1990-05-07 Special Called Meeting

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., . e Tourism is a clean industry and a desirable one. Visitors will spend their money here, but will not demand city services in return. Tourism does not just happen, however. We must actively work to promote and advertise our assets, then issue an invitation to travelers to come and visit us. It is my opinion that a professional advertising program should be un~ertaken, with an overall theme to unify our pro- motional efforts. High quality brochures should be created for distribution through- out regional hotels, airports, highway rest stops, parks, etc. A visitor information center can be established, with brochures available which describe local sights and which offer maps of walking or driving tours of points of interest. Such tours could include historic buildings on Main Street, or the "Silk Stocking Row" of bayfront homes on Bayridge Road. In most small cities such as ours, economic development and tourist promotion are ordinarily conducted by the local Chamber of Commerce. However, a broad- er range of individuals might better serve the diverse needs of our community. A working committee composed of representatives of the city and chamber, local business leaders, members of historical societies, real estate brokers, and public relations experts could perform the service of actively recruiting desirable new businesses to our community. They could also work with a professional advertis- ing firm to establish priorities for promotional advertising. The City of LaPorte can use its governmental powers to promote a clean-up cam- paign throughout the city, enforcing existing ordinances regarding trash, danger- ous buildings, unhealthful conditions, and traffic laws. Emphasis should be placed on high visibility areas and entrances to the city. Roadsides can be planted with wild flowers, creating a more attractive setting while decreasing maintenance costs. The recently announced tree-planting program is a very good start in the beautification of our community. "Familiarity breeds contempt." This old saying is quite well illustrated in our community. We have some of the most wonderful things. . . assets which visitors would love to enjoy with us if they only were aware of them. We have attractions which should be the envy of any small city in the state. Other cities would probably take anyone of our many attractions and build a tourism campaign upon it. Because these things are so familiar to us, however, we don't realize their value. Step back and look at our community as an outsider might. It is worth sharing. -5-