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Tour of Missouri threatened
This is a forward of an email from Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder concerning the 2009 Tour of Missouri...
----- Friends, By now, some of you may have heard rumors regarding Gov. Nixon freezing state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri. I would like to share with you the details that we currently have: On Wednesday, at the close of business, I was informed by the Division of Tourism that the money set aside for the Tour of Missouri was frozen by Gov. Nixon’s administration. The state’s commitment for the 2009 Tour of Missouri was $1.5 million. Without these funds, which are available and approved by the Tourism Commission, the Tour of Missouri will cease to exist. At this time, I have requested a special meeting of the Missouri Tourism Commission to evaluate our options and decide what our next step should be. As you know, we are very close to putting the final touches on the race this year. Our sponsors have invested and we are on track with our fundraising goals. Teams from across the world, the same teams now racing in the Tour de France, have been invited to our state, and communities across Missouri are making great preparations for the race. Contracts have been signed by the state, cities, sponsors and vendors and cutting this funding will leave the state susceptible to wasteful litigation. Right now, I am urging cycling fans across our great state, and around the world to contact Gov. Jay Nixon at 573-751-3222 and tell him to release the funding for the largest sporting event ever held in our state. I am grateful for the supporters, sponsors, volunteers and spectators who in the past two years have helped generate nearly $60 million in economic impact for our state, and brought over 800,000 visitors to the race. With your help, I truly believe we can ensure the survival and success of the 2009 Tour of Missouri. Sincerely, PETER D. KINDER Lt. Governor, Chairman of the Missouri Tourism Commission ----- The Governor's website: http://governor.mo.gov/ If you are a resident of the state, please to to the link above and express your displeasure at this foolishness. |
time to go private?
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If the funding is canceled, there is really nothing that we, the public can do to save it, short of paying the bill.
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New York's and Pennsylvania's governors have both killed significant races with the same weapon this year.
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Our governments are still going bankrupt... getting them to pony up for cycling events is going to be next to impossible (unless they can make money from it).
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Originally Posted by Tsuru
(Post 9252222)
getting them to pony up for cycling events is going to be next to impossible (unless they can make money from it).
More info: http://www.news-leader.com/article/2009907100373 If the Gov and Lt. Gov (who was the main government supporter of this race) aren't on speaking terms, then the Gov may see this as the Lt. Gov's pet project and kill it out of spite. The funds are frozen -- not cancelled -- so there is still hope. Bob |
I hope so too, of course, but... I just read this interview with a race promoter in velonews (sorry, can't remember his name) and he brought up a great point. Of all the sport events to pay for the government to support, cycling is pretty low on the totem pole compared to Nascar, golf, and I think he mentioned another sport.
I know nothing of Nascar, but golf man.... I'm sure if Columbus had a choice to support some cycling event or that one golf thing that comes to Dublin (Augusta or something?? I don't know, but it's huge and I think Tiger plays it and stuff), I'm pretty sure I know where the money will go. Sucks though.... I hope it makes it, especially now! Cycling is on the upswing, not just due to it's "hipness", but also the sustainability efforts & going green, etc, etc. |
Originally Posted by Tsuru
(Post 9253223)
I hope so too, of course, but... I just read this interview with a race promoter in velonews (sorry, can't remember his name) and he brought up a great point. Of all the sport events to pay for the government to support, cycling is pretty low on the totem pole compared to Nascar, golf, and I think he mentioned another sport.
I know nothing of Nascar, but golf man.... I'm sure if Columbus had a choice to support some cycling event or that one golf thing that comes to Dublin (Augusta or something?? I don't know, but it's huge and I think Tiger plays it and stuff), I'm pretty sure I know where the money will go. Sucks though.... I hope it makes it, especially now! Cycling is on the upswing, not just due to it's "hipness", but also the sustainability efforts & going green, etc, etc. Now, I will be interested to see what kind of effect Pelotonia has on Columbus. While it's a for charity event, it will be bringing riders into town, and attention because Lance will be here, etc. |
I still don't know why they took the TT out of Branson. There is a lot more revenue there then Clinton.
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Originally Posted by TechKnowGN
(Post 9253291)
While cycling has been on the rise here in CBus, the number of businesses helped by Tigers appearance out at The Memorial is ENORMOUS. The Tour de Grandview does a nice bit of business for grandivew each year, and it's successful enough to be going on even in these times, but it simply can't be compared to the power of an athlete that breaks across sports barriers.
Now, I will be interested to see what kind of effect Pelotonia has on Columbus. While it's a for charity event, it will be bringing riders into town, and attention because Lance will be here, etc. |
Message sent to the governor. Hope others do the same.
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Originally Posted by hos13
(Post 9253371)
I still don't know why they took the TT out of Branson. There is a lot more revenue there then Clinton.
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Originally Posted by USAZorro
(Post 9254067)
I think the businesses in Branson complained. Traffic is brutal there even without road closures.
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From the ToM Fanzone:
----- The state funds for the Tour of Missouri have been given approval to be released, and the 2009 Tour of Missouri is on track for the most successful year yet! ----- Bob |
YAY! cycling wins one!
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I actually called the governors office today before i saw this post, and was on the phone with them at 2 pm when they announced that it was happening. Such a stupid thing to try and stop. They'll make more than 1.5M in tourism dollars (and could well recoup the tax money spent) with Lance in the tour
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I sent a message online to the Governor of Missouri and this is the reply that i got back from them today. It looks lke TOM is on for this year and the issue was mainly over financial disclosure.
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with Governor Jay Nixon. Below, you will find Governor Nixon's statement concerning the Department of Economic Development recommendation that $1.5 million for the Tour of Missouri bicycle race be cut from the Division of Tourism budget. Our office sincerely hopes you find this information helpful. Missouri currently faces tremendous financial challenges, and the state must find ways to reduce spending. Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward. The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably. They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers. To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009. A representative from the Office of Administration met today with representatives of the Department of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Tour of Missouri, Inc. Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year's race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri. Again, thank you for your correspondence and please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Governor Jay Nixon if we may be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Constituent Services Office of the Governor |
Originally Posted by Tsuru
(Post 9253686)
Me too.... and thanks for helping out, I don't know the names of the golf stuff. I know the Pelotonia has helped out the LBS's, as $$$ are flying off the shelves for all the guys who want to swim with the dolphin for 100 miles.
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