[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                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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