The Norwalk City Council voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a resolution authorizing the city to join a 28E agreement with Catch Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau, to promote Norwalk lodging and event venues in regional booking efforts.

City officials said the move aims to help Norwalk hotels, restaurants and retailers win event business that currently flows to other metro communities.

Holly (city staff) told the council Norwalk now has one fully operating hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, with another — the Tru by Hilton — expected "next summer or fall." She said the city's sports campus and event venues will draw large groups and that membership in Catch Des Moines has generated dozens of requests for proposal for other local hotels. "It definitely has a return on investment when it comes to dollar for dollar," Holly said.

Trina Flack, representing Catch Des Moines, said the bureau markets the entire metro area to national and regional event planners and uses sales outreach, local "catch champions," advertising and web and social media to attract events. "Visitors don't know the city boundaries between one metro city to the next," Flack said. "As we look ahead in securing new events and supporting the events that are already on our books, you guys have great products here, and we want to fill the hotel and support the businesses."

Council member Kuehl moved to approve the resolution; Council member Baker seconded. Roll call votes recorded Kuehl: yes; Meineke: yes; Baker: yes. The motion carried.

City staff and presenters declined further public comment and said Catch Des Moines staff will continue one-on-one follow-ups with Norwalk businesses to identify dates and events that could bring visitors to the city.

The resolution directs the city manager and staff to execute the 28E agreement and begin participation in the bureau's cooperative marketing and booking efforts. The council did not discuss specific membership dues or the long-term budget impact during the vote.

The Catch Des Moines membership is expected to be used primarily to help Norwalk lodging and event venues compete for tournaments and other large events in the metro region.