How did the Newton County Tourism Council come into existence?

In the summer of 2003, the Newton County Commission established a committee of Newton County citizens that were interested in promoting tourism in the county. In the fall of 2003 the committee elected officers and established three goals:

1)   Meet on a monthly basis at locations throughout the county to receive input on tourism ideas from different communities.

2)   Establish separate entity status as a Missouri not-for-profit organization.

3)   Create a Newton County web site promoting tourism opportunities in the county and surrounding areas to attract visitors to our county and the southwest Missouri region. In addition, a calendar of events will be maintained to promote local and regional events.

What was the initial funding for the Newton County Tourism Council?

In the spring of 2004 the Council voted to ask the Newton County Commission for a $2500 contribution on the condition that the Council would raise matching funds in the same amount. These monies would be used to facilitate the accomplishment of the goals.

The Newton County Commission voted to accept the funding request. Shortly thereafter a private citizen made a $2500 matching contribution to the Council and requested to remain anonymous.

How will future funding be provided?

The Newton County Tourism Council will rely on the following sources for funding:

• Private and corporate contributions.
• Private and corporate sponsorship of events, projects and materials.
• Grants from applicable city, county, state and federal agencies.
• Sale of advertisments on this website.
• Co-ops with other area tourism entities.

It is important to understand that the Newton County Tourism Council is not funded through a hotel/motel or lodging tax, and all members volunteer their time and effort in promoting tourism for our area.

Newton County Tourism Council Board of Directors and Members