TO:  MTC Members

FROM:  Gary Figgins - Legislative Chair, Missouri Travel Council

Those of you who missed this week's Capitol Days for Tourism missed one of our best events ever. After five years of sponsoring this event, we seem to have worked out most of the bugs, and this year's pancake breakfast was the smoothest-running ever.

Wednesday afternoon, nearly 50 industry members attended a legislative briefing by Missouri Travel Council lobbyist Dale Amick and Division of Tourism Director John Robinson, who updated members on the current budget situation. Missouri Tourism Commission Chair Raeanne Presley also spoke to members, as did Rep. Gina Walsh, who also serves on the Commission. Both stressed the importance of convincing legislators, especially appropriations committee members, that tourism actually puts money back into the state budget. Industry members then walked the halls of the Capitol, visiting with legislators and inviting lawmakers and staff members to the annual pancake breakfast the following morning.

Industry members returned to the Capitol Thursday morning where they served pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee to 729 people. This is pretty close to attendance numbers from previous years, but it is worth noting that there were more legislators in attendance. In addition to eating, many of these legislators took time to serve as "celebrity flippers," and they seemed to have a lot of fun. Several legislators echoed the thought that this event is among the best held at the Capitol each year.

Thanks to everyone who showed up Wednesday and/or Thursday. This event could not be the success that it is without the enthusiastic support it receives from Missouri's Travel Industry. A big thanks to everyone who helped out Thursday morning.

A special thanks goes to Commission Chair Raeanne Presley and Vice-Chair Connie Washington for attending the legislative briefing and helping out with legislator visits Wednesday afternoon. Another thanks goes to Hannibal Welcome Center Supervisor Bob Greenlee who photographed the celebrity flippers and to his bosses for allowing him to work with us.

OTHER LEGISLATIVE CONCERNS
If you have a tourism-related bill that you would like Missouri Travel Council to watch, contact me at gfiggins@showmemissouri.net.
 
Gary Figgins
Legislative Chair
Missouri Travel Council
gfiggins@showmemissouri.net