January 2011 Archives
Alabama's 2011 Vacation Guide and Calendar of Events focus on the Year of Alabama Music with feature articles, attractions and more than 1,500 listings. The covers of both publications prominently feature the state's beaches to showcase the gulf coast as a tourism destination. More than 1,500 festivals, events and celebrations that take place across the state during the Year of Alabama Music are highlighted in the calendar. Nearly 400 of the listed events include festivals that feature live music and 71 of the events highlight "Becoming Alabama" activities. "Becoming Alabama" is a five-year commemoration focusing on three historic struggles that shaped the state: the Creek Indian War, the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. "We are excited about having two important campaigns for 2011, The Year of Alabama Music and Becoming Alabama," said tourism director Lee Sentell. "There is something for everyone in this year's calendar especially if you enjoy music, history and theatre."
The picture on the cover of the vacation guide showcases Alabama's white sand beaches. The photo is of two brightly colored Adirondack chairs resting in the white sand along Gulf Shores, the chairs are positioned toward a view of the aquamarine waters along Alabama's Gulf Coast. A small version of the same photo also appears on the cover of the calendar of events along with three other photos. The other photos include Mardi Gras in Mobile; Blues woman Debbie Bond at the Alabama Blues Project to promote the Johnny Shines Blues Festival in Tuscaloosa; and a reenactment to highlight the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The 97-page calendar of events includes a listing of events by city and a top ten list for each month makes it easy for travelers to plan a trip to the state. A music note next to a listing indicates a Year of Alabama Music event and a state flag icon indicates "Becoming Alabama" events.
The 169-page vacation guide provides travelers with information on hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, tourism associations, state parks, golf courses, attractions, trails and museums. Music venues are a main feature throughout the Vacation Guide. Each region of the state is highlighted and provides articles on the attractions, places to stay and events in the area. Articles include "Sweet Home Alabama Songs" on pages 16-19, "Toe-Tapping Tunes and Finger Licking Fare" on pages 20-21 and shopping on page 22. A special feature on "Becoming Alabama" can be found on pages 24-26 and golf begins on page 28. Travelers can pick up copies of both publications at each of the eight Alabama Welcome Centers, by calling 1.800.ALABAMA or by requesting online at www.alabama.travel. Compass Marketing of Gulf Shores publishes the vacation guide.
The picture on the cover of the vacation guide showcases Alabama's white sand beaches. The photo is of two brightly colored Adirondack chairs resting in the white sand along Gulf Shores, the chairs are positioned toward a view of the aquamarine waters along Alabama's Gulf Coast. A small version of the same photo also appears on the cover of the calendar of events along with three other photos. The other photos include Mardi Gras in Mobile; Blues woman Debbie Bond at the Alabama Blues Project to promote the Johnny Shines Blues Festival in Tuscaloosa; and a reenactment to highlight the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The 97-page calendar of events includes a listing of events by city and a top ten list for each month makes it easy for travelers to plan a trip to the state. A music note next to a listing indicates a Year of Alabama Music event and a state flag icon indicates "Becoming Alabama" events.
The 169-page vacation guide provides travelers with information on hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, tourism associations, state parks, golf courses, attractions, trails and museums. Music venues are a main feature throughout the Vacation Guide. Each region of the state is highlighted and provides articles on the attractions, places to stay and events in the area. Articles include "Sweet Home Alabama Songs" on pages 16-19, "Toe-Tapping Tunes and Finger Licking Fare" on pages 20-21 and shopping on page 22. A special feature on "Becoming Alabama" can be found on pages 24-26 and golf begins on page 28. Travelers can pick up copies of both publications at each of the eight Alabama Welcome Centers, by calling 1.800.ALABAMA or by requesting online at www.alabama.travel. Compass Marketing of Gulf Shores publishes the vacation guide.
Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC): Network Development Demonstration Project
The purpose of the EMSC-NDDP is to demonstrate the value of an infrastructure or network designed to be the platform from which to conduct investigations on the efficacy of treatments, transport, and care responses in pediatric emergency care. This infrastructure helps to overcome present difficulties in assessing efficacy and quality of care that derive from the relatively small incidence rates of pediatric emergency events. The infrastructure is a means to conduct observational and interventional studies on a variety of issues related to EMSC, including processes involved in transferring research results to treatment settings. The application deadline is March 16, 2011. For more information, please visit: https://grants.hrsa.gov/webExternal/SFO.asp?ID=288D8960-DC78-4FBD-986B-A8FC94BA1D88
National Programs to Improve the Health and Educational Outcomes of Young People
Approximately $6,000,000 will be available to fiscal year 2011 to fund 25 awards. The purpose of this program, National Programs to Improve the Health and Educational Outcomes of Young People, is to improve child and adolescent health by helping schools and communities create an environment that fosters a culture of wellness and makes healthy choices the easy choice. The application deadline is March 4, 2011. For more information, please visit: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=tfQKN98ppKhx2z19SnGVDDtTy7pfG4pYzDcJLvK1DllzTGH2wTvN!375102673?oppId=65234&mode=VIEW
The purpose of the EMSC-NDDP is to demonstrate the value of an infrastructure or network designed to be the platform from which to conduct investigations on the efficacy of treatments, transport, and care responses in pediatric emergency care. This infrastructure helps to overcome present difficulties in assessing efficacy and quality of care that derive from the relatively small incidence rates of pediatric emergency events. The infrastructure is a means to conduct observational and interventional studies on a variety of issues related to EMSC, including processes involved in transferring research results to treatment settings. The application deadline is March 16, 2011. For more information, please visit: https://grants.hrsa.gov/webExternal/SFO.asp?ID=288D8960-DC78-4FBD-986B-A8FC94BA1D88
National Programs to Improve the Health and Educational Outcomes of Young People
Approximately $6,000,000 will be available to fiscal year 2011 to fund 25 awards. The purpose of this program, National Programs to Improve the Health and Educational Outcomes of Young People, is to improve child and adolescent health by helping schools and communities create an environment that fosters a culture of wellness and makes healthy choices the easy choice. The application deadline is March 4, 2011. For more information, please visit: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=tfQKN98ppKhx2z19SnGVDDtTy7pfG4pYzDcJLvK1DllzTGH2wTvN!375102673?oppId=65234&mode=VIEW
Despite the summer events of 2010, the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (AGCSC) exceeded 2009's previous all-time highs to establish several new records, including tourism money brought into the local economy. In 2010, the commission recruited and/or serviced 68 events - 17 more events than 2009, and generated 38,142 room nights for the island - a 64 percent increase over 23,155 room nights in 2009. Ultimately, these events resulted in a $12.8 million tourism impact, which is a $5 million increase over the previous year. "We are ecstatic beyond words to have set these records for 2010, especially considering the events that we faced," said Beth Gendler, director of sales for the AGCSC. "The numbers are a direct result of the intensive work of our staff, the cities' park and recreation departments and incredibly valued partnerships throughout the island. Everyone banded together to provide our sports guests with an unrivaled hospitality experience. We wanted them to know how much we appreciated their event."
The recruitment of new events was a key part of the commission's success. In April, the commission welcomed one of its new events during a peak spring break time. The USSSA Super NIT Baseball Tournament resulted in 764 room nights and a $225,831 tourism impact as these 64 youth traveled to area for a three-day tournament.Then, near the end of June, the AGCSC retained approximately 60 teams to compete in the NSA Alabama State All-Star Softball Tournament. This three-day event generated 1,824 room nights and $693,831 in tourism impact. Then at the end of November, they welcomed the first in a series of NAIA national championship events. Sixteen men's soccer teams battled during the three-day championship and lead to 1,038 room nights and $239,934 in tourism impact. "These new events - paired with our existing line-up - show the strength of our commission and its partnerships throughout the community," Gendler said. "To have solid numbers like these result from first-time events to the area is tremendous." Looking forward to 2011, the commission will begin the year under a new name: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission (GSOBSC). "Our CVB completed a corporate identification process in 2010 and changed to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, so it only made sense that our sports commission would also transition," Gendler said. "We know most people are more familiar with the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and might better relate to where their event is being held with our new name change."
The commission has 60 events currently slated for 2011, including two NAIA national championships. The NAIA Women's Softball Championship will be held May 19-25, 2011 while the NAIA Men's Soccer Championship will return for the second year in a row on Nov. 28-Dec. 3, 2011. "Most importantly, we would like to thank our tremendous crew of dedicated volunteers, who sacrifice their time to support these community events," Gendler said. "We are indebted to their graciousness and generosity." She added that "another set of behind-the-scenes supporters are our invaluable annual sponsors and the dedicated recreation departments at the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. These partnerships have directly lead to our sports commission's growth and ultimately provide another source of business for our island businesses."
