FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 REMAIN IN JEFFERSON CITY THROUGH 2018

 Positive economic impact benefits entire community

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, October 25th, 2011 - The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) serves as the primary liaison between Missouri's capital city and the thousands of visitors who frequent our community each year. In the interest of bringing attendees to increase tax revenue and fill hotel rooms, the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau and Lincoln University submitted a joint proposal for the Missouri State Track & Field Championships. The proposal was submitted to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) board which approved the event to remain in Jefferson City  at Lincoln University's Dwight T. Reed Stadium through the 2017-2018 academic year.

"Each year our board receives tremendous proposals to host MSHSAA championship events from fantastic venues all across the state of Missouri," said Dr. Kerwin Urhahn, MSHSAA Executive Director. "We have an obligation to our members to select the best facilities to host our championships and we are excited to remain in Jefferson City at a venue for which we have received many positive comments."

"We are excited to be granted the opportunity to continue to host the Track and Field Championships through 2018," said Sheila Gassner, Director of Design and Construction at Lincoln University. "There are many individuals and organizations in this community who provide support each year to make this event possible. We look forward to providing the best experience possible in the coming years."

The State Track and Field Championships have taken place in Jefferson City for more than 30 years. Each year the event brings thousands of participants and attendees to the community the last two weekends in May. These visitors generate an estimated economic impact of $378,000 and utilize nearly 3,000 room nights. Jefferson City hotels, restaurants and retail stores enjoy a positive fluctuation throughout these weekends.

"The State Track and Field Championships are a highly anticipated tradition in our community," said Chris Wilson, sports sales manager at the Visitors Bureau. "This event has such a positive impact on our city and we look forward to hosting the athletes and families through 2018."

About the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) was founded in 1989 to maximize the positive economic impact of visitors dollars to the community be effectively marketing the Jefferson City area as a desirable convention and tourism destination.