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From YouTube: Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection (6-2-21)
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A
Welcome
to
the
first
meeting
of
the
budget
review
subcommittee
on
economic
development,
tourism
and
environmental
protection.
I
just
want
to
remind
everybody
of
new
meeting
protocols
due
to
continuing
issues
related
to
coven
19..
Remote
access
will
be
allowed
to
all
meetings
for
the
interim,
and
I
think
today,
almost
all
the
remote
people
are
legislators.
A
Members
were
provided
information,
part
of
the
meeting
on
how
to
access
remotely,
and
we
won't
have
any
material
to
be
passed
out.
Mr
secretary,
please
call
the
roll
oh
and
you
will
need
members
you'll
need
to
indicate
whether
you're
president
person,
remote
from
the
district,
are
remote
from
the
annex.
F
A
First,
on
the
agenda
is
secretary,
berry
and
and
a
host
of
people
I
believe
so.
Would
you
introduce
yourself
for
the
record
and
anytime,
you
want
to
get
started,
have
all
presenters,
introduce
them
and
we'll
get
going.
G
Mr
chairman,
members
of
the
committee,
thank
you
very
much.
I'm
mike
berry,
I'm
the
secretary
of
tourism,
arts
and
heritage
cabinet,
and
I'm
pleased
to
have
with
us
today
some
of
my
co-workers
in
that
cabinet
and
in
two
of
our
agencies,
and
then
there
are
some
other
guests
that
will
be
introduced
to
you
from
the
tourism
industry.
I'm
pleased
to
have
with
us
from
the
office
of
the
secretary
danielle
jones.
G
The
commissioner
of
parks
who's
here
with
me
at
the
table,
russ
meyer
and
the
deputy
commissioner
of
parks
will
adams
the
commissioner
of
tourism,
the
department
of
tourism
mike
manchit,
and
the
deputy
commissioner
of
the
department
of
tourism,
mona
jewett,
and
I
think
I've
covered
everybody
from
the
cabinet
that
is
here
again.
Thank
you
very
much
for
inviting
us
here
today.
It
is
genuinely
good
to
be
here
in
person.
G
We
were
standing
outside
a
little
bit
earlier,
trying
to
figure
out
when
the
last
time
we
were
in
the
annex
and
it's
been
a
while.
So
it's
good
to
see
you
all
in
person
kentucky
tourism
is
an
11.8
billion
dollar
industry.
It
brings
millions
of
people,
visitors
and
dollars
to
kentucky
each
year
and
really
impacts
all
120
of
our
counties
and
in
2019
those
are
the
last
numbers
we
had
visitors
to
kentucky
spent
about
eight
billion
dollars
and
generated
that
11.8
billion
in
economic
impact.
G
When
you
take
that
number
and
add
from
our
cabinet
the
arts
and
culture
industry,
that
would
add
another
2.3
billion
in
economic
impact,
of
course,
outdoor
recreation,
hunting,
fishing,
other
wildlife,
related
activities,
add
another
5.9
billion
dollars
and
about
70
000
jobs
to
the
economy.
And
then,
of
course,
we
don't
want
to
forget
the
horse
industry,
the
equine
industry,
which
generates
about
another
3.4
billion
dollars.
So
all
of
those
industries
fall
within
or
under
the
tourism
arts
and
heritage
cabinet.
G
G
The
tourism
industry
is
probably
one
of
the
most
hardest
hit
by
the
the
pandemic,
but
I
will
tell
you,
I
also
came
out
of
this
realizing
that
folks
in
the
pa,
in
the
tourism
and
travel,
the
hospitality
industry
are
great
at
thinking
outside
the
box
as
well.
There
are
some
good
stories
out
of
that.
You've
probably
heard
me
mention
that
at
other
times
that
fishing
and
hunting
license
were
an
all-time
record.
You'll
hear
from
the
commissioner.
G
G
That's
important
as
we're
beginning
to
reopen
and
utilize
our
travel
slogan,
which
this
is
temporary
for
this
year,
stay
close,
go
far.
