IowaNEXT Will Strengthen and Grow Iowa's Cultural and Sports Attractions Attracting Tourism, Creating Jobs and Generating Economic Opportunity Statewide
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 - Today, Team Iowa Sports, joined by Iowa's leading sports brands, announced their support of new efforts to advance the IowaNEXT plan, a comprehensive, common-sense program to provide greater public funding for sports, arts and cultural attractions throughout the state.
A senate study bill introduced in the Economic Growth Budget Sub-committee by Senator Bill Dotzler (D-Waterloo), will advance Governor Branstad's vision to improve quality of life for Iowans and generate economic opportunity through increased tourism. Members of Team Iowa Sports will join with other supporters to testify in support of the legislation at a subcommittee hearing today.
"Throughout the United States, and throughout the Midwest, people and businesses are relocating to dynamic communities with exciting cultural amenities, entertainment and attractions that contribute to a better quality of life," said David Adelman, spokesman for Team Iowa Sports. "In today's market, Iowa must do a better job if we hope to retain the people we have and attract more residents, businesses and tourists to grow our economy. IowaNEXT is a logical, common sense plan to help our state achieve this goal and we support Senator Dotzler's efforts today to advance this mission."
As it is envisioned, IowaNext will provide increased funding and focus for public parks, historic sites, museums, festivals and those attractions that enrich a community and draw visitors. Importantly, the plan would also create a recurring funding stream to support the retention and attraction of high quality events that put Iowa on a national stage and retain Iowans. IowaNEXT would help support events like NCAA Regional men's and women's basketball events, NASCAR and IndyCar racing, Olympic trials for wrestling and track & field and other smaller regional events while establishing the foundation to attract more nationally-televised events.
According to a report by the National Governors Association, "By investing in the arts and incorporating arts and culture into their economic development plans, states can reap numerous benefits?economic, social, civic, and cultural?that help generate a more stable, creative workforce; new tourism; and more livable communities.
About Team Iowa Sports
Team Iowa is a consortium of Iowa sports commissions and convention and visitors bureaus across the state to promote Iowa as a premier destination for sports activities. The Consortium works to promote and market sporting events drawing from local, regional and national interests. It also stimulates a healthy lifestyle for the youth in the community by encouraging their participation and attendance at sporting events.
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