JEFFERSON CITY — Senator David Sater, R-Cassville, met with constituents, industry experts, and community leaders today (11/19) at the Ozarks Technical Community College - Table Rock Campus in Hollister to talk about tourism and its impact on the state and local economy.

Individuals from all over Stone and Taney counties were invited to participate in the roundtable discussion about the tourism industry and the role southwest Missouri can play in advocating and promoting it. Attending were private citizens, small business owners, and elected officials. Sen. Sater outlined the purpose of the meeting as a chance to talk about an important issue to the area from those who work in tourism-related businesses every day.

“One of the responsibilities I have as a state Senator is to be responsive and accessible to the people I represent. Today’s meeting was an opportunity to hear the challenges facing business owners and leaders in our community and hear their ideas for how we can best promote and invest in tourism in Missouri.”

Those in attendance heard a presentation on Missouri’s current tourism funding model and possible changes to it, received tips on how to best communicate the benefits of the tourism industry with policy makers, and learned of new strategies for marketing tourism and the importance of communicating with others in the industry.

Senate Appropriations Chairman, Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, made the trip from central Missouri to take part in the discussion. “Tourism is among the most important industries in our state’s economy,” said Sen. Schaefer. “It was beneficial for me to hear first-hand from those who work in and know tourism and the challenges they are facing.”

Also attending the meeting was Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley. “This sort of interaction and cooperation is so important in showing the rest of the state what a great economic engine the Branson Lakes area is” said, Mayor Presley. “It’s important that we continue the conversation and work towards a plan that delivers the resources the Missouri Division of Tourism needs for a superior level of competitive marketing.”

After the meeting, Sen. Sater concluded that with state revenue improving it is time for a stronger commitment to tourism.

“Tourism brings more jobs, revenue, and economic prosperity to Missouri. It is one the top two industries in Missouri and one of the few state programs that generates more revenue than it costs”, said Sater. “For a small investment, Missouri gets a lot more back and we need to support this important part of our economy.”

Missouri’s model for funding tourism promotion is based on Standard Industry Classification (SIC) codes, which fund the Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund based on the performance of tourism-related businesses. Funding is appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly every year and is administered by the Governor through the Missouri Division of Tourism.

For more information, please contact Sen. Sater at the State Capitol as follows: (573) 751-1480; david.sater@senate.mo.gov; Missouri State Capitol, Room 433, Jefferson City, MO 65101.