Osage County launches ambitious tourism revitalization plan

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and economic development in Osage County. The meeting highlighted a Kansas bill application due on August 29, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance local economic growth.

Key topics included a comprehensive tourism plan that aims to revitalize the local economy by promoting community attractions and supporting local businesses. The initiatives discussed involve rebranding the county, developing a new tourism website, and launching a social media campaign in partnership with the Department of Commerce's \"Love Kansas\" initiative. A $5,000 grant has been secured to support these efforts.

The county plans to implement a soft launch of the tourism campaign in the fourth quarter of this year, with a full launch scheduled for spring 2025. This phased approach will allow for refinement based on community feedback and analytics to assess the effectiveness of the initiatives.

Additionally, the meeting included a proposal to enter into a contract with Pinecrest Marketing for a total of $11,175, which will be paid in two installments. This funding is allocated from the economic development budget, emphasizing the county's commitment to enhancing its tourism strategy.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the purchase order for the marketing services, which was unanimously passed. Officials expressed optimism about the potential impact of these initiatives, acknowledging that while progress may take time, they are on the right path toward revitalizing Osage County's economy.