From staff reports

ALTUS -- Kacie Marie Walker is the Southwest Oklahoma Tourism Ambassador for 2005. Funds raised through through her campaign are used to promote this area of the state.

All funds raised are designated for tourism promotion activities and to promote Altus and the immediate area. The visitor industry in the state and region continues to grow. Several developing projects show promise for increased tourism in Southwest Oklahoma. These attractions include Quartz Mountain Resort Arts and Conference Center and Nature Park, Twin Peaks Performance Hall, Hackberry Flats Wetland Restoration Project near Frederick, and the National Park in Cheyenne continue to draw visitors to our area.

Walker will spend the months of June and July making calls on businesses, individuals and organizations, soliciting support for the myriad of promotional activities sponsored by the Altus Chamber of Commerce and benefiting our entire region. The chamber is currently working with Mangum, Granite, Hobart, Lone Wolf and Quartz Mountain Resort Arts and Conference Center and Nature Park on a brochure that will promote other things to do to visitors at the lake. Each year the Altus Chamber partners with other communities throughout the 14-county area of Southwest Oklahoma tourism marketing association called Great Plains County in an project to produce 100,000 Great Plains Country guides. These and many more projects will be funded through the funds raised during the summer tourism promotion program. For more information or to schedule a visit with Kacie call the Altus Chamber at 482-0210.

Walker is the daughter of Ralph and Carol Walker. She graduated from Altus High School in May 2004. She attends the University of Oklahoma majoring in communications and minoring in Spanish.