Chamber hires local resident as tourism director

On just her second day of work, new Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director Katie Casper is ready to get down to the business of promoting Fort Scott.

"We have a lot of assets we can capitalize on," Casper said Wednesday. "I think we can build on what we have and maybe bring in some new ideas."

The Fort Scott native began her new position on Tuesday after her recent appointment by the FSACC Board of Directors. Casper said she has lived in Fort Scott for the past 25 years and is a graduate of both Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College. She earned an agri-business degree from Oklahoma State University, and she worked at a local bank until starting her new job as director of the chamber's tourism department.

Casper said she has very little experience working in the tourism industry, but her knowledge of Fort Scott and many of its citizens will be of value to her as she begins her new position, which will take her out into the community a great deal.

"I know quite a few people," she said. "Plus, I don't plan on leaving Fort Scott."

After getting accustomed to her new position, Casper said, some of her short-term goals include increasing the number of bus tours -- currently about 25 -- that the chamber schedules each year. Also, organizing many more local events to bring tourists to Fort Scott is another idea that Casper said she wants to work on in the coming months.

"I am excited about conveying my passion for my community to others," Casper said in a statement. "I think it is definitely an advantage to have grown up and lived most of my life in Fort Scott. I want to promote many of the city's great assets and hope to capitalize on the city's unique features and sites."