Travel
safe
research
tells
us
that
road
trips
are
the
most
likely
method
of
travel
and
kentucky's
position
within
a
day's
drive
of
about
two-thirds
of
the
the
nation's
population
presents
and
positions
us
very
well
for
that.
G
I
do
have
some
more
recent
figures
from
the
u.s
travel
association
again
that
that
membership
organization,
that
that
we
belong
to
national
travel
spending
in
march
of
2021
so
a
couple
of
months
ago,
tallied
69.5
billion
and
that's
significantly
higher
than
the
previous
four
months,
but
it
is
still
below
31
percent
below
the
numbers
in
march
of
2019..
G
So
again,
the
recovery
is
already
evident,
we're
just
not
back
to
2019,
which
was
probably,
if
not
the
one
of
the
best
travel
and
tourism
years
in
the
commonwealth's
history.
G
Research
also
tells
us
that
more
than
7
in
10
travelers
are
planning
a
summer
vacation,
that's
important
because
last
year,
that
number
was
only
37
and
now
it's
over
70
percent.
So
we
know
that
there
are
people
out
there
wanting
to
travel
and
wanting
to
travel
safely
and
again.
That
positions
us
well
more
than
four
of
10
u.s
companies
plan
to
start
domestic
business
travel
in
the
next
three
months.
That's
up
that
40
percent
is
up
from
25
just
last
month.
G
So
again
we're
hoping
to
see
those
business
destinations,
our
hotels,
motels,
the
meeting
and
convention
centers
etc,
see
an
uptick,
the
leisure
and
hospitality
industry
nationwide
gained
about
331
000
jobs
in
the
months
of
month
of
april
that
outperformed
all
other
segments
so
again
we're
hoping
that
travel
and
tourism
and
hospitality
are
leading
that
recovery.
G
And
if
you
want
to
talk
just
another
figure
to
add
and
that's
hotel,
motel
occupancy-
and
I
know
we
have
a
presenter
who's
in
that
business,
so
I
won't
speak
for
him,
but
the
year
today,
rate
of
occupancy
is
up
25
percent
over
last
year,
so
it's
an
increase,
and
so
again
we
hope
that
what
we're
seeing
is
an
important
first
step
in
the
recovery.
G
How
are
we
building
a
strong,
post-recovery,
post-covet
economy?
We
continue
to
make
strides
in
our
efforts
as
a
cabinet
to
modernize
tourism
and
to
build
long-term
economic
success
over
the
last
year.
As
you
will
hear
from
the
commissioner,
we've
invested
in
our
state
parks
thanks
to
the
dollars
that
have
been
generously
appropriated
by
the
legislature.
G
Also,
this
last
year,
we've
had
some
good
success
stories.
You
probably
heard
that
kentucky
kingdom,
which
is
on
the
property
of
the
state
fairgrounds
in
louisville,
was
sold
to
herschend
corporation
hershin,
family
entertainment.
If
you're
not
familiar
with
them,
they
own
dollywood
and
silver
dollar
city.
They
also
own
and
manage
the
newport
aquarium
in
northern
kentucky.
Speaking
of
the
newport
aquarium.
Just
this
last
saturday
I
was
at
newport
on
the
levee,
where
they
did
a
groundbreaking.
G
I'm
sorry
a
ribbon
cutting
to
finish
up
their
two-year
100
million
dollar
investment,
and
they
they
will
greet
about
4.5
million
guests
each
year
at
newport
on
the
levy.
In
addition
to
that
log
still
distillery
a
couple
of
weeks
ago,
we
were
there
in
in
nelson
county
for
that
opening
it
will
create
126
jobs.
G
Plus
there
is
another
phase:
2
investment,
that's
worth
about:
24
million
dollars,
that's
coming
and
then
also
we've
seen
through
the
main
street
program,
approximately
45
and
a
half
million
dollars
of
cumulative
investment
in
downtown
communities
throughout
the
commonwealth.
G
So
again,
these
are
just
a
few
of
the
examples
of
some
of
the
positive
things
that
are
going
on
in
the
the
travel
and
tourism
and
hospitality
industry,
as
we
begin
to
recover
and
hopefully
get
back
to
that,
11.8
billion
dollar
number.
