Howdy! Just a note that in our Ohio River Region will keep going forward in expanding the horizons. A group of businessmen along the bend part of the river near our downtown is talking about how that area can be updated for expansion of barge traffic, business to transport goods, and railway system use. It is about 13 or 14 parcels of land. The businesses along there is rock, sand, railroad, old bridge for the greenway project, utility company, and other sundry businesses. I don't know much about the first meeting they had, but it possibly is to make it into a harbor or bigger barge stopping place.
A grade school and high school classmate is the Depty Commerce agent, of the Secretary of Commerce Department. He is David A. Sampson, and is a fellow Texan of President Bush. David was hand picked for his position by President Bush. Anyway, David comes to town every so often to rub elbows with the other business folks and talk about some economic development. I went ahead and emailed him the few days later when he was in North Carolina for a speech. I mentioned to him about river boats, steamboats, yachts and so on and what I've been trying to bring to Evansville, IN, and the region for the past two years. Yep, I told him about the many, many trials and triumphs in getting boats here. I told him that I'd keep pressing onward. He's excited that we'd finally get some great boats in the area. I agree. He suggested that to expand this area that our area keep in contact with the folks in Chicago, IL, to further economic development. I hope our folks do take that advice. It will be a matter of time.
It is a matter of time for the river boats, again. In 2005 out of five boats coming my company got two of them in. For 2006, one boat I cancelled due to conditions here, one owner and I agreed to wait out til January 2007 to come to make sure the boat is coming in a great condition--which that Captain was just here today to check out the marina I was told for 2007, two boats did get in, and two others just didn't get in from one sponsor cutting his original monies and the other sponsor just didn't fit the situation best, it was felt by all.
So, you just reload. Heck, in the past forty years we've only seen three boats here, and a St. Louis, Mo, boat was here for a private function. That is it. Not counting the River Barge Excursion folks who docked at the Angel Mounds Boat ramp, or so I was told. So, that is all our city has seen. I was bringing in one year more than what we would have seen in 40 years. That is how some are geared here. We're suppose to be impressed with just a few in 40 years. Baloney. The rest of us went to other cities--YOURS to see and cruise on boats. So, a group of us believe that in 2007, we'll get to start back up and bring some more in here, again. For 2008 it should definitely rock in this river region. Now, Henderson, KY, and Mt. Vernon and Tell City, IN, have been getting the Queen series for years. In our city, you'd think the boats just came off the press for some. Yep. Just invented water. So, that is what I have to work/deal with. Small thinkers and producers. It is easier for those folks to down trod someone, anyone bringing anything new to this area.
In 2007 we should have some other boat up and down the Ohio River Region. My clients have been looking at different boats for sale for almost a year, now. We came close to one boat a month ago. They are looking at three boats now and will soon decide if they are proceeding on a boat or not, by Thursday. I check out the financing on Monday. I'm excited. These guys and another family want to bring something fresh to our river region. I agree. It is in that way that our river is vibrant. Forty years is a long time to just have a few boats here. Of course, your cities prospered from that. I'm going to bring in more boats to spread the money around, cross market, add some excitement to the river in our area. I keep reloading. In 2007 you'll start seeing more in our Ohio River Region. We want boats here. Our public does and I'm going to bring that product to them. We've now seen what docks and marinas to not use and which one to use. It has been a process. A lawyer and accountant is now always at hand quicker and will oversee what they need to do on each boat. I've had to learn tighter techniques. Keep in there. Our public and I want you here and we'll get you here. Schedules would even be great to start setting, be it a year behind now, but heck, for forty years we didn't have a darn thing but three boats. Whoppie. Having boats here on a great schedule each year or every other year would be great. I've got a great contact in Washington, D.C. in the Commerce Department. I keep our state Commerce Department aware of getting boats here and our great Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who is over our state's tourism department. They want to see great boating here, and by golly, we'll get you here. Just keep in there. The public is wily, getting anxious, and wants them in here no matter who doesn't. I'm seeing sponsors getting the picture better I need their help and that this does help economic development. And jobs. I've had folks wanting to make pin money for the past two years. They want you here!!
Marker 797, the Nu Plaza Yacht Club and the Dogtown Boat Ramp. Mr. Jim Hall at 812-483-2536. He's treated me with great respect, courteous, and even found/bought an extra part to get one of the boats to dock here. Now, that is a great guy. Positive, legal licenses--yes, we've called to make sure. A competitor keeps asking about licenses and float plans. I question why someone else is questioning the boats and the marina having proper liceneses. I'd said that person's license isn't up to snuff. My company will call, as does the marina, the proper authorities just to make sure licensing is correct. And, you boat operators ususally do your own float plans a week ahead of time, so that should be okay, too, so far.
So, fasten those seatbelts, get those helmuts on, as we do the G-Force of 9 to 12 miles per hour down and up the river and watch us grow. You'll glow just like we will. Mary.
