PRESS RELEASES

Contact: Jennifer Spann, 601-359-6680

Date: September 21, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MADISON THE CITY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE WITH ANNUAL BANQUET

Jackson, Miss. - On Thursday, November 15, 2001, "Madison the City" Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet at the Jackson Hilton and Conference Center on County Line Road in Jackson. The event, which includes a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the banquet at 7:00 p.m., celebrates the accomplishments of the Chamber throughout 2001.

This year's theme, "Destination - Excellence," highlights the focus of the Chamber's economic development efforts and sets the stage for future plans for economic growth in the city. The Chamber supports existing Madison businesses, works to attract new corporate citizens, and promotes civic, cultural, and recreational activities that improve the quality of life for Madison's businesses and residents.

Diana O'Toole with the Mississippi Development Authority's (MDA) Tourism Development Division has been selected as the keynote speaker for the banquet. O'Toole is involved with Heritage Tourism as well as administering the Mississippi Hometown Retirement Grants Program. She also works with the Mississippi Main Street Association. O'Toole was instrumental in the development of an innovative approach to Hospitality/Customer Service Training for the State of Mississippi and currently serves as statewide Hospitality Training Manager. This unique training program targets frontline employees of hotels, restaurants and attractions who have daily contact with visitors to the state.

"Tourism really matters in Mississippi. This $6.1 billion dollar industry is our second largest service sector employer. The dollars spent by visitors have strengthened Mississippi's economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, creating greater revenues to support our communities. Mississippi had 34 million visitors last year, a 6.5% increase over the 31.9 million in 1999, a higher growth rate than the U.S. and Mississippi's border states. Hospitality training and customer service are the keys to the continued success of our economic development. Recognizing and appreciating the importance of Mississippi's frontline employees are essential elements in continuing to create a favorable impression and projecting a positive image to all who visit our state whether on vacation or on business. Our frontline employees represent the bottom line" said Diana O'Toole, associate manager senior, MDA.

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Mississippi Tourism Division

Post Office Box 849

Jackson, Mississippi 39205

Telephone: (601) 359-3297

Fax: (601) 359-5757