There are eight scheduled regional Tourism Congress meetings this week. Industry stakeholders will come together to develop initiatives for the state's tourism industry and to discuss tourism's economic impact on the state, identify industry challenges and opportunities and develop strategies for growth, among other things.

Initiatives will either become proposed legislation or be supported by interested individuals, groups or state agencies.

For more information, contact Tammy Backhaus at 328-2526 or at tbackhaus@;nd.gov.

Regional meeting schedule:

n 3 p.m. today, Minot, Grand International.

n 10 a.m. Wednesday, Williston, El Rancho Motor Hotel.

n 2 p.m. MST Wednesday, Dickinson, Dickinson City Hall.

n 3 p.m. Thursday, Bismarck, Doublewood Inn.