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Vote for tax is a vote for advancement
Published Sunday, May 25, 2008
With all the new hotels, casinos, and new events coming online, Natchez, now more than ever, needs to be marketed to areas where a lack of funds have prevented it from being marketed in the past.
The big questions around this issue are “how and where will this money be spent, and who will oversee where the money will go?” The answers are quite simple. It will be spent to advertise in publications in which the Convention and Visitors Bureau has always wanted to advertise, yet couldn’t afford.
As legislated, the new marketing and advertising funds created by hotel occupancy assessment will be spent to market Natchez. The CVB hopes to advertise on radio and television; mediums we’ve never been able to afford, in major markets within driving distance such as Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, Birmingham, Houston, and other nearby markets. Dollars will be spent to create promotional materials to send to tour operators and tour bus companies. Money will be used to take advantage of the technological tools available on the Internet, technology that people use to make travel plans. We hope to produce video material to be used on Web sites like You Tube and other sites that can then be downloaded onto personal electronic devices, and perhaps then used as a walking tour tool once in Natchez.
The funds will be monitored and administered by the Natchez Tourism Marketing Committee once it is formed, which shall consist of the following: three members of the lodging industry; two members from the restaurant/food and beverage industry; one member from Natchez Pilgrimage Tours; one member from the business community at large to be recommended by the Natchez Chamber; one member from each of the casinos; one member from the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture; one member from the Natchez Historic Foundation; and one member from the Natchez Business and Civic League.
The parameters for the formation the Natchez Tourism Marketing Committee have been set forth by the Mississippi State Legislature and by law must be followed. There is indeed an existing marketing plan that is followed annually, and a new marketing plan will be forthcoming once the required formation of the Natchez Tourism Marketing Committee is complete.
There are a large number of markets that remain untapped for Natchez, not only in the United States, but in the European, Asian and other foreign markets as well.
Foreign travel to the United States is beginning to enjoy resurgence in the fading wake of 9-11, and through the present strength of the Euro to the U.S. dollar, and Natchez needs to be well positioned to capture whatever portions of those travelers we possibly can.
Heritage Tourism is growing at a rapid pace across the country as well, and Natchez is beginning to see an increasing number of African-American tourists through its current advertising efforts. This trend will surely continue as a larger number of black attractions come into existence around Natchez over the next few years. At present, the CVB advertises in two black travel publications, Black Meetings and Tourism, and Pathfinder Magazine, but there are a number of other travel trade magazines in which we need to advertise to generate flow from the heritage seeker market.
Natchez has been attempting to market itself broadly on an annual budget of $100,000, which I’m sure you can ascertain from what I’ve divulged, doesn’t go very far at all.
That includes daily mailings of requested material at an average cost of $1.55 per inquiry, with printed materials and ever increasing postage. The CVB mails out an average of 100-150 information packets a week to individual inquiries, and an average of four to five group (30 people or more) inquiry mailings a month. I’ll let you do the math on that one.
So, when you see the resolution for the hotel occupancy assessment choices fee on the June 3 general election ballot, think about the jobs at stake: the new jobs created by the new hotels and casinos, the new jobs at the new Office Depot and other new businesses that are opening around town. Think about the increases in income that could come to all industry related personnel as a result of increased traffic to Natchez, which would also result in increased tax revenue to the city to provide more and improved public services. As more people come to Natchez, more business opportunities will come available, thus more jobs and so on. What a great snowball effect to have.
The majority of hotel, restaurant and bed and breakfast operators of Natchez are very much in support of the legislation because they are very much aware that Natchez must be made known to the world, and thus not remain the South’s best kept secret.
If you have questions please visit the CVB blog site and we will be happy to provide you with answers. Log onto www.natcheznews.blogspot.com. Vote for the assessment when you make your mark on the June 3 ballot, it’s a vote for a brighter future for Natchez.
Sally Durkin works with the Natchez Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Comments
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 5:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Carlson Group has 985 hotels worldwide. Office Depot and Wal-Mart are likewise trans-national corporations. The Chamber of Commerce is also an international group. If these trans-nationals and the groups represented by the Tourism Council seek gain through increased advertising, then they should match any funds raised by a tax on the strangers to our community.
If these groups are allowed taxing power for their ends, where will promotion of that power and exercise stop?
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
EnKiKur, This is simply "we the people" deciding to lay a small special tax on visitors. It should (SHOULD) result in increased tourism and in the all-around business resulting from that. Have a little compassion for those who want and need the jobs here in town. Your income does not depend on our local economy but everyone is not capable of working out of town. And besides, Natchez and Vidalia have a symbiotic relationship and whats good for one can only be good for the other.
