CVB launches largest-ever ad campaign

Additional funding from the Missouri Division of Tourism's Cooperative Marketing Fund has enabled the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau to launch its largest marketing campaign to date.

The CVB's spring 2009 campaign, at $1.04 million, includes $520,000 from the program - $240,000 more than expected. The CVB matches that amount with its own money and funding from local sources that include a partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Fantastic Caverns and Wonders of Wildlife.

"The extra funding couldn't have come at a better time," said CVB Marketing Director Laura Whisler in a news release. "With the slow economy and downturns in travel, it's more important than ever to beef up our marketing efforts."

The spring campaign continues the theme "Memories You'll Treasure ... Forever!" for the second year. The campaign includes TV, radio, print and online components, all of which encourage people to visit Springfield and request a Passport to Family Fun coupon book with more than $250 in area discounts from www.vacationspringfield.com.

Ads are running through June 30 in St. Louis and Kansas City; Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla.; Wichita and Topeka, Kan.; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Des Moines, Iowa.

The CVB serves as the primary marketing organization responsible for implementing programs to increase travel and tourism in the Springfield area, and it also serves as the official destination marketing organization for Greene, Christian and Polk counties.

The organization won several awards in 2008 for the "Memories You'll Treasure ... Forever!" campaign. TV ads can be viewed at the links below.