Photo to the right by Chris Ruhaak with Heartland Photos & Design, Inc.
Mark Shoemaker is a recent board member and continued partner of the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CBCVB). He served for three years on the board.
Why did you choose to serve on the board?
The main reason I chose to serve on the board was to fill in for a retiring county employee that was a CBCVB board member and, as a result of the retirement, was stepping down. Historically, the CBCVB has had a county representative, and County Conservation has always had an interest in tourism, bringing new opportunities to the region, and assisting with the potential growth in Council Bluffs.
What did you enjoy about being on the board?
The CBCVB board was very engaged and active. They are truly interested and dedicated to making Council Bluffs a better place not only for the citizens but also for visitors to the area. With the leadership of the staff and engaged board members, this was one of the easiest boards to be a part of with some pretty impressive accomplishments and positive direction for Council Bluffs
How long have you been a resident of Council Bluffs (or worked here)?
I moved to the area in 1993 and have lived in Council Bluffs for 21 of those years and worked for Pottawattamie Conservation for 26 years.
What does this town and its tourism industry mean to you?
So much has changed in Council Bluffs since 1993, Menards was just being built and that entire area was about to explode with development [and> Google decided to setup up shop in Council Bluffs! Three casinos were constructed and have been successful, recreational opportunities have grown and continue to grow, [and>, although it has been somewhat controversial, the art and culture scene in Council Bluffs has really taken off.
Basically the opportunities and quality of life for residents and visitors continues to make Council Bluffs a great place to live and visit. Being at the crossroads of two major interstates in a large metropolitan area, located in the middle of the Loess Hills, the vast amount of diverse history that has transpired in Council Bluffs (Kanesville), and the people of this community, along with many other factors put Council Bluffs in a prime location to be successful in the tourism industry.
What did the CBCVB achieve while you were on the board?
We were able to increase staffing of the CBCVB through the expansion of the budget and successful relationship with the City of Council Bluffs. [We> completed a strategic planning process and the development of a roadmap for the CBCVB.
The office location for the CBCVB was a topic of discussion since the day I was on board. That idea became a reality with the CBCVB signing a contract to purchase and renovate the former Frontier Savings Bank location on 23rd Avenue. This location is very visible for the CBCVB and really enhances the image of the CBCVB.
What do you hope to see the CBCVB achieve in the future?
Continue to grow and compete with CVB’s across the state (the board and staff are making this a reality). Look for new ways to enhance the quality of life experiences for the people of Council Bluffs and visitors. Continue to market Council Bluffs [by> attracting high quality and meaningful events to the area. Be a leader in tourism in the state of Iowa and the Midwest.
Is there anything else you’d like us to share with our industry partners about yourself?
Serving on the CBCVB Board was a pleasure and valuable experience. Tourism is an important part of any community and Council Bluffs should be proud of the efforts from both the CBCVB staff and board.
