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Burlington's "Rolling Tourism"

Burlington is part of a new “Rolling Billboard” tourism campaign.

Trucks operated by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division have been lined with large pictures of local attractions.

It’s part of an agreement between the agency, the state tourism office and several local tourism organizations.

“Traveling takes many forms – watching your son or daughter play in a soccer tournament out-of-town, visiting friends and family or just getting away from it all,” said Governor Terry Branstad. “You don’t have to go far to make a lasting memory with your family and there’s plenty to do right here in Iowa.”

Burlington’s truck includes pictures of the Capitol Theater, Catfish Bend Casino and the city’s minor league baseball team.

Ames, Des Moines, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids are also participating.

DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON STUDY

Meanwhile, supporters want to know what you think of Burlington’s downtown district.

The Greater Burlington Partnership is conducting a market study with the help of Main Street Iowa, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the USDA.

Downtown Partners Executive Director Steve Frevert says the idea is to develop a plan to retain or add new businesses in the district.

He says data will be collected three ways: customer responses, a business owner survey and an online questionnaire.

Frevert says some of the questions include how often you come to the downtown district, what types of stores do you frequent and where are you from.

The online questionaire on the partnership’s website is anonymous and open to anyone through July 12.

Frevert says Burlington’s downtown district stretches from the Mississippi River to Central Avenue, between Highway 34 and Elm Street.

He says demographic information will also be collected as part of the study.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.