By LEAH STRATMANN
The general economic downturn of the country continues to be felt in the hospitality industry. The South Walton Tourist Development Council’s (TDC) treasurer, Mary Brown, reported revenue totals of $2.2 million dollars for July at the monthly meeting. July’s figure represents an 8-percent decrease from previous years. The total collected in the year to date is $9.2 million.
John Heiser and Myra Williams of The Howard Group were at the meeting to report on a company doing some research in the area to test the feasibility of building a performing arts center in the region. “Spirit Productions Group is based in London. This is a worldwide production company who recently completely a project in Myrtle Beach. If they come into an area, they bear the cost of providing either an air dome or a large tent for a few years and determining whether or not the program was successful. They are proposing a show along the order of Cirque de Soleil. If the pilot program proved successful, they would construct a permanent building,” Heiser said. “This would bring world-class entertainment to the area.”
Heiser said Walton County is in competition with both Bay and Okaloosa Counties at this point, but feel Walton could very well be the hub to draw in people from both of those counties. If selected, the temporary structure would be housed on land in Grand Boulevard, where infrastructure such as parking is already in place. “They are looking for community support for the possible $2 – 3 million dollar investment in the area,” he noted…..
Read the full story in the Sept. 17, 2009 edition of the Herald Breeze.