September 22, 2009
Dear Gov Nixon:
Today, we respectfully offer to you our support for funding the 2010 Tour of Missouri.
With a complete realization of the continued recession that our state is facing, we believe that a 14-to-1 return on the state’s $1.5 million commitment to the Tour of Missouri is a wise investment, especially during these difficult economic times.
The last two years, the Tour of Missouri brought in nearly $60 million in tourism dollars throughout the state. In 2007 and 2008 combined,an estimated 802,000 people saw the race. Another 22 million watched the event on television and viewers in 150 countries viewed live streaming coverage of the event via the Internet.
We will continue to work closely with you and our legislative colleagues in ensuring that we are making smart financial decisions for the families of Missouri. We believe that continuing to fund the Tour of Missouri is a wise investment for communities and tourism across our state.
Sincerely,
Sen. Victor Callahan
Rep. Paul LeVota
Rep. Jason Grill
Rep. Tom McDonald
Rep. Jamilah Nasheed
Rep. Chris Carter
Rep. Michele Kratky
BREAKING: KYTV: Most of Tour of Missouri Funding Yet to Be Released
Most of Tour of Missouri Funding Yet to Be Released
Just a third of state tourism funds dedicated to the 2009 Tour of Missouri have been released, a month before the bike race is set to begin, KY3 News has learned.The state's tourism director said his agency received notice that $500,000 had been released Tuesday. But apparently the state doesn't have the cash flow to immediately provide the remaining $1 million dollars Gov. Jay Nixon promised -- all at once.
"It's authorized to be released, but the state is having a tremendous cash flow problem. The money's just not there," said tourism director Bob Smith.
When asked when he expected to get the remainder of the funds, Smith replied, "I can't answer that, I don't know."
Nixon spokesman Jack Cardetti said the remaining funds "will be released in installments in the coming weeks."
After initially freezing the $1.5 million dollars for the race and facing pressure from cyclist enthusiasts around the country, Nixon decided to ok the money for the cross-state bicycle race in mid-July. On July 14th, Nixon said, "the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri."
Reached Tuesday afternoon, the event's manager said he was unaware that some of the funding still had not been released.
"I thought we had cleared that hurdle," said Chris Aronhalt of Medalist Sports who is helping coordinate the Tour. "We respect the Governor's office in doing what it has to do, but it is crucial. The timing of the release is crucial to successfully plan and execute the event," Aronhalt said.
A spokesman for Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, who chairs the state Tourism Commission and heavily lobbied to keep state funding for the race, suggested the money is still being withheld.
"Based upon conversations with the Director of the Division of Tourism, it is our understanding that $1 million in funding for this year’s race is still being withheld. I believe this could present some serious challenges with the start of the race just one month away," said Kinder spokesman Gary McElyea.
Aronhalt said not having the money in hand can at times make it difficult to secure commitments with vendors. He did not say that the lack of funds prohibited agreements from being signed, but noted, "it doesn't make life easy." "Bills need to be paid, that's why cash is needed," Aronhalt said.
On top of the Tour funding, Smith said the Tourism division has yet to receive any of its first quarter funding for the 2010 fiscal year. He said the agency should have received around $5 million dollars shortly after July 1st, the start of the fiscal year.
"I'm sure (The Tour) would like to have it all now. I'd like to have it all now. But it's not there right now," Smith said. "We realize we're going to get the money eventually. We're just cautiously reviewing our invoices right now," he said.
The Tour of Missouri is scheduled to run Sept. 7-13 with circuit races in St. Louis and Kansas City. The nearest Ozarks stop is in Rolla.
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2009/08/most-of-tour-of-missouri-funding-yet-to.html
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2009/08/most-of-tour-of-missouri-funding-yet-to.html
Save the Tour T-Shirts!!!!
Exciting news from our friends at the Tour of Missouri...
We received an email last night thanking us for our support in helping to Save the Tour! In return for everyone's help, Tour of Missouri has created a "Save the Tour" T-Shirt. These shirts are priced cheap at only $12!! Be sure to purchase one on the website, and spread the cause to save the 2010 Tour of Missouri!!!
