Business Updates
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Watch for the most up-to-date news and information from all over Pulaski County. Got an update you'd like to share? Contact us today!
Horizons - Cultural Event Grant Opportunity
2/20/2025
Have you heard about the Missouri Humanities Horizons Initiative? Each year Missouri Humanities, Missouri Arts Council and Missouri Tourism pick 5 to 10 festivals and events in the Missouri area to be a part of that season's cohort. Horizons is designed to encourage in-state travelers and out-of-state visitors to experience culture, art, and the humanities at Missouri events, festivals, and institutions. Find out more at https://mohumanities.org/horizons.
Pulaski County Tourism Bureau Wins 2024 Marketing Campaign Award
10/30/2024
Kansas City - During the 2024 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau was honored with the 2024 Marketing Campaign Award for its successful integrated marketing campaign, which led to increased tourism and economic benefits for the region.
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau was recognized for employing innovative marketing strategies and reaching out to promising new markets. This approach allowed them to promote their destination to a much wider audience. The campaign highlighted the county's scenic river ways, shopping, dining, history, events, and its connection to Route 66, in anticipation of the iconic highway's centennial anniversary in 2026. As a result, the bureau experienced significant increases across all key metrics. Learn More...
Is Your Website Accessible?
10/11/2024
Is your website accessible? The Department of Justice reaffirmed a ruling that websites are places of accommodation and must comply with ADA. This means that all businesses must ensure their websites and digital content are accessible to people with disabilities. One option is AccessiBe. To learn more visit: https://accessibe.com.
To see the AI-powered accessWidget in action, visit our website and click the red icon in the lower left corner.
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Route 66 Grant Opportunities
10/08/2024
The Route 66 Centennial Commission is accepting submissions on a rolling basis for national, multi, or single state Route 66 Centennial activities, projects, events or programs. To learn more:
https://www.route66-centennial.com/activity-project-ideas-submission/
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission is offering an Event Sponsorship which provides reimbursable sponsorship funding to eligible organizations and businesses whose events exhibit positive tourism and economic development along Missouri’s Route 66 defined alignments and demonstrate a direct tie to statewide efforts to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial. The Tour Stop Competition among cities in 10 Missouri counties for the design and development of improvement projects in the state of Missouri that serve as “signature tour stops” for the route throughout the state. The Commission is offering competitive design sponsorships up to $15,000 for the lucky designs selected – with matching fund sponsorships of up to $125,000 to build these signature stops.
For those planning events in conjunction the Route 66 Centennial be sure to submit your event to:
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission: https://celebratemo66.com/events/
Pulaski County Tourism Bureau: https://visitpulaskicounty.org/events/event-submissions
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Missouri Humanities Grant Opportunity
09/24/24
Missouri Humanities is proud to announce a special grant round to commemorate 250 years of America. The Semiquincentennial Grants will provide awards of up to $25,000 for projects that tell the story of America through the lens of Missouri.
Grants will be accepted from December 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
Please visit www.mohumanities.org/grants for additional information.
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Cost-Share Opportunity for Agritourism Signs: Applications Open!
08/08/24
The Cost-Share Grant for TODS Agritourism Signs is now open! The program will help agritourism businesses, including seasonal businesses, pay for directional highway signs to attract more visitors. We know agritourism businesses help communities, family farms, and agriculture flourish! Take advantage of the program now while funding is available and make your business more visible to potential customers.
For more information and application instructions, go to https://ltgov.mo.gov/tourism/agritourism/.
- Step 1: Apply for TODS signs through Missouri Logos, under the direction of MoDOT. For more information related to costs of signs and applications for the program you may visit interstatelogos.com. You can also contact Missouri Logos in Jefferson City at (573) 893-6662, toll-free at (800) 666-3514, or by e-mail at missouritods@interstatelogos.com.
- Step 2: Once an agritourism business is accepted into the TODS Program, including a signed use agreement and payment receipt, they can apply for the cost-share program through Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe’s Office for reimbursement of up to 50% of sign costs. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2025 in order to ensure adequate time to process reimbursements https://ltgov.mo.gov/tourism/agritourism/.
Qualifying agricultural sites must meet the requirements below:
- Grow/raise/harvest products on-site for purchase
- Be open to the public without reservations
- Be open a minimum of 30 days per year
- Be open at least four hours per day, two days per week, one of which is a Saturday or Sunday
- Provide restroom facilities (temporary facilities are allowed)
- Be located within 15 miles of signs.
