JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today released the following statement on a Department of Economic Development recommendation that $1.5 million for the Tour of Missouri bicycle race be cut from the Division of Tourism budget:
"Missouri currently faces tremendous financial challenges, and the state must find ways to reduce spending. Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward. The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably. They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers.
To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009. A representative from the Office of Administration met today with representatives of the Department of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Tour of Missouri, Inc. Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year's race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri."
http://governor.mo.gov/newsroom/2009/Statement_on_Funding_for_the_Tour_of_Missouri
"Missouri currently faces tremendous financial challenges, and the state must find ways to reduce spending. Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward. The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably. They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers," Nixon said.
"To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009. A representative from the Office of Administration met today with representatives of the Department of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Tour of Missouri, Inc. Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year’s race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri," Nixon concluded.
So -- does Lt. Gov. Kinder get any political credit for rallying the save --
--OR--
Is the 2010 race in more peril than ever before?
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2009/07/and-tour-will-go-on.html
The Tour of Missouri will go on as planned. Gov. Jay Nixon announced this afternoon that he would release $1.5 million allocated by the Missouri Tourism Commission to sponsor the cross-state bicycle race.
In a statement issued from his office, Nixon said the state's economic situation is serious but that the race should proceed.
"The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably," Nixon said. "They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers."
A representative of Nixon's budget office met with officials from the Division of Tourism, the Department of Economic Development and Tour of Missouri Inc., the not-for-profit corporation that holds rights to the name and other aspects of the race.
"To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009," Nixon said.
Those figures are being provided and that is enough to allow the $1.5 million in sponsorship funds to be released, Nixon said.
For more information, check back at semissourian.com or read Wednesday's Southeast Missourian.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/1554512.html
JEFFERSON CITY — The Tour of Missouri is on.
Gov. Jay Nixon issued a statement this afternoon saying that his concern over the “transparency” of the funding for the race has been satisfied, for this year, at least.
Today, Nixon said that tour officials have agreed to provide his office an accountability of where the money goes for the Tour of Missouri. Said Nixon:
“Missouri currently faces tremendous financial challenges, and the state must find ways to reduce spending. Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward. The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably. They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers.
To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009. A representative from the Office of Administration met today with representatives of the Department of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Tour of Missouri, Inc. Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year’s race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri.”
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2009/07/gov-jay-nixon-tour-of-missouri-will-proceed-this-year/
JEFFERSON CITY | There will be a Tour of Missouri this year.
Gov. Jay Nixon this afternoon announced he wouldnot follow through on a recommendation to cut $1.5 million in state funding for the tour, a move that would have forced its cancellation less than two months before it was scheduled to begin.
Here's Nixon's statement:
“Missouri currently faces tremendous financial challenges, and the state must find ways to reduce spending. Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward. The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably. They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers.
To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009. A representative from the Office of Administration met today with representatives of the Department of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Tour of Missouri, Inc. Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year’s race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri.”
http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/19203
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was interviewed on KFUO this morning... here's the audio:
Our heart says to spend the money needed to keep the Tour of Missouri rolling through Northwest Missouri this September.
Our head says it’s wise to explore other options if this is going to be a $1.5 million drain on the state treasury.
It’s not comforting to know the state Department of Economic Development is the agency recommending eliminating the funding — amounting to 46 percent of the total $3.3 million tour budget. Agencies were asked to identify possible budget cuts, and the one most responsible for boosting the state’s economy put the competitive cycling event on the chopping block.
As supporters circle the wagons, we note one of their best arguments presumably is that last year’s event produced an estimated $29.8 million economic impact for the state. They have to wonder what part of that is not understood by the folks at economic development.
We suspect the problem is not one of trusting the numbers but rather one of setting priorities for cash outlays at a time when tax revenues are down.
It could be the agency has other projects in mind that could produce higher or more-direct returns to the state government. It could be the agency recommends this cut as the best of several bad choices, and for whatever reason is reluctant to cut something else. It could be someone thinks the “bike people” simply can go get another sponsor or two and save the taxpayers their portion.
Timing of the tour — less than 60 days away — requires that Gov. Jay Nixon’s office complete its assessment promptly. The notion of “weeks” until a decision is rendered very likely could force the tour to fold, as did the Tour of Georgia race after it could not find a title sponsor.
We think it highly unlikely that other large sponsors are waiting in the wings for their names to be called.
