Recently in Economic Development Category
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a new federal funding initiative, the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program. This initiative is designed to support regional planning efforts to create strong, sustainable and livable communities. A new collaboration between HUD, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the program will award $98 million in competitive grants to support the development of regional sustainability plans. Urban and rural planning consortia are eligible to apply.
This program will place a priority on partnerships that include the arts. The notice of funding availability explicitly encourages partnerships with arts, culture and recreation organizations, both governmental and nongovernmental. (Overview, G.1.) The arts are noted as an important component of regional plans for economic development. (III.E.2.F)
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) has been in dialogue with HUD about this program--and other potential intersections between the arts and HUD's goals. NASAA strongly encourage state arts agencies and local arts organizations to contact their state and local government planning entities to partner in the application process for these grants. This is HUD's first major initiative that explicitly includes arts organizations. HUD also has consulted with the National Endowment for the Arts, which will be promoting this program to the arts community, too.
To make the most of this opportunity you can:
Initiate contact with regional planning organizations in your state. These may include Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) or area Regional Councils or sustainability networks. Your HUD field office may be able to provide additional guidance on who leads regional planning efforts or is likely to apply for these funds, as might your state departments of housing, community development, transportation or the environment.
Let regional planning organizations know that inclusion of the arts can be an advantage when applying for these new HUD funds. Encourage them to include the arts in their planning teams, public outreach events and overall development strategies. Even if they do not intend to apply for HUD funds, collaboration with the arts sector can increase their overall success.
Local arts councils, cultural district coordinators, creative economy networks, and groups developing artist spaces or cultural facilities are especially likely partners.
This is a great chance to help the arts gain "a seat at the table," but the timeline is short. Applications are due August 28 and the preparatory requirements are extensive. If you are interested, you are encouraged to act on this opportunity as soon as possible.
For additional information, please contact Randy Shoults, Community Arts Program Manager, Alabama State Council on the Arts 334-242-4076, ext 224, or Barbara Edwards, Deputy Director, 334-242-4076, ext 227.
This program will place a priority on partnerships that include the arts. The notice of funding availability explicitly encourages partnerships with arts, culture and recreation organizations, both governmental and nongovernmental. (Overview, G.1.) The arts are noted as an important component of regional plans for economic development. (III.E.2.F)
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) has been in dialogue with HUD about this program--and other potential intersections between the arts and HUD's goals. NASAA strongly encourage state arts agencies and local arts organizations to contact their state and local government planning entities to partner in the application process for these grants. This is HUD's first major initiative that explicitly includes arts organizations. HUD also has consulted with the National Endowment for the Arts, which will be promoting this program to the arts community, too.
To make the most of this opportunity you can:
Initiate contact with regional planning organizations in your state. These may include Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) or area Regional Councils or sustainability networks. Your HUD field office may be able to provide additional guidance on who leads regional planning efforts or is likely to apply for these funds, as might your state departments of housing, community development, transportation or the environment.
Let regional planning organizations know that inclusion of the arts can be an advantage when applying for these new HUD funds. Encourage them to include the arts in their planning teams, public outreach events and overall development strategies. Even if they do not intend to apply for HUD funds, collaboration with the arts sector can increase their overall success.
Local arts councils, cultural district coordinators, creative economy networks, and groups developing artist spaces or cultural facilities are especially likely partners.
This is a great chance to help the arts gain "a seat at the table," but the timeline is short. Applications are due August 28 and the preparatory requirements are extensive. If you are interested, you are encouraged to act on this opportunity as soon as possible.
For additional information, please contact Randy Shoults, Community Arts Program Manager, Alabama State Council on the Arts 334-242-4076, ext 224, or Barbara Edwards, Deputy Director, 334-242-4076, ext 227.
Friday June 11, 2010
Wetumpka Civic Center
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
Registration material and additional information will be updated on April 28th and available at www.aum.edu/coned.
Festivals and Events are Big Business for Alabama Communities!
Come join us for this fun and inexpensive (but very valuable) one-day
Conference that will help you and your community:
For information or questions, please contact Amanda Brasington at
abrasington@elmoreco.org .
Wetumpka Civic Center
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
Registration material and additional information will be updated on April 28th and available at www.aum.edu/coned.
Festivals and Events are Big Business for Alabama Communities!
Come join us for this fun and inexpensive (but very valuable) one-day
Conference that will help you and your community:
- Take your community event to the next level
- How to better plan and budget for your event
- How to get funding and sponsorships for your festival
- How to "brand" your event
- How to get publicity and advertise your event
- Ideas for events and festivals you can do
- Taking your event state-wide
- Planning for 2011: The Alabama Dept of Tourism's "Year of Music"
- AND MUCH MORE!
For information or questions, please contact Amanda Brasington at
abrasington@elmoreco.org .
Montgomery was profiled on the CNN program "American Morning" Tuesday for the city's successful efforts in keeping its workforce of young professionals from leaving the area. Among those interviewed for the report were business owner Gerry Monroe, representatives from the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce group EMERGE Montgomery, and Mayor Todd Strange. The report featured the effect Montgomery's expanding downtown entertainment venues are having in keeping young professionals interested in staying in the area. Reporter Tom Foreman followed up the report with a live broadcast from downtown Montgomery.
To view the CNN report please see http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/16/building-up-america-keeping-young-workers-at-home/
To view the CNN report please see http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/16/building-up-america-keeping-young-workers-at-home/
On Monday, March 22, 2010, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will join Design Alabama, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the David Mathews Center for Civic Life to sponsor a community forum on "The Road to Recovery: Making Choices for Your Community." The forum, one of several to be held around the state this spring, will run from 10 a.m. until noon in the boardroom of the Alabama State Council on the Arts offices in Montgomery (201 Monroe Street).
We invite you to join us in an open discussion on how to respond to current economic challenges in our community, while trying to position ourselves for economic success in the future. As a forum participant, you will be joining thousands of other Southerners, who are holding similar conversations across the region, to develop strategies for economic recovery. As an educator, arts programmer, museum director, librarian, or community activist, your perspective is unique and vital. Dr. Joe Sumners, director of the Economic Development Institute at Auburn University, will serve as moderator for the forum.