G
Investing
in
kentucky's
tourism
just
to
tell
you,
in
addition
to
our
regular
10
million
dollar
budget
that
we
have
for
marketing,
and
that
includes
advertising
trade
shows
and
events.
We
did
recently
receive
a
5
million
dollar
grant
from
cares,
act,
money
and
that
will
go
toward
expanding
that
travel
and
tourism
reach.
Hopefully,
it's
going
to
allow
us
to
reach
further
into
multicultural
markets
to
national
and
even
international
travel.
We
talk
about
canada,
we
haven't
marketed
in
canada
in
several
years
and
hopefully
when
the
borders
are
reopened.
G
This
will
also
give
us
the
opportunity
to
market
there
to
market
more
fully
into
what
it
will
probably
be
one
of
the
first
travel
segments
to
reopen
and
that's
the
motor
coach
industry
and
to
get
them
back
into
kentucky.
Those
of
you
are
familiar
with
the
artisan
center,
which
is
one
of
our
agencies
in
berea.
They
rely
a
great
deal
on
the
motor
coach
industry
they're,
seeing
a
return,
and
we
want
to
make
sure
that
people
realize
that's
an
important
stop
as
you
head
down
I-75
or
as
you
travel
tourism
in
kentucky.
G
Recovery
assistance,
grant
that
will
actually
go
to
market
our
non-tourism
region
so
instead
of
overall
state
marketing
that
will
go
into
the
non-tourism
regions
to
help
draw
people
to
specific
areas
of
the
state
and
then,
finally,
speaking
to
the
arts
sector
in
arpa
money,
800
million
dollars
was
recently
distributed
through
the
federal
government
and
will
be
allocated
from
the
kentucky
arts
council
to
the
much
needed
resources
in
the
artistic
community
in
the
arts
organizations
around
the
the
country,
I'm
sorry
around
the
commonwealth
and
that
we
know
is
critical
funding,
because
a
lot
of
these
groups
have
now
gone
on
two
seasons
that
they
have
not
performed
and
haven't
had
the
income.
G
At
this
point,
I'm
going
to
turn
it
over
to
commissioner
meyer
and
let
him
talk
to
you
a
little
bit
about
state
parks,
pre
and
current
and
future
of
coveted
recovery.
C
Thank
you
secretary,
and
I
want
to
thank
you,
chair,
beckler
and
all
the
members
of
this
committee
and
and
staff
for
taking
the
time
to
have
us
here
with
you
this
morning.
C
It's
great
to
be
back
here
in
the
annex
as
secretary
said
and
mask-free,
and
just
feels
good
to
to
be
out
here
with
you
all
so
looking
forward
to
this
year
and
and
doing
the
work
of
the
people
and
and
our
partnership
with
the
general
assembly
to
to
get
that
done,
because
the
future
does
look
bright
and
and
we're
doing
great
things.
C
You
know
in
this
state
through
our
parks
and
it's
just
exciting,
exciting
to
to
to
be
out
there
and
and
and
seeing
it
all
happen
and
and
coming
out
of
the
covid
and-
and
I'm
just
here
to
give
you
a
little
glimpse
and
a
report
on.
What's
going
on
with
our
parks,
what's
happened
in
the
past
year
and
kind
of
what
we're
looking
forward
to
in
the
future.
C
So,
as
the
as
the
secretary
mentioned,
you
know,
kentucky
has
taken
an
aggressive
approach
to
prevent
the
spread
of
coven
19
throughout
the
commonwealth
and,
as
you
all
know,
the
know,
the
same.
C
Throughout
the
pandemic,
kentucky
state
parks
have
remained
open
for
outdoor
daytime
use
only
to
allow
kentuckians
access
to
outdoor
recreation,
kentucky
state
parks
provided
temporary
housing
for
first
responders
and
front-line
healthcare
workers.
During
the
pandemic,
some
state
parks
were
designated
to
provide
temporary
housing
for
low
acuity
patients
and
relieve
pressure
on
our
hospitals
during
the
pandemics.