KY3 Political Notebook: Kinder "Thrilled" Nixon Now a Tour Supporter
"IT IS NOT MY VICTORY . . . IT IS YOUR VICTORY"
ALSO: Says "Dust-Up" Will Supercharge This Year's Race
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said the "dust-up" over the possible cancellation of this year's Tour of Missouri will have a supercharge effect on the cycling race now less than three months away.
Kinder held a Tuesday afternoon conference call to thank the volunteers, supporters and media who helped rally to save the 2009 tour from a $1.5 million dollar cut that would have halted the race. Gov. Nixon announced Tuesday that he would release the state funds for the event, but called for more "transparency and accountability."
Kinder made sure to note that the race was "threatened by actions of the Nixon administration," but said he was thrilled to now be able to call the Governor a supporter of the Tour. "I am delighted by the news today that Governor Nixon . . . has released the funds," Kinder said, adding that he was "especially delighted" to welcome Nixon to the ranks of supporters.
Kinder also took note of video posted by The Notebook last week of then-candidate Nixon taking a shot at the race during a Chamber of Commerce meeting in Springfield last September.
Kinder said those comments showed Nixon "ridiculing and casting aspersions on the Tour of Missouri." He said today marks the first indication that Nixon is a supporter of the effort.
"It is not my victory. It is your victory," Kinder told supporters on the call.
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2009/07/kinder-thrilled-nixon-now-tour.html
Gov. Nixon's statement on state funding for the Tour of Missouri
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
Tour of Missouri Is On Track!
Quick message to all Tour of Missouri Fan Zone members. The state funds for the Tour of Missouri have been given approval to be released, and the 2009 Tour of Missouri is on track for the most successful year yet!
Plan on calling in at 4:30PM CST today to listen to details on this exciting news.
This call is limited to 1000 listeners, and no questions will be taken.
Call in number is: 712-432-1001 Attendee
Plan on calling in at 4:30PM CST today to listen to details on this exciting news.
This call is limited to 1000 listeners, and no questions will be taken.
Call in number is: 712-432-1001 Attendee
Access Code 422623590#
KY3 Political Notebook: And The Tour Will Go On
Gov. Jay Nixon said Tuesday he'll release the $1.5 million dollars in state funding to allow the 2009 Tour of Missouri to go on but wants more transparency and accountability in how taxpayer money is spent.
NIXON FULL STATEMENT:
NIXON FULL 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," 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
Southeast Missourian: Tour of Missouri to go ahead, funds released by Nixon
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
STL Today Political Fix: Gov. Jay Nixon: Tour of Missouri will proceed this year
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/
KansasCity.com Prime Buzz: The Tour will go on
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
News-Leader: Nixon: Tour of Missouri will go on
Gov. Jay Nixon today backed down from his administration's threat to pull funding for the Tour of Missouri international bicycle race.
"The race will go on this year," Nixon said in a written statement, "and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably."
Since last week, the governor has been sitting on $1.5 million that the independent Missouri Tourism Commission allocated to promote the Tour of Missouri in April.
Nixon, a Democrat, wanted the nonprofit organization that runs the race — Tour of Missouri Inc. — to release its 2007, 2008 and 2009 budget and spending records to bring more transparency.
"Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward," Nixon said in the statement.
Nixon said taxpayers "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."
The race is heavily promoted by Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Nixon's chief political rival.
Kinder's staff is heavily involved in planning the race, which may attract racing star Lance Armstrong to the Show-Me state in September.
"The race will go on this year," Nixon said in a written statement, "and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably."
Since last week, the governor has been sitting on $1.5 million that the independent Missouri Tourism Commission allocated to promote the Tour of Missouri in April.
Nixon, a Democrat, wanted the nonprofit organization that runs the race — Tour of Missouri Inc. — to release its 2007, 2008 and 2009 budget and spending records to bring more transparency.
"Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward," Nixon said in the statement.
Nixon said taxpayers "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."
The race is heavily promoted by Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Nixon's chief political rival.
Kinder's staff is heavily involved in planning the race, which may attract racing star Lance Armstrong to the Show-Me state in September.
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090714/BLOGS09/90714049/-1/RSS13
Letter from Kyle
Governor Nixon,
By now you have heard from perhaps thousands of enthusiastic cycling fans and Missourians alike, hoping you will reverse the proposed $1.5 million reduction of spending to the Tour of Missouri. It has perhaps been explained repeatedly that this is by far Missouri's largest sporting event, larger even than next week's All-Star Game in St. Louis.