The Southern Growth Policies Board is a non-partisan public policy think tank based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Formed by the region's governors in 1971, SGPB develops and advances visionary economic development policies by providing a forum for collaboration among a diverse cross-section of the region's governors, legislators, business and academic leaders, and the economic and community development sectors. SGPB's research encompasses the major drivers for economic development in the South - innovation and technology, globalization, the changing nature of the workforce, and the vital role of the community. If you are interested in learning more about SGPB, its website, www.southern.org, offers a wealth of information.
Feedback from this and other Alabama forums will contribute to Southern Growth's 2010 Report on the Future of the South, a high profile policy report that is shared with Southern governors and regional leaders in business and education.
Please let us know by March 18th whether you will be able to join us for the forum. Feel free to share this with your staff and other colleagues who might like to attend. Do not hesitate to call if you have questions or need more information: 334-844-4946 or lamarja@auburn.edu.
We invite you to join us in an open discussion on how to respond to current economic challenges in our community, while trying to position ourselves for economic success in the future. As a forum participant, you will be joining thousands of other Southerners, who are holding similar conversations across the region, to develop strategies for economic recovery. As an educator, arts programmer, museum director, librarian, or community activist, your perspective is unique and vital. Dr. Joe Sumners, director of the Economic Development Institute at Auburn University, will serve as moderator for the forum.
The Southern Growth Policies Board is a non-partisan public policy think tank based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Formed by the region's governors in 1971, SGPB develops and advances visionary economic development policies by providing a forum for collaboration among a diverse cross-section of the region's governors, legislators, business and academic leaders, and the economic and community development sectors. SGPB's research encompasses the major drivers for economic development in the South - innovation and technology, globalization, the changing nature of the workforce, and the vital role of the community. If you are interested in learning more about SGPB, its website, www.southern.org, offers a wealth of information.
Feedback from this and other Alabama forums will contribute to Southern Growth's 2010 Report on the Future of the South, a high profile policy report that is shared with Southern governors and regional leaders in business and education.
Please let us know by March 18th whether you will be able to join us for the forum. Feel free to share this with your staff and other colleagues who might like to attend. Do not hesitate to call if you have questions or need more information: 334-844-4946 or lamarja@auburn.edu.
Alabama's hospitality industry fared much better than the national average during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the Alabama Department of Revenue says. Because of the recession, spending in the state dipped approximately 7 percent while the national average was down 14 percent. Tourism Director Lee Sentell said the department reduced spending by 12 percent in anticipation of the national slowdown in travel. "The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area had a good summer and we anticipate travel to pick up in 2010," he said.
Thanks again to Brian Jones and the Alabama Tourism Department for this great news!
Thanks again to Brian Jones and the Alabama Tourism Department for this great news!
The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau (AOTB) recently held the inaugural board meeting for its newly-formed Auburn-Opelika Sports Council. The mission of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council is to continue developing the youth and amateur sports market in the Lee County area for the purpose of impacting our local economy. "Youth and amateur sports is one of the fastest growing market segments in the tourism industry," says John Wild, AOTB president. "It accounts for 25% of all travel nationwide and is virtually recession proof. People will cut their vacations, but they're not going to stop traveling to watch their son play baseball or their daughter play tennis." Wild indicated that the formation of the AO Sports Council, which falls under the supervisory and funding umbrella of the tourism bureau, will allow more penetration of this burgeoning market, a challenging goal with the limited number of staff currently employed with the tourism bureau. "We want to maximize our opportunities to pursue a variety of different events for the area. That requires an investment of time and manpower that is difficult to accomplish with the many other projects in which staff members and I are already involved on a daily basis. So we're depending on these key members of the community who are volunteering their time and expertise to help us reach our goals." www.aotourism.com
According to data released recently by the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), families continued to travel in record numbers to Alabama's Beaches, which resulted in several positive summer figures. Condominium occupancy reached 79.5 percent for the month of July 2009, which was a 3 percent increase over the previous comparative period of July 2008 (76.3 percent). "This figure is staggering considering that we have welcomed aboard 713 additional condominium units since July 2008, and we - along with all area businesses - have worked tirelessly to fill these units," Herb Malone, CVB president/CEO. "To have expanded our inventory and produced a 3 percent gain in this economy, it an outstanding feat."
The positive news comes as these additional filled units resulted in more tax income for one coastal city. The City of Orange Beach set two all-time monthly records by collecting the highest city lodging and retail tax revenue figures in the city's 25 year history. "The City of Orange Beach can confirm that a record number of tourists set foot in the sand during July as our top two tax generators, sales and lodgings reached a record peak," said Ken Grimes, city administrator of the City of Orange Beach. "We maintained our high level of service to our residents and visitors while working on a bare bones budget, which is still off pace during some tough economic times." In July 2009, the city processed $1.4 million in lodging rental tax, which is up 5.2 percent over the previous comparative period of July 2008. Also, the city collected $1.01 million in July 2009 retail sales tax, which is a 13.5 percent increase over July 2008. (Note: July 2009 data for the City of Gulf Shores has not yet been reported).
"These outstanding numbers show that the travel experts were correct in their summer forecasts," said Malone. "While some media reports constantly focused on the economic situation and attempted to raise concerns that people would not travel, this data shows what we already knew. Vacations are the special moments in life where families can leave the stresses and strains of everyday life behind and reconnect with their loved ones. We are thankful that our guests choose to return each year to our 32 miles of relaxing sugar white sand." Recording all-time high numbers did not happen by accident. "First of all, we need to thank our loyal families who chose to reconnect with their loved ones in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area," Malone said. "Our extensive print and internet marketing campaign resulted in 15,000 July inquiries to our hospitality and information department, which is an increase of 10,000 over last July." Also, the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (which is a partnership between the local chamber, CVB and two island cities) hosted several USSSA baseball and softball events during July, including two World Series tournaments that attracted more than 10,000 additional people to the island.
