“When I took over at the tourism office, this town had two things going for it: the harvest parade, and that one haunted corn maze that gave people staph infections. That was our brand. Rotting pumpkins and tetanus. And now? We’re on the verge of something transformational.

Kristen Springs has a vision—and it’s not just about massages and mineral water. It’s about hope. Economic recovery. Regional prestige. We’re talking retreats, conferences, influencer partnerships. It’s a pipeline for cultural capital.

And yes, of course I heard about the “water issue.” But it’s always someone trying to stop progress. There’s always some academic with a clipboard yelling about contamination. But they never bring solutions. Just fear.

This is our shot. And it only works if the investors stay confident. You don’t build a future by doubting it in public. I need this to work, not just for my department—but for the future brochures I’m already writing. So please… don’t spook the money. We can manage whatever’s happening. Quietly. Strategically. That’s leadership.”