Beyond The Lights Of Marshall

When you think of Marshall, Texas, Wonderland of Lights probably comes to mind. The city`s Tourism Task Force hopes to attract more people to the area, and they`ve paid a pretty penny to do so. Try 48,000 dollars for a study on what Marshall has to offer. The first phase results came in last week. it`s common to see out-of -towners visiting Marshall this time of year but lights aren`t the only attraction the city has to offer. The downtown area is booming with new business. The problem is luring people in to take advantage. Destination Development Incorporated was hired to help grow Marshall. The results of the first phase of their study are in after the company was secretly in town last month. "They were in town about a month ago and did secret shopping and what their experience was here and then they came back and told us in two different workshops," said Shawne Somerford. The Tourism Task Force wants more business and now a challenge has been presented to the community. Residents and Business owners have until January to decide what makes Marshall so unique. In the second phase of the study, Task Force members and Business owners will learn how to brand their community. Early next year, The development team will present an action plan to kick tourism into high gear.