THE CHAMBER
CONNECTION AUGUST 2023
TOURISM FUNDING
City Council Approves Additional Funds for Tourism Strategic Plan On Monday, July 17 Chamber President Lara Vermillion and Steve Powell of Destination Services, LLC presented information to the Mayor and City Council about creating a research-supported strategic plan designed to increase visitor spending in Blue Springs. The Chamber’s Board of Directors reviewed this plan at their July meeting and several Board members attended the City Council meeting in support of the effort (pictured left).
AUGUST
Customized Employment for Calling all entrepreneurs and advocates alike! What does it take to create an inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial community? Join us at our Monthly Luncheon on Thursday, August 17 to hear from Anna Burgen, Senior Employment Specialist, Job One. Anna will teach us why Customized Employment is the way forward for people with disabilities to discover their personal genius and find economic success in a marketplace with zero exclusions. Tap into this unique and underutilized talent pool and leave with customized ways to expand your business. REGISTER NOW. Luncheon Sponsored by America’s Community Bank.
The research component of this effort will focus on visitor metrics, economic impact, lodging capacities/ needs, infrastructure requirements, and the delivery of tourism services. It will culminate in a strategic plan with the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a primary demand generator and launching pad for Blue Springs to gain more prominence within the tourism industry. There was a positive discussion about the project at the City Council meeting and the City agreed to partner with the Chamber and Destination Services in the effort. The World Cup is coming to Kansas City in 2026 and will host 48 teams across 16 cities between June and July. It is anticipated to generate a one-time impact of more than $600 million for the Kansas City area. We are committed to making sure Blue Springs is primed and ready to not only receive the influx of visitors but to capitalize on the opportunity. The Chamber has agreed to serve as the convening agency for Blue Springs and pull partners together for planning purposes. If your business is interested in serving on this soon to be established task force, please reach out to Trish Totta @ ttotta@bluespringschamber.