Adding to those contributing factors is the $1.95 million economic impact generated by the Student Life group that held its summer camp for more than 12,000 youth at The Wharf. The sales department at the CVB worked closely with The Wharf and area lodging businesses to grow this camp to its current level. "This success is a direct result of a team effort from the city governments, CVB, local chamber and all business sectors, such as lodging, restaurants, retail, attractions, fishing and golf," Malone added. "With a strong partnership from all parties, we are looking forward to welcoming many more guests to our area during the fall and winter seasons." www.gulfshores.com
The positive news comes as these additional filled units resulted in more tax income for one coastal city. The City of Orange Beach set two all-time monthly records by collecting the highest city lodging and retail tax revenue figures in the city's 25 year history. "The City of Orange Beach can confirm that a record number of tourists set foot in the sand during July as our top two tax generators, sales and lodgings reached a record peak," said Ken Grimes, city administrator of the City of Orange Beach. "We maintained our high level of service to our residents and visitors while working on a bare bones budget, which is still off pace during some tough economic times." In July 2009, the city processed $1.4 million in lodging rental tax, which is up 5.2 percent over the previous comparative period of July 2008. Also, the city collected $1.01 million in July 2009 retail sales tax, which is a 13.5 percent increase over July 2008. (Note: July 2009 data for the City of Gulf Shores has not yet been reported).
"These outstanding numbers show that the travel experts were correct in their summer forecasts," said Malone. "While some media reports constantly focused on the economic situation and attempted to raise concerns that people would not travel, this data shows what we already knew. Vacations are the special moments in life where families can leave the stresses and strains of everyday life behind and reconnect with their loved ones. We are thankful that our guests choose to return each year to our 32 miles of relaxing sugar white sand." Recording all-time high numbers did not happen by accident. "First of all, we need to thank our loyal families who chose to reconnect with their loved ones in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area," Malone said. "Our extensive print and internet marketing campaign resulted in 15,000 July inquiries to our hospitality and information department, which is an increase of 10,000 over last July." Also, the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (which is a partnership between the local chamber, CVB and two island cities) hosted several USSSA baseball and softball events during July, including two World Series tournaments that attracted more than 10,000 additional people to the island.
Adding to those contributing factors is the $1.95 million economic impact generated by the Student Life group that held its summer camp for more than 12,000 youth at The Wharf. The sales department at the CVB worked closely with The Wharf and area lodging businesses to grow this camp to its current level. "This success is a direct result of a team effort from the city governments, CVB, local chamber and all business sectors, such as lodging, restaurants, retail, attractions, fishing and golf," Malone added. "With a strong partnership from all parties, we are looking forward to welcoming many more guests to our area during the fall and winter seasons." www.gulfshores.com
The Alabama Tourism Department and the Montgomery Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the 2009 Travel Media Showcase (TMS) Sept. 8-10 at the Renaissance Hotel & Montgomery Convention Center. More than 50 exhibitors and travel journalists from across the country are registered for the event. TMS offers a unique opportunity for tourism industry professionals to pitch their destination and story ideas to travel journalists in a one-on-one setting. The three-day program includes two days of scheduled journalist/exhibitor appointment sessions, a local familiarization (FAM) tour of Montgomery and post press tours to Birmingham, Huntsville and Florence. www.travelmediashowcase.com
An independent movie about a talented young singer is the first project to qualify for financial incentives from the Alabama Film Office, Governor Bob Riley announced last week. He signed legislation in March that allows Alabama to grant incentives comparable to those that other states use to attract film productions. "This is a promising start to a thriving motion picture industry in our state," Governor Riley said. "This movie will employ more than 160 Alabama residents in front of and behind the cameras, and it is very clear from the script that the story is set in Birmingham and rural Alabama." Veteran Birmingham filmmakers Alan Hunter and Hugh Hunter, along with senior producer Deborah Del Prete of Coronet Films, began filming Lexi Alexander's script of "Lifted" on Monday. The screenwriter is also directing. It's a heart-warming story about a father who encourages his son to pursue a dream of becoming a singer despite some difficult circumstances.
Alan Hunter expressed his appreciation to Governor Riley for the state's support of the movie industry. "We are grateful to be the first project to receive incentives and help grow the entertainment industry in the state," he said. The Hunter brothers previously worked in Birmingham with writer-director Alexander on "Johnny Flynton," which received an Academy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Short Film. Actor Dash Mihok, who starred as boxer Johnny Flynton, has returned to Birmingham to portray the father in "Lifted." Uriah Shelton, who recently completed a supporting role in producer Lee Faulkner's "Alabama Moon," is cast as Henry, the young singer. Alan Hunter, one of the five original veejays for MTV, has been cast as himself as the emcee of a talent contest. Birmingham's "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, is featured as a minister who befriends Henry.
The $675,000 film should qualify for a rebate of approximately $153,750, based on the amount of money producers expect to spend in the state, said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, whose agency includes the film office. The new law allows a production to receive a rebate of 35 percent on salaries paid to state residents and 25 percent on other expenses. "Alabama Moon" producer Faulkner and Scott Lumpkin, two independent producers based in Baldwin County, drew on their experiences filming in other states and provided input into Alabama's film regulations, said Sentell. The state's incentive legislation seeks films with budgets under $10 million. "By spreading our incentives among a number of smaller films, we can concentrate on work force development and attract multiple films to give crews more experience," Sentell said. The regulations are temporary until published by the Legislative Reference Service for comment and the film office holds a public hearing. The legal process is expected to take an additional two months, he said. Alabama's new incentive program will support the work of local film officials, including Mark Stricklin of Birmingham and Eva Golson of Mobile, in attracting productions to their communities, he said.
Senator Del Marsh and Representative Richard Lindsey, two architects of the incentive program, are developing a film curriculum that colleges and universities may use to prepare students for work on film crews, officials said. "We are fine tuning the regulations using 'Lifted' as a test case before accepting applications for other projects," Sentell said. The amount of money that Alabama can rebate to movies being filmed during the 12 months starting Oct. 1 will be $7.5 million, he said, growing to $10 million the following year. http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2009-08-19-01-film_incentive.asp
Alan Hunter expressed his appreciation to Governor Riley for the state's support of the movie industry. "We are grateful to be the first project to receive incentives and help grow the entertainment industry in the state," he said. The Hunter brothers previously worked in Birmingham with writer-director Alexander on "Johnny Flynton," which received an Academy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Short Film. Actor Dash Mihok, who starred as boxer Johnny Flynton, has returned to Birmingham to portray the father in "Lifted." Uriah Shelton, who recently completed a supporting role in producer Lee Faulkner's "Alabama Moon," is cast as Henry, the young singer. Alan Hunter, one of the five original veejays for MTV, has been cast as himself as the emcee of a talent contest. Birmingham's "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, is featured as a minister who befriends Henry.
