Dear Editor:

Something good is going to happen for Effingham in a couple of weeks. This is something that will have an impact on all citizens in the county. How? The impact of sales tax dollars from the results of developing tourism from a noun to a verb would result in more dollars in the city and county coffers.

The “something” is a plan for developing tourism in Effingham that can bring tourists to Effingham with dollars to spend locally.

Businesses such as restaurants, gas stations, businesses with tourist-type and local merchandise to sell, local museums such as the Old Effingham and the Salzburger Museum will see increased interest and dollars to be spent here by tourists.

This plan is being developed under the leadership of Bruce Green, tourism project director for the Department of Economic Development. In November, there were nine representatives from state agencies that have a role in tourism development in Georgia, and they spent three days in Effingham looking at the possibilities and asking citizens for information about Effingham’s unique sites and possibilities.

This plan will be presented in a public meeting in the next two to three weeks. The exact date has not been established as yet.

Think about the prospects for tourism  what would you like to see as part of the tourism package for Effingham? Come to this meeting. The date will be announced next week. It will be in the evening hours (6:30 p.m.), and see where your project fits into the scheme.

The team will present a plan in essentially three categories — what is ready now, what can be made ready easily, and what can be developed. There will be an overall plan for tourism promotion in Effingham. Plan now to be there and be a part of an effort to put Effingham on the tourist map.

Ruth Lee