/briefs/article_c0ecec30- 75eb-11 e6 -9898-936f1 f8ee300. html) o Hastings Star Gazette (Minnesota) (http://www. hastingsstargazette.com/news/4125172-september-drive-great-river- road-month) o La Crosse Tribune (Wisconsin) (http://lacrossetribune.com/drive-the-great-river- road- month-returns/article_561faec5-9888-573d-a52f-a69ffa2b141c.html) o Other articles: o http://www. usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2016/12/07/great-river- road/95082468 o http://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/day-out/2016/11 /04/tundra-swans- mississippi-river-autumn-fall/93134636 o http://www. usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2016/11/04/mississippi-river- sou rce-headwaters/93241254 o https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/the-most-beautiful-building-in-every-state (mentions some attractions along Great River Road) o http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/north-america/united- states/mississippi/articles/The-Mississippi-Trip-of-a-Lifetime 121 Pilch8Barnet Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report Other pickups: o http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2016/12/07/great-river-road/95082468 o http://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/day-out/2016/11/04/tundra- swans- mississippi-river-autumn-fall/93134636 o http://www. usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2016/11 /04/m ississippi-river- source- headwaters/93241254 o https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/the-most-beautiful-building-in-every-state (mentions some attractions along Great River Road) o http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/north- america/united- states/mississippi/articles/The-Mississippi-Trip-of- a-Lifetime Promotion Toolkits • We created toolkits and posted online for members to use to help promote the giveaways. • Toolkits included: o Sample News Release o Social Media Tips o Story Ideas/Sample Itineraries o Sweepstakes Summary o Talking Points o Graphics and links Additional efforts • Provided photos/info for Travel Channel blog post: htto://www.travelchannel.com/roam- bloa/adventure/10-don-t-miss-scenic-drives • Worked with Gary Garth of USAToday.com for story ideas/photos about the Great River Road trip from headwaters to Illinois (story: http://www.usatoday.com/storv/travel/destinations/2016/12/07/areat- river-road/950824681 • Responded to requests for information from Edgewood College in Madison, True North Travel Agency in Minnesota • Worked with editor of Southern Travel+ Lifestyles magazine to provide story ideas/images for article in May/June 2017 issue Logo usage • Continued to review/approve logo usage • Provided proper logo files for use 122 PiIchF3arnet WEB MAINTENANCE Ongoing web checks & maintenance (experiencemississippiriver.com) • Monthly website checks o Tested and updated links as necessary o Checked copy and photos, ensured content was current o Removed expired packages • Year of Birding o Updated the birding page with MRCC's information on 2016 the Year of Birding o Collected and uploaded birding brochures to page • Related Articles o Coded for related articles to appear on interior pages o Updated 47 articles/posts with proper categories and appear on the following pages: • About the Great River Road • Drive the Great River Road Month • Itineraries • All state pages • Auto & motorcycle tours • Biking • Birding • Hiking • Sports & gaming 123 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report Birding tritallg APP Woad Ankles MEM arm~ — % rthIs:ra ,�,rrin�9vuc. it S JTflny L UsA, Related Articles Enjoy Bike Month Along the Great River Road May is National Bike Month, so hook the bike on.. Learn more Three antebellum homes to see along the Great River Road Travelers along the southern portion of the Great River Road . ILearn more 1 Must -see birding on the Great River Road The Great River Road is one of the world's premier.. Learn more PiIch Barnet MRPCmembers.com • Maintained rosters o Update commissioner/staff information as we received updates • Wrote posts to keep group informed • Updated resources page for group to have access to all public documents o Minutes, agendas, awards, meeting info, etc. • Created online survey forms for board use with National Office evaluation • Created online form to submit bicycling specific events and eve Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report MOBILE APP Drive the Great River Road App • Total number of downloads as of 12/31/16 o 3,152 Apple o 1,954 Android o 5,106 total downloads 124 Forms 6 Resources 011•0.01•011,..1 SANw.<. WIN E7471 -111•11...10100 $0.0PAPMPI • - ww 10wcre,42.e1 aww.w 1e.cmw. a • 1 PilcheBarnet WEB STATS Visits Jan 1, 2016 - Dec 31, 2016: • Sessions Jan 1, 2015 - Dec 31, 2015: • Sessions 5,000 2.500 April 2016 Sessions 209,688 vs 169,712 24% increase Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report July 2016 October 2016 QUICK OVERVIEW COMPARED TO 2015 STATS Users 172,582 vs 138,912 24% increase Pageviews 481,542 vs 419,241 15% increase • Web site visits continue to grow. In 2016, visits increased by 24% (from 169,712 to 209,688) o Note the spikes in website visits around April. .lune/July and September correspond with the duration of the promotions we ran this year • Facebook continues to be the number one referring site (mainly mobile facebook referral - up by 23% from 2015) • River attractions page continues to be the most viewed page behind the homepage at 49,029 pageviews • Organic traffic (visits received from search engine results) brought over 130,657 visits. That's 62% of 2016 sessions. This means our site holds great content where our pages are appearing in people's search results. Mobile visits • Mobile visits surpassed desktop visits in 2016. o 53% of sessions were mobile visits (mobile and tablet) o 47% of sessions were desktop visits • Growth in mobile visits from last year increased by 71 %, desktop visits increased only by 10% o This shows our audience is accessing our site more frequently via mobile devices 125 Pilch8Barnet MEETINGS Semi -Annual & Annual National Meetings • Semi -Annual Meeting o April 27-29. 2016 • Annual Meeting o September 14-16, 2016 • Collection and processed o Sate reports o Award Nominations o Interpretive Center Site Visits • Meeting set-up) o Booking o Speakers o Pricing o Trips • Registration o Set pricing 126 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report :MS .'4 Mississippi River Parkway Commission Semi -Annual Meeting LI frusxe, Wl 1 April 27-29,7016 Join us in La Crosse! `.r next MW.. Sew. Amnia( Meeting wall tale pUar In La lanes, Wl, Rom .1{01]!-19 the'M'"KMI11eafote i full agenda, nklohrlj Mlutra dcvekgmg Miriam on Re Lteat 0091/6410,111, 4k.na W aglnwnnnt un Iheulal Rim /toad. at.tw• fwatnn update and nom Wu 111,wo, atdaal ngllt In the Reale of beautiful downtown V VOW. A thrrnng mw eat located on the banks of the Miseisslppl K,vn 681.0( toa7•1008001 WW1 1.121 -,nowt m..nng k,•g,.m 1. W..ln.,dar-6001.12 .712 Bumf of Damatae Meeting 7pm a lapin 6ra\aat 011 11r11,me, Ileglanuion 110*p3tallty ante 7 Sant Revd. Ion 11-0 want New Member Often tattoo 86pan4 Comminee Chalet :deo lag g,I'r it 'nam Generalbavion W'r4w <,aw..rCwr.n�a, •x; -µk17 - -i.an .n/vl.n, hu1-wme. WON rn., laf•nnYWrSmtr ern leo .1.01014 "wean-. Im.n•WIt,0Rl O.anlalaeel Sen 84126(2 Ntehaul Moonapnalt Lutnm on the LetaI WWI ROM h A t0.rnym DoPain \ Re2nu n. W71}r1 . lIwnl of itme..m %watttpwith a 80n1,7 72,, u..tynrffanbty Ase billib al,CJy4113710. WI Im.VerliWl.4nf4R 1tltMl lNewvy a Wattle, .mit NI* 0003 K.nw 1, l swnmmRg. mew. SaoneheLIAanr II auto< Lerd Ms 1 on.. fl pp. Pon 1 nr1 C 7wn.ln.,nn+r.c.f... 7rM A2J1, lett 1: Ax` Siam &on 7 •'.pm lana% Ag71tKn„m oda/ t.fNr %Net 20...l- -p•ai.nA' IIan* Locettatta, 164.,o,%alter I 141 alnn Technical CORIMIltee Meeting& a a lapin Roundtable 41uvuion on run in4 and Wppon Oppnnunitlra for Rlwaya to 6oto Welcome to Wh ,,n.ln 7a111ng. and 4mplingl Irntn-r - an lee, •seen wr"wt�'As Registralicn .