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Naturally Meramec Consortium - July 30th
07/23/24
MRPC Staff and the Naturally Meramec Consortium will hold its next meeting Tuesday, July 30 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82254696698. We are excited to discuss our remaining events and overall work plan, as our grant from the Delta Regional Authority wraps in a couple of months. Please read the following primary updates and plan on attending next week’s meeting for further discussion.For more information contact:
Orin Pogue, Community Development Specialist, Meramec Regional Planning Commission - (573) 265-2993 ext. 149 -opogue@meramecregion.org
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BrandUSA Marketing Opportunities - MDT Meeting
4/23/2024
Since 2013, the Missouri Division of Tourism has been participating in Brand USA’s comprehensive cooperative marketing programs to drive international travel to our state. Danielle Campana with Brand USA and Debi Saldana with Miles Media will be conducting an information session on May 22nd at the Harry S Truman Building (Room 510). Join MDT to learn about the newest promotions coming from Brand USA and how these programs could fit into your marketing plans. The meeting will last approximately two hours and you will be provided a catalog of programs for your consideration. The program elements are open for participation by Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO's) and private tourism businesses.
What: BrandUSA Marketing Opportunities
Date: May 22, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Harry S Truman (301 W. High) Room 510
Please RSVP to Megan Sheets at 573-522-5501 or by email megan.sheets@ded.mo.gov.
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Business Disaster Assessment
4/2/2024
In the wake of last night's severe storm, that left widespread damage to many businesses, the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management to conduct a comprehensive business disaster assessment. The goal of this initiative is to gauge the extent of damage suffered by local businesses and to provide resources to facilitate recovery efforts.
"We understand the immense challenges that our local businesses are facing in the aftermath of last night's storm," said Executive Director Cecilia Murray. "Our priority is to ensure that affected businesses receive the support they need. By partnering with the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management, we aim to streamline the assessment process and expedite the delivery of assistance to those in need."
All Waynesville and St. Robert business owners (membership not required) are urged to participate in the assessment by completing the form, https://forms.gle/nd2LPnQ1zhhZbSva6, on the extent of damage incurred and the specific assistance required.
Be aware of disaster fraud, it is common to see people come into a community after a disaster occurs. Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail, email, text or in person. For tips to protect yourself visit https://sema.dps.mo.gov/recover/scams_and_fraud.php.
For more information, please contact the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber at (573) 336-5121 or email chamber@wsrchamber.com.
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Showcase your Restaurant at the Waynesville-St Robert Chamber's Largest Community event!
2/2/2024
PR: Waynesville-St Robert Area Chamber of Commerce
The Waynesville – St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce would like to invite Pulaski County restaurants to participate in this year's Taste of Pulaski County. Instead of having a one day event, we would like to encourage our community to bring business to your establishment. This event will run from March 4- April 15, 2024.
We are creating a “Taste of Pulaski County Passport” that can be purchased for $5 each. Participating restaurants will be listed in the booklet with restaurant logo, contact information, and discount or special that will be provided during the duration of the event. The passports can be taken to participating restaurants and receipts will act as their stamps. Upon completion of the event, passports can be returned with receipts to the Chamber and be entered into a drawing to win gift cards to participating restaurants. Multiple winners will be drawn and a grand prize drawing will be held for anyone that fills their passport.
We would like to encourage all area restaurants to take part in this family oriented event, both Chamber members and non-members. Registration fees to participate in this event are as follows: Chamber members - $25 gift card to your business. Non-members, $50 plus a $25 gift card to your business. The gift cards will be utilized as prizes for those who turn in passports upon completion of the event. In addition to being listed in the passport, restaurants will be listed on the Pocketsights web site with their contact information, Taste of Pulaski County event web site, and on the Chamber social media sites.
The deadline to register and have your restaurant’s information printed in the Passport is February 15, 2024.
Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling the office at (573) 336-5121 or email chamber@wsrchamber.com.
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2024 Cost Share Grants - Route 66 Corridor Preservation program
2/1/24
The National Park Service, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is pleased to announce that the 2024 cost-share grant season is now open. Eligible grant activities include preservation planning, National Register nominations, preservation and rehabilitation work on eligible historic sites, and/or research and educational outreach initiatives.
The application period is open now through April 19, 2024. Full details are available here: grants.gov/search-results-detail/352161 (Funding Opportunity No: P24AS00251)
The cost-share grant program is established for Fiscal Year 2024 only and is subject to revision or cancellation in future years based on annual congressional or programmatic appropriations and priorities. Grant applications are considered on a competitive basis. It is estimated that successful applicants will be notified on or before May 30, 2024; project work cannot begin until a grant agreement is in place, typically on or before September 15, 2024.