Save the occasional visit by the Toronto Blue Jays to Kauffman Stadium, the Tour of Missouri is our state's only opportunity to host an international sporting contest. And this contest isn't confined to the stadia of our two major metropolitans. Over the span of a week in September, dozens of the world's top cyclists tackle the breathtaking scenery and relentless terrain of Missouri's sideroads, bringing a globally popular sport to outstate areas. Fans from around the world, many fresh from cheering on their favourite teams in France, will line the highways around Jackson, Salem, Vienna, Utica, and countless other smaller towns that otherwise would go without notice even to their fellow Missourians from Kansas City and St. Louis. These fans bring with them the spending power of the Euro, Sterling, and other world currencies, introducing new revenue into the various businesses along the route and sponsoring the tour.
For who do these fans and visitors to the Show-Me State cheer? Of the 14 teams confirmed to appear in September, seven are currently racing in le Tour de France, and among their ranks share 22 championship jerseys from cycling's big three European and American races over the past decade and seven Olympic gold medals. Aside from the Tour of California, the Tour of Missouri is their only other opportunity to experience quality competition in the United States.
I write this letter 4400 miles away, in the English county of Kent. Two years ago, the Tour de France rolled through here from London to Canterbury, and stories of that day remain popular among the natives. I have been in the area for only six weeks, and in that time have sought to promote my native Missouri to nearly everyone I meet. While the newest ambassador to the United Kingdom is a St. Louis native, I struggle to find signs of Missouri's current impact on the UK. In a recent BBC miniseries, where humourist Stephen Fry visited every state in the US, his stop in Missouri was at an abandoned warehouse in St. Louis where three homeless people were living. In terms of edibles, stores carrying wines from America have inventory only from California, ignoring our lush vineyards that the Tour of Missouri emphasises every year. The mere mention of Boulevards, toasted ravioli and pulled pork on a bun, perhaps our state's staple foods, draws blank stares. When I mention that I'm from Missouri, often I have to explain where in the United States we are and for what we're famous. Unfortunately, sometimes I have to mention a certain state to the west for context, prompting anecdotes about Dorothy and Toto.
I state the preceding because I see the potential the Tour has in promoting a positive image of Missouri to the world. I Since its inception, I have been most supportive of the Tour. In the inaugural race, I volunteered along the route at three separate stages. Were it not for my employment away from the Tour route, I would have done so last year and again this September. And since I first learned of the Tour, I feared that it would become a political football, both used by its supporters and detractors. Sadly, I believe it has become the case. I am fully aware of the partisan pressure that may be attached to resorting the funds. I too know the situation Missouri and much the world is facing economically, trying to find ways to keep afloat and re-evaluating spending priorities. Already this year's tour has an increase of sponsors, and the chance exists that next year enough sponsors will line up to negate the need for taxpayer assistance.
Of the world's most popular sports, no sport brings the top athletes to the farthest reaches of a region than cycling. It would be a considerable stretch to bring soccer's Beckham, Rooney or Ronaldo to our hometowns of DeSoto or Kirksville, and while one could predict the likelihood of Albert Pujols or Matt Cassel visiting either, they already bring positive name recognition to Missouri and thus don't capture the intrigue and buzz the way Lance Armstrong, Fabian Cancellara, Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, Danny Pate, Christian VandeVelde and others could, should funding be fully restored to the Tour of Missouri.
The Tour of Missouri is a showcase of the entire state and puts many of our 114 counties in the spotlight. The state has poured tens of millions into athletic facilities including the Edward Jones Dome, the Chiefs' new training camp in St. Joseph, and several university athletic facilities; facilities that fans in outstate communities must drive to reach. By maintaining financial support for the Tour of Missouri, the state can not only show support for a truly international sport but also showcase an alternate method of transportation that is healthy for the rider and considerably more environmentally friendly.
Please fully restore funding to this major showcase of our great State.
Regards,
Kyle
Folkestone, Kent, UK
By now you have heard from perhaps thousands of enthusiastic cycling fans and Missourians alike, hoping you will reverse the proposed $1.5 million reduction of spending to the Tour of Missouri. It has perhaps been explained repeatedly that this is by far Missouri's largest sporting event, larger even than next week's All-Star Game in St. Louis.