For more information on the sports commission please see www.GulfShoresOrangeBeachSports.com.
The recruitment of new events was a key part of the commission's success. In April, the commission welcomed one of its new events during a peak spring break time. The USSSA Super NIT Baseball Tournament resulted in 764 room nights and a $225,831 tourism impact as these 64 youth traveled to area for a three-day tournament.Then, near the end of June, the AGCSC retained approximately 60 teams to compete in the NSA Alabama State All-Star Softball Tournament. This three-day event generated 1,824 room nights and $693,831 in tourism impact. Then at the end of November, they welcomed the first in a series of NAIA national championship events. Sixteen men's soccer teams battled during the three-day championship and lead to 1,038 room nights and $239,934 in tourism impact. "These new events - paired with our existing line-up - show the strength of our commission and its partnerships throughout the community," Gendler said. "To have solid numbers like these result from first-time events to the area is tremendous." Looking forward to 2011, the commission will begin the year under a new name: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission (GSOBSC). "Our CVB completed a corporate identification process in 2010 and changed to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, so it only made sense that our sports commission would also transition," Gendler said. "We know most people are more familiar with the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and might better relate to where their event is being held with our new name change."
The commission has 60 events currently slated for 2011, including two NAIA national championships. The NAIA Women's Softball Championship will be held May 19-25, 2011 while the NAIA Men's Soccer Championship will return for the second year in a row on Nov. 28-Dec. 3, 2011. "Most importantly, we would like to thank our tremendous crew of dedicated volunteers, who sacrifice their time to support these community events," Gendler said. "We are indebted to their graciousness and generosity." She added that "another set of behind-the-scenes supporters are our invaluable annual sponsors and the dedicated recreation departments at the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. These partnerships have directly lead to our sports commission's growth and ultimately provide another source of business for our island businesses."
For more information on the sports commission please see www.GulfShoresOrangeBeachSports.com.
The state tourism department will kick off the Year of Alabama Music on Jan. 20 at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham. A press conference will be held to announce details of the campaign and the events that will take place during the year-long celebration. Music industry representatives from regions across the state, Birmingham jazz musician Eric Essix, Dothan bluesman Little Jimmy Reed, Oxford American Magazine representatives and tourism officials will be on hand for the presentation. A music brochure, "100 Place To Hear Live Music in Alabama," a guitar in the shape of Alabama, a website dedicated to all things music, music-related contests and events in conjunction with Oxford American magazine are a few highlights of the campaign. The music brochure lists sites throughout the state such as Ona's Music Room, the Bottletree and the Garage in Birmingham, the Rattlesnake Saloon and Smokehouse Billiards in the Shoals, Sous-La-Terre and the Alley Bar in Montgomery, Lulu's and the Hangout in Gulf Shores, the Peerless Saloon in Anniston and the Blues Tavern in Mobile. The brochure is the third in a series of popular tourism information guides. In 2005 the popular "100 Dishes to eat in Alabama before you die" was first printed, followed by "100 Outdoor Adventures in Alabama" in 2006. Eric Essix and Little Jimmy Reed will play the "Alabama Jammer" guitar at the 11 a.m. kick-off. The guitar, in the shape of the state, is an icon for the year of music and was created by Gibson Guitars in Nashville.
Alabama Tourism director Lee Sentell said few things can bring out the passion, interest and devotion in people like music. "Music provides a strong emotional experience for most. This campaign will increase tourism to Alabama by showcasing our variety of music, musical events and destinations." Oxford American and the tourism department are planning several special events for the year. The first event is a concert Sat., Feb. 5, 2011 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. The event, called "Abalabip," after a song by Nat King Cole's brother Eddie, will feature Ralph "Soul" Jackson, the Sex Clark Five, Mary Gresham, Arthur Doyle, and the Secret Sister Band. Tickets are $20. Several other events are scheduled during next month. A documentary about the band Drive-By Truckers, "The Secret To A Happy Ending," will show for one night at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery Friday, Jan. 28 at 9 p.m. Band member Patterson Hood is a second generation Muscle Shoals performer. His father David Hood is a musician who played with the Swampers, a studio band that attracted world renowned singers. The Princess Theatre in Decatur is hosting an event, "An Evening with Mac McAnally" on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. The tourism department is hosting a songwriters contest and will accept original material about the state of Alabama. Details about the contest will be released Feb.15.
