Iowa Travel Industry Partners is beginning Fiscal Year 2027 with new leadership and a long‑range plan aimed at strengthening tourism across the state — and a Storm Lake representative is among those helping guide the effort.
Amy Von Bank, General Manager of King’s Pointe Resort, has been appointed to the iTIP Board of Directors. Von Bank, a native Iowan with nearly 30 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, will serve as one of several volunteer leaders representing destinations and attractions statewide.
The organization has released a new three‑year strategic plan outlining priorities through 2029. Those include expanding professional development opportunities, strengthening advocacy efforts, investing in tourism research and continuing to grow statewide initiatives in meetings, sports, group travel and student travel. The plan also focuses on ensuring iTIP has the long‑term capacity to support Iowa’s tourism industry.
The start of FY27 also brings a change in board leadership. Jennifer Pickar, Manager of Cedar Falls Tourism, has taken over as Board President. Additional new board members include Kristen Heimgartner of the Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation, Julie Kronlage of Travel Dubuque and Matt Phippen of RAGBRAI. The full 18‑member board represents tourism organizations and partners from across Iowa.
iTIP says the new strategic direction builds on a strong FY26, during which the association grew to a record 146 member organizations, connected more than 750 tourism professionals through education and networking, invested $40,000 in professional development scholarships and expanded advocacy efforts on issues including tourism funding, school start dates, and Tourism Improvement Districts.
King’s Pointe, where Von Bank serves as general manager, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. The community‑owned resort features indoor and outdoor waterparks, lodging, dining and access to Storm Lake’s recreation amenities.