Save the occasional visit by the Toronto Blue Jays to Kauffman Stadium, the Tour of Missouri is our state's only opportunity to host an international sporting contest. And this contest isn't confined to the stadia of our two major metropolitans. Over the span of a week in September, dozens of the world's top cyclists tackle the breathtaking scenery and relentless terrain of Missouri's sideroads, bringing a globally popular sport to outstate areas. Fans from around the world, many fresh from cheering on their favourite teams in France, will line the highways around Jackson, Salem, Vienna, Utica, and countless other smaller towns that otherwise would go without notice even to their fellow Missourians from Kansas City and St. Louis. These fans bring with them the spending power of the Euro, Sterling, and other world currencies, introducing new revenue into the various businesses along the route and sponsoring the tour.
For who do these fans and visitors to the Show-Me State cheer? Of the 14 teams confirmed to appear in September, seven are currently racing in le Tour de France, and among their ranks share 22 championship jerseys from cycling's big three European and American races over the past decade and seven Olympic gold medals. Aside from the Tour of California, the Tour of Missouri is their only other opportunity to experience quality competition in the United States.
I write this letter 4400 miles away, in the English county of Kent. Two years ago, the Tour de France rolled through here from London to Canterbury, and stories of that day remain popular among the natives. I have been in the area for only six weeks, and in that time have sought to promote my native Missouri to nearly everyone I meet. While the newest ambassador to the United Kingdom is a St. Louis native, I struggle to find signs of Missouri's current impact on the UK. In a recent BBC miniseries, where humourist Stephen Fry visited every state in the US, his stop in Missouri was at an abandoned warehouse in St. Louis where three homeless people were living. In terms of edibles, stores carrying wines from America have inventory only from California, ignoring our lush vineyards that the Tour of Missouri emphasises every year. The mere mention of Boulevards, toasted ravioli and pulled pork on a bun, perhaps our state's staple foods, draws blank stares. When I mention that I'm from Missouri, often I have to explain where in the United States we are and for what we're famous. Unfortunately, sometimes I have to mention a certain state to the west for context, prompting anecdotes about Dorothy and Toto.
I state the preceding because I see the potential the Tour has in promoting a positive image of Missouri to the world. I Since its inception, I have been most supportive of the Tour. In the inaugural race, I volunteered along the route at three separate stages. Were it not for my employment away from the Tour route, I would have done so last year and again this September. And since I first learned of the Tour, I feared that it would become a political football, both used by its supporters and detractors. Sadly, I believe it has become the case. I am fully aware of the partisan pressure that may be attached to resorting the funds. I too know the situation Missouri and much the world is facing economically, trying to find ways to keep afloat and re-evaluating spending priorities. Already this year's tour has an increase of sponsors, and the chance exists that next year enough sponsors will line up to negate the need for taxpayer assistance.
Of the world's most popular sports, no sport brings the top athletes to the farthest reaches of a region than cycling. It would be a considerable stretch to bring soccer's Beckham, Rooney or Ronaldo to our hometowns of DeSoto or Kirksville, and while one could predict the likelihood of Albert Pujols or Matt Cassel visiting either, they already bring positive name recognition to Missouri and thus don't capture the intrigue and buzz the way Lance Armstrong, Fabian Cancellara, Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, Danny Pate, Christian VandeVelde and others could, should funding be fully restored to the Tour of Missouri.
The Tour of Missouri is a showcase of the entire state and puts many of our 114 counties in the spotlight. The state has poured tens of millions into athletic facilities including the Edward Jones Dome, the Chiefs' new training camp in St. Joseph, and several university athletic facilities; facilities that fans in outstate communities must drive to reach. By maintaining financial support for the Tour of Missouri, the state can not only show support for a truly international sport but also showcase an alternate method of transportation that is healthy for the rider and considerably more environmentally friendly.
Please fully restore funding to this major showcase of our great State.
Regards,
Kyle
Folkestone, Kent, UK
News-Leader: Tour of Missouri releases budget details
By Chad Livengood
In the face of growing criticism from Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, the Tour of Missouri Inc. has released its 2008 and 2009 budgets as bicycle race promoters continue to lobby the governor to spare them from his budget ax.
