.floatimg-left-hort { float:left; } .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 12px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 12px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 12px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} As we look toward the approach of spring and warmer temperatures, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (GDMCVB) is already preparing for a strong summer travel season in 2010. A focus on regional travel to our affordable, safe, family-friendly communities paid off in 2008 and 2009. We expect travel trends to continue to rebound this year … with your help.

This year is already bringing new bookings to Greater Des Moines. Though some communities around the country have experienced sharp drops in travel and tourism dollars, Greater Des Moines has remained fairly steady. The 12 communities represented by the GDMCVB saw an estimated 8.5 percent decline in tax revenue for the first three quarters of 2009. The majority of the decline was in corporate business travel, while convention and sports events were stronger.

The local economy greatly benefits from visitors. For every 100 visitors to Greater Des Moines, $25,000 pours into our restaurants, attractions, shopping areas and hotels.

You can make an impact and help keep Greater Des Moines’ economy strong.

• If you are involved with an association, group, convention or sports event that doesn’t currently meet in Greater Des Moines, let us know. With your connections and our strong sales team, we can work together to bring that group to Greater Des Moines for its next meeting.

• Tell your out-of-town friends and family members to visit Greater Des Moines.

• If you know of someone planning a wedding, ask them to consider getting married in Greater Des Moines.

• See Greater Des Moines as a visitor would. Explore our attractions and shopping districts; get a taste of some of our 850 restaurants; spend the night at one of our 100 hotels.

We recently worked with Quester, an Ankeny-based research company, which asked hundreds of Midwesterners what they like about Greater Des Moines. Overwhelmingly, respondents said they are impressed with how friendly our residents are to visitors. For years we have heard this same comment from planners and groups that have met here. We thank you for your kindness. This intangible friendliness continues to pull visitors into our communities.

So at this time of year, as you are thinking about spring break, summer vacation, family reunions or any other kind of travel plans, I urge you to consider Greater Des Moines. With your help, we can make 2010 the strongest year to date, and attract more than 3 million visitors who could spend more than $1.6 billion at our local businesses. These dollars ultimately affect each one of us, our families and friends, building a stronger Greater Des Moines.

Greg Edwards is president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.