More likely, Gov. Nixon will need to decide, in partnership with the Missouri Tourism Commission and other interested parties, just what it is worth to host an international sporting event that has the potential for future growth.
"Many of you may have already heard that the Tour of Missouri is in jeopardy of being canceled. This news comes at a time when the race is set to start within 60 days. The possible cancellation is the result of the director of economic development's decision to freeze $1.5 million for the race, roughly 40 percent of the race budget. I urge my constituents to call Gov. Jay Nixon and request that he immediately reconsider and release these dollars.
"This race is the largest sporting event the state has ever hosted. In 2007 and 2008, over 800,000 people from all over the world watched this race. The University of Missouri's School of Business calculated the race's direct economic impact over the last two years to be nearly $60 million, quite a return on the state's $3 million investment. Cape Girardeau, the finish line for Stage 2 of the race, will be directly affected by loss of revenue. Cancellation of this event will most assuredly open Missouri up to lawsuits for breach of contract.
"While we are in tougher economic times than the previous two years, the $1.5 million that the Department of Economic Development would save would simply be spent elsewhere. Compounded with the loss of sales tax revenue from the visitors and guests to our state, this move, without a doubt, will cost the state far more than it saves.
"If this race is canceled, we are cheating our local small businesses out of tourism dollars they desperately need. Governor Nixon's direct telephone line is 573-751-3222. You may also send a message to www.governor.mo.gov. Click "Constituent services" near the top of the main page."
State Rep. CLINT TRACY, 158th District, Missouri House of Representatives, Cape Girardeau
From the Missouri Farm Bureau, a sponsor of the Tour of Missouri:
By now, many of you may have heard or read news reports that Governor Jay Nixon’s office and the Department of Economic Development are considering withholding $1.5 million in funding for the 2009 Tour of Missouri. This funding represents nearly half of the money needed to hold the event. If the money is withheld, it would most likely result in the cancellation of the Tour. President Kruse has sent a letter to Governor Nixon, urging him not to withhold these funds, and explaining why our organization thinks the Tour of Missouri is good for our state.
Here is Mr. Kruse’s letter to Governor Nixon:
Dear Governor Nixon:
As a supporter of the 2009 Tour of Missouri, we are concerned about the reported proposal to withhold $1.5 million from this year’s race. It is our hope you will consider the ramifications of such an action as it could result in the cancellation of this year’s event.
As one of many sponsors, our organization has been impressed with the overall race and the excitement it generates within Missouri. The fact that the race attracts many of the world’s top professional riders, takes place within the state’s boundaries and encompasses many different regions and communities makes it a unique event. Among other things, we believe the Tour of Missouri provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the diversity of Missouri agriculture.
Businesses, communities and individuals have been making plans associated with the 2009 Tour of Missouri since the conclusion of last year’s race. Withholding funds at this late date would no doubt make it difficult to hold this year’s race; canceling the event would obviously have a detrimental economic impact and also create uncertainty about the ability of the state to honor financial commitments associated with future events.
Following the conclusion of the 2009 Tour of Missouri, it makes sense to analyze the overall economic impact of the event and evaluate the use of general revenue or other state resources in the future. Ultimately, these issues will be important as state officials decide whether or not to extend the Tour of Missouri beyond this year.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Kruse
President, Missouri Farm Bureau
We will keep you posted as to future developments.If you wish to contact Governor Nixon’s office to voice your support of the Tour of Missouri, the telephone number is 573-751-3222 and the email address is http://governor.mo.gov/contact.
We want to come to the Tour of Missouri because the Tour de Georgia was cancelled. We plan on renting a car, staying in Drury hotels, eating at high end restaurants, and buying Missouri wines. I'm sure we're not the only ones.
Please consider funding the Tour & prepare for the tourists!
Karen from Knoxville, TNGovernor Nixon,
I am an avid cycling fan and before the Tour of Missouri I supported the Tour of Goerge with my vacation dollars. Over the last two years the Tour of Missouri has gained a great reputation as a well organized event. I have many friends in Southern Illinois and have many of them excited about and planning on coming to see the Tour this year as it goes through Southeastern Missouri. If the Tour is cancelled I will go back to spending my vacation dollars outside of the state.
Please reconsider your actions.
Sincerely,
Mike
Sir,
I hope you reconsider cancelling the Tour this year. I caught one stage last year and was planning on bringing my whole family from the east coast to catch the last 2-3 stages this year. I'm sure I'm not the only one planning to visit your state just to watch this race.