The $675,000 film should qualify for a rebate of approximately $153,750, based on the amount of money producers expect to spend in the state, said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, whose agency includes the film office. The new law allows a production to receive a rebate of 35 percent on salaries paid to state residents and 25 percent on other expenses. "Alabama Moon" producer Faulkner and Scott Lumpkin, two independent producers based in Baldwin County, drew on their experiences filming in other states and provided input into Alabama's film regulations, said Sentell. The state's incentive legislation seeks films with budgets under $10 million. "By spreading our incentives among a number of smaller films, we can concentrate on work force development and attract multiple films to give crews more experience," Sentell said. The regulations are temporary until published by the Legislative Reference Service for comment and the film office holds a public hearing. The legal process is expected to take an additional two months, he said. Alabama's new incentive program will support the work of local film officials, including Mark Stricklin of Birmingham and Eva Golson of Mobile, in attracting productions to their communities, he said.
Senator Del Marsh and Representative Richard Lindsey, two architects of the incentive program, are developing a film curriculum that colleges and universities may use to prepare students for work on film crews, officials said. "We are fine tuning the regulations using 'Lifted' as a test case before accepting applications for other projects," Sentell said. The amount of money that Alabama can rebate to movies being filmed during the 12 months starting Oct. 1 will be $7.5 million, he said, growing to $10 million the following year. http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2009-08-19-01-film_incentive.asp
If you are interested in learning how to sell on EBAY, then this FREE workshop for you! Whether you are a business looking to sell excess inventory, or an individual hoping to make extra cash from items around the house, join us at the Alabama Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston, Alabama to learn everything you need to know about how to make money on EBAY.
Please RSVP to Glen Haab at ghaab@ascc.edu or 334.637.3218 by June 26, 2009.
SEATING IS LIMITED.
6/30/2009 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Please RSVP to Glen Haab at ghaab@ascc.edu or 334.637.3218 by June 26, 2009.
SEATING IS LIMITED.
6/30/2009 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
"Going Green: Sustainable Economic Development" at the Hotel at AU on June 18-19, 2009. Learn more, view the agenda, and register today: www.auburn.edu/ecdi/green09.html.
By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 23, 2009
In the southwest corner of Virginia, where tobacco farms meet the Appalachian Mountains, two towns desperately in need of an economic boost were given what many had hoped would be a kick-start: access to high-speed Internet. Read the full article here.
Alabama's tourism and travel industry grew by three percent in 2008, according to a report released today by Governor Bob Riley. The report shows more than 22 million people visited Alabama last year and spent nearly $9.6 billion in the state. Those visitors also paid $702 million in state and local lodging and sales taxes.
The top five counties with the largest travel-related expenditures are: Baldwin County with almost $2.3 billion in travel-related spending, Jefferson County was second with more than $1.5 billion, Madison County was third at $991 million, Mobile County ranked fourth with more than $944 million and Montgomery County was fifth with nearly $558 million. These counties were also the most visited in the state in 2008 and account for 63 percent of the total number of visitors.
"Alabama has always been a family-friendly destination and that has helped us attract a growing number of visitors. Whether its families looking for an affordable vacation or convention planners seeking a good deal, Alabama continues to be a value destination," said Governor Riley. "The numbers for 2008 bring good economic news for Alabama. The dollars spent on tourism create jobs, grow local economies and generate needed tax revenues."
"The three percent increase in 2008 is good news, especially coming off a banner year in 2007 in which we saw a 10 percent increase. Over the 10 year period from 1998 to 2008, travel spending in Alabama has increased 77 percent," said State Tourism Director Lee Sentell. The industries most impacted by tourism spending include lodging, restaurants, general retail, entertainment, public transportation and auto transportation. The largest single travel expenditure was on food and drinks which accounted for 27 percent of all travel and tourism spending in the state. Public transportation was the next largest expenditure accounting for 26 percent, followed by auto transportation at 15 percent, lodging at 13 percent, entertainment and general retail each accounted for 10 percent of travel expenditures.
For a county-by-county breakdown of travel-related expenditures and employment figures see the complete 2008 Economic Impact Report at http://www.alabama.travel/media-room/report2008/
The top five counties with the largest travel-related expenditures are: Baldwin County with almost $2.3 billion in travel-related spending, Jefferson County was second with more than $1.5 billion, Madison County was third at $991 million, Mobile County ranked fourth with more than $944 million and Montgomery County was fifth with nearly $558 million. These counties were also the most visited in the state in 2008 and account for 63 percent of the total number of visitors.
"Alabama has always been a family-friendly destination and that has helped us attract a growing number of visitors. Whether its families looking for an affordable vacation or convention planners seeking a good deal, Alabama continues to be a value destination," said Governor Riley. "The numbers for 2008 bring good economic news for Alabama. The dollars spent on tourism create jobs, grow local economies and generate needed tax revenues."
"The three percent increase in 2008 is good news, especially coming off a banner year in 2007 in which we saw a 10 percent increase. Over the 10 year period from 1998 to 2008, travel spending in Alabama has increased 77 percent," said State Tourism Director Lee Sentell. The industries most impacted by tourism spending include lodging, restaurants, general retail, entertainment, public transportation and auto transportation. The largest single travel expenditure was on food and drinks which accounted for 27 percent of all travel and tourism spending in the state. Public transportation was the next largest expenditure accounting for 26 percent, followed by auto transportation at 15 percent, lodging at 13 percent, entertainment and general retail each accounted for 10 percent of travel expenditures.
For a county-by-county breakdown of travel-related expenditures and employment figures see the complete 2008 Economic Impact Report at http://www.alabama.travel/media-room/report2008/
On June 18-19, ECDI will present Going Green: Sustainable Economic Development at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. During this course, leading economic and community development practitioner-experts will present innovative ideas and practices based upon proven success in energy-conscious and environmentally-friendly development. Throughout the course, participants will be encouraged to ask questions and engage in constructive dialogue about the challenges, possibilities, and potential of going green. The course curriculum is specifically targeted to meet the training and educational needs of economic developers, chamber of commerce officials, state and local elected officials and community leaders, utility company representatives, and community and regional planners.
We have provided a variety of registration options for your convenience. CLICK HERE to register online using a check or credit card. If you prefer to register by mail or fax, CLICK HERE for the course brochure, and follow the instructions on the attached registration form. The course registration fee is $225.
