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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

 

1. Call to Order and Introductions: Mark A. Perkins, Senior Community Development Specialist, Meramec Regional Planning Commission.
2. Staff Report: Meramec Regional Planning Commission Staff will report on Naturally Meramec Consortium activities through Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
   1. Naturally Meramec Consortium Facebook Page.
   2. Naturally Meramec Consortium Website.
3. 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.
4. New Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Grant: MRPC Staff will discuss the DRA Grant in detail.
5. Announcements: Members will have an opportunity to announce special events in their areas.
6. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
7. 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

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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.

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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.

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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.