Some
of
our
parks
also
partnered
with
local
schools
to
provide
nti
support
for
children
who
are
in
need
of
internet
access
to
complete
educational
instruction.
C
This
past
year,
kentucky
experienced
record-breaking
numbers
for
hunting
fishing,
golf
and
camping,
creating
a
much
needed
travel
revenue,
and
there
really
was
a
true
rediscovery
that
the
the
golf
industry
has
not
seen
in
20
years
and
camping.
Our
campgrounds
are
you
have
to
book
weeks
and
sometime
months
in
advance
to
get
a
spot
at
our
campground.
So
the
the
outlook
for
for
golf
camping
outdoor
activities
like
that
and
the
rediscovery
of
these
for
kentuckians
and
people
outside
of
kentucky
coming
to
kentucky,
has
been
very
inspiring.
C
State
parks
saw
an
increase
in
golf
with
the
number
of
rounds
in
fy
21
up
27.9,
another
uptick
in
golf,
which,
which
we
felt
good
about
coming
into
this
year,
total
sales
by
20.7
percent
at
our
13
golf
courses.
Despite
we
had
one
golf
course,
as
you
all
know,
at
pine
mountain
state
park
why
seattle
wins.
C
You
know
we
had
the
bad
floods
in
eastern
kentucky.
This
golf
course
was
underwater
with
a
foot
of
mud
in
most
areas.
On
the
golf
course,
a
team
of
about
five
or
six
people
put
put
that
golf
course
in
the
position
to
reopen.
Last
week.
We
were
excited
to
reopen
it
last
thursday,
and
it
was
just
amazing
what
what
they
did
in
the
dedication
these
these
employees
did
for
that
that
golf
course
in
our
state
parks.
C
C
Throughout
the
pandemic.
Kentucky
state
parks
have
continued
efforts
to
modernize
our
parks
system
with,
through
the
restoring
the
finest
initiative,
which
was
a
bipartisan
commitment
on
the
general
assembly
to
fund
state
parks
and
the
renovation
of
much
needed
renovation
of
our
state
parks
and
there's.
There
is
a
whole
lot
more
out
there
most
recently.
This
critical
funding
has
allowed
us
to
embrace
internet
connectivity
at
many
of
our
resort
parks,
including
lake
barkley,
natural
bridge
and
carter
caves.
C
C
C
The
modernization
of
state
parks
will
require
a
continued
investment
in
general
maintenance
for
across
our
park
system,
which
will
include
upgrade
repairs
of
signage
pools,
campground
dam
safety,
reconstruction,
roads
and
fitness
facilities.
We
will
continue
to
prioritize
projects
based
on
life,
safety,
severity
of
need
and
structural
deficiencies.
C
G
Thank
you,
mr
commissioner,
so
in
in
conclusion,
promoting
kentucky
as
a
diverse
travel
destination
is
an
ongoing
priority
of
the
cabinet,
and
we
believe
that
we
are
withstanding
the
challenges
to
the
industry
because
of
the
pandemic.
G
I'm
sorry,
I
didn't
press
the
button
with
the
support
of
the
general
assembly
and
governor
beshear.
The
tourism
industry
can
greatly
benefit
from
the
allocation
of
arp
funding.
This
critical
funding
has
the
ability
to
help
communities
rely
on
tourism,
help
them
recover
from
their
economic
losses
created
by
the
national
pandemic
and
bring
jobs
and
revenue
to
every
corner
of
the
commonwealth.
G
We
know
that
areas
like
lexington
louisville,
northern
kentucky
that
rely
heavily
on
business
travel
and
conventions
and
meetings
continue
to
navigate
challenges
and
they
need
our
support
at
the
state
level.
To
ensure
kentucky
can
continue
to
be
a
national
leader
in
the
tourism
industry.
So
today
we
ask
for
your
continued
support,
because
we
believe
that
the
allotment
of
arp
funding
for
the
tourism
industry
will
help
support
every
business
sector
in
the
economy
recover
from
the
pandemic.
G
We
appreciate
this
opportunity
to
come
and
and
present
to
you
on
an
update
of
what's
been
going
on
in
tourism
in
the
last
15
months
and
would
be
happy
to
answer
any
questions
that
you
all
may
have.
