Tourpreneurs Debrief

Networking Event for Southern Illinois Tourism Entrepreneurs a Success
Plans Launched for Continuing Expansion of Assistance

June 12, 2008, Makanda, IL – Local tourism entrepreneurs and officials met Tuesday at Blue Sky Vineyard for the first SI Tourpreneurs meeting. Tourism business owners were given a chance to voice their observations and suggestions about the local tourism industry and special issues in southern Illinois. Jon Musgrave, the Director of the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office (www.illinoisadventure.com), informed tourism entrepreneurs about what is being done for them by the tourism administration. Kathy Lively, Executive Director of Connect SI (www.connectsi.us) was on hand to listen to the attendees’ suggestions and requests for assistance. Kathy Lively said, “The excellent turnout and positive feedback we received from the attendees are evidence that we need to continue to provide a forum for on-going communication and networking among our Tourpreneurs.” Items of discussion included: broadening the lodging links on the SIU website to include bed and breakfast options; researching insurance options for local outfitters; combining bed and breakfast trails with wine trail information, and creating an ongoing action newsletter for tourism entrepreneurs via SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com. The event was sponsored by Connect SI, the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office, Blue Sky Vineyard, and SouthernIllinoisSpecialties.com. More events and activities aimed at assisting tourism entrepreneurs are in the planning stages.

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