SLAA February/March 2025 Newsletter

February/March Newsletter

President's Corner

I'm thrilled to introduce myself as your 2025 Saint Louis Attractions Association President! I currently serve as the Publicity Manager at The Fabulous Fox, where I've been proudly working for the 16 years. This marks my third term as a SLAA Board Member, and I'm honored to step into the role of President on the executive board this year.

I'm excited for what this year has in store! St. Louis is a city brimming with culture, history, and entertainment, and I'm honored to work with such a passionate group of professionals dedicated to showcasing it. Read more...

What better way to start the new year than by sharing knowledge and shedding light on the truth about crime in St. Louis! RECAP: Three things from last month’s luncheon you’ll want to tell a friend

Next time an out-of-towner (or even a local) tells you St. Louis is still one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Show them why they're wrong with this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUtKQrCkyLE. And then you can tell them that in 2024, overall crime decreased by 15% compared to 2023 and by 31% compared to 2022.
To enhance public awareness and transparency, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) launched a new crime mapping tool in October 2024. This platform allows residents to monitor and stay informed about local crime activity: https://www.crimemapping.com/Share/66dfeeb3d9874dc78fdf8be1ad7f0c4c
In recent years, Metro Transit in St. Louis has implemented several initiatives to enhance security and safety across its MetroLink and bus systems. Last year, they launched a $52 million project to install security gates, fencing, and surveillance cameras at all 38 MetroLink stations. And they've increased patrols and fare enforcement with 40 Metro Public Safety Officers, 130 contracted security and fare enforcement personnel, and 68 police officers and deputies from St. Louis County, St. Louis City, and St. Clair County.

Save the Date for Our Next Meeting!

How to Feel Your Best as We Gear Up for the Busy Travel Season

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

11:00 am - 1:15 pm

PBR at Ballpark Village

Details coming soon!

Congratulations to the raffle winners at the January Meeting! Robyn Niedringhaus won the 50/50 Raffle, and Erin Falde and Jen Hollenkamp were our two Experience Raffle winners.

Submit Your Nominations for the 2025 Spirit of St. Louis Awards!

The Spirit of St. Louis Awards recognizes programs and individuals the exemplify the spirit of hospitality and have a positive impact on the tourism industry in St. Louis. Nominations for each category are accepted year round and can be filled out online. Winners will be announced at the May 2025 meeting.

Eligible nominees may have served in any of a variety of positions, ranging from front-line service to management, at an attraction, hotel, restaurant, or with any other associated or affiliated industry. Both members and non-members of SLAA are eligible to receive awards; however, nominations must be submitted by a SLAA member. You are welcome to make unlimited nominations. Nominations are due by Friday, April 11, 2025.

Submit Your Nomination!

Don't Forget to Renew Your SLAA Membership!

SLAA provides members the opportunity to network, gain industry contacts, learn more about marketing and operations as well as build an awareness of your business through partnering with other location attractions. We look forward to programming that will help you stay connected to our region and to the changes and trends in the tourism and hospitality industry. Whether it's a local or state-wide tourism update or learning how your industry colleagues are attracting new visitors, join us as we continue to make the tourism industry in St. Louis strong and vibrant.

Additional advantages of being a member include business exposure through sponsorship of membership meetings; opportunities for greater involvement through committees; free listings on our website and membership directory; promotion of your organization's internship programs; opportunities to distribute your information to our membership; an annual scholarship program for member employees, interns or family members; and much more.

SLAA has been a great resource for the tourism industry since 1987, and we are looking forward to another great year of excellent programming and networking opportunities, providing useful tools and resources, and offering volunteer opportunities as well.

Renew Now!

Featured Attraction

Would you like the opportunity to be the Featured Attraction in the SLAA newsletter? Submit your name!

Saint Louis Attractions Association

(314) 416-2233 | slaa@qabs.com

www.stlattractions.org