Kaw Lake representatives attend Travel Industry Day

Kaw Lake Association Executive Director Kathy Tippin and board member Carrie Grace attended the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association’s Day at the Capitol and annual Legislative Reception last week.

Prior to the OTIA events, they attended the quarterly meeting of the Oklahoma Lakes and Countries Association. OLCA Legislative Consultant Bennie Vanatta updated the members on legislation affecting the hospitality industry this session.

Also discussed were travel shows. Sherri Rogers, executive director of Central Oklahoma Frontier Country reported on the recent Padre Island Show which she said was “off the charts” with a lot of interest in Oklahoma by snowbirds.

LuAnn Cravens, with the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, reported in the economic impact study for 2014 and encouraged attendees to submit story ideas to Discover Oklahoma and Oklahoma Today. OLCA is composed of representatives from 11 regional multi-county organizations from across the state of Oklahoma. The purpose of the association is for benevolent, charitable and educational purposes to extend aid to, promote, sponsor, encourage and finance projects that will advance tourism and economic growth for the state of Oklahoma

Following the OLCA meeting, OTIA members visited their legislator’s offices, providing information about the importance of the tourism/hospitality industries, Oklahoma’s third largest industry. That evening the annual Legislative Reception hosted by OTIA and the Oklahoma Restaurant Industry Association was held at the Chevrolet Bricktown Events Center. ORA members provided samples of food and beverage while OTIA members visited with their legislators about issues of importance to the tourism industry.

“The Kaw Lake Association appreciates the work OTIA does in organizing these events,” said Kathy Tippin, Kaw Lake Association executive director. “We know the economic benefit tourism reaps for our area is great for local businesses and furthers our mission.”

Businesses and individuals who would like to become involved with the Kaw Lake Association should call Kathy Tippin, at 580-762-9494 or e-mail [email protected]

—

Kaw Lake Association Executive Director, Kathy Tippin, left, and board member Carrie Grace visited with Rep. Steve Vaughan at the OTIA Legislative Reception held at the Chevrolet Bricktown Events Center in Oklahoma City.