Tourism official asks for assistance (10/13/2008)

To the editor:

It was with much chagrin that I read the letter written by Joyce Young mentioning the Jay County Tourism web site.  We began working on a new web site in February of this year.  The journey was filled with many trials and tribulations, and it's nearly complete.  The new www.visitjaycounty.com  will be ready very soon.

I am very honored to represent Jay County at meetings and conferences around the state.  During National Tourism Week, Jay County Tourism was proud to have one of our own citizens chosen for the Hoosier Hospitality Award.  Art Hall was one of 12 nominated throughout the state of Indiana to receive this award. 

We are a small tourism bureau and do not have the funds to market as larger bureaus would around the state.   Our bureau does marketing outside of Jay County to bring visitors to our area.  A large portion of our budget is spent on advertising Jay County events, attractions, and lodging in the statewide publications and website.  In addition, we are members of regional organizations who market on our behalf.  

I ask the citizens of Jay County to help me help you.  Our residents are my eyes, ears, and contact for events and festivals.  Send us information and photos of your events so we may add them to our website and events brochure.  It is distributed whenever someone requests information about Jay County.

If you are a member of a unique club or organization please consider bringing your group to Jay County.   We need to have more businesses bring their meetings and events to our area.  These small groups impact the area economy through dollars spent on food, lodging, and local trade.   

Be a tourist in your hometown and support the many attractions, shops, restaurant, and festivals.  Tell family and friends what is happening in Jay County. Take flyers and brochures with you when you travel around the state.   Enable our front line workers - the gas station employee, the waitress, store clerk, motel clerk - so they are more aware of what is going on in Jay County.  When we work together to help visitors and encourage them to stay longer, it profits us all.  That's just the beginning to get "on the map".

Gyneth Augsburger,

executive director

Jay County Visitor &

Tourism Bureau[[In-content Ad]]