Please visit the course website at www.auburn.edu/ecdi/green09.html, or contact Allyson Martin at ahm0007@auburn.edu or (334) 844-3685 for more information.
We have provided a variety of registration options for your convenience. CLICK HERE to register online using a check or credit card. If you prefer to register by mail or fax, CLICK HERE for the course brochure, and follow the instructions on the attached registration form. The course registration fee is $225.
Please visit the course website at www.auburn.edu/ecdi/green09.html, or contact Allyson Martin at ahm0007@auburn.edu or (334) 844-3685 for more information.
The state's economy could grow by more than $300 million a year if education officials change the school start date to later in August, a study by Montgomery economist Dr. Keivan Deravi shows. Schools would save money on utilities, teachers could earn more money on part-time jobs during a longer summer break, and families would have greater flexibility in planning vacations, advocates say. A coalition of statewide tourism organizations commissioned the study to support classes starting on or after Aug. 15, mirroring a trend in other Southern states.
Sen. Zeb Little of Cullman and Rep. Craig Ford of Gadsden drafted House Bill 629 that is scheduled for discussion Wednesday in the House Education Policy Committee. Little said, "The state is in economic crisis. Tax collections are down. Alabamians are losing jobs and education funding is being cut. This is a simple solution that can be enacted immediately. It will increase tax collections, create jobs and reduce non-instructional costs for school systems." Ford said, "Personally, I think the school year should start after Labor Day, but Aug. 15 is better than the current average start date of Aug. 6 or 7." Some 70 percent of Alabama schools started their instructional phase during the current school year last Aug. 7, the study found.
Reducing the number of days in August that classrooms require cooling "will cut statewide school utility bills by millions," said Ford. Boards of education could save an estimated $14 million a year - or 6% - in electrical bills by shifting instructional days from hotter days in August to cooler days in May, the Deravi report suggests. The legislators said economics isn't the primary reason for the proposal, but the data makes their case stronger. The Cullman senator said, "Teachers feel starting so early is detrimental to our children and parents are frustrated that their voices are ignored on the local level." The AEA delegates assembly approved a resolution in December calling for a later school start date. Parents have joined tourism officials in support of a later start date. A poll conducted by the Alabama Education Association's Capitol Survey Research Center found that 83 percent of voters want their legislators to create a standardized start date for public schools. The survey was conducted in January.
States began starting school earlier in order to complete first semester exams before the winter break and maximize the number of instructional days prior to standardized achievement testing in the spring. Many Southern states were responding to a 1983 report "A Nation At Risk," which issued a call to public schools to boost student achievement results. At least 11 states, most of them in the South, have enacted laws pushing school-start dates later in August or after Labor Day, Deravi said. Ford said that concerns about test scores are not justified. "Data from states that have adopted later start dates show that academics have not suffered. Test scores, college entrance exam scores and advanced placement test scores have increased," he said. Teachers and students who have part-time jobs in the summer would be able to earn more money if school did not start as early as it currently does, tourism officials say.
To read the full economic analysis report online see http://www.alabama.travel/media-room/DeraviStudy-EconomicImpactofEarlySchoolStart.pdf
Sen. Zeb Little of Cullman and Rep. Craig Ford of Gadsden drafted House Bill 629 that is scheduled for discussion Wednesday in the House Education Policy Committee. Little said, "The state is in economic crisis. Tax collections are down. Alabamians are losing jobs and education funding is being cut. This is a simple solution that can be enacted immediately. It will increase tax collections, create jobs and reduce non-instructional costs for school systems." Ford said, "Personally, I think the school year should start after Labor Day, but Aug. 15 is better than the current average start date of Aug. 6 or 7." Some 70 percent of Alabama schools started their instructional phase during the current school year last Aug. 7, the study found.
Reducing the number of days in August that classrooms require cooling "will cut statewide school utility bills by millions," said Ford. Boards of education could save an estimated $14 million a year - or 6% - in electrical bills by shifting instructional days from hotter days in August to cooler days in May, the Deravi report suggests. The legislators said economics isn't the primary reason for the proposal, but the data makes their case stronger. The Cullman senator said, "Teachers feel starting so early is detrimental to our children and parents are frustrated that their voices are ignored on the local level." The AEA delegates assembly approved a resolution in December calling for a later school start date. Parents have joined tourism officials in support of a later start date. A poll conducted by the Alabama Education Association's Capitol Survey Research Center found that 83 percent of voters want their legislators to create a standardized start date for public schools. The survey was conducted in January.
States began starting school earlier in order to complete first semester exams before the winter break and maximize the number of instructional days prior to standardized achievement testing in the spring. Many Southern states were responding to a 1983 report "A Nation At Risk," which issued a call to public schools to boost student achievement results. At least 11 states, most of them in the South, have enacted laws pushing school-start dates later in August or after Labor Day, Deravi said. Ford said that concerns about test scores are not justified. "Data from states that have adopted later start dates show that academics have not suffered. Test scores, college entrance exam scores and advanced placement test scores have increased," he said. Teachers and students who have part-time jobs in the summer would be able to earn more money if school did not start as early as it currently does, tourism officials say.
To read the full economic analysis report online see http://www.alabama.travel/media-room/DeraviStudy-EconomicImpactofEarlySchoolStart.pdf
Lights! Camera! Action! That's what Governor Bob Riley said he hopes to hear in Alabama now that legislation providing financial incentives to encourage movie and television production is law."All of us who live here - and all of those who have visited our state - know Alabama has great scenery. We have talented and artistic people. As they say in show business, Alabama has star power. That's why we want people to shoot in Alabama, and I'm not just talking about turkey season," Governor Riley said during a ceremony at the State Capitol on Tuesday where he signed the bill into law."With this new law we'll attract new investment into Alabama. We'll increase job opportunities for our citizens and we'll improve our ability to compete on the global stage for film and motion picture production," Governor Riley said.
Productions that qualify for the state's incentives can receive rebates equal to 35 percent of payrolls paid to Alabama residents and 25 percent of other production costs. Instead of attempting to lure expensive movies, Alabama is targeting smaller productions whose budgets range from $500,000 to $10 million in order to grow the state's movie industry at a sustainable level. The Legislature put a limit of $5 million in rebates available during the current year, with the cap growing to $7.5 million in 2010 and $10 million in years beyond.
