Manchester Chosen for 2026 First Impressions Program

Manchester is among five Iowa communities selected to participate in the 2026 First Impressions program.

Developed by ISU Extension and Outreach’s Community and Economic Development unit, First Impressions gives communities fresh perspectives on their tourism assets, resident engagement and visitor appeal. The program is offered in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority/Iowa Tourism Office.

Trained evaluators will visit Manchester and the other four communities – they’ll assess more than 80 key attributes, including attractions, amenities and the overall visitor experience. The data collected then forms a comprehensive report that will outline both immediate and long-term strategies to enhance the community’s vitality. The findings are shared at a public community forum, with the goal to spark local conversations about priorities and next steps.

Since its pilot in 2024, the program has worked with seven Iowa communities. Past participants have used the feedback to improve signage and wayfinding, strengthen marketing efforts and launch new initiatives to enhance tourism and community vitality.

Amy Vogelbacher, state tourism specialist with ISU Extension & Outreach, says they’ve seen communities use these recommendations to make themselves more welcoming to visitors and more attractive to new residents and businesses.

Along with Manchester, the other four communities chosen for the 2026 First Impressions Program include Avoca, Sibley, Sioux Center and Waverly. Vogelbacher says this year’s application process was especially competitive, with twice the number of applicants as program slots.

Manchester and the other communities will begin their assessments in the coming months, with reports and recommendations released later in the year.