-..n Ir.W% tu.-.Alto Ipg 11 lroeaw I Atwtyac sr. rut, ow• of µ,7.l tr att.,- Lao. awll ti dr.71011Iw er.rednrl /01014014 raw Fwr,Y.1—a .l...b.%v0or foe•«tr'a:M pµMi.MY. Mote w Mets a. 1.ahy1A0.11r. worm eau rrpttatio fee w,r.rgore Ur uno1140•09nN. Nt hwM, At.'1 u..A %Yt k+/0114 Ura ad•84 armattemi Yr.,Mton[ m. • ahs La wnitMn k.a.,,leiu nn • 1,1414.e,%11fw, gt.v.rw nsiormuw.r coo • 1 .ro-2.9 •P0 • Mt( 19.9460olo PiIch Barnet o Create registration form (hard copy and electronically) o Print and mail form out to members o Email registration information o Collect payments • Meeting Prep o Finalize roster o Create and print agenda, meeting minutes and other related materials o Organize and sort unique folders per committee ■ Print, label and customize 127 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report l �f mission nual Meeting Natcbes, MS 1 September 24-16, 2016 • A01101 t'!$ol`t{Gsd��/9a`►jwV'.i�S'i4'���1421�I.�X�xY�,6��'.•Am::! iaYa:.:^?w� e`ilr.. Join us in Natchez! l0h'W sseerpeiIll t:G-Mu pedUrli l ..h)ch is cRs612lioy hs morh mnntrvry ,V4,14 wv G MINA Ilig Lls t:Lnglt:Nvl R:.ri RGOI NituswNf: eW"t ra:ntg rha• hl,tafy rd namgrnft1s: [a 1b0mettbrit 2•10 Nanesspc+Ray nom thrIwn u:iftssts;ippl,D;;h0Ohnn7r,aval..srcfwplcsfrpt•t:In ,Impoluluam l:on hy,atn,nnlen•.tnd rem ism Peutre r:tw,fdh. 5v0,'1,atmwlnuctme ReR•vvr u4.y Agenda,a:.>,fr •.. • WOdnesdas 4soventMr • spm Bond of Direst.", Net. it% u U Ra{ist Inn f• -/,n• Welonme Reception ' ;.io._ 0'• 211111' 11411 ,INT'. tars, v. tt: 1111Yel'.mt Iru• of tvnwt.4les MtWhIth jhut.. •.•nnn„'.•r I' M.,bsk.$esskm -.•,f..y v. i 11 •.I,b.1 rn.,..nl••to tts .s.;.plfret' ♦' In•a1•.IY) x1,.NI mcayan,• • ottt.aT, fTl..etaan ptoaokt I•t Oats t,,r nrc.•nn wwpiem•m •r • .e. •cerw. i,...r a,d ra•u,:.•spw.n:m R%a«ernanp r•.ed Df1wf*(d rYSWpd{..slip 1211`AbNSe,wnag • SpoospiXoess ofpkyel S41`Gf,lee- Dr.`YytiMINV • I Coe Oso lar..1le .. am meds suedso-Xpr000s t rs r:r aeadllse t Ip•Irinf I..• ein,n I M I N'a1 119.1 . . Upeneprcw:.aCavvesg trr rn iCfltk pnnlw,., . ..rntDrbee.02le a 4 :M l �2r� Mnuw1VI9MY MO./ . too WsdnN„u.MMe.$dieWI YWM.w WI•o-o9 ��'7'�"'• emtnmrcmw•t pnna sm • t-yw•JbY.114 • ftx oos.241•aw ...... PiIch Barnet MRC JATA SEMINAR Tokyo, September 22-26 • Delegates: o Lyn Pilch, Doug Bourgeois, Zach Holifield, Yuko Miyamoto, Lisa Catron, Chefs Cody and Sam Carroll, Kevin Kelly, Jan Kemmerling, Roger Carmack, John Haas and Naomi Hattori • Oudoor Adventure and More Presentation o Participants: ■ Minnesota, Mall of America, Illinois, Illinois Great River Road, Arkansas, Houmas House, Louisiana, Memphis, Mississippi o Collected photos and bullet points o Researched and wrote bullets points o Created PowerPoint o Submitted PowerPoint for translation o Wrote powerpoint summary/profile sheet, sent for translation, printed and distributed • State summary o Wrote powerpoint summary o Sent for translation o Printed copies • Chef's bullets o Wrote chef's notes covering agriculture and ingredients found in the 10 states along the Mississippi River Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report Experience Mississippi River Country OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & MORE • Flyers o Printed and distributed app flyers 128 MtssIssIPPI RIVER %�%�'•i)1\- ❑-F4�'%%F•77' ��-h•iJi�-•Q-F'•fi�f��•i--r7i�-fez-f «1) ')bovris f z` Z-ra 77$ YT-71')'JJl.T Oof ZZ<tr!Y \ Apple app �f+11410Zl# Android app �i+J1fiQrn D1;7i0 P&Aft34' hAl'r It 0 itpp si«e �► Gc+c.gi, Pay iO779001"f3t.144.600krn0.000 90SKNL—!•)/t—•a—Kona•—r MT, 1.t3.7•(t�/—.7J—r^i 7?-47-4%htect.23-25ee4,1<f:2L,.aixo eewtN b A�"R<t* aii.779,EVI: i—Il.T7L—h Wt—•o—F20i0hfB2T TbatrMr. ExperienceMississippiRiveacom I MRCUSA.IPin PiIchBarnet FAM TOURS Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report Spring Tour — March 2016 • Dates: March 16-23, 2016 • States: Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas • Participants: o Mr. SATOSHI KURAMOTO, editor-in-chief, Joho Center Publishing Co., Ltd. o Ms. CIEL, editor/writer, "Discover the World Spa & Hotel" o Ms. MAKIKO YAMAMOTO, editor, JunoJapan o Ms. KEIKO SATO, freelance editor/writer o Ms. CHIE USUI, translator/escort, Connect Worldwide o Mr. ALAN HAMARI, driver/escort, Mississippi River Country • Theme: girls' getaway • Destinations visited: o Louisiana • Gonzales • Darrow ■ New Orleans o Mississippi • Gulfport ■ Biloxi • Long Beach • Ocean Springs • Pass Christian ■ Ridgeland • Cleveland o Arkansas • Hot Springs National Park • Benton • Little Rock 129 PiIch F3arnet Fall Tour - October 2016 130 Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report • Dates: October 20-27, 2016 • States: Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky • Participants: o Ms. MICHIKO ONO, imedia o Mr. KO NOTOMI, The Sankei Shimbun o Mr. YUJI MATSUNAGA, Yahoo News/Huffington Post Japan o Ms. MAKIKO YAMAMOTO, Adventure King o Ms. CHIE USUI, translator/escort, Connect Worldwide o Mr. ALAN HAMARI, driver/escort, Mississippi River Country • Theme: outdoor recreation • Destinations visited: o Missouri • St. Charles • Kimmswick • Bonne Terre • Belleview • Lesterville • Arcadia • Pilot Knob • Eminence o Arkansas • Mountain View • Lakeview o Kentucky • Gilbertsville • Calvert City • Cadiz • Hopkinsville • Pembroke • Erlanger PiIch&Rarnet MARKETING RESEARCH Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report • Media rates for advertising consideration o Obtained Marketing Committee members recommended publications for ad placement o Contacted publications for media rates o Organized presentation on publications, rate cards and demographic reach o Researched and presented mufti -state bicycle races as organizational examples MRCC (MISSISSIPPI RIVER CONNECTIONS COLLABORATIVE) NatGeo Tourism Site (mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com) • We worked with National Geographic to populate this new site (mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com) with information that promotes the Great River Road. Pilch & Barnet branded individual posts, added important content about the byway and created content for each state byway on the route. o Surveyed site content to identify missing interpretive centers; sent list to state partners to ensure a complete listing o Created "Trip plans" by reworking content from itineraries from experiencemississippiriver.com itineraries o Manually added Great River Road logo and experiencemississippiriver.com link to each interpretive center posting o Worked with NatGeo staff to add links to interpretive center listing page o Wrote and posted information about the Mississippi River Parkway Commission o Created posts for individual state byways that feature highlights for travelers o Provided edits and quote to MRCC official press release Year of Birding • Year of birding is a series of events hosted by partner organizations along the Mississippi River. The events aim to bring people out to experience the beautiful sights and sounds of birding on the river. • To help MRCC's efforts in promoting the Year of Birding, we spruced up our birding content, shared and mentioned the YofB when it fit. o Updated birding page with MRCC Year of Birding content and uploaded birding brochures o Utilized Birding Bonanza Giveaway to promote birding options and the 2016 Year of Birding along the Great River Road o Wrote and shared posts on birding hotspots on Facebook o Included mention on Year of Birding 2016 in enewsletter to members - 3/29 131 Pilch8Rarnet Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016 Annual Marketing Report NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRAVEL & TOURISM (NACTTI) • Completed Fast Act Tourism Infrastructure Committee