For more information: Kaisa Barthuli, Program Manager - Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, National Trails National Park Service Ph: 505-988-6701 Email: kaisa_barthuli@nps.gov
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MCFA Annual Convention & Tradeshow
1/23/24
The Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association (MCFA) Board of Directors are excited to announce that MCFA Annual Convention and Trade Show is being held 26 – 28 February 2024 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, Springfield, Missouri. Mark your calendar to attend this must attend state wide event tailored just for outfitters and outdoor recreation providers and staff.
The focus of this year’s annual convention includes: fun-filled, profit-inspiring, networking opportunities, education sessions, roundtable discussions, networking events and a two day trade show with one-stop shopping convenience hosting the best outdoor vendors in the industry.The Oasis Hotel has a block of room for MCFA convention attendees offering sleeping rooms at $104.00 per night plus tax for reservations made before 02/07/24. For reservations call the Hotel reservation desk at 417-866-5253. To be added to the notification list regarding the 2024 MCFA convention agenda and registration call Larry Helms, VP MCFA - Cell (573) 337-0543
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NATURALLY MERAMEC ANNOUNCEMENT
1/8/2024
The Naturally Meramec Consortium are looking to hold the next meeting on Tuesday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the Meramec Regional Planning Commission meeting room in St. James. To better accommodate members, this meeting will also be available on zoom and will be recorded and posted for those who are unavailable to attend. We want to emphasize the importance of attending this meeting to assess member needs and plan future activities that require input and feedback. We are planning on discussing:
- Naturally Meramec Consortium Food Hub – We are planning to roll-out and the NMC Food Hub Facebook group directly after this month’s meeting. The vision of how the group will work, guidelines for members and more details were outlined at the October meeting which can be found at https://spaces.hightail.com/space/mmm6TIZxRd. If you are interested or planning on participating please let me know as we want to have some products ready to be advertised as examples for the January meeting presentation.
- DRA Educational opportunities – There are currently a wide range of education opportunities available to residents of Dent, Phelps, Crawford and Phelps County at NO COST through our current Delta Regional Authority Grant. These courses include the CALS Online Grower Training Course outlined at https://cals.cornell.edu/produce-safety-alliance/training/grower-training-course/online-course and a wide range of University of Missouri Extension Classes pertaining to food safety which are listed on your local county’s website at https://extension.missouri.edu/counties. I am meeting this month with DRA County Extension Council’s to further promote these opportunities and discuss other prospects.
- Website Request for Proposals – We are currently finalizing an RFP for the Naturally Meramec Website to improve functionality and the overall user experience. These changes will be outlined and discussed at the January Meeting.
- Agritourism Sign Cost Share Program – Missouri Agritourism businesses may now participate in the Missouri Tourist Oriented Directional Sign (TODS) Program, administered by Missouri Logos under the direction of the Missouri Department of Transportation. More details and the program application is available at https://ltgov.mo.gov/tourism/agritourism/.
- Additionally, we hope to have an open discussion with members about promotion opportunities, educational needs, taste of county events and the overall consortium’s ideas for the future.
We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting on January 23! Please continue to send me any events or things you want to promote on our facebook page or the NMC website. I will send out a formal meeting invite with zoom details for January 23 early next week.
Orin Pogue
Community Development Specialist
Meramec Regional Planning Commission
4 Industrial Drive
St. James, MO 65559
(573) 265-2993 ext. 149
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Sports Feasibility Discussion
1/5/2024
Meeting with Hunden Partners on Wednesday, January 10 at 9 a.m. Meeting will be held at the 9th Grade Center Lecture Hall at Waynesville High School. This meeting will also be available on zoom. If you plan on attending in-person or via zoom, please contact Orin Pogue, Community Development Specialist, Meramec Regional Planning Commission (573) 265-2993 ext. 149 or email; opogue@meramecregion.org
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Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund
Nov. 15, 2023
This newly launched fund provides financial support to businesses to preserve historic places and spur economic development along the Route 66 corridor, with an emphasis on projects that illuminate the narratives of communities whose places and stories have been historically underrepresented. Learn More
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September 13, 2023
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March 24, 2023
Naturally Meramec Meeting - March 28th
The Naturally Meramec Consortium Regional Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting will be held here at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission office at 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, Missouri 65559, or Via Zoom Conference Video/Call, please see below. The more Naturally Meramec Consortium members that we have at these meetings, the more productive these meetings become. If you are interested in being a member of the Naturally Meramec Consortium, this meeting would be the perfect time to join. Membership is only $50.00 and can be paid at the time of the meeting. If you are not a member, we would still love to have your input at the meeting. Everyone is welcome!
