Florida has been a leader in the national effort to send the message that meetings, travel and tourism are essential to the country’s economic health. Last week, the Florida Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus brought its case to Tallahassee, where hearings were held on a Senate bill to divert Tourist Development Tax funds. City and state legislative bodies throughout the country are targeting hotel taxes and tourism dollars in an effort to replenish shrinking coffers, a potential threat to the convention and visitors bureaus’ programs (and what CVBs can do for meeting planners). This week’s VISIT FLORIDA video legislative report featured the Florida Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus visits to Tallahassee. If you’re interested in how the message is getting out, take a look. The video is in the lower righthand corner.