WATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL) – A Waterloo community leader received the Joe Taylor Vision Award from Iowa Travel Industry Partners. The award recognizes an Iowa tourism leader whose work advances the community and the future of the state’s tourism industry.

Tavis Hall, President and CEO of Experience Waterloo, is the recipient of the 2021 Inaugural Award. The organization says Hall’s work as Main Street Waterloo Director and now President & CEO of Experience Waterloo is “both a passion and a vision for his community” demonstrated.

The award is named in honor of the late Joe Taylor from the Quad Cities. Taylor, former CEO of Visit Quad Cities, was an example of the Hawkeye state’s passion for the tourism industry. He spent 30 years in marketing and management trying to get people excited about what Iowa has to offer.

Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) notes that Hall has been contributing to the community since 2008 when he served as the Regional Outreach Representative for Iowa’s 1st congressional district. Hall’s other achievements include developing the Black Capitol of Iowa pass, which supports black-owned businesses across the state. He also helped create iTIP from the 2015 commissioned Sector Plan for the Iowa Tourism Industry.

The iTIP board of directors decides on the award. Hall received the award at the board meeting in April. He also received a $ 1,000 scholarship to a nonprofit organization within the community.

See the virtual presentation in the hall here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P52n3q3y3Y

“Tavis’ skillful hand is behind many of the successes we’ve shared over the years. Be it the founding of iTIP, his leadership of the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association or the creation of a new RAGBRAI community partnership agreement. His ideas inspire and he mentors more than many he is likely to ever meet. “

Josh Schamberger – President of Iowa City and chairman of the board of the Iowa Travel Industry Partners Foundation

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