V/r,
Brad from Virginia
Dear Sir,
I plan to travel from Ireland for 2 weeks to the US in September. I will spend one week in Missouri following the Tour. I did the same earlier this year in California, renting a car for the duration and staying in hotels and eating in resturants along the route. A small part in what would be a vital injection of cash.
Please reconsider your decision and allow the Tour of Missouri to continue this year.
OranGov. Nixon,
Have you seen any of the Tour de France this year? Record crowds in every city! If Lance Armstrong comes with Astana to Missouri, we're going to have unbelievable crowds all over.
IT WOULD BE CRAZY TO NOT HAVE THE TOUR OF MISSOURI THIS YEAR IF LANCE IS COMING.
Levi Leipheimer twittered yesterday: "The crowd on the Tourmalet was RIDICULOUS!! It was awesome! Thanks to everyone who journeyed their way up there". Check some of the other riders twitters (like Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie (2007 Tour of Mo winner) and Mark Renshaw from Columbia Highroad).
Lance wrote yesterday: "The Tour has gotten so big that approx. 8,000 are looking for rooms every night. That's about the population of this stage town, St Girons." Missouri needs this problem! :)
Daniel
Gov. Nixon:
I had to write to encourage you to release the funding for the Tour of Missouri. While it is true I'm not a Missouri voter, I am an avid cycling fan who planned to come to Missouri and spend money this September, and I have been talking up the Tour of Missouri to friends from as far away as Indiana, Alabama and Mississippi who also were considering a trip to Missouri this year. If what the state really needs is additional revenue, tourism dollars from the Tour would be one very good means of attracting people and their wallets. The Tour has become one of the premier cycling events in the country, and it would be deplorable if the State were to be so short-sighted as to take steps that would result in the cancellation of an event that could otherwise be a financial boon to the state.
Please release the funds for the Tour of Missouri.
Thanks,
Rick
Gov. Nixon,
As an avid cyclist, taxpayer and long-time resident of the State of Missouri, I am writing to encourage the continued support for the Tour of Missouri. I regularly ride between 4000-5000 miles a year on Missouri roads, support alternative transportation and recognize the tourism benefits that accrue to the State with events such as this Tour. It has brought great credit to Missouri, as well as visitors from surrounding states and further beyond.
In each of the last 2 years I have served as a course marshall for the race stages in St. Charles and St. Louis. The caliber of riders in the event is similar to the major stage races in Europe. I have been in France for 3 of the Tours de France and have personally ridden some of the toughest stages through the Alps. The varied course that has been established for the Tour of Missouri have been heralded by the professional riders as challenging. It would be marvelous if the State could develop a mechanism to provide continued support throughout the years for such a sporting event.
Thank you for your consideration,
Patrick
by Zakk Gammon & AP
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - The Missouri Tourism Commission has reaffirmed its support for the Tour of Missouri bicycle race in the face of a potential state budget cut.
Gov. Jay Nixon's administration has frozen $1.5 million of tourism funding intended for the race and is considering whether to eliminate the money to help balance the state budget. Organizers say that would force the cancellation of the September bicycle race. The race normally costs $3.3 million.
At a meeting Friday, members of the state Tourism Commission questioned whether Nixon's administration has the legal authority to control how it spends its money. Commissioners voted to reaffirm their $1.5 million commitment to the race.
Nixon budget director Linda Luebbering said the potential Tour of Missouri cut remains under review.
Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson says a cancellation would be a crushing blow to all the bike enthusiasts and hundreds of volunteers who've put a lot of time and energy to the event.
Stage 2 of the race starts in Ste. Genevieve and ends in Cape Girardeau. Stage 3 starts in Farmington.
Here's the Video:
An internationally acclaimed bicycle race that is set to roll through St. Joseph and Chillicothe in September could come to a quick halt, depending on Gov. Jay Nixon’s next move.
Less than two months away from the Tour of Missouri’s Sept. 7 gun start in St. Louis, the Department of Economic Development is recommending a cut of $1.5 million to the race. If Mr. Nixon agrees, the financial blow could seriously jeopardize the race and likely result in a cancellation.
“We had no idea there was any hint this was a possibility, so yeah, this was a shock,” said Dick Sipe, chairman of the St. Joseph Local Organizing Committee for Stage 6 of the tour, which is scheduled to run from Chillicothe to St. Joseph on Sept. 12. The full tour ends Sept. 13 in Kansas City.
