SIKESTON -- The structure of the local convention and visitors bureau is about to change, but those who use the office to plan trips or market what they offer to tourists shouldn't see any changes.
As of Wednesday, the organization will officially become the Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Although the city of Miner will no longer be a part of the organization, not much will change for hotels, stores and restaurants there.
"We are the designated marketing organization for all of Scott County," said Lynne Williams, executive director. "So if we all work together, this can actually be a win-win situation. I'll treat a retailer from Miner, or any part of the county, the same way I would one from downtown Sikeston."
Friday afternoon, the CVB hosted a meeting with Scott County commissioners and hotel, store and restaurant representatives from around the county to discuss the changes.
"We as a whole are excited about it," said Jamie Burger, Scott County presiding commissioner. "We have a lot of things and a lot of diversity in Scott County."
One thing Burger suggested is that communities with Web sites, as well as the CVB, include links to the other sites somewhere on their Web pages. "That way it's all at someone's fingertips," he said.
Williams recalled that last October, Miner officials informed the CVB of its intention to withdraw from the organization. "They've just decided to focus their marketing efforts in a different direction," she explained.
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