Minutes of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee

June 17, 2009

Attending: Stan Moore, Rose Anne Huck, Pam Thomeczek, Joshua King, Bill Riggins, Ken Yowell, Arline Borchers, Angie Wells and Cynthia Crawford. Joining the meeting at 9:30: David Schmidt

Chair Stan Moore called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. at the Saline Count Extension Center

Cynthia Crawford asked the group for feedback to pass on to the OTRTP education committee about hosting an agri-tourism seminar the second Thursday in November. The group suggested that the OTRTP group meet at their usual 4 p.m. time and then a two hour seminar follow from 5:30 to 7:30. Missouri Valley College will be hosting the seminar.

She also asked for ideas from the committee for an agri-tourism track as part of the March Women in Ag/Ag Landowner’s Conference. The committee had several creative ideas:
• Arts/Ag and $ - Pahlo Art Center
• How to host guests on your ag property – make money and protect your assets, too
• Wine growers – Wine trail.
• Growing grapes for wine producers
• Learn from Crown Valley
• Come stay at the farm
• You picks
• Bed, barn and breakfasts
• Managing and promoting regional festivals
• Organizing regional bus tours

Rose Anne announced that approval of the new website design is imminent from the state. (Just after the group adjourned approval was received and the new website is published – www.visitmarshallmo.com)

Stan briefed the group about Missouri Division of Tourism funding and timetables.

David Schmidt joined the meeting at 9:30 and asked to be added to the agenda. He inquired whether there are tourism funds to put a mural in Marshall featuring Jim the Wonder Dog. He mentioned the murals in Chillicothe that enhance the appearance of their community. Stan explained that the Tourism Commission has some infrastructure dollars set aside.
Fallon Hamilton did murals at the Nicholas Beasley museum and they are outstanding. She is a Saline County artist.
The Friends of Jim group has reorganized. Larry Arrowood and Jack Harvey are officers. Pam T. is membership chair.
Josh reported on the Downtown Revitalization effort that will meet Monday June 22, 5:30 at the Marshall Library.

Bill Riggins announced that the Nicholas Beasley museum is now open regular hours. 10-4 on Saturday and 1-5 on Sunday. There is an admission fee. Rose Anne offered that she has pictures of kids enjoying the museum.

The Scenic Byways project with John Whiteman is progressing. The standard at the federal level has been raised to “Visitor Ready.” The byway makes a loop through Marshall – down 65, east on Arrow, around 3 sides of the square, north on Lafayette past the Jim Park, east on Eastwood…

There are no bed and breakfasts now operating in Marshall.
Stan suggested that because we get funding from the Department of Missouri and the tourism commission this committee is probably subject to the Sunshine Laws. Cynthia moved and it was seconded to conduct business to honor the Sunshine Laws. Motion passed without dissent. The Chamber board will need to establish a custodian of minutes. Meeting details will need to be posted on the meeting site door 24 hours before meetings.

135,000 people visit Arrow Rock each year. The Committee congratulated the Friends of Arrow Rock on 50 years of success.

Be sure to see the revised Jim the Wonder Dog website.

The Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission has funding for economic development strategies. Randy White, Executive Director, has details.

The committee thanked Rose Anne Huck for her service on this committee and wishes her the best as she moves to Poplar Bluff.

Angie Wells moved that the Friends of Jim may use the slogan “Come, Sit, Stay” and associated artwork for their promotion efforts. Motion passed. One member abstained because of a potential conflict of interest.

Stan announced there will be no meeting in July. The next meeting will be August 19, 9 a.m.at the Saline County Extension Center.

Meeting adjourned at 10:45.

- Cynthia Crawford, recording secretary

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