The Year of Music marks the eighth in a series of tourism campaigns that began in 2004 focusing on gardens. The tourism department will also unveil a website dedicated to the Year of Music, www.yearofalabamamusic.com and a Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/AlabamaMusic.
Alabama Tourism director Lee Sentell said few things can bring out the passion, interest and devotion in people like music. "Music provides a strong emotional experience for most. This campaign will increase tourism to Alabama by showcasing our variety of music, musical events and destinations." Oxford American and the tourism department are planning several special events for the year. The first event is a concert Sat., Feb. 5, 2011 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. The event, called "Abalabip," after a song by Nat King Cole's brother Eddie, will feature Ralph "Soul" Jackson, the Sex Clark Five, Mary Gresham, Arthur Doyle, and the Secret Sister Band. Tickets are $20. Several other events are scheduled during next month. A documentary about the band Drive-By Truckers, "The Secret To A Happy Ending," will show for one night at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery Friday, Jan. 28 at 9 p.m. Band member Patterson Hood is a second generation Muscle Shoals performer. His father David Hood is a musician who played with the Swampers, a studio band that attracted world renowned singers. The Princess Theatre in Decatur is hosting an event, "An Evening with Mac McAnally" on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. The tourism department is hosting a songwriters contest and will accept original material about the state of Alabama. Details about the contest will be released Feb.15.
The Year of Music marks the eighth in a series of tourism campaigns that began in 2004 focusing on gardens. The tourism department will also unveil a website dedicated to the Year of Music, www.yearofalabamamusic.com and a Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/AlabamaMusic.
Gov. Robert Bentley urged Alabama residents during his inaugural address to vacation in their home state. "I want to take a moment to encourage you to do what I've done. Travel this state - take time to enjoy the beauty of Alabama. Visit the mountains of North Alabama. Enjoy our clear lakes and streams. Stroll the main streets of our small towns in rural Alabama. Spend some good, quality time on the beautiful clean beaches of Gulf Shores." His remarks came after being sworn in Monday as the state's 53rd chief executive. He also called for the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources to "create and build a state-of-the-art convention center" along the Gulf Coast. When he addressed the tourism industry's conference in Montgomery as a candidate in August, he identified a conference center at Gulf State Park as his top tourism priority.
State tourism director Lee Sentell, who was sworn in Tuesday to serve in the Bentley Administration, said he could not recall any governor giving such strong, specific support for tourism in an inaugural address. "This is great news. Gov. Bentley has made it clear what his goals are. Our industry will work very hard to help him complete this economic development project." Sentell visited with Dr. and Mrs. Bentley during a reception of well-wishers at the Governor's Mansion on Sunday night.
State tourism director Lee Sentell, who was sworn in Tuesday to serve in the Bentley Administration, said he could not recall any governor giving such strong, specific support for tourism in an inaugural address. "This is great news. Gov. Bentley has made it clear what his goals are. Our industry will work very hard to help him complete this economic development project." Sentell visited with Dr. and Mrs. Bentley during a reception of well-wishers at the Governor's Mansion on Sunday night.
Deadline: Jan. 31
The Alabama Tourism Department is asking representatives from state attractions and events to submit their 2010 attendance figures. These figures are used by state tourism in economic impact studies and are the basis for the annual "Top 10" list. Attendance figures will be released to the media and included in press kits sent to travel writers and group tour operators.
In order for you to be counted we must have your data by Monday, Jan. 31. The reporting process has been streamlined to allow you to enter your attendance figures directly online. The entire process should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Please follow this link to enter your attendance figures:
http://www.alabama.travel/media-room/attendance.cfm
Note: There is only one event or attraction per online form and only one classification can be chosen. The Alabama Tourism Department reserves the right for final determination of classifications.
If you have any questions contact:
Brian S. Jones
Regional Director
Alabama Tourism Department
Brian.Jones@tourism.alabama.gov
(334) 242-4665
The Alabama Tourism Department is asking representatives from state attractions and events to submit their 2010 attendance figures. These figures are used by state tourism in economic impact studies and are the basis for the annual "Top 10" list. Attendance figures will be released to the media and included in press kits sent to travel writers and group tour operators.
