Support the Tour of Missouri: Sample letter of support

The following letter can serve as a model that you can copy, paste, or adapt as you like when you call, email, write, or fax your elected officials asking them to support the 2010 Tour of Missouri:

Support the Tour

The Tour of Missouri is a professional bicycling race that has taken place throughout the Show Me State since 2007, which has highlighted the state in a prolific and invaluable way.

Over the course of three years, an estimated 1.2 Million spectators from more than 40 states and 20 countries have lined the roads of Missouri to see more than 100 world-class athletes race. Like the Tour de France, this event has raised the profile of Missouri into tourist destination by showcasing the sights and sounds of Missouri to the world. And best of all, it’s been a free public event that people from all walks of life have enjoyed.

The Tour of Missouri has become more than a “bike race” and each year has been an international festival for community pride statewide. The quality of life throughout Missouri has been enhanced by the presence of this event, which has become a prime example at the highest level for the movement of health and wellness in this country. In these global times, this also has become a great international experience for all involved. Athletes from more than 30 countries have competed in the Tour of Missouri over the past three years making this the most international sporting event Missouri has hosted since the 1904 Olympics.

The economic impact on Missouri has been measured at more than $75 million over the past three years. Host cities have received media impressions in more than 170 countries! More than 30 cities have played host to the event and derived international recognition.

State Tourism has provided more than $1 million dollars of support each year for this $3.5 million event, helping it achieve its meteoric rise but has been essential in drawing support from both the corporate and host communities. State Tourism money has been very instrumental to help produce this international event. Independent research reveals the advertising equivalency for the state exceeds an annual $30 to $1 return on investment. That coupled with direct economic benefits to each host city becomes a win-win for Missouri.

Now, just as the event is beginning to be identified as one of the top professional cycling races outside of Europe, a rite of early autumn for Missouri citizens, and a beacon for positive, upbeat attention to the state, the state is threatening to withdrawal all its support, which could cripple and possibly end this free, public.

In conclusion, we greatly appreciate your consideration to lend your support to continue this great event for the state of Missouri.

Thanks,

You can help support the 2010 Tour of Missouri:

• Contact Missouri officials in support
• Donate to the Tour
• Join the Support the Tour page on Facebook
• Join the Support the Tour twitter page
• Visit TourOfMissouri.com for more info