The Tour of Missouri projected $3,784,000 in revenue this year and budgeted to spend $3,605,200, according to the budget provided to the News-Leader upon request.
Projected revenue was estimated at about $2.8 million from sponsors, including the state's $1.5 million share. Bicycle team participants are budgeted to pay $63,000, according to the document.
Nixon's Economic Development Department has recommended slashing the state's $1.5 million subsidy of the international sporting event less than two months before teams are set to race from St. Louis to Kansas City.
Nixon, a Democrat, has yet to make a decision on the Tour's fate, but a spokesman said Monday because of the timing of the race it will likely happen before other budget cutting decisions are made.
The governor has asked department heads to come up with $60 million in cuts to the state's $23 billion budget for the current 2010 fiscal year, which began July 1.
In Kansas City on Monday, Nixon told reporters he was concerned with the idea of turning over $1.5 million in tax dollars to the Tour of Missouri Inc., a nonprofit corporation that runs the race setup by Nixon's political rival, Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.
"There's also mental hospitals out there, there's also special need kids, but the bottom line is that we're very — very hopeful," Nixon told reporters, according to KCUR 89.3FM public radio.Tour of Missouri Inc.'s 2008 budget shows last year's race cost about $3.1 million and revenue was approximately $3.2 million.
How Tour of Missouri Inc. works
Tour of Missouri Inc. is a nonprofit organization created in January 2008 to run the professional bicycle race, which began in 2007.
It's executive director is Jerry Dowell, deputy lieutenant governor to Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau. Dowell is not paid for his work for Tour of Missouri Inc., said Kinder spokesman Gary McElyea.
Stacey Blomberg, who works in the accounting department for the Division of Tourism, serves as Tour of Missouri Inc.'s treasurer.
Bob Smith, director of the Division of Tourism, provides her services to Tour of Missouri Inc. at no cost.
Smith estimated Blomberg spends 50-60 percent of her time doing work for Tour of Missouri, amounting to $20,000 to $25,000 additional state subsidy of the race.
Smith said that arrangement was set up by the Division of Tourism's former director, Blaine Luetkemeyer, who left the post in 2008 and was later elected to Congress, representing Missouri's 9th District.
Blomberg's gross pay in 2008 was $54,087.75, according to Missouri Accountability Portal, http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov.
The Tour of Missouri was started under the auspices of the Hawthorn Foundation, a quasi-governmental organization that generates private funding for economic development.
In 2008, Hawthorn Foundation transferred its ownership of the Tour's name, trademark and operation to the newly formed Tour of Missouri Inc., according to Rich AuBuchon, chief of staff and general counsel to Kinder.
At the time, AuBuchon was deputy director of former Gov. Matt Blunt's Office of Administration.
AuBuchon, speaking from prior experience and not for Kinder's office, said the Tour of Missouri Inc. was set up as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization so that corporate sponsors could get a tax write off for underwriting the race.
Donors couldn't tget a tax write-off when they donated money for the race to the Hawthorn Foundation, which was created in 1982 by then-Gov. Kit Bond to supplement the state's marketing efforts to attract businesses to Missouri, AuBuchon said.
Every year, the Missouri Tourism Commission has approved subsidizing the race with tax dollars through the Division of Tourism, a wing of the Economic Development Department that the commission is supposed to have autonomous control over.
In order to get the money released to Hawthorn Foundation and now Tour of Missouri Inc., the Office of Administration has had to give the race operators a “single source designation," meaning they're the only corporation or organization that can provide the service, AuBuchon said.
A "single source designation" also means the state does not have to follow normal bidding rules because the corporation or organization is the "sole provider," AuBuchon said.
The Nixon administration has not taken action on the single source designation request.
Instead, Nixon's Office of Administration requested the $1.5 million for the Tour of Missouri be funneled through the state's advertising contractor, Hoffman Lewis in St. Louis.
Smith said the additional middleman was added to the process because the money is supposed to be used by Tour of Missouri for advertising and promotion of the race, which at least one economic impact study estimates up to 400,000 people watched last year.
“It’s a normal fit to go that way,” Smith said.
Smith said his department officially signed a contract with Tour of Missouri Inc. on Monday.
Kinder, the race's biggest promoter, serves as chairman of Tour of Missouri Inc. and the Missouri Tourism Commission and has referred to the race in public as "my bicycle race."
