Council Bluffs, Iowa – Mark Shoemaker, Executive Director of Pottawattamie County Conservation, was recently appointed President of the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CBCVB) Board of Directors. Shoemaker, who’s been a Pottawattamie County employee since 1993, has served as a CBCVB Board Member since July 2016. Following a brief absence from the board, he’s been the Vice President since August 2020. “This is a very exciting opportunity,” said Shoemaker. “The CBCVB has an outstanding staff and to be able to continue to work with them in this capacity is truly an honor.”

The mission of the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau is to serve as a catalyst to grow Pottawattamie County’s visitor economy through collaborative sales and marketing, destination advocacy, and sustainable placemaking activities in order to enhance the region’s quality of life. Shoemaker sees obvious cross-over with his work for Pottawattamie County Conservation.

“When you talk about highlighting the great things Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County have to offer, some of that appeal starts with our natural landscape and what we’re able to do with Conservation,” he said. “There are so many things in place to allow us to be leaders in tourism in the state of Iowa and across the Midwest.”

Mark Shoemaker

As CBCVB Board President, Shoemaker will now chair monthly board meetings and provide direction and assistance to staff. Mark Eckman, Executive Director for CBCVB, says Shoemaker displays passion and offers a wealth of experience, having led Pottawattamie Conservation since 1997. “As a board member, Mark has helped lead the CBCVB as it has achieved its most significant accomplishments,” said Eckman. “These include the purchase of its office building, being designated as an Iowa Welcome Center, and receiving seven Iowa Tourism Awards during the past six years”

Shoemaker’s appointment came during the CBCVB Board of Directors meeting Thursday, August 25th. He says his primary goal is to keep things moving in a positive direction. “I just want to see us continue to grow and compete with CVB’s across the state,” said Shoemaker. “The board and staff are already making that a reality but continuing to market Council Bluffs by attracting high quality and meaningful events to the area is important.”

For more information on the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau visit UNleashCB.com. To learn more about Pottawattamie County Conservation visit PottConservation.com