nomination application of Diana Threadgill in collaboration with MN-MRPC and Board of Directors. FINANCIAL • Filed annual tax paperwork • Monthly reconciliation • Provided paperwork and assistance to internal and external auditors for TN -DOT LANDS END Great River Road online store • The orders completed by Pilch & Barnet were for the Great River Road Birding Bonanza Giveaway and Bike the Great River Road Sweepstakes. Both promotion prize packages included a men's/women's Great River Road jacket. BUSINESS OUTFITTERS Statement Date 02/06/17 tiVlltMM�l�r Y iliii01 giiiii Yiiiig1 YiY2.YI VT QST# IME CT NAME DDT SUBTOTAL ' 2016 2084 iske Loey lay -16 12 -May -16 $77 00 $9 95 $6.08 $93.03 2016 5500 carnet -YN Jul -16 20 -Jul -16 $38 49 $9 95 $3 03 $51.47 2016 5500 Carnet .YN kug-16 29 -Aug -16 $38 49 S9 95 $4 48 $52 92 N 2016 5198 Winery LLD ep-16 16 -Sep -16 $23.47 $9 95 $1 64 $35 06 132 IOWA'S GREAT RIVER ROAD EXPLORE THE ROUTE IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION Planning Meeting Report Prepared by Terry Poe Buschkamp CMSM CTP Tuesday, July 7, 2015 Le Claire Public Library Participants included: L Jane Regan - Allamakee County ❑ Edith Pfeffer - Clinton County ❑ Lori Wallace - Clayton County ❑ Debra Jochims - Des Moines County ❑ John Goodmann - Dubuque County ❑ Larry Kruse - Lee County O Dan Petersen - Muscatine County ❑ Scott Tunnicliff - Scott County O Mary Stahlhut, Iowa Byways Program Manager, Iowa DOT Terry Poe Buschkamp, Iowa Economic Development Authority / Main Street Iowa Promotion Specialist facilitated the session. An overview of the process was provided, and it was explained that we would be spending the next three hours thinking strategically on where the Commission will be focusing their efforts in the next year. The attendees proposed that the desired outcome for the afternoon was to think strategically about priorities, and the implementation steps required to achieve three - four of those priorities in the next 12 months. The group affirmed that this is where we were going to focus our attention. Comments on the 2015 Corridor Management Plan Session attendees were asked to share theft thoughts about the 2015 Corridor Management Plan that was presented to the Commission by the consultants earlier in the day. Comments included: It helps us think about the future O Defines the roles and responsibilities of the Commission members O Indicates we need to involve partners O Shows we have a lot of work to do (need administration and money) Review of the Mission of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission It was noted that the Commission does not currently use a mission statement to focus, direct, motivate and unify the work of the group. For the purposes of our discussion, it was agreed that we would use the duties of the commission that are found on the State of Iowa web page: "The Mississippi River Planning Commission is responsible for the continued development, preservation, and promotion of the byway and its amenities." 133 Review of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission Achievements Session attendees were asked to work independently to list work that they have done in the past year to promote the mission of the Commission. Individuals were asked to share their activities for the last 12 months. These accomplishments were noted on flip chart paper (in no particular order): Developed, edited, approved and rolled out the new 2015 Corridor Management Plan Contacted local stakeholders to encourage attendance at the Corridor Managements Plan meetings Helped orchestrate Corridor Managements Plan sessions and rollout at venues across the region Monitored local projects (new $.5M Interpretive Center in Allamakee County and potential new facility in Louisa County) Contacted and met with staff at the Interpretive Centers in local counties to help them understand the relationship their relationship with the commission Provided support and oversight for the Interpretive Centers (conducted evaluation for National Mississippi River Parkway Commission) Distributed information (maps, flash drives with information) to Interpretive Centers in Iowa and neighboring states, local tourism offices, and numerous tourist attractions Delivered new signs and inspected existing signage at local Interpretive Center for location and prominence ❑ Participated in the Iowa Scenic Byway collaboration meetings, either in person or via conference call ❑ Served on National Mississippi River Parkway Commission committees ❑ Made public presentations to numerous local groups ❑ Welcomed representatives from the National Park Service ❑ Served as Mississippi River ambassadors for Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the local communities ❑ Hosted Transportation Day at the Iowa State Capitol ❑ Staffed booth at the Iowa State Fair Exhibited at the Tourism Night event for State Legislators Became familiar with route by driving the Great River Road :: Recruited new Commission members Attended/made arrangements for Commission meetings Communicated with other Commission members Communicated with local leaders, stakeholders and partners Prepared annual report of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission for elected officials, partners and stakeholders Requested new graphic to create passport templates for the Interpretive Centers Redesigned and printed the Iowa Great River Road map tear sheet Created new business cards to identify Commission members Worked on the development of new Great River Road signage project Implemented National Scenic Byway Projects Developed GPS mapping of significant sites in the region Determination of Mississippi River Parkway Commission Priorities Buschkamp introduced a series of four questions that were designed to be reflective of the four areas for elevated effectiveness that were identified in the Corridor Management Plan: Level 1: Existing Level of Appropriation Level 2: Effective Administration and Communications Level 3: Effective Promotion and Interpretation Level 4: Facilitator for Capital Investment Taking one question at a time, attendees worked individually, then shared their responses with the group using the "Magic Wall" (a lightweight magnetic receptive panel mounted on the wall) as a tool to help organize the ideas. 134 When all of the project ideas had been posted, attendees were asked to indicate their first four top choices, and four second choices. The following raw data includes a priority ranking that was achieved by assigning 2 points to each of the 1st choice responses to the questions that were posed, and 1 point for each of the 2nd choices. Question #1 "What can we do in the next 12 months to increase the level of appropriation and funding for the MRPC?" O Request AGAIN increased allocation from the state via the Iowa DOT (7) O Legislative meeting this fall (7) ❑ Meeting with House and Senate Transportation Committees (6) ❑ Establish advocacy talking points for money for the MRPC (6) O Request support from local subdivisions City or County (5) O Impress on local governments the value of tourism to them (5) O Work with Legislators for more funding to Iowa MRPC that is earmarked for marketing (3) O Try fundraising efforts as a group (3) O Meet with Governor (3) ❑ Start a "Friends Group" [who can host] bake sales (2) O Apply for a grant from IEDA's Iowa Tourism Office (2) O Appeal to others via a LETTER from the MRPC for donations for an administrator (2) O Determine and identify legislative audience (2) O Find a farmer to [donate the proceeds from] the grain in one bin ❑ Identify a program to promote the Iowa Great River Road brand with a "buy-in" program with locals [cooperative travel guide supported by the sale of advertisements] Fund or find a feasibility/assessment analysis to target sources MPO/RPA or Pro Find an Iowa DOT commissioner