Ms Durkin, I question how well you are really interested in this tax passing. A guy posted here a day or so back about wanting one of the promotion signs for his yard and it seems as though no one ever responded to him. Maybe you don't need the help? Also, I tried to find "www.natcheznews.blogspot.com" and couldn't.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
“Natchez needs to be promoted to the world now more than ever. The latest two new hotels are nearing completion, and in order to fill those rooms to keep those hotels running, and it's newly created jobs intact, the CVB must have more marketing funds.”- http://www.natcheznews.blogspot.com/
If we believe Ms. Durkin’s blog to be truthful, the real reason for the tax on visitors is to benefit the hotels, because that is what the blog says. Why shouldn’t the hotels provide their own advertising? After all, it would only amount to a tax on themselves- but then those who would tax rarely tax themselves, only others as in the story of Jesus, Simon, the Tax Collector and the fish with gold in its mouth.
It is not as if these hotels have not conducted market research that concluded location in Natchez would be profitable. The hotels and the casinos came in search of profit to be made in selling the natural beauty of the area which belongs to all, enhanced by the low cost of labor in a bioregion that among the sixteen bioregions of the United States has the highest poverty level at forty-one percent.
If this appropriation of the capital of the people in favor of corporations will produce the claimed effect, increased profitability, why shouldn’t the corporations provide the capital? That is what each of us must do when seeking greater gain. If the corporations will not provide their own capital, and if the goal of their being here is to provide jobs for the people as Ms. Durkin’s job also implies, the very least the corporations could do is match any funds raised from the people. If six hundred thousand will be helpful, how much more beneficial would twelve hundred thousand be?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OldGrandDad, why do you think, then, if the bill is just a small special tax on hotel occupancy, the clause concerning gifts, donations, and gratuities is in the bill? What could be the possible purposes of this? You said earlier that if the bill included more than the tax on beds you would not support it. Do you still maintain that stance?
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
EnKiKur, I don't recall seeing that clause. Is it posted somewhere?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, here is the whole bill:
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documen...
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pardon me while I load that up in the truck and drive it down to a lawyer for an explanation. But maybe Sally or another proponent will be kind enough to explain it?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure they will be happy to reassure you over any doubts you might have about it OldGrandDad, with a perfectly reasonable explanation.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(i) The commission shall create the Natchez Tourism Marketing Fund which shall be maintained in two (2) parts:
(i) A general account for the assessments authorized by paragraph (c) of this section; and
(ii) A supplemental account consisting of contributions made from outside the structure of this act by private parties or entities.
Revenue derived from the additional assessment authorized in paragraph (c) of this section shall be deposited by the commission into the general account of the Natchez Tourism Marketing Fund and shall be used by the commission for the sole and exclusive purpose funding the plan described in Section 5(a)(14).
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(iii) The advisory committee shall have the responsibility to recommend grants or other support for community events to be funded from the supplemental account created pursuant to Section 6(i) of this act which are deemed by the committee to support growth in tourism sales, overnight visitation and revenues.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(ii) To accept gifts, gratuities or donations made by any party or entity for marketing or staging of events. The commission may establish special funds for specific purposes as may be required by the person or entity making the gift or donation. In the expenditure of these special funds, the commission shall seek the recommendation of the Natchez Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee created in paragraph (14) of this subsection.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is a lot to ponder when you are in the voting booth, isn't it?
So, if I own a small business, a casino say, I can donate some money to the advisory committee who is empowered to seek out grants to help my seed money grow into what is necessary for my event. Do I get a tax deduction for my donation? I'll have to call my accountant to see. Then, since the advisory committee's job is to promote tourism they can help me advertise my event. Now, what demographic should my event target? Rich widows? Or poor widows? What serves society better?
Those are questions I as a small business owner will have to ponder, and I will be sure to express my gratitude to the committee for saving me the cost of promoting my own event. After all, if it is good for me it is good for Natchez.
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right:
Taxes advance the creation of more taxes.
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I am reading this correctly, the advisory committee will have the authority to accept grant funding and donations? That makes it tax-exempt. I don't understand what all the negative hoopla is about.....we can't get tourist or conventions here without increasing our advertising budget. So the idea is to put an additional tax on the tourist, not the community, and that's a bad idea? Do you have any idea how much additional tax you pay on a hotel room in Destin, New Orleans, or Biloxi? We cannot market our community properly without $$$$. Vote YES!
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The hoopla is that the bill makes it possible for those who will benefit the most to have access to even more public money, as they will be have the heaviest weight on the committee that seeks the additional public money and decides how to use it.
The issue is over whether or not business expenses of private companies should be funded by the public. Since most people these days feel that is just fine, the tax will probably be passed. But it is this sort of corporate welfare that is responsible for the high cost of gas and food.
All this is hard to figure out, so those supporting the tax don't bother, society will take care of you with a low wage job.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen enkikur.....People need to think long and hard about this tax.....
Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a BAD TAX. I will wait for everybody to put their 2 cents in before I post on this.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So is she saying without this tax there are joibs at jepardy?
"think about the jobs at stake: " My goodness they have had there jobs without this tax why would there job at stake?
You are right natchezenema...
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For any who wish to know, now that it is too late, the St Catharine's Creek Utility Authority wasn't set up just to supply Rentech. It has been given power over all the water in Adams County. The taxpayers are going to pay for the infrastructure and the running of the plant is going to be turned over to a private company.
The Authority is also empowered to acquire any land it deems necessary to aid in the care of the well being of the people, even by eminent domain. Five appointed men now have control over all the land and water in Adams County.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documen...
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Aint that just wonderful!!! Thanks for all the info enkikur.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are welcome.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is why politicians need to be watched very carefully. I think the county board of supervisors and the aldermen and the representatives and senators owe the people of Adams County an apology and an explanation.
I can send you more info showing how it works if you send me an email address over the server.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the info EnKiKur!
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I need to make a clarification on what I said though, rushinghjr. The Authority does not directly have power of eminent domain. It must request a public agency to use its power of eminent domain to achieve the goal of the Authority.
How easy will it be for them to get their request fulfilled? Well, the St Catharines Creek Utility Authority board is the same as the Natchez-Adams Economic Development Authority...same people. These people are appointed by the county supervisors. Henry Watts and Darryl Grennel and Sammy Cauthen and Cliff McCarstle are all members of Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development, Inc., which is a private non-profit covering ten counties in southwest Mississippi. These same ten counties are also the Southwest Mississippi Partnership which is a sub-region of the Delta Regional Authority.
All the different boards and commissions around town are linked to the EDA. The St. Catherine's Creek Utility Authority has control over development as well as water services:
Section 3:
"The authority is composed of the geographic area of Adams County for the purpose of acquiring property for economic development and for the planning, acquisition,construction, maintenance, operation and coordination of solid waste, storm water, water and wastewater systems in order to ensure the delivery of solid waste, storm water, water and boundaries of Adams County."
The Creek Authority is set up to acquire land, public and private, for economic development. Either that or someone was very loose in writing the legislation. If it were just for Rentech the should have specified that. The bill also doesn't say anything about notifying the public of meetings, because the Authority is not a public body. It is a separate political subdivision of the State of Mississippi.
Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Well, the St Catharines Creek Utility Authority board is the same as the Natchez-Adams Economic Development Authority...same people. These people are appointed by the county supervisors. Henry Watts and Darryl Grennel and Sammy Cauthen and Cliff McCarstle are all members of Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development, Inc"
exactly who is on this Creek utility board?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The same people who are on the Natchez Adams EDA, at least accoring to an eariler article in the Democrat..they must still be on there since they serve two years. They are listed on this page:
http://www.natchezadams.com/about.htm
I am pretty sure it's current, but would have to call the boards to be certain.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That would be Woody Allen, James West, Leon Crawford, Vidal Davis, and Rev. Leroy White.
Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So did the EDA morph into the St, Catherine Creek board?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, they are two separate bodies with different purposes, but with the same people serving on them.
The way to see all the connections between the various groups is to list the members of all the boards and commissions in the county, and to list the mission of those boards.
Contrary to what most seem to believe, it appears that the Pilgrimage Garden Club and the HIstoric Natchez Foundation are of lesser power.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The mission of the Natchez-Adams Development Authority:
"Our primary responsibility is the recruitment, retention, and expansion of business in the Natchez - Adams County area. Our basic objective is to strengthen the region through economic and community development initiatives with emphasis on creating new jobs."
The mission of the Creek Authority:
"The authority is composed of the geographic area of Adams County for the purpose of acquiring property for economic development and for the planning, acquisition,construction, maintenance, operation and coordination of solid waste, storm water, water and wastewater systems in order to ensure the delivery of solid waste, storm water, water and boundaries of Adams County."
Same people doing two jobs. What exactly is community development though? Do you think you know?
It is a development plan that goes all the way up to the Department of Commerce that overseas development through a system of grants and other funding to sixteen bioregions of the United States.
Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When compared to the EDA and Convention Boards it would seem THEY are of lesser power. They ain't gonna like that!!!
Any idea of how many different boards, commissions, and authorities there are?hmmm?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, but working on it. The stuff I say on here, most of it comes from government websites. The US is being split up into Regions that will be developed on the basis of sustainablity. What is allowed in one region isn't allowed in another. A region can only export renewable resources from within that region. This changes what businesses can be in that region. That is the purpose of all these Authorities. They are guiding regional development.
Don't believe me? Here is a government site that explains regions:
http://knowyourregion.wcu.edu/pdf/region...
Posted by awawaw (anonymous) on May 31, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Boards Everyone are talking about. Sound like their made up of croniesim. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
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