The following letter came to Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau members. We have permission to re-post in an effort to help spur action! So please read on!
Dear Member,
I want to take a moment to inform you of some recent state funding cuts that will impact the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau. These additional cuts were demanded by the Governor’s office after contracts had been awarded to each statewide tourism promotion agency. In an unprecedented move, the state told all entities to return money for sales and marketing projects that had not already been legally committed.
Over the past several years LHVB has seen its state funding for marketing and promotional programs decrease over $300,000. This most recent reduction in funding could mean a potential loss of an additional $200,000 for a total loss of more than a half-million dollars in the past three to four years.
The LHVB, along with the other TPAs across the state, is working with the Pennsylvania Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association to reach out to the Governor’s Office, as well as state legislators to reverse this action. We are apprising them of the potential loss of tax revenues from a decrease in tourism and significant job loss, making the state’s revenue situation even worse. (See attached letter.)
I am also appealing to all LHVB members asking that you express your concern via e-mails, telephone calls or letters to our state representatives and implore them to support Pennsylvania’s second-largest industry. The more calls and letters they receive from their constituents regarding their concerns and dissatisfaction over these additional funding cuts and the affect on LHVB and the tourism industry across Pennsylvania the better the chance of the legislature calling the Governor’s office and demanding the reversal of this devastating decision (to find your state representatives go http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm).
In closing let me say that even with these additional cuts the LHVB is still a very viable organization which is actively promoting the region on behalf of all our members as a premier tourism destination to potential visitors from our primary market areas.
Brad Heiser
Board Chair
Acting Executive Director