The group already has spent $15,000 of its roughly $100,000 budget, but now is hesitant to follow through with the advertising and marketing expenses it planned on making in the next month.
A spokesman for Mr. Nixon told The Associated Press he wouldn’t make a decision for several more weeks.
“We’re reluctant to do anything,” Mr. Sipe said. “You can’t let something of this size just hang there. We’ve got money committed.”
Andy Clements, assistant director of public works for the city, feared the question mark could scare off international sponsors of a race that gives Missouri and St. Joseph unparalleled exposure.
“Even making that announcement really hurts the tour,” said Mr. Clements, who handles tour arrangements for the city.
Still, the news hasn’t deterred local sponsors, such as Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica and Heartland Health.
“It’s unfortunate this is happening, but we can’t sit back and wait and see what happens,” said Dan Nowalk of Boehringer. “This is a great opportunity. We don’t want to let it slip by.”
Local organizers said that while they won’t pull the trigger on much funding until a decision is made, they will continue to plan under the assumption it will go on as scheduled.
But athletes an ocean away from Missouri on Friday weren’t so confident.
Christian Vande Velde, winner of last year’s Tour of Missouri and top five finisher in last year’s Tour de France, posted a message to his Twitter account Friday just hours after completing a mountain stage at the Tour de France.
“The Tour of Missouri is in trouble. Please help this great race survive,” Mr. Vande Velde wrote, placing a link to the tour’s Web site after his message.
George Hincapie, the 2007 Tour of Missouri winner, also found time to “tweet” Friday:
“http://savethetourofmissour... lets try (sic) and save this race ...,” wrote Mr. Hincapie, who was also competing in the Tour of France during his afternoon entry.
The Missouri Tourism Commission met Friday to try to do just that. Commissioners voted unanimously to reaffirm its stance to fully fund the state’s more than $3 million obligation to the Tour, according to a news release.
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder also appointed Marci Bennett, a tourism commissioner and executive director of the St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau, to lead a budget subcommittee to help address the possible withholdings to the tourism budget.
Mr. Kinder in October announced the tour’s Stage One — the race’s kickoff — translated into $703,332 in tourist spending and 4,200 visitors to St. Joseph in September 2008, the first time St. Joseph was selected as a host city.
An estimated 434,000 spectators combined watched the seven-day race at some point. Total economic impact was pegged at $29.8 million.
Local organizers have written Rep. Ed Wildberger, a St. Joseph Democrat, to help convince the governor to release the funding, but he said he didn’t plan on trying to persuade Gov. Nixon’s decision.
“We have to look realistically at the economic status of the state right now,” Mr. Wildberger said. “You can’t do away with the essentials to have an extravagant event.”
Sen. Brad Lager, whose district includes Chillicothe, said as a former legislative budget chairman, he understood the financial challenges state government faces, but he disagreed with the department’s recommendation.
He likened cutting the $1.5 million from roughly $7 billion in the state’s general revenue to a household that earns $50,000, trying to save $10.71 in its budget.
“Considering the contracts are all let ... it would be an irresponsible act to withhold those dollars,” said Mr. Lager, a Savannah Republican. “Ten dollars and 71 cents. I mean, are you serious?”
Meanwhile Friday, Debbie Flugrad, a St. Joseph bicycle enthusiast, watched coverage of the Tour de France, where she said she frequently heard references to the Tour of Missouri.
“It’s just mind-boggling to me that they would not want this event,” Ms. Flugrad said. “More people, more regular people follow this than you think.”
FLASHBACK: Candidate Nixon Ribs Tour
by Dave Catanese
THE LOOK ON HIS FACE? PRICELESS.
Jay Nixon never showed much affection for the Tour of Missouri -- even as a candidate.
From The Notebook Video Library: Here's Nixon ribbing the tour at a Chamber of Commerce gathering on September 9, 2008 -- the same day the Tour was winding through Springfield.
In his closing remarks, the Governor-to-be thanks the packed house for attending his event:
"Thank you . . . 75 people on a beautiful day that could be out watching Belgians ride bicycles in your town . . . (laughter) . . . are here."
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2009/07/flashback-candidate-nixon-ribs-tour.htmlBy The Kansas City Star Editorial Board
Canceling the Tour of Missouri bike race is a bad idea. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon should release the funds.
The suggestion was perhaps understandable: The Department of Economic Development needed budget cuts, and $1.5 million for a bike race might look like a luxury in tough times.