Those who wrote this bill used the best elements from legislation passed by other states to give Alabama a conservative and responsible foundation to stimulate our state's film industry. They took the unusual step of sharing the legislation with studios and independent producers in Los Angeles for feedback and got advice about other states' film incentives. The act requires the Alabama Film Office to work with representatives from the Department of Revenue in developing regulations that will qualify productions and monitor expenses eligible for rebate. Approximately 42 other states provide some financial incentives to producers and studios to film in their locations.
http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2009-03-24-01-film-photo.asp
Productions that qualify for the state's incentives can receive rebates equal to 35 percent of payrolls paid to Alabama residents and 25 percent of other production costs. Instead of attempting to lure expensive movies, Alabama is targeting smaller productions whose budgets range from $500,000 to $10 million in order to grow the state's movie industry at a sustainable level. The Legislature put a limit of $5 million in rebates available during the current year, with the cap growing to $7.5 million in 2010 and $10 million in years beyond.
Those who wrote this bill used the best elements from legislation passed by other states to give Alabama a conservative and responsible foundation to stimulate our state's film industry. They took the unusual step of sharing the legislation with studios and independent producers in Los Angeles for feedback and got advice about other states' film incentives. The act requires the Alabama Film Office to work with representatives from the Department of Revenue in developing regulations that will qualify productions and monitor expenses eligible for rebate. Approximately 42 other states provide some financial incentives to producers and studios to film in their locations.
http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2009-03-24-01-film-photo.asp
he film incentive bill (HB69) that passed the Alabama House on Feb. 17 is now in the Alabama Senate and has been assigned to the Senate Finance and Taxation-Education Committee.
From the editorial "Time to say 'action' on movie incentives" in the Feb. 24 edition of the Mobile Press Register:
"The House's unanimous approval of a bill that would provide film-makers with incentives appropriately sets the stage for Alabama to get back into the movie-making business. Now, it's up to the Senate to take action to inject life into the state's moribund film industry. It would be foolish not to. Alabama has a lot to offer film-makers, including a mild climate and diverse settings from mountains to beaches, cities to villages, farms to factories and mansions to hovels. But the state is missing out because legislators have been slow to install economic incentives that have proven successful for other states, especially Louisiana. In 2002, Louisiana became the first state to offer incentives to draw the film industry to spend production dollars within its borders. Its film industry grew from $7.3 million to more than $500 million. The movie industry has had a direct impact on Louisiana's economy, with more than $1.5 billion supporting about 19,000 jobs.
Forty other states followed Louisiana's lead, all offering some form of incentives in a fierce competition to attract film companies for onsite shooting. Meanwhile, Alabama sat on the sidelines, despite a history of film-making since 1949, when "Twelve O'clock High" was shot at Fort Rucker. Indeed, Alabama had success in attracting film companies before other states rushed in to offer incentives. For example, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was filmed at Brookley Field in 1977 and Tim Burton's "Big Fish" was shot in Montgomery in 2003. But the film industry has largely avoided the state in recent years. Only two productions came to Alabama in the past two years. Even films that were perfect fits - such as "Sweet Home Alabama," "The Guardian," "Crazy in Alabama" and "Forrest Gump" - were shot in other states. That could change. The bill passed by the House would put Alabama back in the competition. It would give film-makers a 25 percent rebate on production costs and a 35 percent rebate on salaries to Alabama residents. It also would exempt most production companies from sales and lodging taxes. Rep. Richard Lindsey's bill would make up the lost revenue by reinstating penalties on late tax payments.
People who work to attract film companies to Alabama say several are eager to shoot in the state, but they're waiting for incentives. If the legislation passes, says Eva Golson, the director of the Mobile Film Commission, one or two movies could begin production in Alabama within a few months. Despite the weak national economy, the film industry is thriving. Industry analysts predict a growth of nearly 5 percent a year. Alabama can capture a piece of that economic pie if senators join their colleagues in the House to OK incentives." http://www.al.com/press-register/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1235470554277690.xml&coll=3
From the editorial "Time to say 'action' on movie incentives" in the Feb. 24 edition of the Mobile Press Register:
"The House's unanimous approval of a bill that would provide film-makers with incentives appropriately sets the stage for Alabama to get back into the movie-making business. Now, it's up to the Senate to take action to inject life into the state's moribund film industry. It would be foolish not to. Alabama has a lot to offer film-makers, including a mild climate and diverse settings from mountains to beaches, cities to villages, farms to factories and mansions to hovels. But the state is missing out because legislators have been slow to install economic incentives that have proven successful for other states, especially Louisiana. In 2002, Louisiana became the first state to offer incentives to draw the film industry to spend production dollars within its borders. Its film industry grew from $7.3 million to more than $500 million. The movie industry has had a direct impact on Louisiana's economy, with more than $1.5 billion supporting about 19,000 jobs.
Forty other states followed Louisiana's lead, all offering some form of incentives in a fierce competition to attract film companies for onsite shooting. Meanwhile, Alabama sat on the sidelines, despite a history of film-making since 1949, when "Twelve O'clock High" was shot at Fort Rucker. Indeed, Alabama had success in attracting film companies before other states rushed in to offer incentives. For example, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was filmed at Brookley Field in 1977 and Tim Burton's "Big Fish" was shot in Montgomery in 2003. But the film industry has largely avoided the state in recent years. Only two productions came to Alabama in the past two years. Even films that were perfect fits - such as "Sweet Home Alabama," "The Guardian," "Crazy in Alabama" and "Forrest Gump" - were shot in other states. That could change. The bill passed by the House would put Alabama back in the competition. It would give film-makers a 25 percent rebate on production costs and a 35 percent rebate on salaries to Alabama residents. It also would exempt most production companies from sales and lodging taxes. Rep. Richard Lindsey's bill would make up the lost revenue by reinstating penalties on late tax payments.
