ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The following people were responsible for the successful completion of the impact study, which includes the surveys, data collection, and economic modeling.

At the Kansas State Parks, Director Linda Lanterman led the effort in data collection, survey review, and overall guidance on the project scope. Arlan Hair, Application Developer at the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism, served as the main point of contact to provide financial information. Both Linda and Arlan’s experience, teamwork, and passion for the state park system made for a better project. The following people provided additional guidance and data:

Alan Stark, Regional Supervisor Anthony Reitz, Regional Supervisor Brenda Dean, Administrative Specialist Cherie Riffey, Grants Coordinator Jeffrey Bender, Regional Supervisor Joyce Dixon, Administrative Specialist Kati Westerhaus, Grants Coordinator Lisa Boyles, Administrative Specialist Mike Miller, Assistant Secretary Steve Seibel, Regional Supervisor

Professor A. Lynn Matthews assisted the center with the guest survey design and development. She is an Assistant Professor at the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. Her contributions include adding the measurement tools for determining visitor’s experience of authenticity, which aligns with her professional academic research.

At Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR), Mike Busch served as Co-Principal Investigator for the project. He provided technical expertise, data collection, and analysis throughout the project. Anne Price, Graphic Design Consultant, led the design team and developed the graphics, while Andrea Wilson, Budget and Conference Administrator, laid out the page designs and added the content. Jeremy Hill, Director of CEDBR, served as the Co-Principal Investigator. He provided theoretical, technical expertise, survey development, and project management.

The Center for Business Research and Economic Development, a unit of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, is responsible for any errors in this report. Inquiries may be directed to: Center for Business Research and Economic Development, 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS 67260. The Center can be reached by telephone at 1-316-978-3225 or through the website at www.CEDBR.org.