News and Tribune

Editorials

October 23, 2009

OUR OPINION: A little more talk, a lot more action

The news that the area tourism bureau pledged $360,000 in marketing funding if Jeffersonville lands a flashy youth baseball project is positive in more ways than hopefully helping the city secure investment from Nations Baseball.

It also proves that respectful requests for help can work better than bullying tactics. Jim Keith, executive director of the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention-Tourism Bureau, said he was first formally presented a request for financial support Monday. On Wednesday, the tourism bureau’s board voted to spend $120,000 a year for three years if a Cooperstown, N.Y.-based developer decides to build a training facility for young baseball players in Jeffersonville.

If that’s not an example of “ask and you shall receive,” what is?

The city’s administration had been critical of Keith’s perceived lack of excitement over the baseball project — among others ventures — even though city Planning Director Jim Urban said several weeks ago the tourism bureau had not been asked to provide financial support by the city, because a deal with Nations Baseball was still being negotiated.

As of press time, negotiations continue, so what changed? Perhaps it was as simple as someone picking up a phone or sending a friendly e-mail. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Thankfully, it did, because this type of cooperation makes Southern Indiana look a lot better to Cooperstown and other developers than the hastily arranged overthrow attempt of Keith several weeks ago.

If the sudden alliance helps land the baseball complex — which could feature 25 fields, thousands of summer visitors and millions of dollars in economic impact — it was worth it.

In fact, it’s worth it even if Nations Baseball decides to go to another city. It proves that people here can work together — even after some feelings might have been hurt.

This is especially true of the bureau and its board, which are doing what they are being asked to do in the name of promoting Southern Indiana, even after facing criticism.

— The Evening News editorial board is comprised of Publisher Jim Grahn, Inside Sales Manager JoAnn Galligan and Editor Shea Van Hoy.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Editorials
Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
AP Video
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
SEASONAL CONTENT