Osage County Adopts Kansas Travel Guide Campaign for Tourism Promotion

The Osage County Commission convened on August 12, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at promoting local tourism and economic development. The meeting featured Economic Development Director Coleen Mendoza, who presented two significant items related to advertising and community visibility.

The first agenda item focused on the Kansas Travel Guide, a crucial marketing tool for Osage County. Mendoza highlighted the importance of this guide, especially following legislative cuts that limited funding for tourism promotion. She proposed purchasing a half-page advertisement for $3,982, taking advantage of an early bird discount. This ad aims to showcase Osage County's attractions, including its lakes and libraries, to an estimated audience of 650,000 visitors expected for the upcoming World Copper event in 2026. The commission unanimously approved the purchase order, emphasizing the need for effective advertising to attract visitors.

The second item discussed was an opportunity for Osage County to be featured in Business View magazine, which has a substantial readership of nearly 900,000 across North America. This feature will highlight the county's recent accomplishments and future needs, providing a platform to promote local businesses. Mendoza explained that the magazine would include an 8 to 10-page profile of the county, with a forward from notable associations. To facilitate this, the commission will draft a letter inviting local vendors to consider advertising in the magazine alongside the county's feature.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to enhancing Osage County's visibility and economic prospects through strategic advertising initiatives. The next steps involve coordinating interviews for the magazine feature and preparing the necessary communications to local businesses.