Letter to the Editor: Why LORE supports ‘yes’ on Question 1

Dear editor,

At Leaders for Ozarks Region Evolvement, we believe the future of the Ozarks depends on regional thinking, shared investment and the willingness to seize major opportunities that can shape our economy for years to come.

That is why LORE supports ‘yes’ on Question 1 on the April 7 ballot.

LORE represents many of the region’s largest employers, and our members understand the importance of this generational opportunity. They know that investments which strengthen our ability to attract visitors, events and economic activity do not benefit just one part of one city. They create momentum that can be felt across the region.

Tourism is inherently regional. Visitors who come to Springfield often travel throughout the Ozarks. They stay in hotels, dine in restaurants, shop in local businesses and take part in the experiences that make this region special. When our region is better positioned to attract conventions, tournaments, meetings and community events, the benefits extend well beyond the walls of any one facility, or any one city.

A modern convention and events center would help Springfield host more regional and local events while also competing for larger gatherings that bring in new visitors from outside the area. That means more business for employers, more customers for local establishments and more activity flowing through the regional economy.

It also means jobs.

Projects like this support employment in hospitality, food service, event operations, transportation and the many businesses that serve visitors and gatherings of all sizes. They can also help encourage new private investment and strengthen the broader economic base that supports long-term growth in the Ozarks.

Just as important, this proposal would be paid for by visitors staying in local hotels and motels, not by Springfield residents. That is a practical and important distinction. It means Springfield can use visitor-generated revenue to invest in an asset designed to attract even more visitors, more events and more economic opportunity in the years ahead.

From LORE’s perspective, ​this ​is the kind of forward-looking investment strong regions make. The Ozarks is most competitive when communities, employers and civic leaders work together across traditional boundaries and support projects that increase quality of place, strengthen workforce attraction and build long-term economic resilience.

Question 1 reflects that kind of vision.

On behalf of LORE, we encourage Springfield voters to consider the lasting regional impact of this proposal and to vote ‘yes’ on Question 1 on April 7.

—Allison Cash, executive director of LORE