I saw in your Jan. 28 paper that the Vicksburg Convention Center took a financial hit for the fourth quarter of 2009. I believe that they join the casinos, the hotels, motels, museums, attractions, visitor centers and tax collections (both property and sales). In the year 2000, there were 3,500 people employed in the tourism industry here. I’m sure that it is much lower now. Is this a message?

There are some of us in the industry who have advocated that we come together as an industry to explore some fresh ideas. We have done essentially the same type of advertising for decades. If you try to go in to discuss new ideas with the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau board in an open meeting, you are treated with great rudeness. And you can be punished.

Mississippi River Tours is the last tour boat in business between Tunica and New Orleans. Many visitors find us on the Web and come to Vicksburg to get out on the Mississippi River. We attract thousands of field trip children into town for our free MDEQ-sponsored rides. Featuring it as one of the attractions in an advertising rotation would be good for the city. If we are not featured because we aren’t a more glamorous boat, remember that all of the expensive glamour boats are out of business. Likewise, outlet centers are great tourist attractions and should be put into the rotation. Are we being penalized for being outspoken?

What is the job of a board? Is it to rubber stamp the views of the director? I only see one board member who is trying to drag the dinosaurs into 2010 with good new ideas. Can some of you other board members give her some help? This economy isn’t killing us; we are killing ourselves.

OK! OK! Now I’ll be quiet like a good little girl.

Ann B. Jones

Mississippi River Tours

The Outlets at Vicksburg

Vicksburg