Southeast Colorado Regional Tourism
September 17, 2004
The Southeast Colorado Regional Tourism task force met August 25 at the Prowers County Courthouse in Lamar. This group of volunteer citizens, business owners, economic developers and government representatives meet monthly to strategize planning for area-wide tourism. The Purpose Statement is: "To position Southeast Colorado as a tourism destination and encourage a lengthier stay in the region."
During this meeting the group began drafting a regional calendar of events to help promote the area. This will be sent to various regional and statewide organizations.
Sam Pisciotta and Eric Ferron of CDOT gave an overview of signage regulations from the State. For all signage requests, CDOT needs a letter identifying the mile marker for signs, who owns the property where the sing will be placed, who owns the location being advertised, types of signs and wording for their review. There is a law that no new signs may be placed along the scenic byways. The CDOT website identifies all the sign regulations and pricing at www.dot.state.co.us/Rules/. There are only 4 people who install signs for the State so safety signs are a priority. The group discussed putting in a regional sign request that prioritized signs for the region to help CDOT facilitate their installation in this area. CDOT mentioned that matching funds will also help speed things up as well.
Communities are putting together local day trips to help the Colorado Tourism Office and Action 22 better promote our area. We need to help them understand what a tourism experience might be like in southeast Colorado. Bent County has a day trip planned for September 19, 2004. The group discussed that there were so many themes that could be developed within a given county that it would be good for each county to pick a theme and then will put all the different themes together to portray the diversity of the region.
The Tourism Group has been awarded an EDA grant for $17,400 for: Detailed market analysis and regional image packaging. Enhance Cultural and Historic Centers. Birding Trails.
Our next meeting is September 15, 2004 at the Otero Museum in La Junta 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Anyone wishing to join the group is welcome. Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation would like to encourage anyone interested in the promotion of tourism to our county and region to please attend. For more information, call KCEDF at 719-438-2200.