People who work to attract film companies to Alabama say several are eager to shoot in the state, but they're waiting for incentives. If the legislation passes, says Eva Golson, the director of the Mobile Film Commission, one or two movies could begin production in Alabama within a few months. Despite the weak national economy, the film industry is thriving. Industry analysts predict a growth of nearly 5 percent a year. Alabama can capture a piece of that economic pie if senators join their colleagues in the House to OK incentives." http://www.al.com/press-register/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1235470554277690.xml&coll=3
U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Alabama's Number One Tourism Attraction
More than 509,000 people visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville last year, ranking it number one among Alabama attractions that charge admission. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, named one of the "7 Wonders of America" by Good Morning America, is celebrating the "Year of Apollo" to mark the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the previous number one attraction, had one of its course locations closed last year for renovation and ranked second with attendance of 504,579. The Birmingham Zoo was third with 495,876 and Birmingham's McWane Science Center placed fourth with 428,820 visitors. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens was fifth with 307,895. The USS Alabama Battleship Park in Mobile ranked sixth with 228,610 and the nearby Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center was seventh with 211,252 visitors. The Montgomery Zoo was eighth with 197,941. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was ninth with 168,370. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery was tenth with 163,175.
Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches were the number one destination attracting more than 4.5 million visitors last year. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens attracted 350,000 visitors making it the most attended free attraction. Mobile's Mardi Gras attracted more than 835,000 ranking it the number one event. Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa was the number one sports destination with 644,966 fans attending University of Alabama home games. The number one seasonal attraction was Decatur's Point Mallard Park with 150,000 visitors. The number one shopping destination, the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover attracted 15 million shoppers. Attendance figures released by the Alabama Tourism Department were submitted by local tourism organizations.
More than 509,000 people visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville last year, ranking it number one among Alabama attractions that charge admission. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, named one of the "7 Wonders of America" by Good Morning America, is celebrating the "Year of Apollo" to mark the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the previous number one attraction, had one of its course locations closed last year for renovation and ranked second with attendance of 504,579. The Birmingham Zoo was third with 495,876 and Birmingham's McWane Science Center placed fourth with 428,820 visitors. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens was fifth with 307,895. The USS Alabama Battleship Park in Mobile ranked sixth with 228,610 and the nearby Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center was seventh with 211,252 visitors. The Montgomery Zoo was eighth with 197,941. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was ninth with 168,370. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery was tenth with 163,175.
Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches were the number one destination attracting more than 4.5 million visitors last year. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens attracted 350,000 visitors making it the most attended free attraction. Mobile's Mardi Gras attracted more than 835,000 ranking it the number one event. Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa was the number one sports destination with 644,966 fans attending University of Alabama home games. The number one seasonal attraction was Decatur's Point Mallard Park with 150,000 visitors. The number one shopping destination, the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover attracted 15 million shoppers. Attendance figures released by the Alabama Tourism Department were submitted by local tourism organizations.
Continue reading Alabama's Annual Tourism Attendance Figures.
About the Course
"Essentials of Economic Development," a two-day course offered bythe Economic & Community Development Institute, will assemble leading economic and community development practitioners and professionals at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center to discuss fundamental ideas, concepts and success strategies for economic development. Topics to be covered will include community development, industrial marketing and recruiting, business retention and expansion, as well as retail and workforce development. Further information may be found at the website: www.auburn.edu/ecdi/essentials09.html.
Course Format
ECDI will provide each participant with a course CD containing faculty presentations and reference materials. Participants may view presentations on their own personal laptop or on the screen in front of the classroom. The course registration fee is $225. Refreshments will be provided. Upon completion, course participants will be eligible for 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
Who Should Attend
Schedule
Thursday, March 5
9:00 am Registration
8:30 am First Session
11:30 am Lunch
5:00 pm Adjourn
Friday, March 6
9:30 am First Session
11:30 am Adjourn
Registration and Course Fee
Several registration options are available. Please choose one of the following methods to register from the website:
Print, complete and mail online form and registration fee payment.
Print and fax the completed registration form with credit card information.
Register on-line with a credit card.
Location and Accommodations
Hotel room reservations are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the course fee. A block of rooms has been reserved for course participants at a special rate of $96.00 per night. Participants must indicate they are attending the "ECDI Essentials of Economic Development" course when making their reservations in order to receive the special rate. For further information please call (800) 228-2876 or go to http://www.auhcc.com.
For More Information
Please contact Allyson Martin at (334) 844-3686 or email at: ahm0007@auburn.edu
REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON!
"Essentials of Economic Development," a two-day course offered bythe Economic & Community Development Institute, will assemble leading economic and community development practitioners and professionals at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center to discuss fundamental ideas, concepts and success strategies for economic development. Topics to be covered will include community development, industrial marketing and recruiting, business retention and expansion, as well as retail and workforce development. Further information may be found at the website: www.auburn.edu/ecdi/essentials09.html.
Course Format
ECDI will provide each participant with a course CD containing faculty presentations and reference materials. Participants may view presentations on their own personal laptop or on the screen in front of the classroom. The course registration fee is $225. Refreshments will be provided. Upon completion, course participants will be eligible for 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
Who Should Attend
- New Economic Developers
- Chamber of Commerce Officials
- State and Local Elected Officials
- Community Leaders
- Utility Company Representatives
- Community and Regional Planners
Schedule
Thursday, March 5
9:00 am Registration
8:30 am First Session
11:30 am Lunch
5:00 pm Adjourn
Friday, March 6
9:30 am First Session
11:30 am Adjourn
Registration and Course Fee
Several registration options are available. Please choose one of the following methods to register from the website:
Print, complete and mail online form and registration fee payment.
Print and fax the completed registration form with credit card information.
Register on-line with a credit card.
Location and Accommodations
Hotel room reservations are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the course fee. A block of rooms has been reserved for course participants at a special rate of $96.00 per night. Participants must indicate they are attending the "ECDI Essentials of Economic Development" course when making their reservations in order to receive the special rate. For further information please call (800) 228-2876 or go to http://www.auhcc.com.
For More Information
Please contact Allyson Martin at (334) 844-3686 or email at: ahm0007@auburn.edu
REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON!
Essentials of Economic Development is a two-day course offered by the Economic & Community Development Institute, a partnership of Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
On March 5 and 6, 2009, ECDI will assemble leading economic and community development practitioners and professionals at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center to discuss fundamental ideas, concepts and success strategies for economic development.
The Course is designed to give course participants opportunities to ask questions and engage in constructive dialogue about the essential components of economic development including community development, industrial marketing and recruiting, business retention and expansion, retail development and workforce development.
Course Format
ECDI will provide each participant with a course CD containing faculty presentations and reference materials. Participants can view presentations on a personal laptop or on the screen in front of the classroom.
Who Should Attend?
