Tourism-generated expenditures in Iowa grew 2.2 percent in 2008, and tourism’s economic benefit to the state increased $100 million over the previous year, Iowa Tourism Office Manager Nancy Landess announced yesterday during the Iowa Tourism Conference. Tourism grew to a $6.4 billion industry last year, up from $6.3 billion in 2007, Landess said. Additionally, travel spending in the state generated $303.2 million in state tax revenue, and 92 of the state’s 99 counties experienced increases in tourism spending.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, recently awarded more than $5.5 million for repairs and renovation at Saylorville Lake. A $3.8 million contract to Peterson Contractors Inc. of Reinbeck includes removal and construction of existing miscellaneous facilities and regrading of access roads, as well as embankment reshaping and placing of new bedding stone by spring 2010. Jensen Construction Co. of Des Moines was awarded a $1.7 million contract for demolition and reconstruction of the boat ramp by late 2010. The project includes creating a new fish habitat with salvaged concrete from the old ramp.

Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. plans to announce third-quarter results in a teleconference on Nov. 4 at 7:30 a.m. Iowa time. The release will also be available on the company’s Web site www.mmc.com. Brian Duperreault, president and CEO, and Vanessa Wittman, chief financial officer, will lead a discussion with investors. The teleconference can be accessed live by visiting the Web site or by calling (888) 329-8875; the access code is 2835124.

A class of 60 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) participants, the largest in the program’s 27-year history, will be introduced this evening at a “Future Faces of Leadership” event. The reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening in the Kirkwood Hotel lobby, 400 Walnut St. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided by Azalea Restaurant and Lounge. Tickets can be purchased for $25 by clicking here. Dues-paying GDMLI alumni can purchase tickets for the discounted rate of $15.