News Release Distributed 06/21/10

Ways to enhance tourism resources and create new ones in rural areas in Louisiana and Mississippi is the focus of the 2010 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit Aug. 10-12 at Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, Miss.

The targeted region comprises 16 parishes in Louisiana and 17 counties in Mississippi – all located along the Mississippi River or near the state borders, said Cynthia Pilcher, community economic development agent for the LSU AgCenter and one of the summit coordinators.

Topics to be covered include creating successful media and communication strategies; increasing accessibility for those with disabilities; using history, storytelling and culinary arts to develop attractions; designing brochures on a shoestring budget; and solving grant writing and funding challenges in a changing economy.

The conference begins at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 10. Registration forms are available at http://srdc.msstate.edu/misslou/. Registration is $110 before July 9. Checks may be sent to the Miss-Lou Tourism Association, P.O. Box 2180, Natchez, Miss. 39121.