Schedule
Thursday, March 5 Friday, March 6
9:00 am Registration 8:30 am First Session
9:30 am First Session 11:30 am Adjourn
11:30 am Lunch
5:00 pm Adjourn
On March 5 and 6, 2009, ECDI will assemble leading economic and community development practitioners and professionals at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center to discuss fundamental ideas, concepts and success strategies for economic development.
The Course is designed to give course participants opportunities to ask questions and engage in constructive dialogue about the essential components of economic development including community development, industrial marketing and recruiting, business retention and expansion, retail development and workforce development.
Course Format
ECDI will provide each participant with a course CD containing faculty presentations and reference materials. Participants can view presentations on a personal laptop or on the screen in front of the classroom.
Who Should Attend?
- New Economic Developers
- Chamber of Commerce Officials
- State and Local Elected Officials
- Community Leaders
- Utility Company Representatives
- Community and Regional Planners
Schedule
Thursday, March 5 Friday, March 6
9:00 am Registration 8:30 am First Session
9:30 am First Session 11:30 am Adjourn
11:30 am Lunch
5:00 pm Adjourn
Continue reading Essentials of Economic Development Course Offered.
From the article "Alabama ranks fourth in nation for inbound moves" by Lauren B. Cooper in the Jan.7 edition of the Birmingham Business Journal:
Alabama ranked fourth in the country for the most inbound household moves last year in a new national report conducted by a moving company. According to United Van Lines' migration study, more than 58 percent of the company's total shipments in and out of Alabama were inbound, compared to nearly 42 percent outbound. That's fourth behind the District of Columbia with more than 62 percent inbound traffic last year, Nevada with more than 59 percent and North Carolina with more than 58 percent.
Those states that had the most outbound traffic included, respectively, Michigan with more than 67 percent outbound traffic last year, North Dakota with nearly 59 percent, New Jersey with nearly 59 percent and Pennsylvania with 58 percent. United Van Lines tracked shipment patterns in each state and based the study on 198,962 interstate household moves in the country in 2008, said a news release.
For the complete article see http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/01/05/daily23.html
Alabama ranked fourth in the country for the most inbound household moves last year in a new national report conducted by a moving company. According to United Van Lines' migration study, more than 58 percent of the company's total shipments in and out of Alabama were inbound, compared to nearly 42 percent outbound. That's fourth behind the District of Columbia with more than 62 percent inbound traffic last year, Nevada with more than 59 percent and North Carolina with more than 58 percent.
Those states that had the most outbound traffic included, respectively, Michigan with more than 67 percent outbound traffic last year, North Dakota with nearly 59 percent, New Jersey with nearly 59 percent and Pennsylvania with 58 percent. United Van Lines tracked shipment patterns in each state and based the study on 198,962 interstate household moves in the country in 2008, said a news release.
For the complete article see http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/01/05/daily23.html
Many people are proud of their ethnicity and heritage, which makes ethnic festivals a surefire way to draw huge crowds. For instance, an Ecuadorian festival in Croton-on-Hudson, NY (pop. 7,610), this fall saw cars lined up for miles. Such festivals not only attract those from a specific ethnic background, but they also attract many members of the general public who are curious about the food, music, arts, and crafts represented at the festival. That makes these festivals the perfect way to celebrate downtown's diversity and bring people together at the same time.
from http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com
from http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com
The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) and local libraries
across the state will celebrate Alabama Tourism's 2010 Year of Small
Towns and Downtowns with a Big Read of "The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer."The announcement of the 2010 "Big Read" was made during the
quarterly meeting of library administrators held in Montgomery on
Oct.16 at the APLS building.
Alabama Tourism's Year of History Coordinator Marilyn Jones Stamps spoke to the group of approximately 200 and shared with them her enthusiasm about the Big Read tie-in. She also used the opportunity to distribute the recently released "Historic Alabama" brochure, which, as she explained, is a part of the 2009 Year of Alabama History and a lead-in into the Small Towns/Downtowns celebration. www.alabama.travel.
Don't forget, December 1, 2008 is the deadline!
Alabama Tourism's Year of History Coordinator Marilyn Jones Stamps spoke to the group of approximately 200 and shared with them her enthusiasm about the Big Read tie-in. She also used the opportunity to distribute the recently released "Historic Alabama" brochure, which, as she explained, is a part of the 2009 Year of Alabama History and a lead-in into the Small Towns/Downtowns celebration. www.alabama.travel.
Don't forget, December 1, 2008 is the deadline!
Online coupons are a great way to use the Internet to advertise downtown businesses. The Sun Prairie, WI (pop. 20,370), Chamber of Commerce posts coupons at its website at www.sunprairiechamber.com. Chamber members can submit a coupon for $10/quarter ($40/quarter for nonmembers). Coupons can be changed every quarter, and are advertised through the chamber newsletter and local newspaper. Such advertising can pay off. The chamber boasts over 1 million hits in the last three years.
Downtown Promotion Reporter
http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/dpr.php
Downtown Promotion Reporter
http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/dpr.php
This study examines the feasibility associated with establishing and operating a community-based arts center in Jasper, Alabama, in the context of the greater Walker County area. The representatives of the Walker Area Community Foundation and the Arts Alliance have envisioned a community arts facility that fits within a certain range of criteria. While the vision is yet broad, there are areas of agreement that define the desired center and limit the scope of this feasibility study. They agree that such a center should be: intimate, local, versatile, unique, supportive, that it should preserve local history, and that it should attract tourists to the community.
The preponderance of arts participation in the East South Central region seems to focus on historical sites, art and craft fairs/festivals, and literature. Even so, participation is lower here than most other regions of the U.S. Focus on those areas where participation is already extant, with intensified effort in areas that will appeal to, and match the characteristics of, the local population are most likely to succeed in the Walker County setting. This study was produced for the Walker Area Community Foundation. (www.wacf.org). Download the full study here:
WACFFinal Report.pdf
The preponderance of arts participation in the East South Central region seems to focus on historical sites, art and craft fairs/festivals, and literature. Even so, participation is lower here than most other regions of the U.S. Focus on those areas where participation is already extant, with intensified effort in areas that will appeal to, and match the characteristics of, the local population are most likely to succeed in the Walker County setting. This study was produced for the Walker Area Community Foundation. (www.wacf.org). Download the full study here:
WACFFinal Report.pdf
