|
|
CORRIDOR
CVB merger talk aired
Reporter: Tim Kenyon
tim@corridorbiznews.com
Merging convention and visitors bureaus based separately in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is becoming a hot topic.
The increased talk arises following Tim Boyle’s announced plan to leave his post as president and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau effective Dec. 31.
Mr. Boyle is leaving the job after four years to pursue other interests.
“I’m not really sure, I have several options I’m going to explore,” he said regarding his future.
Mr. Boyle and Josh Schamberger, his counterpart at the Iowa City Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, have supported projects that increased collaborations in the past few years.
Formation of the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance from separate groups in Johnson and Linn counties and the Corridor Concierge Welcome Center at The Eastern Iowa Airport are two prime examples. The welcome center took partnering further with inclusion of the Amana Colonies support.
“What we’ve done is certainly a testament to opportunities that are there,” Mr. Schamberger said.
Talks about further collaboration and possible merging will gain steam over the next few weeks.
He said his board is set discuss it this week and an executive panel from the boards of both CVBs plans to meet about the matter next week.
About 10 business leaders will form the joint panel, he said.
“I think discussion is very appropriate,” he said about a potential merger. “There are some pretty substantial obstacles that quite possibly can be insurmountable. But we look forward to (the discussions), and either way we’ll walk out with better collaboration and communication for a better regionalism approach.”
Mr. Schamberger has been mentioned as the likely leader of what would become a destination marketing organization for the Corridor. He worked at the CRACVB before leaving to take the position in Iowa City.
Determining funding for a new destination marketing organization would be a top challenge of a merger, Mr. Schamberger said.
“Continued hotel/motel tax commitment from municipalities we represent would be critical for any hope of a merger,” he said.
CRACVB Board Chairman Josh Moore acknowledged community discussion of a merger as well as other ideas floated to change the organization. Other ideas include putting the CRACVB together with: the city’s Five Seasons Facilities Commission that oversees the U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids Ice Arena and Paramount Theatre; the chamber of commerce; or the Downtown District.
“Our stance right now is we are open to continue the evolution of the (Cedar Rapids) CVB and put a new leader in place and take it to the next level,” said Mr. Moore, a commercial banking vice president at Bankers Trust in Cedar Rapids.
A plan to hire a recruiter to conduct an executive search also tops the organization’s to-do list, Mr. Moore said.
The CRACVB is moving forward with an organizational rebranding plan including a new logo to be unveiled at its annual meeting on Nov. 12, he said.
Potential federal funding to pay most of a nearly $50 million project to update the Cellular Center and add an adjacent convention center excites the board and staff, Mr. Moore added.
More talk about the CRACVB and possible regional collaboration is anticipated at a Nov. 3 event at Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education in Cedar Rapids. The breakfast event will focus on regional economic concepts featuring economic development and regionalism expert Michael Langley and a panel discussion moderated by Jack Evans.
Gazette Communications President and CEO Chuck Peters, one of the organizers of the Nov. 3 event, believes greater cohesion would result from an increased regional emphasis for the Corridor.
“I believe it is time for serious discussions about how we best brand and market our region, both internally and externally,” Mr. Peters said. “Any discussions about any economic development organization, which includes the CVB, should be held in light of best practices globally, as we are competing on the global stage for talent.”
Eliot Keller, general manager of KZIA and KGYM radio stations in Cedar Rapids would like to see a single unified CVB.
“This would be an excellent time to combine into one Corridor CVB. Josh (Schamberger) has an excellent track record of leadership and has worked at both CVBs,” said Mr. Keller, who lives in Iowa City. His company is a member of both CVBs.
Mr. Moore agrees the Corridor would benefit from more collaboration.
“We should be having the conversation even without a change in leadership,” Mr. Moore added. “At minimum, we have a strong interest to develop better relationships with the Iowa City and Coralville CVB.”
Mr. Boyle, who said he and his family will remain in Cedar Rapids and stay active in community projects, feels good about the CRACVB’s future.
“I think the CVB is hitting on all cylinders because of the great staff and an engaged and energetic board,” he said. “Whoever gets the reins will get a real honor and opportunity to pursue.” CBJ
 Send To Friend
|
|
|
|