Everybody's trying to get folks to come to their town, and you've got to get them to look at you first. This may get them to look when you're basically competing with the entire world for that tourism dollar.

We're not buying some report that's going to go on the shelf and never be seen again. This is a research and marketing tool we can start using immediately once we get it.

We work for the citizens of this community, and I believe in being accountable for the taxpayer money we spend.

We haven't been getting the results in leads as we have in the past. What we've had has been a shotgun approach. The bottom line is (branding) will make us more marketable. The last five years the face of tourism has changed, and we've got to get out there and do a better job.

In addition to the thousands of re-enactors for these events, we're looking for thousands more to fill our hotel and motel rooms, eat in our restaurants and shop.

Places where folks can run for the weekend, I think we're benefiting from that. We like to travel. If we can't afford to go the long distances, we'll find something a little closer. I think the future for tourism is still bright.