About Crawford County, Kansas

The most populated county in Southeast Kansas, this area is known for its coal mining heritage, fried chicken, a unique to Kansas habitat for outdoor recreation, and Pittsburg State University, the home of the nation’s only collegiate gorilla mascot. With facilities normally found only in larger communities, the region regularly hosts live entertainment, including traveling Broadway plays; and, national sporting events, including indoor track and field championships.

Explore Crawford County is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) of Crawford County, Kansas. We are more than a guide of where to eat, play, stay, or have your tournament or meeting in Pittsburg or surrounding towns. We inspire travelers to see our community as a destination for experiences they will want to return to. We promote our entire community to leisure travelers, business travelers, meeting professionals, and more. We connect planners with lodging and other event needs. And, we represent tourism and hospitality professionals in our area who serve the traveling public.

Explore Crawford County
P.O. Box 1115
117 W. 4th St.
Pittsburg, KS 66762

Office: +1 (620) 231-1212

Explore Crawford County Advisory Board Members

OFFICERS

Chair Pam Henderson	Vice-Chair	Secretary/Treasurer
At Large	At Large	Ex-Officio Executive Director of Explore Crawford County: Dave Looby Executive Director of Girard Area Chamber of Commerce: Jessica Ripper President of Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce: Blake Benson

TERMS

Expires December 31, 2023	Expires December 31, 2024	Expires December 31, 2025
Shelby Cannon * Owner Rae + Kae Boutique Sookie Fields * Owner Family Fun Depot & Frisco Event Center Lynn Grant Retired LaWana Johnson * General Manager Holiday Inn Express and Suites Jeff McKain General Manager Kansas Crossing Casino Courtney Powell * General Manager Comfort Inn and Suites Sara Vacca Director Pittsburg Family YMCA	Pam Henderson * U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Office Damian Smithhisler * Associate Athletic Director, Facilities Robert W. Plaster Center Coordinator Pittsburg State University Athletics Brenna Whetzell * Sales Manager Hampton Inn & Suites

---

More about Explore Crawford County

Mission Statement

The mission of the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Explore Crawford County, is to promote travel and tourism in Crawford County, Kansas through sporting events, conventions, conferences and general travel. Utilize attractions, facilities and accommodations to promote travel and economic growth in Crawford County.

Advisory Board Duties & Responsibilities

The Advisory Board provides input to the Crawford County CVB as it seeks to fulfill its mission.

• Full Board Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday every other month at 8:00 a.m. CST. (February, April, June, August, October & December) – Plus, the Annual Meeting is 2nd Wednesday of January at 12 p.m.
• Executive Committee Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday every other month at 8 a.m. CST (March, May, July, September & November).
• Budget review

Application to be considered for the Advisory Board

All applicants must be residents of Crawford County, Kansas. Download the file below, limit all answers to available space, then email the document to dlooby@visitcrawfordcounty.com.