with good looking legs to convince DOT to increase allocation to commission (sic) Develop a plan for spending Consider the use of social media to raise awareness and money from millennials [crowd funding] Sell Great River Road logo [merchandise] pacifiers and headband bonkers (sic) Question#2 "What can we do in the next 12 months to improve the administration and increase awareness of the MRPC?" Present the Corridor Management Plan to local authorities - City and County — at public meetings (10) Make sure Commissioners attend all state meetings and a minimum of one national meeting annually (4) Help new members get going [assign mentors] (3) Set achievable goals (2) Commissioners do what Corridor Management Plan suggests at the end of the plan (local tasks, communication, etc.) (2) Set routine stakeholder events/webinar with [tourism organizations] (2) Visit EICA's RPA/MPO [East Central Intergovernmental Association Regional Planning Affiliation or Metropolitan Planning Organization] (1) Set 2016 priorities and publish them (1) [Make available/post on the website] a one-page roster of Commissioner's phone numbers, e- mail, addresses. Include DOT contacts (1) Draft proposed legislation 135 Meet with Iowa DOT Commission and present plan Lobby Senators and Representatives Attend local government meetings on a regular basis Meet more often or have working committees do priority tasks Meet locally and regularly at the county level More local presentations Write monthly newspaper articles Use the Great River Road brand to communicate with locals this winter [Install] signage [Install] banners in every Interpretive Center in Iowa Challenge local to improve signage. Make a checklist for them. [Provide] Great River Road vinyl clings [with the new graphic identity to businesses] Use the new business cards All members participate Hire a staff person for the Mississippi River Parkway Commission Question#3 "What can we do in the next 12 months to achieve increased visitation and travel party expenditures in the Iowa Great River Road communities? Create an ad campaign (Jane's) challenging folks to visit each of the Interpretive Centers (4) [Offer to provide interviews on local] radio and television shows (like Fran Reiley) (4) Secure sponsorships to fund a bike trip along the Iowa Great River Road (3) Develop and implement a marketing plan (2) Lobby county/engineers to complete the Mississippi River Trail (2) Unite the Great River Road counties with a "Drive the Great River Road" promotion (product / postcard / placemat) (1) Partner with local tourism organization (1) Do an online survey of stakeholders to choose a #1 promotion action (1) [Encourage] corridor towns/cities to promote their festivals on the Iowa Great River Road website (1) Regularly post Facebook messages, encouraging desired partners to loin/like Advertise / brand that we are the gateway to the Mississippi River Use an ad campaign to steer folks to our website — increase our brand identity Advertising : Promote the Iowa Great River Road to Iowans! Have local businesses advertise that they are located on the Great River Road Encourage local businesses to participate in the national geo-tourism project Group promotions A "Geocaching" trip Have a Great River Road [scavenger] hunt Organize activities like fishing, boat rides Bring more groups/tourism (bike and bicycle) to the area [Print] new placemats for September Coupon sharing from other river "companies" [cooperative marketing] [Create/sell] cheap souvenirs [Encourage] Mississippi River Parkway Commission website to open up an events tab so festival can be posted 136 Question#4 "What can we do in the next 12 months to establish funding for programs associated with the Core Management Directions?" Cl Ask local governments for money (2) 0 Promote the existing Great River Road Foundation and contributions to it so stakeholders can apply for grant funding for their projects Creation of Timeline to Implement Commission Priorities The top priority in each of the focus areas was selected for our discussion, and attendees were asked to indicate what actions would need to be taken to implement the projects in the next 12 months and identify their willingness to follow through with the action items on the list. Following is a rough timeline for four projects: Project #1: Request increased allocation from the state via the Iowa DOT (by October 215) July 2015: - Executive team determine needs/Identify a Plan (Edith, Jane) - Compile a list of actions performed by the Commission in the last 12 months (Terry/done!) - Discuss MRPC CMP progress with Craig and Stu / provide last year's request (Mary) August 2015: - Present the CMP to the Iowa DOT board at their August meeting - Research when/how specific to marketing and administration assistance to create a plan that the DOT can assess and approve/check timetable and last year's presentation (John) - Talk to Craig Paulsen and Todd Bowman re the timeliness of a request for 2016 (Edith) - Attend meeting in Burlington (Deb) Sept 2015: - Write a script for the presentation (include all Commissioners attending) (Edith) - Create a power point presentation (Edith, Mary) - Prepare hand out materials (Marketing Plan, CMP) for DOT (Edith, Mary) October 2015: - Request time on the October 13 Iowa DOT board meeting the agenda (Edith) - Make presentation to Iowa DOT board at their meeting in Decorah (Scott, Dan) Project #2: Present the Corridor Management Plan to local authorities - City and County — at public meetings August 2015: - Create a template for a proclamation re the Great River Road and provide to the Commissioners for personalization (Edith) - Create a summary and Power point for Commissioners to use for presentations to local City/County elected officials (John) - Burn info to flash drives and provide to Commissioners/learn how to use a projector (Edith) - Request time on the Allamakee Board of Supervisors agenda/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (Jane) - Request time on Clinton County Board of Supervisors as well as City Councils in Clinton and Camanche agendas/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (Edith) - Request time on Scott County Board of Supervisors agenda/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (Scott) Sept 2015: - Request time on Dubuque County Board of Supervisors agenda/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (John) October 2015: - Request time on city councils' agendas in Harpers Ferry, Lansing and Waukon/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present the CMP (Jane) - Request time on Lee County Board of Supervisors agenda/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (Larry) 137 - Request time on City Councils and Board of Supervisors Clayton County agendas/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (Lori) - Request time on Burlington City Council and Dubuque County Board of Supervisors agendas/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (Deb) - Request time on City Council agendas in Davenport, Bettendorf, LeClaire and Riverdale, ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present CMP (Scott) Nov 2015. - Request time on City Councils agendas in Danville, Middleton, West Burlington and Mediapolis/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present the CMP with the new Commissioner from Des Moines County (Deb) - Request time on Muscatine County Conservation Board and City Council agenda in Muscatine/ascertain that they have the equipment needed/secure handouts and present the CMP with the new Commissioner from Muscatine County (Dan) Project #3: Create an ad campaign challenging folks to visit each of the Interpretive Centers i 1 July 2015: - Secure proclamation for National office and provide to each County Commissioner to include in their presentations on the CMP to local officials (Jane) August 2015 - Make personal contact with local tourism bureau to provide information on driving the Great River Road in September (ALL COMMISSIONERS) - Post a "Call to Action" to drive the Great River Road in September on Facebook page, Travel Iowa and via Constant Contact to all stakeholders (Mary) - Contact local television station (i.e. Fran Reiley) to offer to provide an interview about driving the Great River Road in September (Edith, Dan, Scott) - Contact local television station (KWWL and KCRG) to offer to provide an interview about driving the Great River Road in September (Jane) September - Contact local television station (Channel 6) to offer to provide an interview about driving the Great River Road in September (Lori) - Deliver handouts about driving the Great River Road to local restaurants (Lori) Project #4: Ask local governments for money July - Have discussions with the UERPC RPOs (i.e. Rachelle Howe) and ask for ideas on how to fund an administrative position (Jane) September - Provide new Great River Road signage/branding material for Commissioner's use with marketing plan and financial requests determined at August meeting (Mary) 11 November - Develop a list of potential individual donors in my county (Edith) - Use marketing plan to demonstrate need for cash from local authorities and Interpretive Centers (John) December - Use marketing plan to appeal to County Supervisors and possibly City Council to demonstrate need for cash from their budgeting process (Dan) - Use marketing plan to appeal to County Supervisors to demonstrate need for cash from their budgeting process (Scott) i=1 January - Will go to local governments to provide documentation ask for money (Jane) Session Wrap Up At the close of the session, Terry thanked the attendees for their active participation, and stated that within two weeks she will provide a session report for Mary to distribute to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission members. 138 Summary It is evident that with the new Corridor Management Plan, excitement is building and many ideas have emerged. During the planning meeting, it was apparent that there is surplus of proposals, and scarcity of time and manpower to accomplish the long list of projects and activities. With a fresh perspective on its mission and an appreciation of what has been accomplished, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission should use the information in this report to move forward in a direction based on the desires of the Commission members Recommendations for Next Steps Add the duties of the Commission (your mission), a list of accomplishments and roster of names/contact information for Commissioners to your website. Move forward with the implementation steps for the four priority projects that are outlined in this report. At your August Commission meeting, review all of the proposed initiatives listed in this report to determine additional projects that could be added to the program of work for the coming year, and what should be moved to a later date (long range/next year's plan) or dropped. Thoughtfully take into account your budget/time restraints before adding any of the projects that were not identified as priorities. Add implementation steps to the additional priorities that the Commission has selected for inclusion on your program of work. Appoint a Champion for each project who will create detailed action plans and assign responsibilities. Be sure to include every step necessary to complete the activity, a timetable, and the name of the person responsible. If you can't find an individual who will accept responsibility for an activity, it shouldn't be on the action plan. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Terry Poe Buschkamp 1515.725.3075 I terrv.buschkamo aniowa aov. This is our Strategic Plan for the development of the Great River Road Corridor Management Plan 139 Marketing Workshop- Shawna Lode- Facilitator August 2015 Preparation Questions were sent to commissioners in advance: 1. Who is the target audience? a. Primary: b. Secondary. (if applicable) 2. What is the target market? 3. What are the goals? 4. How will they be measured? 5. What is the desired action? Click? To web? Too social? Like? Call? 6 What is the message? 7. How is it best delivered? Advertising? Social media? Blog? Media relations? 8. What is the budget? Who is the primary target audience? Boomer Leisure travelers (women 55-65 largest demographic) Where are the travelers drawn from? Regional draw: from the West 1-29 through Des Moines and East into Illinois to Chicago. Other target areas? Minneapolis, Probably not south into Missouri Goals: What do you want people to do in response to the ad? Action step.. link to GRR web site and Phone for product • www.lowaGreatRiverRoad.com • 800- 345 -IOWA for print mailings. (Travel Iowa and DOT coordinate.) Message: What are you selling? The river, Midwest welcome/ nice people, History (US move west and ancient), Outdoor, the river, scenery, communities with unique culture, recreation, National byway, 3`d most popular global destination Draft summary of message. The Iowa GRR is the world's third most sought after river destination. This nationally recognized (designated) scenic byway is home to charming riverfront communities rooted in history, with abundant wildlife encounters, and recreation. What is the best delivery method for this message? Discussion: Print, online, billboards, radio/TV? Magazines with related content, web, billboards, targeted radio/TV Travel Iowa Partnership Program Wait listed: o Preservation Magazine $900 o Minneapolis Star Tribune $600 140 Ready Travel Iowa- Web site Casey's General Store Iowa Travel Guide Iowa Outdoors Eastern Iowa Tourism Midwest Living Magazine "0" Oprah magazine Remarketing reminders guaranteed 50,000 impressions- and 1,000 clicks Jan - March Out of Home - 10 gas pump- toppers. you choose the stores (April- June) 1/2 page ad DNR Magazine ad % page once a year $ 1,000 $ 2,650 $ 1,350 $ 225 $ 495 $ 3,450 $ 2,300 Other discussion: • The GRR has seasons outside the prime Iowa tourism primary target ad dates. March — May. Early Spring Eagle watching around March and a fall push for GRR is appropriate. • Reserve balance of marketing funds for graphic development and Fall promotion • Consider motorcycle community promotions. • Jane: local radio "103 5" program buy. $103.50 ad cost and tag words. Trivia about GRR on the air all week with a Friday prize of $103.50. Other Opportunities Constant Contact MRPC will soon have access to the GRR CMP Constant Contact account DOT can manage the renewal from the MRPC budget, but using it will be up to MRPC. Newsletters can be distributed through this and stakeholder contacts from the CMP need to be maintained. Face Book httos://www.facebook.com/IowaGreatRiverRoad?ref=avmt homeoaae oanel MRPC also has a GRR Facebook page but management is not in place and postings have been rare. A valid FB presence requires regular postings. The last three posts are: • DOT New web page for the 2015CMP, • Newsletter release on CMP from Constant Contact, • Notice about the new Iowa Great River Road byway signs coming in 2016. The last post before that was May 2014. This is our Strategic Marketing Plan thru 2019 when we will again evaluate. 