The Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with US Family Guide to bring bloggers to Springfield for stories about the city.

The bloggers, who often bring family members, receive a press pass that provides complimentary admission for up to two adults and two children to area attractions, including Dickerson Park Zoo, Discovery Center, Fantastic Caverns, Andy B’s and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Askinosie Chocolate provides a free factory tour and Gilardi’s and Relics Antique Mall & Tea Room provide dining discounts.

Press passes also are given to travel journalists who visit the city, and everyone who receives a press pass is vetted by the CVB. The press passes are assigned an expiration date and signed by a CVB staff member. Each time a press pass is given to a blogger or journalist, the CVB notifies the participating businesses.

Melinda Arnold, public relations/marketing director at the zoo said the press pass works well for the attraction.

“The Springfield CVB's Press Pass program is a simple and effective way for smaller attractions to make a greater splash reaching audiences of potential travelers,” Arnold said. “The more opportunities we have to showcase our attractions, restaurants, and other destinations, the greater the likelihood that we'll draw visitors to Springfield to our front doors.”

If you want your business on the press pass, and potentially included in stories that will be posted on blogs around the country, contact Susan Wade, CVB public relations manager, at 417-881-5300, ext. 101, or swade@springfieldmo.org.