
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 22, 1993                   TAG: 9308210071
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

$2 OR $12 MILLION, COACHES CONTRIBUTED

Much criticism has been heard about the handling of this event by Blacksburg and Tech officials since the Family Motor Coach Association convention. It is unfortunate that some members of the business community have chosen to put a negative spin on what was an overwhelmingly positive event for the community.

Government employees often get criticized for not taking chances and for doing less than they are able to do to help the people they serve. The convention is a case where exactly the opposite occurred. Tech, the town and the Virginia Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, showed initiative and expended great effort to bring this event to our community.

Perhaps they are guilty of one error: overly optimistic forecasting of its financial effect. Whether that amount proves to be $2 or $12 million when sales tax figures are available in October, the gain for the community was substantial. Motels were full with exhibitors, the restaurants that affluent retirees would be expected to patronize were busy, and many retail and service stores in this area experienced sales gains during what is usually a slow sales period.

An added benefit is that there are now more than 10,000 people from around the country who are telling friends about our beautiful area.

On the Friday that the motor coaches were departing, a front-page article in The News Messenger reported that the jobless rate in Montgomery County increased from 8.3 percent to 9.1 percent. The convention resulted in Tech's hiring extra temporary employees, and gave additional hours to existing employees. Many people in the private sector also had increased payrolls.

The flow of this money in the community will have sustained benefits. Our public servants have extended themselves, taken a risk and succeeded in bringing a major convention to this area. It is reason for praise, not censure.\ Bill Ellenbogen\ Blacksburg

by CNB