141 Mississippi 1.77- con:A71*M.,.0y. For Immediate Release: March 14, 2017 Release No. 17-01 NEWS RELEASE Contact: Roxane Krutsinger (314) 331-8624 Roxane.B.Krutsinger@usace.army mil "Year of"...Trails on the Mississippi River St. Louis, MO- The Mississippi River Connections Collaborative (MRCC) is celebrating the Year of Trails on the Mississippi River! Each year, the MRCC invites local businesses. non-profit groups, and government agencies from the 10 states that border the Mississippi River to create events in their communities that highlight the variety of ways that people recreate along the River. The Year of Trails 2017 features the many types of trails that provide spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi including hiking, walking, biking, running, and paddling trails. The mission of the Year of Trails is to offer at least 100 hiking. biking, running, or paddling events for youth and families that utilize trails along the Mississippi River. Each event will visitors with the chance to experience the sights and sounds of the river as it changes throughout the year. Many of the events will incorporate an educational component about responsible land use and highlight the vital role that volunteerism plays in maintaining trails on Public Lands. There will be events hosted in all 10 states that border the Mississippi River! To find an event near you, visit our calendar of events at www.facebook.com/MississippiYearOf/. To have your event listed on the Year of Trails calendar, contact Roxane Krutsinger at MRCCYearof(c�gmail.com. Eligible events will be sent Year of Hiking swag to give away at your event! 142 20 17 a Trails A$OfM U E.+,,4bl,s -end- Mississippi River Connections Collaborative POC' Roxane Krutsinger (314) 331-8624 M ississippi aver. natgeotourism. com What is the Year of Trails? The Year of Trails (YOT2017) is a series of events hosted by partner organizations along the Mississippi River, including local businesses non-profit groups and government agencies. These events will bnng residents and visitors out to expenence the sights and sounds of the nver as it changes throughout the year. Our Goal. Connect people with the Mississippi River through hiking. biking. running. and paddling trails and to highlight the importance of community involvement in trail maintenance. The Objectives: 'Offer at least 100 hiking, biking, running. or paddling activities and events for youth and families that utilize trails along the Mississippi River. 'Incorporate an educational component about responsible land use into each Year of Trails 2017 event. 'Promote volunteerism and highlight the vital role that it plays in maintaining trails on Public Lands. Agency/Organization Contact Name Street Address City Phone Number Description of event Title Street Address I.ine 2 State Zip Code Email Address I I 1 Tell Us About Your Event - Below are some additional questions that will help us measure success Ages Served Q Children Q Families Q Adults Q Seniors Q Organized Group e.g. school, church, senior, etc. Year of Trails Objective Met • Hike El Leave no Trace or I.and Ethics program/class D Volunteer n Bike Run n Paddle Email your completed form to: MRCCYearOf gmail.com Submitting your attendance numbers: Following your event please provide your attendance information to the YOT Committee. Include attendance numbers, ages, served, type of event and any ether information that will assist in preparing our year end report. 144 ,11.4D•C'Y 1 *EDNESDAV. I E 21. 2011 I A LOCAL Trail work comes to an end Bettendorf marks completion of riverfront attraction DIHRDRI COX eaKIR dbaketIaRCOmes.com The newest bike path section in Bettendorf is so popular with btcyclists, officials said it was a challenge have lines painted along the path, separated sev- eral yards from U S. 67 on the east edge of the city. The segment represents Bet- tendorf's last section of the Mis- sissippi Riverfront Ttei1, and it was celebrated on Tuesday with a ribbon -cutting event. Bettendorf Mayor Bob Galla- gher talked about the "connec- tivity" that exists between Bet- tendorf and communities up and down the Mississippi River Currently. cyclists can travel from Princeton, Iowa, to Con- cord Street in west Davenport Some of the trail is separated from U S. 67, some of it is in the form of four -foot -wide shoul- ders along the highway. From start to finish, the Mis- sissippi River Trail stretches more than 3,000 miles of on - road bike lanes and pedestrian and bicycle paths from theriver's headwaters in Itasca, Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico liettendorf's portion on Tues - day featured a new bridge over Crow Creek and cost $670,000 It was designed by Bryce Johnson of KM Civil Design, Bettendorf, andbuilt by Valley Construction, Rock Island. Johnson described the site as s6mewhat challenging, as it in- volved a ditch and a creek and was along a busy highway. The permitting process, with the Iowa Department of Trans- portation, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and other government bodies was more complex, but it ended with a steel -ami -concrete bridge that is placed high over the creek. These bike trails add to the overall health of the Quad -Cities DEIRDRE 8511(5. OWD•Cnr TIMES A new bridge is part of the last portion of me Mississippi River frail in Bettendorf itis a steel -and concrete nfidge over Crow Creek aro adjacent to U.S. 67. 145 Trail and are attractive to tour.sts, the Bettendorf mayor said Decker Plcehn, Bettendorf city administrator, is with the Quad City Health Initiative and Be Healthy Quad -Cities. The trail project is a collaborative effort to promote overall health in the community, he said. The trail transitions to the highway shoulders east of 62r Street Court, according to Steve Grimes, director of the Better dorf Parks and Recreation Department. Talks are going on now with Le Claire and the Bi -State Regional Commission. DeniseBulat said, while sitting on her bicycle on the new trail portion. A separate trail from the highway will wind through l.eClaire, and ultimately. Pnnceton as well. But Bulat. an avid bicy- clist in addition to being executive director of the Bi -State Regional Com- mission, said the wide shoulders on L.S. 67 are a "huge improvement" on the route, overall Bettendorf now has 13 miles of separated trails, two miles of bike lanes along a roadway and 12 miles of recreation trails along greenways and the Mississippi River In addition to the sena - rate trail celebrated in Bet- tendorf on Tuesday, a trail along Forest Grove Road from Utica Ridge Road to hrtennat;onal Drive is to be completed this year. There also are bike lanes that will be built along Forest Grove Road. The Des Moines RegiSter 1 DesMoinesRegisteccom 1 State Edition OWA =F ...u.. „ L�I,,,7IPage SC OUTDOORS 7 NATURAL WONDERS (1F TflWA.....__ MISSY KEENAN S?ECIFt TO THE REGISTER rJ "4 ABOUT 93 PERCENT OF IOWA'S LANDSCAPE IS DEVOTED TO FARMLAND. Vy1iILE A VAST EXPANSE 0rCORN AND SOYBEAN FIELDS CAN BE BEAUTIFUL IN ITS OWN RIGHT, SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT CRAVE SOME VARIATION. LOOKING FOR A CHANGE OF SCENERY THIS SPRING? CHECK OUT THESE SF {e ji&TLPAi WflNE]F'e4 to U Wa All CIF THFM 11 IST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY: Pikes Peak State Park location: McGregor The skinny: Pikes Peak near McGregor has ILK miles of trail and a campsite with 70 spots butthe park is best known for stowing. %seeping views of the Mississippi Mer Quotable: while on a motorcycle trip to eastern sow a tan summer; Brooke Hurdling stopped at Prices Peak with her husband and irieMs to take in the view 'It is for sus the best view of the Maslsippk' Handling fad. 'You tan see for miles and miles. It's hard to believe there is still that muchland and water that Isn't desetoped and is just left as nature. 