• The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce has approved more than $130 million in relief funding for economic development and connectivity in the state. These dollars are being awarded in the form of grants to eligible businesses through the Kansas Department of Commerce.  Some of these grants are applicable to tourism related businesses, specifically the Small Business Working Capital Grants and the PPE Procurement Grants.   More information can be found at the Kansas Department of Commerce website.  Applications will open Wednesday, August 19 at 12 P.M.  If you have specific questions, email backtobusiness@ks.gov.
• Applications wanted! The Governor’s Council on Travel and Tourism is set out in K.S.A. 32-1410 and K.S.A. 32-1411 to advise KDWPT in the development of the tourism divisions marketing programs, provide feedback on the divisions budget and to identify tourism related issues and state policies. This advisory council meets 4 times per year.  It consists of 21 members that represent various tourism industry related associations, state agencies, state legislators and the general public.  Four of the six general public seats have expiring terms of Sept 30, 2020.  If you are interested in applying for one of the General Public seats, please apply as soon as possible. 
• U.S. Travel has updated their #Travel Confidently toolkit with a Fall social media guide.  We encourage you to incorporate these resources in your own communications and share with your partners.
• The new Kansas Byway Guide and KDOT's new bicycle maps are now available! Order your bulk shipments via the Extranet.  Directions can be found on our website.
• The new TravelKS.com website is taking shape.  Please make sure to upload photos to your website listings as this will be a more interactive site.  Use our tutorial for assistance.
• Our marketing team has developed posters to use for physical distancing and handwashing. Download here.
• The new Kansas Gear Store is live at TravelKS.com. You can find it in our website header slider, by looking under the "Travel Tools" tab, or click over directly at this link. 
• Due to construction, brochure delivery to the Belle Plaine TIC MUST be made through UPS or FEDEX only Monday – Friday deliveries.  If you must use USPS, contact Christy Scott directly for details. The construction is scheduled from March 16 - Approximately November 1, 2020.

Sponsored by Kansas Tourism Division and TIAK

Date:  Wednesday, August 26, 1-2 p.m.

Speaker & Topic: TBA

We're highlighting good news and great ideas from around Kansas. If you see something that impresses you, send it to Kelli.Hilliard@ks.gov.

• Humanities Kansas recently awarded $10,000 to The Kansas African American Museum in Wichita to support "Say My Name: Exploration of African American Identity." Congrats!
• Council Grove just completed a new mural that was made possible by State funding from the KCAIC and the design was approved by Kaw and Osage Native American Tribes. Nice work!

Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 1PM Central

In this webinar Jeff will review new strategic frameworks and best practices used by brands to navigate uncertain times during COVID-19. In this webinar we will discuss: - An action plan based on a new journey. - What it takes to have a purpose advantage - Share best in class examples of applying these frameworks in COVID-19

All attendees will receive a FREE copy of the e-book The Purpose Advantage- as well as a take home workbook for driving your marketing and sales strategy during the COVID-19 recovery.

Our Changed World - Things Your Tourism Business Can Do To Pivot and Adapt

Date: Thursday, August 20
Time: 1PM Central

If you welcome visitors into your business, it's important to be mindful and open to the different needs and experiences of your customer base. The willingness to listen and learn from other perspectives, and then implement strategies to ensure your business continues to be open and welcoming to all groups, is what helps you continue to evolve and bring more to the bottom line.

Join Yelp's Small Business Expert as she talks about ways to mindfully consider the needs of your core demographic, while also continuing to make your business an inclusive place that welcomes people of diverse backgrounds. In this webinar you will learn

- Ways to expand your target marketing audience and thoughtfully consider the needs of that demographic - Strategies for implementing feedback to help your business serve the needs of diverse consumers - Tips and tools for communicating your business mission and standards in a way that expands your customer base