Convention Brings in Visitors, Money
By: Heidi York
Updated: September 14, 2009
More than a thousand people are visiting Shreveport this week for the National Baptist Convention of America. They're here lifting up prayers and giving our economy a lift.
" We estimate about 3 million dollars in direct economic impact that they'll spend during the course of their convention," explained Brandy Evans with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
Much of that is spent downtown, at hotels and restaurants, and across the river at the Louisiana Boardwalk, but the total impact is far-reaching.
"It still benefits the entire community because of the sales tax and some of the other things that come right back into the city coffers," added Evans.
"There are some wonderful children who are going to get a better education due to that tax revenue. Streets, drainage, and all of that will be impacted, as well as some businesses that have seen their bottom line increase. This is what we really need in Shreveport," said Dr. Timothy Jones, Host Pastor of the convention.
Carolyn Johnson traveled all the way from San Francisco to attend the National Baptist Convention. She even brought her boutique to town and set up shop at the convention center. And she's got something else on her to-do list before she heads back home.
"I plan to, before I head out Friday night, to tour the city and see how the food is," said Johnson.
The National Baptist Convention of America wraps up Thursday night at the Shreveport Convention Center.
" We estimate about 3 million dollars in direct economic impact that they'll spend during the course of their convention," explained Brandy Evans with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
Much of that is spent downtown, at hotels and restaurants, and across the river at the Louisiana Boardwalk, but the total impact is far-reaching.
"It still benefits the entire community because of the sales tax and some of the other things that come right back into the city coffers," added Evans.
"There are some wonderful children who are going to get a better education due to that tax revenue. Streets, drainage, and all of that will be impacted, as well as some businesses that have seen their bottom line increase. This is what we really need in Shreveport," said Dr. Timothy Jones, Host Pastor of the convention.
Carolyn Johnson traveled all the way from San Francisco to attend the National Baptist Convention. She even brought her boutique to town and set up shop at the convention center. And she's got something else on her to-do list before she heads back home.
"I plan to, before I head out Friday night, to tour the city and see how the food is," said Johnson.
The National Baptist Convention of America wraps up Thursday night at the Shreveport Convention Center.
