A leap of faith brought Jefferson City a new woman to promote it.
Alexandra Bobbitt, communications/film manager at the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, started the role last December.
Bobbitt came to the CVB after working for the Missouri Division of Tourism for nearly three years.
"I had an idea of what their marketing efforts entailed, and I loved the direction they were going with things," she said. "When the position opened, I took a leap of faith and applied. Then, here I am!"
Bobbitt and her now husband, Bryce, moved to Jefferson City on Aug. 21, 2017. Their first day in town landed on a total solar eclipse.
Her goal at work, Bobbitt said, is to showcase the "beloved attractions, restaurants and lodging facilities" around town along with promoting the city to potential visitors and travel writers.
"Nearly every destination in the state has restaurants, lodging and attractions," she said. "I like to brainstorm how we can showcase ours in a different light to encourage more business in the city.
"Jefferson City has such a rich history and traditions that deserve to be shared by everyone."
The primary things that can impede her creativity, Bobbitt said, are time and Mother Nature.
"There is so much I want to do, but it never feels like I have enough time in the day," she explained. "Weather and a pandemic can certainly put a damper on our efforts, too."
Outside of work, Bobbitt is working on her master of science in media management degree, which she hopes to finish this year.
She also enjoys gardening, walking on nature trails, spending time at the lake and traveling.
She and Bryce got married right before the COVID-19 pandemic shut things down in Missouri.
"My wedding occurred three weeks earlier than anticipated last year due to the pandemic," she said. "(We) made the spontaneous decision to wed on a Wednesday night surrounded by our closest family members just hours before the city of Springfield shut down. We postponed our reception to take place this April, and I planted 150 tulips with hopes to use them as part of the decor."