Agenda
- Call to Order and Introductions: Mark A. Perkins, Senior Community Development Specialist, Meramec Regional Planning Commission.
- Staff Report: Meramec Regional Planning Commission Staff will report on Naturally Meramec Consortium activities through Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
- Naturally Meramec Consortium Facebook Page.
- Naturally Meramec Consortium Website.
- Strategic Plan: MRPC Staff will discuss the 2023 Strategic Plan for Missouri’s Meramec Region. The Naturally Meramec Consortium will then be asked to offer comments or suggestions on the final draft of the plan.
- New Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Grant: MRPC Staff will discuss the DRA Grant in detail.
- Announcements: Members will have an opportunity to announce special events in their areas.
- Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
- Networking: Members will have an opportunity to network.
Adjournment:
For more information: Mark A. Perkins, Senior Community Development Specialist, Meramec Regional Planning Commission. Phone: 573-265-2993 Ext. 143 Fax: 573-265-3550 mperkins@meramecregion.org
PulaskiCountyUSA.com, A Brand New Look
March 1, 2023
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau is excited to announce the launch of the new website! This endeavor was made possible through 75% funding through the Missouri Division of Tourism FY23 MPD Grant, Kudos to the phenomenal work of the team at McDaniel's agency and our Bureau staff. Industry partners wishing to make updates to their listings may log into their account/s to make updates to their complimentary listings, or by emailing our staff. For information on paid-enhanced listings visit the Industry Log-In section on the website. Paid enhanced listings include images, descriptions, links to your website, and social channels.
February 23, 2023
Backing Historic Small Restaurants
The National Park Service announces the Backing Historic Small Restaurant Grant Program. Application opens Feb 23 - Closes Mar 12. Learn more at Saving Places.
Lodging - Online Form, Utility refunds
February 14, 2023
FILL-ABLE PDF REPORTING FORM:
The Guest Assessment Reporting Form is now available as a fillable PDF. You are welcome to save this form and complete it digitally, versus handwritten. You will still need to print it off and send the report in with your payment to the Pulaski County Collector. This is simply saving you from having to handwrite the form.
The fillable PDF is also available online within the Industry section of our website and in the File section of the IDSS Partner Extranet.
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HOTEL UTILITY REFUND:
In October we shared information about the new Missouri Law which became effective August 28, 2022 regarding the Hotel Utility Refund. Last week a partner shared additional information that might be helpful to others.
Below is the information that was provided via Larry and Gayle Helms.
“You may already be aware of a new Missouri Law effective August 28, 2022 concerning Hotel Utility refund Formulas that applies to utilities at hotels. Your hotel may be eligible for a refund of some of the taxes paid on utilities for the last three years. More importantly should you apply and receive a refund you may be exempt on taxes going forward. It may be worth a lot to check this new law out to see if it would be advantageous to your hotels.
I have been informed by our attorney (Franey & Associates) representing the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds that the new law may apply to campgrounds with cabins and campsites where the sites are individually metered as well.
These forms and information are located in the Industry Partner section of the website under Lodging Information - Utility Refund Information & Forms.
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REMINDER:
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau is redesigning the Tourism Bureau website, with a target launch of March 2023.
As a guest transient tax collector, your property qualifies for a complimentary Enhanced Listing for your landing page at PulaskiCountyUSA.com. Enhanced listings include a link to your website, description of your property, and images. The new site will allow for up to 3 images of your property, (the current site allows for one.).
You may access the Partner Extranet to add your images within in the Accommodations Detail, or for ease on your part, you may email bethw@pulaskicountyusa.com with 3 images of your property by 2/15/2023 for inclusion for the new launch. You may also review your current listing and advise of any updates you wish to make.
Helpful tips:
- Horizontal is preferred.
- Showcase the exterior and interior of your property.
- Engaging images; include exterior shots with cars in the parking lot, property amenities, imagery with people, and images showing what sets your property apart from others.
The PulaskiCountyUSA.com website is a key marketing piece to the advertising campaigns that the Bureau invests. Investments include digital, print, outdoor advertising and broadcast encouraging potential leisure and group travelers to connect with the website for more information about our area and tourism partners.