September [xx], 2017
Media Contact: [INSERT CONTACT NAME, PHONE, EMAIL]
[COMMUNITY OR ARTISAN NAME] spotlighted in Made in Iowapromotion from Iowa Tourism Office
[INSERT CITY], IA (September xx, 2017) – [ARTISAN NAME] is featured in the Iowa Tourism Office’s Made in Iowa(traveliowa.com/madeiniowa) promotionwhich showcases several Iowa craftspeople and locations where people can create their own works of art.
[INSERT LOCAL QUOTE]
A video series highlights the campaign and features the Amana Woolen Mill in Amana, Buzzed Bee Meadery in Melbourne, Frisian Farms in Leighton, Kaleidoscope Factory in Pocahontas and Mississippi River Distilling Company in Le Claire.
For travelers inclined to DIY, the website highlights these destinations where people can participate in a variety of arts classes including copper repousse, woodworking, cooking international cuisine and chair caning.
-Legacy Learning Center in Webster City
-RVP ~ 1875 in Jefferson
-Three Pines Farm in Cedar Falls
-Villages of Van Buren Folk School in Van Buren County
Other content on the site includes information about special events such as Sew Iowa, farm-to-table dinner experiences, Iowa restaurants and Iowa gifts and souvenirs.
“Small businesses are central to Iowa’s economic vitality,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “These Iowa artisans are essentially small business owners, and we are excited to connect them with visitors who are looking for authentic experiences and products that genuinely represent our state and its people.”
About the artisans:
-The Amana Woolen Mill in Amana is Iowa’s oldest operating woolen mill, dating back to the start of the Amana Colonies in 1855.
-Buzzed Bee Meadery is Iowa’s first Meadery, making mead (or honey wine) from Iowa honey and other Iowa-grown ingredients.
-Frisian Farms blends the Bandstra family’s Dutch ancestry with their history of dairy farming to make small-batch, artisanal gouda cheese.
-Leonard Olson turns wood into kaleidoscopes and other toysat The Kaleidoscope Factory.
-Mississippi River Distilling Company uses grains from within 25 miles of the distillery in their spirits.
Tourism in Iowa generates more than $8.06 billion in expenditures and $466 million in state taxes, plus employs 67,400 people statewide. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For more information, visit traveliowa.com, call 800.345.IOWA, or stop at any Iowa Welcome Center. Travelers can find additional travel inspiration on the Iowa Tourism Office blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed, Pinterest boards, Instagram account, or You Tube channel.
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