BUSINESS PROGRESS : Visit Stillwater
TOURISM IS THE
“ Fırst Date ”
IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Visit with Cristy Morrison and odds are you will be talking tourism in a matter of moments .
As the President and CEO of Visit Stillwater , Cristy and her staff spend their days and many nights as the first contact many people will have with the city .
Look up Stillwater Oklahoma online and Visit Stillwater often pops up first in the search list . In the course of a day , they often answer questions from around the globe about anything and everything Stillwater , not just tourism . Just part of their role that goes well beyond where people stay when coming to town .
SWO
CM
Is tourism economic development ?
Absolutely ! All forms of economic development begin with a visit . A visit to Stillwater is the first step to a great first impression and introduction to the community which will likely lead to repeat visits and potential future students , residents , workforce , and business owners .
1 . EPOS : 2018 was the first EPOS mainstream sports camp for youth . ( 2020 and 2021 were canceled , so this is the 3rd year )
2 . Bob Childers ’ Gypsy Cafe brings more than 60 songwriters together annually for the organization ’ s largest annual benefit music festival
3 . Cowboy Stampede – OSU Rodeo Team : In 2018 , The Cowboy Stampede was Central Plains Region Rodeo of the year
4 . Oklahoma Beef Expo & Oklahoma Cattlemen ’ s Summer Preview Show attracts exhibitors from at least 6 different States – New Mexico , Iowa , Illinois , Texas , Arkansas , Kansas , and Missouri
SWO CM
So it sounds a bit like tourism kind of serves as a first date ?
Exactly , destination marketing plays an increasingly important role as an economic engine and has expanded across all areas of economic development . A community where people like to visit is a community where people want to live and work . This means it is also a community where businesses will want to be located .
SWO
CM
Is your job at Visit Stillwater part matchmaker ?
As the official destination marketing organization for Stillwater , we ’ ve evolved over the years . Our goal is to enhance Stillwater ’ s economy , image , and quality of life through the promotion , marketing , and development of the region ’ s visitor economy . And when we are successful that provides jobs and increases tax dollars for the improvement in services and infrastructure that everyone in Stillwater can enjoy .
SWO
I had a CEO of a large company tell me that quality of life issues are vital for employee recruitment and retention .
CM
Visit Stillwater increases community awareness and opens the door for opportunities within all areas of economic development , such as business relocation , expansion , and entrepreneurial opportunities , not to mention retail , restaurants ,
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STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE