When CVB board chair Joe Wadkins received a note from a visitor complimenting Barbara Bartels, it wasn't a surprise. 

Barbara, a visitor services associate at the Springfield Route 66 Information Center, is a wealth of knowledge - especially about Route 66 - and always has a huge smile as she answers tourists' questions and offers suggestions about things to see and do in the Ozarks. 

"I was so happy to hear about Barbara making such an impact with our guests!" Wadkins said. "She is such a wonderful representation of hospitality here in the Ozarks and I appreciate all of the work that she and the entire team at the CVB do to make our guests feel welcome."

Here's what the letter said:

March 31, 2022

Joe Wadkins, Chair, 

We recently visited Springfield and as any tourist might do our first stop was the Visitor Center. Barbara supplied us with maps, a book of coupons, the requisite Visitor Guide and idea of things to see and do. Anyone could have done that but Barbara was so personable, so kind and so genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her; it was obvious that she loves her job and her city. We enjoyed our visit and will definitely return.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Louis Clarke

Thank you, Barbara, for all you do and for making such a great impression on visitors!