In order for you to be counted we must have your data by Monday, Jan. 31. The reporting process has been streamlined to allow you to enter your attendance figures directly online. The entire process should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Please follow this link to enter your attendance figures:
http://www.alabama.travel/media-room/attendance.cfm
Note: There is only one event or attraction per online form and only one classification can be chosen. The Alabama Tourism Department reserves the right for final determination of classifications.
If you have any questions contact:
Brian S. Jones
Regional Director
Alabama Tourism Department
Brian.Jones@tourism.alabama.gov
(334) 242-4665
This program provides support to projects of national scope that have the potential to elevate museum, archival, and library practice within the context of national strategic initiatives. Priority will be given to proposed projects or collaborative planning efforts in the following categories: advancing digital resources - creation, use, presentation, and preservation of significant digital resources as well as the development of tools to enhance access, use, and management of digital assets; research - projects that have the potential to improve museum, archival, and library practice, resource use, programs, and services; demonstration - projects that produce a replicable model or practice that is usable by other institutions for improving services and performance; library-museum collaboration grants - projects that address the educational, economic, cultural, and social needs of a community. The application deadline is February 1, 2011.
For more information visit, http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nationalLeadership.shtm
For more information visit, http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nationalLeadership.shtm
January 26, 2011
The Club, Ballroom
1 Robert Smith Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
8:30am - 9:00am Registration / Continental Breakfast
9:00am - 10:00am Concurrent Sessions A
Planning for the Redevelopment of Greyfields, Brownfields and Tax Delinquent Properties (Stateroom)
This session examines turning problem properties into opportunities. Often municipalities do not understand the full extent of their under-utilized properties. Presenters will identify the scale of these properties, give a brief overview and provide strategies for redevelopment of the region's greyfields, brownfields and tax-delinquent properties. An example of a local, neighborhood-scale redevelopment plan will be discussed.
Moderator: Mr. Philip Amthor, Planner, RPCGB
Connecting Alabama through the Broadband Initiative (Ballroom)
There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to meet community needs for broadband access and use. This session will provide an overview of this multi-year initiative promoting the availability and adoption of broadband internet access throughout the state of Alabama.
Moderator: Ms. Jessica Dent, Executive Director, Connecting Alabama
10:00am - 10:15am Break
10:15am- 11:15am Concurrent Sessions B
Outdoor Adventure Tourism as Unconventional Economic Development (Stateroom)
Identifying assets, mechanisms and partnerships to protect and utilize natural & cultural resources.
Moderator: Ms. Francesca Gross, Five Mile Creek Greenway
High-Speed Passenger Rail Service: Atlanta to Birmingham (Ballroom)
A representative from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will present information on the conceptual engineering analysis being conducted under agreement between the RPCGB and the GDOT for the feasibility of high-speed passenger rail service between Atlanta and Birmingham.
Moderator: Mr. William R. Foisy, Director of Planning, RPCGB
11:30am - 1:00pm RPCGB Annual Luncheon (Ballroom)
Election of 2011-2012 RPCGB Officers and Board of Directors
Keynote Address: Mr. Pete Conroy, Director, Jacksonville State University's Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC)
Pete Conroy is the Director of Jacksonville State University's Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC). Trained as a biologist, Mr. Conroy moved to Alabama in 1985 to work as the curator of the Anniston Museum of Natural History. Since then, he has received appointments from Alabama Governors Bob Riley (R), Don Siegelman (D), Fob James (R), Jim Folsom (D) and Guy Hunt (R). These appointments range from his 2002 selection by Governor Siegelman to Chair the Alabama Commission on Environmental Initiatives and Alabama Geographic Information Council to his 2009 selection by Governor Bob Riley to serve as Chair of the Region 4 Arts, Culture and Tourism Committee of the Alabama Rural Action Commission. Retained by President George Bush, Pete received White House appointments by President Bill Clinton in early 1999 to serve as Alternate U.S. Federal Commissioner of the Tri-State (ACT/ACF) Water Compacts. He was also selected by the Office of the Secretary of the Army to serve on an Operational Assessment Team to review safety measures relating to the destruction of chemical warfare materials in Alabama. Additionally and through his appointments, Pete leads a number of projects related to conservation and economic development. Examples include the establishment and operation of the Little River Canyon Center, reuse of the former Fort McClellan, the Chief Ladiga Rail-Trail, and several Alabama-based initiatives promoting smart growth, environmental education, the arts, conservation, ecotourism, water policy and, as of May 2010, the Gulf oil spill disaster.
