Partner Organization: Catch Des Moines
Primary Contact: Jen Cross
Phone & Email: (515) 699-3460 [email protected]
Organization Mission Statement: The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission market the region as a visitor destination, increasing economic growth and enhancing the visitor experience.
Briefly share a few things we should know about your organization:
Catch Des Moines represents 15 municipalities around the Greater Des Moines Metro and our goal is to bring visitors to Greater Des Moines, whether it be for a event, convention or sporting event. We are funded by 2/7th of hotel/motel sales tax and use that, plus our private sector dollars, to showcase all the things Greater Des Moines has to offer a visitor. In 2016, more than 13.7 million people visited Greater Des Moines, which resulted in $838 million in spending to the local economy (Polk and Dallas Counties)
Why do you feel it is important for your organization to support the Iowa Girl?
Catch Des Moines feels is important to support the Iowa Girl because those young women is who will shape our world and community in the future. The more we can show them support for their hard work and effort in their individual sports, the better our community will be.
Aside from a partnership with the IGHSAU, in what ways does your organization serve the community?
Through the events and conventions our organization brings in, we are creating a hefty economic impact. 19,000 jobs are supported by travel/tourism and tourism produces $34.52 million in tax revenue which helps funds the parks and malls we all get to enjoy. It’s truly a holistic approach and we really market the quality of life tourism creates for our local residents.
In 5 years, where do you see your organization and what impact will you have made in the community?
We know that Greater Des Moines is going continue to grow in size, which includes amenities that will attract larger events. Just the past two years we hosted the Solheim Cup and NCAA Men’s Basketball. I see large events like that moving their host city to Des Moines in the future.
What do you appreciate most about your partnership with the IGHSAU?
The people is what truly makes the organization. Without the amazing staff at IGHSAU, the Iowa Girl wouldn’t be what it is today!
What are a few upcoming events or things we should know about your organization?
Next week is USA Track and Field and July 25-August 4 is AAU Junior Olympics. Volunteers are still needed, check out our website for more details.