The Ozark Heritage Welcome Center located on North Highway 63 opened in 1997. It saw a much-needed facelift in 2020, other than necessary repairs, it had not been remodeled since opening.
The interior has been repainted along with new furniture and décor. There has been an updated retail section, featuring locally made products and West Plains apparel. There is a 55” television highlighting area attractions and new brochure racks.
The Welcome Center is funded by the Hotel/Motel tax and the tax was increased by voters in 2019.
Along with the increase of the tax, a Community Grant Program is offered to citizens to apply for each year. The grant program utilizes funds from the tax to promote tourism and economic development in West Plains. The Tourism Board reviews applications annually and makes recommendations to the City Council for grant awards.
Grant applications are available at www.explorewestplains.com. Grant proposals will be received until 4 p.m. March 20. It is anticipated the Tourism Board will vote to make recommendations to City Council in early April and the final vote taking place at the April City Council meeting. Funding should be available to awardees May 1. All grant expenditures must occur before the end of the fiscal year, March 31, 2022.
Any event/organization/project with the objective to promote tourism and economic development in West Plains is eligible to apply. Grant funds may be used for a variety of expenses including advertising, event overhead, etc. The only restricted expenses are the purchasing of alcohol, illegal activities, facility construction, or grant administration/staffing expenses not directly related to the project.
