An attraction in Shelby County has been awarded the Iowa Tourism Office and Travel Federation of Iowa’s “Outstanding Attraction” award in the rural division. The award was presented to the Danish Windmill Thursday evening during the 2014 Iowa Tourism Conference at the Mid-America Center, in Council Bluffs.

Danish Windmill Mgr. Lisa Steen-Riggs (center) is presented with an award Thursday in Council Bluffs.

Iowa Tourism Office Manager, Shawna Lode said “The tourism conference gives us the opportunity to annually recognize the best of the best in our industry. All nominations are reviewed and scored by industry members, people who know and appreciate tourism in Iowa.”

Danish Windmill Manager Lisa Steen-Riggs was on-hand to receive the award. Steen-Riggs, who is also President of the Travel Federation of Iowa, said “The Iowa tourism industry is full of hard-working, dedicated and passionate individuals. These awards recognize their contribution to Iowa’s tourism economy.”

In other award categories, the “Outstanding Niche Marketing Initiative” in the rural division was presented to Living Loess, western Iowa. And, The Council Bluffs Convention and Visitor’s Bureau received the “Outstanding Website” award, in the Metro Division.

The annual Iowa Tourism Conference brings together more than 250 industry representatives from across the state to network, attend educational sessions and discuss emerging industry trends.

Tourism in Iowa generates more than $7.75 billion in expenditures, employs 65,400 people statewide and generates $353.9 million in state taxes. 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.