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.
