By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
May 11, 2001
Local officials work hard at attracting tourists.
Allison Beasley, director of the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau, said visitors bring new dollars into the community when they eat a meal, shop or buy gas but added there is more to tourism than that.
Tourism bureau employees helped with last weekend's Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, and are now looking ahead to the State Games of Mississippi, which begins June 15.
About 4,200 people are involved in the State Games of Mississippi each year, not including family members and friends who accompany the athletes, Executive Director April Luke said.
Luke was a State Games volunteer for years before she became executive director.
The tourism bureau produces a calendar that is sent to locations across Mississippi and the Southeast.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.