New-look tourism board carries on important mission

According to the State of Iowa’s tourism report from 2022, Adair County tourism directly connected to 124 jobs, produced $3.2 million in state and local tax revenue and tourists here spent $14.9 million.

All these statistics represent the value of the work the Adair County Tourism Board does.

The tourism board has had a string of turnover lately; however, the group’s chairperson is thankful for the expertise of those who have left the group and that of those tasked with carrying the work on from here.

Terri Queck-Matzie retired from the board after about 10 years of service. Others who have recently stepped away include Greg Dudley and Mary Dunn. An additional member, Kris Schildberg, recently passed away.

Chair of the group is Trish Randel. Going forward, Lisa Swanson, Ken Sidey, Rachel Randel, Sarah Reha, Tyler Raasch and Matt Wedemeyer are other board members, with an additional person in the appointment process. One more spot is left vacant.

Queck-Matzie brought an eye for design and a desire for the group to be more digital in its footprint, Dudley brought a plethora of marketing expertise to the table, Dunn maintained an excellent connection between the group and the community and Schildberg endlessly connected Iowa Aviation Museum visitors to other attractions in the area, Trish Randel said she’s excited for what is ahead.

In the last five years, the group has made tourism signs for major highways entering the county, updated their website, made information cards that are available at rest areas and bags that are given to bus tour participants who come here, advertised in various magazines, participated in the Adair County Fair and more.

“I’ve been on for about 10 years and I think we’ve accomplished so much, yet there’s still more to do,” Queck-Matzie said. “What we’re seeing as we have this major turnover in personnel is we’re really seeing these positions being filled by very enthusiastic young people.”

Trish Randel said the goal is for the board to have a presence in each community around the county so the entire group has the best handle possible on what things there are to do around the county.

“Our goals for the next five years include having more of a digital presence, adding drone footage and photos to our website, keeping current on event announcements, reaching young families as well as seasoned travelers for their next visit to Adair County, Trish Randel said.