The efforts of Jefferson Matters: Main Street, and Why Not Us? and chef Sara Ostrander were recognized by the Iowa Tourism Office at the 2024 Iowa Tourism Conference in Des Moines last week.
Jefferson was named the Outstanding Community in the rural division; Cedar Rapids was recognized in the metro division.
The Centennial was recognized as the Outstanding Dining Business in the rural division; 7 Hills Brewing Company of Dubuque received the award in the metro division.
Nominations for the awards are lengthy. The nomination for The Centennial includes information about the rescue of the historic corner building after a water line break in the upper story did considerable damage to the building and Angie’s Tea Garden, which was located there at the time.
The building was purchased by Why Not Us?, a group of local women investors. They found local graduate Sara Ostrander to open the restaurant.
The Centennial opened in July 2022. Ostrander was named one of 2022’s 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality by the Iowa Restaurant Association. She is credited with helping bring bus tours, visitors and shoppers back to downtown Jefferson after the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to read the complete nomination.
The nomination of Jefferson for the Outstanding Community Award cites the naming of Jefferson as an Iowa Great Place in 2022 and a Thriving Community in 2023. It also names award winning tourism destinations and groups including the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower, RVP~1875, Deal’s Orchard and awards won by Jefferson Matters Main Street.
The application also includes all the various volunteer activities that take place to promote Jefferson including the Bell Tower Festival, the Greene County Historical Society, Thomas Jefferson Gardens and more. Click here to read the complete application.
The Iowa Tourism Office presented a total 24 awards recognizing excellence in the tourism industry.
“These awards recognize the hard work and dedication of our tourism industry partners and the appeal of Iowa as a destination,” said Amy Zeigler, state tourism office manager. “We look forward to building on the positive momentum for continued success in 2024.”
Awards, divided into metro and rural distinctions, were made in 13 categories. In addition, conference attendees voted for the People’s Choice Award; nominees were the second-highest scoring nominations.
