Heartland Acres Agribition Center accepts the award for Attraction of the Year for 2010 from Iowa Tourism.

“Visitors to Heartland Acres Agribiton Center in Independence, IA have helped make us Attraction of the Year” stated Leanne Harrison – Program Manger. “We have been working hard since we first opened our doors for business in May of 2007 to build Heartland Acres into a great destination and attraction for Independence and all of Iowa. This award tells us we are on the right track and now we need to keep going to build on our progress.

Harrison also serves as President for the Buchanan County History Board and knows of many other worthwhile attractions in and around Independence and felt it was a great compliment to Heartland and the community for the recognition from Iowa Tourism to be voted Attraction of the Year. Even with the award Harrison stated “we’re grateful to be recognized and have even more in store in the coming months and years to help us continue to be an award winning attraction in Iowa.

Newly elected board member to Heartland Acres, Lloyd Welter from Monticello, Iowa also recognizes the value of a great attraction and stated “for smaller communities in Iowa to be involved in promoting their area in the $6 Billion annual agricultural tourism industry is a plus. Iowa is a great starting point for any visitor to learn about agriculture and Heartland Acres is a great destination for any tour.”

Iowa Tourism employs more than 63,000 people statewide and generates more than $312 million in state taxes. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Department of Economic Development. For more information about Iowa tourism, visit www.traveliowa.com, call 800.345.IOWA or stop at any Iowa Welcome Center.

Heartland Acres Agribiton Center is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors. Heartland Acres operates on admissions, donations, grants, rental fees and gift shop sales to sustain ongoing operations. Heartland Acres preserves, protects, educates and entertains visitors with displays and activities which continue telling the story of our agricultural heritage. Heartland Acres is located at 2600 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence, IA 50644 and can be found at www.heartlandacresusa.com Phone (319) 332.0123