Registration and training session information available on the RPCGB website.
The Club, Ballroom
1 Robert Smith Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
8:30am - 9:00am Registration / Continental Breakfast
9:00am - 10:00am Concurrent Sessions A
Planning for the Redevelopment of Greyfields, Brownfields and Tax Delinquent Properties (Stateroom)
This session examines turning problem properties into opportunities. Often municipalities do not understand the full extent of their under-utilized properties. Presenters will identify the scale of these properties, give a brief overview and provide strategies for redevelopment of the region's greyfields, brownfields and tax-delinquent properties. An example of a local, neighborhood-scale redevelopment plan will be discussed.
Moderator: Mr. Philip Amthor, Planner, RPCGB
Connecting Alabama through the Broadband Initiative (Ballroom)
There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to meet community needs for broadband access and use. This session will provide an overview of this multi-year initiative promoting the availability and adoption of broadband internet access throughout the state of Alabama.
Moderator: Ms. Jessica Dent, Executive Director, Connecting Alabama
10:00am - 10:15am Break
10:15am- 11:15am Concurrent Sessions B
Outdoor Adventure Tourism as Unconventional Economic Development (Stateroom)
Identifying assets, mechanisms and partnerships to protect and utilize natural & cultural resources.
Moderator: Ms. Francesca Gross, Five Mile Creek Greenway
High-Speed Passenger Rail Service: Atlanta to Birmingham (Ballroom)
A representative from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will present information on the conceptual engineering analysis being conducted under agreement between the RPCGB and the GDOT for the feasibility of high-speed passenger rail service between Atlanta and Birmingham.
Moderator: Mr. William R. Foisy, Director of Planning, RPCGB
11:30am - 1:00pm RPCGB Annual Luncheon (Ballroom)
Election of 2011-2012 RPCGB Officers and Board of Directors
Keynote Address: Mr. Pete Conroy, Director, Jacksonville State University's Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC)
Pete Conroy is the Director of Jacksonville State University's Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC). Trained as a biologist, Mr. Conroy moved to Alabama in 1985 to work as the curator of the Anniston Museum of Natural History. Since then, he has received appointments from Alabama Governors Bob Riley (R), Don Siegelman (D), Fob James (R), Jim Folsom (D) and Guy Hunt (R). These appointments range from his 2002 selection by Governor Siegelman to Chair the Alabama Commission on Environmental Initiatives and Alabama Geographic Information Council to his 2009 selection by Governor Bob Riley to serve as Chair of the Region 4 Arts, Culture and Tourism Committee of the Alabama Rural Action Commission. Retained by President George Bush, Pete received White House appointments by President Bill Clinton in early 1999 to serve as Alternate U.S. Federal Commissioner of the Tri-State (ACT/ACF) Water Compacts. He was also selected by the Office of the Secretary of the Army to serve on an Operational Assessment Team to review safety measures relating to the destruction of chemical warfare materials in Alabama. Additionally and through his appointments, Pete leads a number of projects related to conservation and economic development. Examples include the establishment and operation of the Little River Canyon Center, reuse of the former Fort McClellan, the Chief Ladiga Rail-Trail, and several Alabama-based initiatives promoting smart growth, environmental education, the arts, conservation, ecotourism, water policy and, as of May 2010, the Gulf oil spill disaster.
Registration and training session information available on the RPCGB website.
Here Be Dragons
HIGH-TECH GLOBAL TREASURE HUNTING IN BIRMINGHAM
By Sam George
Right now, at this very moment, you are surrounded by hidden treasure. No matter where you might be in Birmingham, in all likelihood there are a number of carefully concealed containers near you. You spend your days walking blithely past these troves, oblivious to their presence and undesirous of their contents, but a small and rapidly growing population of high-tech treasure-hunters has begun to arise around the quest for their discovery. Read the full article here: http://bhamweekly.com/birmingham/article-1999-here-be-dragons.htmlhttp://bhamweekly.com/birmingham/article-1999-here-be-dragons.html
About The Conference
The Legacy Environmental Partnership Conference has a tradition of bringing together a diverse group of Alabama citizens who are interested in our environment. Cutting edge themes and quality presentations that are Alabama specific spark educational and exciting discussions on the latest environmental issues. Attending the Conference provides you with the opportunity to learn about environmental initiatives happening around the state and to network with others who are also striving to protect the natural resources of our beautiful state.
