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Port of Lights Press Release

CONTACT: Cindy Morris, President, 417-739-2564

FOR RELEASE:  January 29, 2007                                 Cy Murray, Chairman, 417-335-9256

Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Table Rock Lake Area Chamber to Redirect Special Event Efforts

To Grow Spring, Summer and Fall Seasons  

(Kimberling City, MO  01/29/07)   Following extensive study on visitor patterns and potential economic opportunities, along with the development of a long-range marketing plan, the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is announcing their strategic focus is to be on Spring, Summer and Fall development.  In order to concentrate efforts and funds, the Board decided to discontinue Port of Lights holiday drive-though lighting display.

“This new-year decision comes following the commissioning of an intensive marketing plan that seeks to best meet the needs of our members through advertising, promotional programs and events," said Cy Murray, Chairman of the Board. “This recommendation to forgo Port of Lights in lieu of spring, summer and fall development comes after much thought, input and discussion -- many of our members and businesses would rather see the Chamber help increase their visitor count within the traditional family lake season," Murray said.  

Along with the Chamber's new focus on marketing, a special Special Events task force was simultaneously created to study the return on investment of both Port of Lights and Fireburst. "While Fireburst clearly helps to build our lake brand with overnight visitors, Port of Lights has experienced declining results," said President Cindy Morris. "We believe we need to put our efforts and resources where they make most sense for the most members," Morris said, citing 2006 Port of Lights loss of more than $9,000, a strong indication the expansive lightning effort was not helping grow business in the area. On the other hand, Fireburst was self-sustaining while endorsing the Chamber's new branded message, "Our Lake is Your Lake."

The Chamber’s Special Events Task Force and Marketing Committee are currently working on the tactics and feasibility of a number of new events for spring, late August and fall seasons. Part of the efforts include a well-researched request to the Missouri Department of Tourism for matching funding to focus on bringing visitors from within 300 miles to the Table Rock Lake area.  As details are worked out, the Table Rock Chamber will solicit input and volunteer help from its membership for participation. 

"We have not yet decided the plan for the Port of Light displays," said Morris.  "We believe, at this time, the best approach is to store them until further determination is made as we excitedly look toward developing new events and new marketing approaches for our area," Morris concluded.

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