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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
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Rep. Ward, Tourism Officials Meet with Governor Dayton to Discuss Increasing Funding for ‘Explore Minnesota’ Marketing
(ST. PAUL) — Today, state Representative John Ward (DFL – Brainerd) joined tourism officials around the state in a meeting with Governor Mark Dayton to discuss potentially increasing funding for the Explore Minnesota Tourism marketing program.
Rep. Ward was joined by Lisa Paxton, Executive Director of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the Explore Minnesota Public Policy Committee; Denelle Hilliard from Visit Bemdiji, Bill Foussard, owner of the White Bear Lake Country Inn; and John Edman, Director of Explore Minnesota Tourism.
The group proposed reforming the use of the state’s existing 6.2 percent car rental tax and directing it toward marketing Minnesota tourism. The car rental tax was put in place for the Super Bowl in 1992; this proposal would return it to its original purpose of promoting tourism.
“We had a great meeting and Governor Dayton expressed his support for our proposals,” said Rep. Ward. “While we still have a great deal of work to do to make this a reality, I want to thank those who have worked so hard to get us to this point.”
Investment in Minnesota tourism marketing has fallen to near 1990 levels, down to $8.3 million, ranking 30th in the nation. Regional competitors like Michigan, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Illinois, and Montana outspend Minnesota as well.
Tourism generates 17% of Minnesota's sales tax revenue and employs over 250,000 people. One in 10 Minnesotans works in the tourism industry.
“Tourism touches nearly everyone,” said Rep. Ward. “It impacts the tourism business owners, their employees, and the businesses that indirectly benefit from expanding tourism. By investing $7 million, we can generate around more than $100 million in wages and help create 3,600 new jobs — which will also boost state and local revenue, helping to alleviate budget issues.
“Tourism is especially important to the economy in the Brainerd area and much of Greater Minnesota. By investing in tourism marketing, we can make Minnesota a priority destination, help our tourism industry create jobs, and generate new tax dollars. Again, I would like to thank all those who are working to make this possible, especially Lisa Paxton and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Together, we can get this done.”
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