0 really H beautiful.' Wale you're Mere'. Hike through bluffs and valleys and egpiore limestone walls fea- turing fossil remake.. Pas by Bridal Veil Paris and take a prink lunch to Pant Ann with its breathtaking views. hat 13 miles north. check out Effgy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Pony Hundreds of years ago. Native 146 Dunning Springs Park Location: Decorah r. northeast Iowa The skinny:'.Nnhin the qty Imus of Deco- rah Dunning Springs Park features a breath- taking 20Dfootwaterfall. Quotable: Scott Timm and his fainly five in Fairfield but are moving to Decorah this sum- meon pan for the beauti(utscenery and out. door reoeation opponunitles abundant in northeast town 'dunning Springs Park is a must -see for fami:iesvisitirsg the area.' Timm said 'The waterfall are very accessible and dose to the parking area. The Vail leads only about five minutes uphill to where the spring water lust mahout of the halskle.' While you're there. Dunning Springs Park offers Kiang. picnihiop and stunning views Also visit the Decorah la Cava pat a few miles away. Kept mid by a glacier deep below. the Give has ke on the yell eves in July and Au- gust. 8nng flashfghs. When you're done es- ptoting, try a couple of samples 0 Decorah's :scouter breweries — Toppling Goliath and Pulpit Rock. Maquoketa Caves State Park Location: .Maquoketa, in eastern law The skinny: Maquoketa Caves State Park a arguably our most unique state park, Maturing more caves than any other Iowa state park, a mai system finking the caves limestone formations and rugged bhrffs Quotable: 'Our kids love caving and exploring," said Fairfields Scott Timm. 'There are m lesol Vail leadrsgtosefguidedcaves ...You willoetmuddy. and flashFghsare a must. Their park rang- ers angers and the visitors' center are particularly helpful." 'So many people mistakenly beifwe our ttate Is completely flat" said KAY to Jacob of Des Moines 'But you really see our stateSgeographr cal dwersayat Maquoketa Caves. The caves area mite contrast to the terrain of antral Iowa, and they are surrounded by the beau - Uhl coding hal depicted is some of GrantWoodh paintings. We met other campers who had traveled long distances to bird watch oecause apparently there o quite an arrayot buds there. While you'rethereeH'na the trails and explore the caves of all sizes and shapes.Sorr e caves are large enough to feature lighted walkways. whileothersyou'll have to crawl intowitha flashlight The Quad City Times 1 Sunday, July 9, 2017 Nahant Marsh celebrates Moth Week In cooperation with the Scott County Master Gar- deners, Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Ave., Dav- enport, will celebrate Na- tional Moth Week on Sat- urday, July 29, at 8 p.m., followed by black -lighting at 9 p.m., concluding by midnight. Light snacks and bev- erages will be provided. Advanced registration is recommended. There is no fee for the program, but donations arc welcomed. Call 563-336-3374 or reg- ister at www.nahantmarsh. org/eventlmoth/ The national cele- bration begins with a presentation by Moni Hayne. Moni is the author of the a -book, "Garden bisect Pests. Pictures for Identifying and Organic Controls" and is an expert in the field of entomology. After the presentation, participants will observe how black -lighting is used to document and identify moths. Nahant Marsh is a 265 - acre nature preserve nes - tled in southwest Daven- port. The largest urban wetland on the upper Mis- sissippi giver, it is part of a 513 -acre wetland complex compnsed of several hab- itats including, marshes. open water, vernal ponds, tall -grass prairie, sand prairie, and bottom -land woods. Nahant has three miles of hiking trails and board- walks, a bird blind. dock, and raised platforms for wildlife viewing and pho- tography, two shelters for picnicking and an educa- tion center that offers var- ious programs, education animals, and interpretation of the site. The Nahant Marsh Edu - cat ion Center is open Mon - day through Friday from 8:30 a m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Preserve trails arc open daily from sunrise to sweet. 147 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Inc. Supporting Iowa's Great River Road January 10. 2017 Dear: The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) is a multistate organization that works collectively to preserve, promote. and enhance the scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Mississippi River: to foster the economic growth of the corridor; and to develop the national, scenic and historic parkway known as the Great River Road As part of the MRPC. the Iowa MRPC focuses on the same mission objectives for Iowa's portion of the National Scenic Byway, the Iowa Great River Road, and the Mississippi River Valley. The Iowa MRPC is comprised of ten non -compensated commissioners who work to promote Iowa's Great River Road on behalf of the ten Iowa Counties the road runs through and the approximately 500,000 Iowans who live in those counties. During Fiscal Year 2015, we completed the 2015 Corridor Management Plan (CMP) and presented it to the local officials and members of the Iowa State Legislature. The 2015 CMP offers len points about the IOWA Great River Road and the challenges the Iowa tv1RPC faces For example, it describes the 341 -mile route through Iowa's 10 eastem counties along the Mississippi River and the more than 500 sites which provide the authentic qualities of scenery, nature, history. archaeologyculture. and recreation. Most importantly, it confirms that the current unjustifiable lour legislative financial support for the Iowa MRPC limits its ability to make any real accomplishments towards meeting its statutory responsibilities. Governor Branstad and Iowa Legislators, (29 representatives and senators represent the ten counties along the road) have encouraged the MRPC to seek partnership funds to use to market the Iowa Great River Roadto assist Iowa with expenses for hosting the 2017 Annual Meeting of the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission September 19 — 21. 2017; and to expand the economic development impact of GRR tourism in Iowa's ten counties along the east coast The IA MRPC cannot continue to promote the Great River Road without contributions from you our partner and stakeholder. Please consider a donation in the amount of $00.00 to support the commission's work promoting the Iowa Great River Road For your convenience. a donor sheet is enclosed. All donations are greatly appreciated Any questions regarding this request may be directed to the current serving Iowa MRPC chairperson, Edith Reiss Pfeffer. 563-243-7751 or edithrofeffereamail com Respectively. John QQ,Q41)3,144, Iotiwa MRPC Inc. Chair Edith Reiss Pfeffer, Clinton Count} Representative 148 John Goodmann Chair Dubuque County Scott Tunnicliff Vice Chair Scott County Lisa Walsh Secretary Des Moines County Jane Regan Treasurer Allamakee County Edith Pfeffer Clinton County Daniel Petersen, Muscatine County Jay Schweitzer Louisa County Martin Graber Lee County Vacant Clayton County Vacant Jackson County Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Inc_is a 501 (c) (4) accepting toy deductible contributions ro support the Iowa Great River Rood and rhe work of the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Inc. Supporting Iowa's Great River Road jTo: Jane Regan, Treasurer Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Inc. P. 0. Box 34 Harpers Ferry, Iowa 52146 Encloseu Is rrry,uui partnership LVlilauritiu,Ito tree rowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Inc. to market the Iowa Great River Road; to assist Iowa with expenses for hosting the 2017 Annual Meeting of the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission September 19 — 21, 2017; and to expand the economic development impact of GRR Tourism in Iowa's ten counties in the amount of $ _ _. Please make checks payable to Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Inc. $2500.00 $1500.00 $1000.00 $750.00 $500.00 $250.00 $150.00 $100.00 other Name Business Name Address City/Town State Zip Phone Email The _ s: ;a : • •r is a 501 (c) l4; Tax -Exempt Organization Contributions to our orgarcatsart are riot dedtr_tible to donors under section 17o .;c} (71 of the Code. Businesses that make donations to a 501 (c) {4) rr tht to able to take a .deduction as a business expense_. such as an advertising cpense. de -pen -ding on the nature of the donation John Goodmann Chair Dubuque County Scott Tunnicliff Vice Chair Scots County Lasa Walsh Secretary Des Moines County Jane Regan Treasurer Allamakee County Edith Pfeffer Clinton County Daniel Petersen, Muscatine County Jay Schweitzer Louisa County Martin Graber Lee County Vacant Clayton County Vacant Jackson County Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, fnc.is a 501 (c) (4) tax-exempt organization accepting contributions to support rhe Iowa Great River Road and the work of the lowo Mississippi River Parkway Commission. WHAT IOWANS ARE TALKING ABOUT 2017 l,Val.l. ra nii nKiSTEli The Effigy Mounds National manor -mot v,i31 br. ncnort with a gtIner planned lb hooch next week. Minted coin will honor monument in Iowa T'4 UiSMalntill Jsl10 The Effigy Mounds National Vinntuuettt will be honored with a quarter planned to launch nest week. 