New York City travel writers and editors got a taste of Missouri in February along with several story ideas.

Representatives from several destination marketing organizations in Missouri met with nearly 20 journalists to encourage stories about the state.

Along with meeting the journalists, printed materials and a backpack filled with a variety of craft goods with southwest Missouri roots were given to the journalists so they could sample the products. They included a backpack and other items from Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Granolove granola, a T-shirt from 5 Pound Apparel, beer from Mother’s Brewing Co., coffee beans from Heroes Coffee, a chocolate bar from Askinosie Chocolate and moonshine from Copper Run Distillery.

Along with pitching stories about the products, stories about the humanitarian missions related to those products also were pitched along with stories about outdoor and soft adventures in Missouri.

Participating organizations were the Springfield CVB, St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, H&L Partners advertising and public relations agency and Missouri Division of Tourism.

The trip was deemed successful by the participants and another trip is being considered.