REP. COPELAND TO STATE TOURISM COMMISSION

JEFFERSON CITY - State Rep. Gene Copeland, D-New Madrid, has been appointed by House Speaker Bob Griffin to serve as a member of the Missouri Tourism Commission.

The nine-member commission deals with all matters relating to the policy and administration of tourism promotion in Missouri. Five of the members are appointed by the governor and the top leader of the House and Senate each appoints two legislative members.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to play a role in promoting the number-two industry in our state," said Copeland. "Because of the rich Mississippi River heritage of Southeast Missouri, our area has become increasingly popular with visitors."

The tourism commission is required to have at least four meetings each year, and the terms for members are four years.

Besides Copeland, other legislative members of the group are Rep. Doyle Childers, R-Reeds Spring; Sen. Norman Merrell, D-Monticello; and Sen. Irene Treppler, R-St. Louis.

Copeland is the senior member of the Missouri General Assembly, now serving his 17th term. He is chairman of the Democratic caucus in the House.

Copeland also serves as chairman of the House Banks and Financial Institutions Committee, and as a member of the committees for general administration appropriations, local government and related matters, legislative research and accounts, and operations and finance.