1. Our Mission The mission of the Mississippi River Collaborative is to promote the magnificence and diversity of the Mississippi River as a national treasured landscape. This joint effort will work to increase recognition of America’s Great River, enhance the existing resources, acquire funding for conservation and development, and ensure that all Americans can enjoy these assets in the future. MRCC Vision Americans will recognize and protect the Mississippi River and its people, places, and stories as a national treasured landscape.

2. Explore our Heart, Soul and Nature http://mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com

4.  Geotourism – “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.”  Geotourism leverages the power of National Geographic and local partners to gather and disseminate rich information about the unique and authentic aspects of a destination.

5. High quality online interactive website of the region. Mississippi River Corridor Geotourism Stewardship Council with strategic business and marketing plan outlining the future of the program Public relations and initial outreach and marketing to roll out and promote the destination Established network of sites, attractions and businesses to inspire visitors to come and experience the place

6. Proposed Roll-out Events/activities - 2016 July 21 - Washington DC roll out conducted as a conference call with the press and key principals from across the country. A series of events August - October that would invite the press and MRG content contributors to; announce the roll-out of MRG, recognize and provide contributors with their certificate and other materials to promote being a part of MRG, and celebrate to public roll-out of the MRG... Tentatively looking at; St. Louis and Twin Cities in August Natchez and New Orleans in September Quad Cities and Memphis in October NGS will be a partner in these assisting with invites, materials, and more, and actively participating in a couple of the above

8. What is a Nomination? The Geotourism Website is designed to give local residents the opportunity to share what is authentic and unique about their place with the rest of the world. The way in which National Geographic collects all of those great ideas and suggestions from local residents is through “nominations”. A nomination is simply a way for local residents to describe what they feel represents the distinctive characteristics of their place.

9. Who Can Make Nominations? Local people, businesses, and organizations are all invited to nominate points of interest, tourism related businesses and unique experiences for potential inclusion on the Mississippi River website. What can I nominate? The Mississippi River Geotourism Website is designed to highlight authentic and distinctive attractions, businesses, activities, people, and experiences that represent and capture the unique character and beauty of the Mississippi River

10. What can you nominate? Places - featuring local cuisine and locally sourced and sustainable culinary products and goods such as traditional markets, shops and restaurants Remarkable natural areas - and features such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, landscapes, natural formations, geology, forests, overlooks, viewpoints Locally owned and family business - like unique lodging, cafes and bars, culture, recreation and tour operators Distinctive wildlife habitats –and notable species of birds, mammals, flowers, reptiles or trees

11. Events – music, community, ceremonies and festivals that highlight the community’s heritage and traditions Cultural experiences - indigenous communities, music and performing arts, living culture Outdoor experiences - sites for biking, boating, hiking, birding, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, watchable wildlife Scenic routes - including hiking trails, bike routes, birding trails, boating, historic, cultural Community – districts, architecture, conservation or restoration initiatives, interpretive centers, museums, theaters, venues

12. Go to mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com Click on “Nominate” You will see a screen and insert your data in “Create an Account Here” and “Create your Password” Insert your name and surname Insert your email address Insert your password Steps to open an Account to create Nominations

14. Recognize and acknowledge our content contributors Promote micro, small and medium businesses

17. Future “Year of ….” 2017… is year of camping 2018… year of hiking 2019… year of art

18. mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com mr-cc.org Thank You!