The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING TOBI PARKS AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Tobi Parks, the founder of xBk and the Board Vice President for the National Independent Venue Association Foundation, as Iowan of the Week.
Surrounded by music her entire life, Tobi describes herself as a musician and creator at heart. Growing up with an understanding of what it takes to be successful in the music industry, Tobi was conscious that her unwavering passion for music could lead to a viable and fulfilling career path. Studying media communications and audio production at Webster University, Tobi was able to foster her interests academically. While at first, Tobi was scared to put herself out there, those concerns never stopped her from pursuing her dreams in the music industry whether it was completing gigs or hosting shows on the radio. After university, Tobi moved to New York, where she worked for Sony focusing on copyright and licensing work. However, in 2015, Tobi moved to Des Moines and in the same year, she established an artist-
development nonprofit label called Station One Records. Station One Records was created with the objective of granting artists the development that she wishes she could have had. In the end, the nonprofit promotes that finding and cultivating talent is the priority rather than the financial benefits and end results.
As a woman of color and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, moving to Des Moines with her family was a considerable change from her life in New York City. The decision was made based on the fact that they had family in the area, and she could still be legally married in Iowa. Additionally, at the time, a member of the Des Moines Social Club advised her that one can do whatever they wish to do and find support anywhere in Des Moines. With that advice in mind, Tobi sought to build upon the live music ecosystem in Des Moines since she already had experience with running venues, booking artists, and touring. These experiences led to her founding xBk, which is a live entertainment venue in Des Moines in the Drake neighborhood. With the creation of xBk, there was an opportunity to increase the outreach of Station One, create a space to foster an artist community, and diversify the genres of music seen in Des Moines through the venue. Furthermore, with the COVID-19 pandemic, her work as the Board Vice President for the National Independent Venue Association Foundation has pushed for xBk and other businesses to obtain necessary aid through emergency relief programs and additional grants.
Tobi's involvement in the music industry and Des Moines community encourages both the development of those she helps and the diversity of the industry in general. Her determination and inclusive mindset have propelled her to success and make her truly worthy of being nominated for this award. Tobi serves as an inspiration and role model to all, and it is my honor to name her Iowan of the Week.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 38
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