Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), a statewide association for Iowa’s tourism and hospitality sector, celebrated the achievements of the industry during the second annual iTIP Awards at its annual meeting on June 11 in Sioux City.
Winning one of the night’s top honors was CIT Signature Transportation, a longtime United Motorcoach Association member.
“We were honored to receive the Service Excellence Award,” said Kim Grzywacz, sales director of CIT Signature Transportation.
The iTIP Awards highlight excellence across Iowa’s tourism landscape, recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations that significantly enhance visitor experiences and contribute to economic vitality. The awards were organized by the iTIP Foundation.
CIT Signature Transportation, based in Ames, won its honor in the large market category.
“CIT’s unwavering commitment to service excellence ensures seamless transportation experiences, bolstering Iowa’s event-hosting capabilities,” said Chelsea Lerud, executive director of Iowa Travel Industry Partners.
Culmination of a busy month
Kevin Bourke, president and CEO of Discover Ames, nominated the company, owned by Grzywacz and her husband, John, who is the company’s president and UMA Board Director. Grzywacz serves on the board of the American Bus Association. The owners were joined by their sons, Jeremy Grzywacz and Jeremiah Wilkinson, representing the second generation in the family business.
“For us, this notice came as we prepared for three large events that took a year to plan,” Grzywacz said. “We provided the shuttles for Special Olympics, airport and hotel shuttles for Odyssey of the Mind, and volunteer/spectator shuttles for the Principal Charity Classic.”
She said the events began on May 16 and concluded on June 2.
“The average work day was 14 hours. Being presented with the award on June 11 was an exclamation point to jobs well done by our entire team,” she said.
