Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association to Recognize Governor Bill Owens, Senator Jack Taylor and Representative Al White

Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton to attend the 99th Annual Meeting and Navigator Awards Luncheon

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO- The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association will recognize Colorado Governor Bill Owens for his approval of a $19 million spending package earmarked for tourism promotion at the 99th Annual Meeting and Navigator Awards Luncheon Wednesday, October 25, 2006. Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton will accept this special award and serve as the luncheon's Keynote Speaker being held at the Steamboat Grand & Conference Center.  Senator Jack Taylor, R-Steamboat Springs and Representative Al White, R-Winter Park, will also be recognized for their initiative and introducing this bill.

"Due to this new legislation, Colorado will finally be back on par with its competitors and Steamboat Springs is sure to see a significant economic benefit," said Sandy Evans Hall, executive director of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. "We would like to sincerely thank Governor Owens for taking action.  Steamboat is very appreciative of the hard work and dedication from both Senator Taylor and Representative White."

In June 2006 Governor Bill Owens signed legislation to increase the State of Colorado's spending on tourism sales and marketing from $5.5 million to $19 million annually.  This spending is expected to generate over $200 million in state and local taxes.  According to Longwoods International 2004 Study, Colorado comes in 5th for States Desired by Vacationers however it ranks 35th in tourism promotion according to the Travel industry Association of America. On average each state spends $13 million.

Senator Jack Taylor first introduced the Bill which was passed in April 2006.  Taylor has been fighting in the legislature to increase tourism-promotion funding in Colorado since 1992.  In 1993 Colorado voters voted to repeal a tax that funded about $11.2 million a year for marketing Colorado as a tourist destination.  The result was a 30% drop in overnight travel to Colorado. Senator Taylor's efforts were cooperatively supported by Representative Al White who carried the bill in the House of Representatives. 

In addition to this special recognition, the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association will present the 2006 Navigator Awards to the Business of the Year and the Business Person of the Year, co-sponsored by the Steamboat Pilot & Today. 

Attendees will also receive a preview from the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation about what's new at the mountain for the upcoming ski season as well as an early look at the SSCRA's plans to celebrate its Centennial.

Sponsors of the 2006 Annual Meeting and Navigator Awards Luncheon: The Steamboat Pilot & Today, Pinnacol Assurance, Vectra Bank, Steamboat Floral, PostNet

Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in  1907, The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association's mission is to support, encourage and sustain a vibrant, healthy economy in Steamboat Springs and the surrounding area, to act as voice for the business and professional community, to support all existing industries and welcome and nurture new industries, and to preserve the local environment and workforce as integral components of its economic well being. For more information visit www,steamboatchamber.com.

State Sen. Jack Taylor, R-Steamboat Springs, represents Senate District 8 which includes the counties of Eagle, Garfield, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt in northwestern Colorado. Taylor is the chairman of the Finance Committee, and he is vice-chair of the Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy Committee. He is also a member of the Water Resources Review Committee, the Legislative Audit Committee, and the Tourism Board. His address during the session is State Capitol, 200 East Colfax, Denver, CO, 80203.

State Rep. Al White, R-Winter Park, represents House District 57 which includes the counties of Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt in northwestern Colorado.  White serves on the state's Joint Budget Committee and has been a member of the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee, the Legislative Audit Committee and Colorado Tourism Board.  His address during session is State Capitol, 200 East Colfax, Denver, CO, 80203.

Back to recent releases