This year's theme, "Alabama and the Oil Spill: Exploring Cause and Effect" will explore the Deepwater Horizon oil spill from a continuum perspective.
Attracted Audience
Each year, the Legacy Partnership Conference attracts educators, environmental organizations, government officials, association executives, small business owners, business and industry representatives, and individuals interested in the environment.
Registration Information
This year, the conference registration fee is $50. The fee covers all conference sessions including the Grant Writing Workshop and the reception and dinner on Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday. Please visit our website to register online and pay with a credit card. The registration fee does not include lodging.
Information
Reservations for your lodging needs can be made by contacting the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge at (800) 548-4553. The conference room rate is $90.00 per night. Be sure to indicate that you will be attending Legacy's Environmental Partnership Conference and mention the Booking ID #2296 in order to receive this discounted rate. The deadline for reservations is January 21, 2011. Reservations made after the deadline are subject to an increase in rates at the discretion of the hotel.
About Legacy
Legacy's mission is to help create environmentally responsible citizens through balanced, fact-based education that considers diverse views. Legacy operates under the principle of a "partnership," by bringing together all groups interested in Alabama's environment. The organization coordinates various programs aimed at educating Alabama citizens about their natural resources.
For more conference information and to register online,
visit Legacy's website at www.legacyenved.org.
Tentative Agenda
Thursday, February 24
1:00 Registration Begins
1:30 Grant Writing Workshop
2:00 Legacy Board Meeting
6:00 Welcome Reception
7:00 Dinner
Friday, February 25
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Dr. George Crozier
Short Term Impacts and Long Term
Implications of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
9:30 Dr. Charles Haynes
Environmental Considerations in Oil and Gas
Operations
10:15 Break
11:00 Dr. Nick Tew
12:00 Lunch
Gov.-elect Robert Bentley has reappointed Lee Sentell to a third term as director of the Alabama Tourism Department effective Jan. 17, citing statewide support for his leadership of the agency. Sentell said he is humbled by the appointment and grateful for the endorsement of industry partners. "I've had a number of conversations with the new governor since he spoke at our annual conference back in August. He has goals for our industry that range from rural economic development to a convention center at the beach. He will be a real advocate and partner for our industry." Dr. Bentley is the first legislator in more than 50 years to be elected governor. "He has been in Montgomery for the past eight years, so he is familiar with our agency and the leadership role we play in this $9 billion industry," Sentell said.
The new governor has also expressed support for public tours of the Governor's Mansion, including spring and fall garden and Christmas tours which the tourism agency has staffed during the Riley administration, Sentell said. Mrs. Dianne Bentley recently visited the gift shop across the street from the Governor's Mansion when she toured the home with Patsy Riley. She noted that she has visited the mansion and gift shop several times as the spouse of a legislator. The tourism department owns and operates the gift shop.
The new governor has also expressed support for public tours of the Governor's Mansion, including spring and fall garden and Christmas tours which the tourism agency has staffed during the Riley administration, Sentell said. Mrs. Dianne Bentley recently visited the gift shop across the street from the Governor's Mansion when she toured the home with Patsy Riley. She noted that she has visited the mansion and gift shop several times as the spouse of a legislator. The tourism department owns and operates the gift shop.
Convention South magazine recently announced the winners of their 2010 Readers' Choice Awards for meetings and events as well as the Top Hotels and Top Venues. Winners from the Alabama tourism industry included the Greater Birmingham CVB, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, and The Westin Huntsville. For more information on the Readers' Choice Awards please see http://www.conventionsouth.com/features_and_insight__/2010_readers'_choice_awards.htm.
A mixed-use activity center accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and motorists.
On June 16, 2009, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the historic interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities to better coordinate Federal policies and establish a national Livability Initiative. The Partnership will help ensure that communities in rural, suburban and urban areas are afforded better access to quality housing, more transportation options, a cleaner environment and ultimately lower costs in transportation.
Specifically, the Partnership has established six Livability Principles, which will serve as the foundation for implementing Federally funded projects and programs.
1. Provide more transportation choices
2. Promote equitable, affordable housing
3. Enhance economic competitiveness
4. Support existing communities
5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment
6. Value communities and neighborhoods
(from the National Scenic Byways Resource Center) read the full article here...