'Che United States Witnt sold in a press release Friday that the prehists)ric.tuound4,;shin;`.! looted in Harpers Ferro, will be featured on the 36th mien',. as Beautiful Quartets I rograttt, a t2•gev ttlltiatavc, Ir joins ::.- 1:7:ction that is Set to honor a total of So national parks and other 51' - T'nere will he a ceremoci :rating the reveal of the coot at 14) am. fte davatAlltinake l r i,!iiitySchool District High St:hnu) Gy in National Monument giutr'ters fiwill be available -for exchange fall rink U:e event, the release said - Fourth -generation Iowan Richard rYla9ters i5 the designer of the quarter, sod the release said he'll ret cive'`Sccial rico r n" athe ceremony Tuesday. 99a~sters is an artY9t in the United States Itiltnt Artistic Infusion Program, and has < e5igned coins and medals for more than 1 ear u 4D {Yntitiy l'here.trt alr� be a nuts forum from5 3O t{► R.,m at the Flo loitifids h:rttrul C U tttt Its an op- portunity rportunity for the puh'. c tc> !earn more abnia u2 ntfllttk Bonen ss ;1Reit' views about,-, caro rn-uo,Citiit!t and initiatives p,(s,: a.`:P. "ti R&u__e_release said. 150 Effigy Mounds Mint Coin Des Moines Register Sat, Feb 4, 2017 Mississippi River Parkway Commission Honorary Membership Nomination office Use Date Received. Ry State Commission: IOWA MISSISSIPPI RiVER PARKWAY COMMISSION Name of Honoree: JANE RECiAN, AL.LAMAKEE COUN 1 Y IOWA COMMiSSIONER Rationale. (Bricfdescription of nominee's accomplishments. Usc additional sheets if necessary) Allamakec County MRPC Commissioner Jane Rogan has faithfully screed the Iowa MRPC for the last six years, During this nine, she has served on the Marketing Committee where she served the last four yaws as chair. She has prepared ads for Travel Iowa and Eastern Iowa Tourism travel guides. In addition. she has purchased billboards and prepared and purchased ads for radio. i -Ie -r first assignment was working on the Iowa website, the prior commission had purch scxl tram a local vendor, trying to learn the system, inputting data and finally, determining it was impossible to use this web -site She encouraged thc commission to moved forward and connect with Travel lows to manage our new wchsitc. Shc requested yearly, quarterly, and finally monthly reports so we may follow who is using the website. She has spent hours analyzing the results and the impact on Northeast Iowa tourism, Finally, she represented thc Iowa MRPC as we have worked to tet -up thc National Geographic wehsite. in addition, she provides thoughtful insight at commission meetings. She has served on the National MRPC Marketing Committee for six years sharing her business knowledge. When the Clayton County MRPC position was vacant, Jane again stepped up and represented both counties. She has also appeared before many groups in her county telling the story of the Great River Road including county supervisors, conservation board. and other public interest groups. During the last six years, she has also served as Treasure of the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway, inc., Iowa's 501(cg4). Her last community project Was serving as co-chairman of the Fund-raising committee for the Driftless Arca Education and Visitor Center for the Allamakee County Conservation Foundation. Serving as a commissioner. heightened Commissioner Regan's interest in seeing the 2012 National Scenic Byway Gram used to pronuutc the Driftless Area in Northeast Iowa by the completion of the Drifticss Area Education and Visitor Center building project which is completely paid for. Finally, she has been an invaluable resource as the State of Iowa MRP Commission has planned this 2017 Annual MRPC meeting in her home county. It is with great pride the lowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission nominates Jane Regan for Honorary Membership on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission. Recommended by the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission on this 17th day of July 2017. Anested to by State Chair Edith Reiss Pfeffer. Signature: Date: Nominations for Honorary Membership to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission must be received at the MRPC National Office by September 1, annually to be considered by the Nominating Cominittee. Mississippi River Parkway Commission Honorary Membership Nomination Office l In. Dew Rceciuod lig State Commission: IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARK WAY COMMISSION Name of Honoree: SCO"1T TUNNICLIFF Rationale: (Brief description of nominee's accomplishments. Use additional sheets if necessary) Scott County Iowa MRPC Commissioner Scott Tunnicliff has served for the last three years as a member of the Iowa Commission. While serving on the Iowa MRPC, Scott has becn a member of the Culture and Heritage Committee sharing his expertise in this area at the State and National level. (Note: He is the Director for the Hill Top Campus Village. A Main Street Community in the City of Davenport.) Scott has made yearly visits to the three interpretive centers in Scott County providing them with the ten state MRPC Map. the Iowa tear sheet map and the Iowa Byways booklei and keeping these center advised of our activities and promotions. Hc has trained several staffs Commissioner Tunnicliff participated in promoting thc Great River Road at events in Scott County by staffing booths at the Famam Dinner and the The Great Race while conversing with visitors about the Great River Road in the Quad Cities. Scott has made requests for funding for the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Inc.. our 5OI(cX4) Lax exempt organization. He has becn highly successful raising funds from several Scon County cities. Commissioner l'unnicliff has met with city councils. board of supervisors, By -Stale Regional Planning and interpretive centers stalls training them about the Great River Road. He has collaborated with Kathy Wine and River Action, INC. to achieve funding for thc First Bridge Project in downtown Davenport. in addition, he has been involved in the completion of the Mississippi River Trait (MRT) in Bettendorf and Riverdale. Iowa. Filthily. he has woikcd with Brian Ritter, Director of NaHant Marsh Education Center to improve signage along the Great River Road (IIwyy 22) and Interstate _CO for NaHtutt Marsh Education Center, a MRPC National Interpretive Center. It is with great pride the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission nominates Scott Tunniclifl' for Honorary Membership on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission. Recommended by the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission on this 17th day of July. 2017. Attested to by Iowa State Chair Edith Rciss Pfeffer. Signature: Date: l7 c /7 U Nominations for F%onorary •mbership to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission must be received at the MRPC National Office by September 1, annually to be considered by the Nominating Committee. 152