At the Argosy Casino on Tuesday, more than 250 Riverbend tourism advocates made for a raucous event, revving up for another season of visitors. Representatives of several local attractions took the stage, tossing promotional schwag to a cheering crowd. The event gushed with positivity — but optimism is becoming increasingly scarce amongst convention and visitors bureaus across the state. Alton’s CVB is still waiting on $300,000 in state funds. “We need to get excited,” Alton CVB President Brett Stawar said with a grin. He knows all too well the challenge he’s up against. Read more at The Telegraph. |