In the face of growing criticism from Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, the Tour of Missouri Inc. has released its 2008 and 2009 budgets as bicycle race promoters continue to lobby the governor to spare them from his budget ax.
The Tour of Missouri projected $3,784,000 in revenue this year and budgeted to spend $3,605,200, according to the budget provided to the News-Leader upon request.
Projected revenue was estimated at about $2.8 million from sponsors, including the state's $1.5 million share. Bicycle team participants are budgeted to pay $63,000, according to the document.
Nixon's Economic Development Department has recommended slashing the state's $1.5 million subsidy of the international sporting event less than two months before teams are set to race from St. Louis to Kansas City.
Nixon, a Democrat, has yet to make a decision on the Tour's fate, but a spokesman said Monday because of the timing of the race it will likely happen before other budget cutting decisions are made.
The governor has asked department heads to come up with $60 million in cuts to the state's $23 billion budget for the current 2010 fiscal year, which began July 1.
In Kansas City on Monday, Nixon told reporters he was concerned with the idea of turning over $1.5 million in tax dollars to the Tour of Missouri Inc., a nonprofit corporation that runs the race setup by Nixon's political rival, Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.
"There's also mental hospitals out there, there's also special need kids, but the bottom line is that we're very — very hopeful," Nixon told reporters, according to KCUR 89.3FM public radio.Tour of Missouri Inc.'s 2008 budget shows last year's race cost about $3.1 million and revenue was approximately $3.2 million.
How Tour of Missouri Inc. works
Tour of Missouri Inc. is a nonprofit organization created in January 2008 to run the professional bicycle race, which began in 2007.
It's executive director is Jerry Dowell, deputy lieutenant governor to Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau. Dowell is not paid for his work for Tour of Missouri Inc., said Kinder spokesman Gary McElyea.
Stacey Blomberg, who works in the accounting department for the Division of Tourism, serves as Tour of Missouri Inc.'s treasurer.
Bob Smith, director of the Division of Tourism, provides her services to Tour of Missouri Inc. at no cost.
Smith estimated Blomberg spends 50-60 percent of her time doing work for Tour of Missouri, amounting to $20,000 to $25,000 additional state subsidy of the race.
Smith said that arrangement was set up by the Division of Tourism's former director, Blaine Luetkemeyer, who left the post in 2008 and was later elected to Congress, representing Missouri's 9th District.
Blomberg's gross pay in 2008 was $54,087.75, according to Missouri Accountability Portal, http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov.
The Tour of Missouri was started under the auspices of the Hawthorn Foundation, a quasi-governmental organization that generates private funding for economic development.
In 2008, Hawthorn Foundation transferred its ownership of the Tour's name, trademark and operation to the newly formed Tour of Missouri Inc., according to Rich AuBuchon, chief of staff and general counsel to Kinder.
At the time, AuBuchon was deputy director of former Gov. Matt Blunt's Office of Administration.
AuBuchon, speaking from prior experience and not for Kinder's office, said the Tour of Missouri Inc. was set up as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization so that corporate sponsors could get a tax write off for underwriting the race.
Donors couldn't tget a tax write-off when they donated money for the race to the Hawthorn Foundation, which was created in 1982 by then-Gov. Kit Bond to supplement the state's marketing efforts to attract businesses to Missouri, AuBuchon said.
Every year, the Missouri Tourism Commission has approved subsidizing the race with tax dollars through the Division of Tourism, a wing of the Economic Development Department that the commission is supposed to have autonomous control over.
In order to get the money released to Hawthorn Foundation and now Tour of Missouri Inc., the Office of Administration has had to give the race operators a “single source designation," meaning they're the only corporation or organization that can provide the service, AuBuchon said.
A "single source designation" also means the state does not have to follow normal bidding rules because the corporation or organization is the "sole provider," AuBuchon said.
The Nixon administration has not taken action on the single source designation request.
Instead, Nixon's Office of Administration requested the $1.5 million for the Tour of Missouri be funneled through the state's advertising contractor, Hoffman Lewis in St. Louis.
Smith said the additional middleman was added to the process because the money is supposed to be used by Tour of Missouri for advertising and promotion of the race, which at least one economic impact study estimates up to 400,000 people watched last year.
