WILLIAMS JOINS TOURISM COMMISSION

Southeast Missouri gained a say in state tourism policy Friday with the appointment of state Rep. Marilyn Williams of Dudley to the Missouri Tourism Commission.

The 10-member commission oversees the state Division of Tourism. Prior to Williams' appointment, Southeast Missouri was the only region of the state not represented on the panel. Joining the commission puts Williams in a position to bring increased attention to what the region has to offer visitors.

"Southeast Missouri is certainly culturally and historically rich, from Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (near Puxico) to the Stars and Stripes Museum (in Bloomfield)," Williams said. "As a member of the Tourism Commission, it is my hope to create new jobs and new opportunities for our businesses through aggressive tourism promotion."

Williams said many of the area's resources, such as Lake Wappapello, are well known by locals but remain largely untapped for tourism purposes. The Stoddard County Democrat also noted that historical tourism is a growing facet of the industry, a trend Southeast Missouri can take advantage of.

"We are just ripe for that sort of thing down here in the Bootheel," Williams said.

As chairman of the House Appropriations Committee for Natural and Economic Resources, Williams is also in a position to shift increased state tourism dollars to Southeast Missouri. The Division of Tourism is one of the many state agencies for which Williams' committee determines spending.

House Speaker Steve Gaw, D-Moberly, appointed Williams to the commission. She replaces Rep. Sam Leake, D-Center, who stepped down to join the state Tax Commission.

"Missouri certainly has a lot to offer travelers and visitors, and it is certainly important to have a strong voice to help promote tourism in our state," Gaw said. "Rep. Williams' knowledge of our state and her desire to make Missouri an even better place for residents and visitors alike will make her a tremendous asset to the Tourism Commission."

The commission consists of the lieutenant governor, two representatives, two senators and five other members appointed by the governor. The commission determines state policies related tourism promotion.

Tourism is one of Missouri's leading industries, generating more than $12.6 billion in revenue in 1999 from an estimated 34.4 million visitors. The industry supports nearly 208,000 jobs in the state.