The Rural Passport Program is helping small businesses in Western Iowa by encouraging visitors to explore local shops and restaurants while collecting stamps for prizes. Participants can start by picking up a passport booklet from participating businesses and collecting stamps as they visit different locations. Completed booklets can be turned in for a chance to win prizes.
Program Goals
The Western Iowa Development Association said the program is designed to bring in business during the slower summer months. “A lot of times, you know, our small businesses in rural communities get forgotten about. And we wanted to continue the awareness,” said Stacie Kinney, the association’s executive director. “And make sure they are seen because they are the heartbeat of our towns.”
The program runs through Labor Day. Additionally, Choose Iowa and Travel Iowa have teamed up for a similar digital program, which runs through the end of the year. Participants can visit ChooseIowa.com and click on the passport tab to learn more.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
