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Billings Chamber wins Custer Country marketing contract

Posted: Sep 3, 2010 2:50 PM by David Jay
Updated: Sep 3, 2010 6:09 PM

UPDATE: Quotes from Billings Chamber, Custer Country Montana, Inc. and Miles City Chamber

BILLINGS - The Billings Chamber of Commerce has tentatively received the marketing contract for Custer Country.
The department's director Dore Schwinden made the announcement at a legislative committee meeting today.
"It's a big opportunity not only for the entire region and to see what we can do to bring visitors into Custer Country," said John Brewer, president/CEO of the Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau. " For the Billings area as well because we are the service hub for the region and the rest of the region is the destination that pulls people in because of the amenities and attractions that they offer."
Department of Commerce spokesperson Marissa Kozel says the Billings Chamber scored the highest in the request of proposal process. Custer Country Montana, Incorporated came in second and the Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce came in third.
"It's not disappointing in fact that the tourism region is still there," said Sean Colmes, president of Custer Country Montan, Incorporated. "it's still a vital promotional piece. The Billings Area Chamber will do its best to promote Eastern Montana and move forward with it.. It's a great opportunity."
"Congratulations to Billings," said John Lane, executive director of the Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce. "No problems with them getting it. They're capable of doing a great job. They're well established in tourism industry and appreciate the needs of Custer Country. Moving Custer Country forward is the important thing."
The Tourism Advisory Council now needs to meet to recognize and approve the Billings Chamber's marketing plan.
The contract became available after an investigation of Custer Country Montana, Incorporated.
That investigation revealed a conflict of interest with a contract for the Custer Country Guide.

Topics: Billings Chamber wins Custer Country marketing contract