Visit Quad Cities will celebrate 35 years of tourism and honor community leaders at its annual Destination QC! event on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport.
The event will feature national travel host Darley Newman, content creator Lily Yu and tourism and economic development strategic advisor Steven Pedigo as guest speakers.
Visit Quad Cities also will present its Destination Impact Awards and Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year award, recognizing individuals for their contributions to the region’s tourism
“The most precious commodity we have as a community are our people,” Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, said in a news release.
“Quad Citizens who are making a difference to help further our story, our economic development efforts, and help improve our quality of life need celebrating, and we are humbled to be able to recognize these amazing leaders for making the Quad Cities simply a better place.”
The Destination Impact Award, established in 2022, celebrates individuals for exceptional achievements, innovative initiatives and positive community impact.
Making an impact
This year’s recipients are:
- Dean & Deb Mathias: These lifelong Quad Citizens are being recognized for their commitment to advancing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. That includes advocating for access on the new Interstate 74 bridge and expanding cycling initiatives. Their endowment for bicycle and pedestrian-friendly communities ensures a lasting legacy of active living in the Quad Cities.
- Decker Ploehn: The Bettendorf city administrator is being honored for decades of service and community impact. It includes leading major projects like the I-74 bridge. He is known for his mentorship and rallying cry “Yeah, baby!”
- Denise Bulat: The executive director of Bi-State Regional Commission is recognized for her leadership in regional planning and collaboration, guiding strategies for transportation, community development and sustainable growth.
- Jeff Nelson: The recently retired CEO and managing director of MetroLINK is celebrated for more than 40 years of service in public transportation, championing multimodal connectivity and community-focused design.
Previous Destination Impact Award winners include: Doug Kratz, TBK Bank Sports Complex; Kathy Wine, River Action; Beth Lagomarcino, Lagomarcino’s Confectionery; John & Joan Maxwell, Cinnamon Ridge Farms; Maria Ontiveros, Mercado on Fifth; and Nancy Ballenger, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf.
The Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) of the Year Award recognizes a CTA who consistently creates positive experiences for visitors and residents. This year’s recipient is Valerie Kimler, operations lead at the John Deere Pavilion, for her leadership, community engagement and dedication to showcasing the area’s heritage. Last year’s honoree was Amanda Randerson, City of Davenport Parks & Recreation.
For more information and to RSVP to this free event, visit VisitQuadCities.com/Destination-QC.