“It’s a normal fit to go that way,” Smith said.
Smith said his department officially signed a contract with Tour of Missouri Inc. on Monday.
Kinder, the race's biggest promoter, serves as chairman of Tour of Missouri Inc. and the Missouri Tourism Commission and has referred to the race in public as "my bicycle race."
Letter from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Dear Governor Nixon,
On behalf of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and the 7,500 businesses in the metropolitan area this organization represents, I write to encourage you to release the funds committed for the Tour of Missouri race scheduled for September.
While The Chamber supports your emphasis on spending restraints, particularly in these difficult times, last year's race generated $30 million in economic activity, which if repeated this year is a healthy return on the $1.5 million state investment. Additionally, just two months remain until the race begins. Should the state pull out at this late date, the race itself would be threatened and perhaps cancelled.
We believe this event is a proven boost to the state's economy and a terrific showcase for the natural beauty of of the state.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Pete Levi
President, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
On behalf of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and the 7,500 businesses in the metropolitan area this organization represents, I write to encourage you to release the funds committed for the Tour of Missouri race scheduled for September.
While The Chamber supports your emphasis on spending restraints, particularly in these difficult times, last year's race generated $30 million in economic activity, which if repeated this year is a healthy return on the $1.5 million state investment. Additionally, just two months remain until the race begins. Should the state pull out at this late date, the race itself would be threatened and perhaps cancelled.
We believe this event is a proven boost to the state's economy and a terrific showcase for the natural beauty of of the state.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Pete Levi
President, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Letter from the Missouri Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus
Dear Governor,
On behalf of the Missouri Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (representing 33 communities in the State of Missouri) I encourage you to expedite immediate release of the $1.5 million from the Division of Tourism’s budget to fund the 2009 Tour of Missouri. While a thorough review of the event and its net ROI needs to be made before making further commitments, THIS commitment has already been made. We have numerous cities, hundreds of volunteers, local business sponsors and thousands of citizens in the State of Missouri that have been working diligently on this project for nearly a year. To pull the plug on committed state funding at this late date would be harmful to all involved and would poorly reflect on this great state.
I assure you that sufficient inquiry, by the industry, will be made prior to future commitment for this event, but we need to quickly move forward to insure the success of our communities and citizens.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely
Ross Summers
President, Missouri Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
On behalf of the Missouri Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (representing 33 communities in the State of Missouri) I encourage you to expedite immediate release of the $1.5 million from the Division of Tourism’s budget to fund the 2009 Tour of Missouri. While a thorough review of the event and its net ROI needs to be made before making further commitments, THIS commitment has already been made. We have numerous cities, hundreds of volunteers, local business sponsors and thousands of citizens in the State of Missouri that have been working diligently on this project for nearly a year. To pull the plug on committed state funding at this late date would be harmful to all involved and would poorly reflect on this great state.
I assure you that sufficient inquiry, by the industry, will be made prior to future commitment for this event, but we need to quickly move forward to insure the success of our communities and citizens.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely
Ross Summers
President, Missouri Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
KFUO Interview with Kinder
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was interviewed on KFUO this morning... here's the audio:
KCUR: Tour of Missouri Still in Limbo
KANSAS CITY, MO (kcur) - Ready, set, now wait.
Missouri cycling fans will have to keep holding their breath for a final decision from the governor as to whether he'll approve state funding for the Tour of Missouri.
Nixon said financing the tour is a fiscal challenge.
"There's also mental hospitals out there, there's also special need kids, but the bottom line is that we're very - very hopeful," Nixon said.
Even if he does green light funding, Nixon said he will require greater transparency as to how taxpayer dollars for the race are used.
Tour officials say they need a final decision from the governor by the end of the week.
Link with Audio
Missouri cycling fans will have to keep holding their breath for a final decision from the governor as to whether he'll approve state funding for the Tour of Missouri.
Nixon said financing the tour is a fiscal challenge.
"There's also mental hospitals out there, there's also special need kids, but the bottom line is that we're very - very hopeful," Nixon said.
Even if he does green light funding, Nixon said he will require greater transparency as to how taxpayer dollars for the race are used.
Tour officials say they need a final decision from the governor by the end of the week.
Link with Audio
St. Joseph News-Press: Tour goes into a skid
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.
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