Reported a "survey" in the local paper last Monday (9/26/2011); They are running a "closed" web site model, so I can't even provide a link.
As a method of forecasting and guiding our economic future- I am aghast/amazed/astonished anyone would pay for the CRAP that was delivered. It is so typical of the crap that "professional" promotion committees generate. Or the public at large.
Nothing that will stand close scrutiny was mentioned as a possible economic stimulus project, the three that come to mind were an Aquarium (?), a "Performance Venue" and a Boutique Hotel.
Er, ah, WRONG on all three; The first two are just two BIG for the space, where would visitors park? Or are we supposed to bulldoze what residential space is left to build parking structure?
Not to mention the awkward financing question.
And we already have a modest little performance space, Rogers Little Theatre (Community Dinner Theater); Six different shows a year. Getting people to use the venue at least once a month for other activities, and someplace to stick around afterwards for a drink would seem to be the problem. Oh- it's a dry county. Another issue for another time....
As for a high end Boutique Hotel, Why? What makes this mediocre little town a "destination"? People doing business with Walmart, there are already such establishments closer to the home office. For recreational travel, you can go up the road a bit to Eureka Springs or Branson. Maybe in Bentonville to "Service" the Crystal Bridges museum. But it is not going to be an economic winner in Rogers.
What really disturbs me, someone got paid rather well to put that nonsense together.
