KDSN RADIO News
City of Manning Honored with the 2025 Iowa Tourism “Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award"
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MANNING, IA – The City of Manning has been recognized for its outstanding marketing efforts, receiving the 2025 Iowa Tourism Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award for communities with marketing budgets under $50,000. The prestigious honor was presented at the Iowa Tourism Conference on March 13, 2025. This award acknowledges Manning’s innovative, multi-faceted marketing strategies that have successfully elevated the city’s tourism profile despite working with a limited budget.
"This award is a reflection of the passion and teamwork that make Manning such a special place," said City Administrator Dawn Meyer. "We may be a small town, but we think big—and this recognition validates the impact of our collaborative efforts."
Attending the event to receive the award were Manning’s City Administrator, Dawn Meyer, along with key members of the Manning Hotel/Motel Committee, who collaborated on marketing initiatives that led to this recognition. This team included Andrea Rohe with Manning Area Partners, Cory Arp with City of Manning Parks & Recreation, Kristina Grossman-Willis with Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park, and Shelly Greving, owner of Emerge Marketing Solutions, and her creative team. Also instrumental in these efforts, though unable to attend, were Kristina Lupardus and Mary Beyerink.
A Legacy of Effective Marketing
Manning’s recognition highlights the long-term marketing strategy the community has pursued since 2017. Under the branding "It’s Refreshing," Manning’s marketing efforts have transformed the city into a vibrant small-town destination, significantly boosting economic growth and community revitalization.
Despite operating with a modest budget, Manning’s collaborative and innovative approach has had a major impact. Notable successes include:
- Nearly tripling hotel/motel tax revenue in the past four years.
- Attracting global visitors, as evidenced by maps at the Market Place and Sweet Treats that showcase guests from around the world.
- Encouraging population growth, with new families choosing to make Manning their home.
Innovative Marketing Efforts
Manning’s marketing efforts have included a diverse mix of digital and print strategies to reach both residents and potential visitors:
- The Manning Minute – Launched in 2023, this bi-monthly newsletter, available in both print and digital formats, promotes local events and attractions.
- Localhood Reels – Manning has embraced Google search by creating engaging short videos that highlight the town’s charm and attract visitors.
- A Fresh Website Experience – Manning’s 2020 website refresh serves as a central hub for residents and visitors, making it easier to discover all that the community has to offer.
- Co-Op Digital Ads – Through a partnership with Travel Iowa, Manning has expanded its online reach via cross-platform digital ads, bringing more attention to its attractions.
Looking Ahead
Manning’s marketing team and local partners are committed to building on their momentum with future plans that include:
- Expanding the Manning Minute to engage a broader audience.
- Promoting the "1500" documentary film nationally and internationally.
- Creating a Manning Community Guide for state and regional distribution.
- Introducing a texting service for community members to receive alerts, find information, and report issues.
- Continuing to showcase events like Masterpiece Manning, Trail to Nowhere Ride, Kinderfest, Oktoberfest, Weinachtsfest, and many more.
About the Award
The Iowa Tourism Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award recognizes a destination marketing organization or tourism business that has executed an exceptional, multi-faceted tourism marketing campaign with a budget of less than $50,000 per year. The winning campaign must demonstrate:
- Creativity in engaging audiences and showcasing the destination.
- Data-driven decision-making to maximize marketing effectiveness.
- A measurable impact on visitation and awareness of Iowa as a tourism destination.
- Use of diverse marketing channels, including advertising, website, social media, video, and traditional media.
