Q: What is the "Ambassadors Tour" and why do you host it every other year?
A: During the farm crisis of the 1980s, I organized the first Ambassadors Tour as a way to showcase our state to the world and promote trade and greater overall economic collaboration between Iowa and other countries. That first tour in 1986 was a resounding success. This August 15 to 19 I will showcase our state to ambassadors and diplomats for the tenth time. This year’s tour again gives diplomats the opportunity to learn about Iowa and Iowans up-close and personal. This helps forge relationships and a better understanding of our people, work ethic and economy that puts a face and a community with the facts and figures that may cross their desks at an embassy in Washington, D.C. They will see first hand Iowa’s beautiful and rich land and learn about the top notch businesses that we have in our state. And, possibly more importantly, they’ll get to experience the friendliness and generosity of the people of our state as they meet and interact with Iowans, even staying in their homes during the overnight stops. These visits allow the diplomats to be immersed in Iowa values and friendship, which they often report to me is the highlight of their trip.
Q: Where will you and the ambassadors visit this year?
A: During each tour, we highlight a different quadrant of our state. This year, I will bring representatives from more than 70 countries to Northeast Iowa. We will visit the communities of Des Moines, Marshalltown, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Charles City, Waverly, Denver, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Amana, Iowa City, Williamsburg, Grinnell and Prairie City. In these communities the diplomats will visit several businesses, a family farm, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa and end at the Iowa State Fair. The broad spectrum of these events will give the ambassadors a deeper understanding of Iowa and allow them to make real connections with our state.
Q: Where can people learn more about when and where you and the ambassadors will be?
A: The full itinerary for the trip will be available on my website at http://grassley.senate.gov. Through the past nine Ambassadors Tours Iowans have deservedly earned a reputation of friendliness and hospitality. I’m confident this year’s tour will reinforce that status to these diplomats from around the world.
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