Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Tourism- Where are we?

The idea has been introduced- TOURISM -as the economic savior for Bibb County.

Why?>
Approximately 1/4 of the county's land mass is held in public lands, The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and The Talladega National Forest, Oakmulgee Division encompassing most of that.
Tourism is a Clean Industry
It does not require large amounts of capital
Attributes that attract tourists attract retirees who are economic contributors
Tourism is supported by numerous small businesses
Tourism attracts other industries
Tourism encourages entrepreneurial activity
Quality outdoor recreation amenities increase property values

What is the Plan?> ORGANIZE-- FOCUS --PLAN-- DO
Create a Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Plan with organizations in Bibb County- done! 25 organizations
Increase communication between existing organizations
Identify joint projects across the county
Get commitment and involvement of elected officials
Strengthen ties to org's outside Bibb County
Adopt projects and enhance and improve tourism amenities
Increase legibility with maps, brochures, signage, website

Where are we?> The DO phase
"These are critical years for small business/private business ownership." - Nisa Miranda, Director University of Alabama Center for Economic Development
Now is the time to look at small business opportunities
IT's time to go out and tell 10 people about tourism and what is going on in Bibb County
IT's time to take it to the next level and each of the 25 organizations to adopt and further an aspect of the plan
Get articles in the Paper on our progress: cleanups, plans, and major national events are being held in Bibb County
The Coke Ovens Park is one of the first low-hanging fruits to fix up and it is moving, see other blog entries!

Many thanks to Ms. Nisa Miranda, without whom, none of this would be possible- and the source of most of the verbage above. We love you Nisa! Thank you!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

BIG Tourism Meeting - This Thursday Night!!!!

Woodstock City Hall- 7:00, 2nd Public Tourism Meeting for Bibb County

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

IMRivers Beta GIS Project

River Network is doing a pilot project in Alabama highlighting a new technology that combines online mapping with localized spatial information. The Cahaba River Society is currently one of three organizations chosen to have one of these beta sites, and we expect 10 or so organizations to be selected. We are using our site to display information such as Canoe put ins and take outs, amenities, water quality data, etc. Please take a look at the site -- still under construction at:
www.imrivers.com/cahaba
We are looking for suggestions and your input. Please comment if you check it out! Thanks, LIZ

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Upcoming Events!

We are having our big Ecotourism meeting at Brent City Hall 7:00 Thursday night, with Nisa Miranda as speaker and mastermind of our plan. :)
The same meeting will also be held on the 19th at Woodstock City Hall at 7:00 pm

April 21st is our very first Renew Our Rivers Cleanup at the Refuge, 8:00 am, organized by Friends of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, a newly formed group whose mission is to support the Cahaba Refuge and build amenities there.

May 19th is the Cahaba River Ramble- a 5K and 10K trail race and fun day at the Refuge, put on by Cahaba River Society in honor of the late Shane Hulsey, our education director to benefit the CLEAN program, our educational program that gets kids out on the river.

May 26th is the Lily Festival- The West Blocton Improvement Committee's 19th year running, I believe! A morning of speakers and a great homemade lunch, then it's off to the Refuge to see the lilies!

June 29th is the opening of the Smithsonian exhibit, Between Fences, in West Blocton. This is being held in conjunction with the Fish Fry on Friday (attended by over 1,000 people!) and the Old Timers Ballgame with Lima bean lunch on Saturday.