But the timing is horrible, so close to the September event. Canceling the race could expose the state to unnecessary litigation.The race is one of only two top-level bike races in the United States. It showcases Missouri to the region, nation and world.
And it’s just building its reputation, as racers approach the third annual event.Bicyclists including Lance Armstrong’s racing team and five other teams now competing in the Tour de France are expected.
A study of the economic impact of the race last year estimated 430,000 spectators spent almost $30 million, attracting tourists from 32 states and 21 countries. That’s a good return on a $1.5 million investment.
State economic development officials insist their priorities these days have to be focused on job creation. But an event that attracts a worldwide television audience is a priceless advertisement for Missouri, a boost to tourism, and that means jobs.
Organizers believe in coming years that private sponsors will replace state investment, which now covers half the cost. That’s the right approach going forward.
Republican Lt. Gov. Pete Kinder is a big backer of the race. If this is a Democratic slap at one of the state’s high-profile Republicans, as some suspect, it’s shameful.
Bottom line, the Tour of Missouri is a boon for our beautiful state. Canceling is a losing idea.
by Jason Noble
Kansas City Star
JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Tourism Commission voted unanimously this afternoon reemphasize its commitment to the Tour of Missouri bicycle race.
Implicit in the vote was a plea to Gov. Jay Nixon to release a hold on state funding for the event. The hold, which restricts the state's Division of Tourism from paying its $1.5 million share of race costs, was put into place Wednesday, shortly after the funds were identified as a possible budget cut .
Organizers of the $3.3 million tour have said cutting the state contribution would submarine the event less than two months before it's scheduled to begin. That could open the state and tour organizers to breach-of-contract lawsuits, leave spectators, cycling teams and sponsors in a lurch and cost the state economy tens of millions of dollars in lost revenues, they say.
The Nixon administration has said it is reviewing numerous cuts, of which the tour funding is one, and has made no final decisions.
If the hold was removed, the commission could pay $1.5 million upon request to Tour of Missouri Inc., the organization that officials runs the event.
The commission's vote from this afternoon doesn't carry any authority, but telegraphs members' frustration with the delay and possible cut.
Much of the conference call in which the vote took place was spent discussing similarly symbolic acts and airing discontent with the Nixon administration's actions.
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, the commission chairman also pledged to call the Nixon personally on the matter.
Nixon is a Democrat and Kinder is a Republican. Political antagonism between the two appears to be at least somewhat at play in the current situation.
At one point in the free-flowing and at times stream-of-consciousness meeting, Kinder warned of the negatives facing the state if officials indeed pulled the plug on the tour:
"It destroys the credibility of the Tourism commission and the state of Missouri, in my opinion, if this goes forward" he said.
Also on the call, the tour backers seemed to pick up an ally in Katie Steele Danner, a deputy director in the state Department of Economic Development who said she would advocate for the tour to the administration officials who control its fate.
Danner is one of the DED officials whose name appears on a memo to budget officials proposing the cut.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW: Tourism Commission has voted to keep the funding in, but now it's solely up to Gov. Jay Nixon.
We will update news stories as soon as we get more information!
Let's let the Governor hear us! 573-751-3222.
State Senator Kevin Engler released this statement yesterday, and even gave us a shout out...
“I am extremely distraught after learning of Governor Nixon’s actions to put this year’s Tour of Missouri in jeopardy. This race is a smart investment during tough economic times. The state’s $1.5 million investment yields nearly $30 million in revenue.
“The cancellation of this race will result in the breach of numerous contracts, leave the state susceptible to millions of dollars in legal fees, and waste the effort and money already put forth by organizers, cities, private citizens, and the state.
“The decision to jeopardize the future of this race shows that the Governor is severely irresponsible. For more details on this issue, I urge everyone to visit http://www.savethetourofmissouri.com and to call 573-751-3222 and urge Jay Nixon to save the tour.”
-Sen. Kevin Engler
Leutant Governor Peter Kinder was on Kansas City radio station KMBZ this morning talking about the Tour of Missouri. Here is the link to the audio:
Day 2: Upload your videos to www.tourofmissourifanzone.com
Upload your videos to www.tourofmissourifanzone.com telling why the race shouldn't be canceled! Then you can share them via facebook, twitter, send email links to others...
Let Gov. Nixon and the rest of the world know why you can't wait for the 2009 Tour of Missouri!
Call Gov. Nixon at 573-751-3222 and tell him to release the Tour of Missouri funding.