A
G
In
in
the
tourism
industry,
I
I
probably
well,
I
could
not
tell
you
exactly
what
that
number
is.
We
know,
as
I
mentioned
before,
we
know,
hotel
motel
occupancy
was
was
down
considerably
at
state
parks.
It
was
at
least
10
percent.
We
know
in
the
hotel,
motel
industry,
it
was
greater
than
that,
but
I
I'm
going
to
look
back
at
the
commissioner
of
travel.
Is
there
a
number
that
representative
right
now
we're
in
the
process
of
compiling
the
economic
impact
numbers
early.
E
Thank
you,
mr
chairman
secretary
berry.
I
have
long
advocated
for
the
tourism
industry.
I
think
it's
it's
important
in
this
state.
A
couple
of
years
ago,
my
wife
and
I
and
my
youngest
daughter
took
a
traveling
tour
around
the
state
over
the
course
of
the
summer,
and
we
have
a
tremendous
amount
to
offer
citizens
in
this
state
and-
and
I
think
we
make
folks
aware
of
it
and
they'll
come
not
only
in
the
state
but
outside
of
the
state,
to
participate
and
see
what
we
have.
E
I
wanted
to
just
touch
for
a
moment
on
the
the
dollar
figures
that
have
been
allocated
to
tourism
from
from
some
of
the
federal
relief
money.
So
if
I
understand
correctly
five
million
and
cares
money.
G
That
that
is
correct,
that
was
a
grant
from
the
eda
and
that
that's
the
one
that
I
spoke
of
would
be
used
in
the
non-tourism
regions.
So
that
will
be
not
an
overall
marketing
campaign
but
specific
to
a
region.
G
Yes,
the
the
dollars
are
all
for
advertising
and
marketing,
and
so
again
the
five
million
dollars
is
for
marketing
and
advertising
the
state
as
a
whole.
So
that
could
be
in
addition
to
markets
in
this
region.
G
We're
not
you
know,
you're
not
as
likely
to
see
a
big
advertising
campaign
at
this
point
in
atlanta
or
chicago,
but
really
we're
we're
zeroing
in
on
those
areas
that
you're
going
to
get
people
that
are
more
likely
to
drive
in,
because
people
are
saying
they
want
to
do
the
road
trip
and,
however,
we
are
able
to
with
those
dollars.
G
G
We
have
in
addition
to
that,
some
opportunities
in
international
marketing
that
we
haven't
done
before.
We
know
that
the
the
bourbon
trail,
the
the
bourbonism
part,
is
very
important
to
a
lot
of
japanese
tourists.
G
But
again,
you
know:
we've
we've
tended
to
start
a
little
closer
to
home
because
of
travel
restrictions,
still
the
2.8
million,
and
that
was
a
grant
that
was
applied
for
by
the
department
of
tourism.
Again
we'll
go
to
market
those
non-tourism
regions,
so
it
would
be
specific
to
the
bluegrass
bourbon
region
or
to
the
lakes
region
as
opposed
to
a
message
that
is
just
overall
kentucky.
They
will
be
in
traditional
media
with
probably
a
big
emphasis
on
social
media
as
well.
G
I,
what
that's
going
to
do
is
we're
we're
basically
spending
10
million
dollars
of
a
budget
on
advertising
and
and
promotions
and
events
and
and
travel
shows
etc.
This
will
give
us,
instead
of
10
million
17.8
million,
to
spend
these
dollars
do
have
to
be
spent
by
the
31st
of
december
of
20.
E
Okay,
mr
chairman,
can
I
have
a
follow-up
all
right,
so
you
mentioned
a
moment
ago.
American
rescue
plan
funding.
Yes,
sir,
that's
still
on
the
table
out
there.
You
know
other
states
and
I
think
wisconsin
comes
to
mind.
They
alone
on
television
advertising
spend
more
than
our
entire
budget
to
to
operate
the
tourism
cabinet
in
the
state.
So
I'm
going
to
ask
this
question:
what
appropriation.
E
Would
your
department
see,
as
as
a
good
starting
point,
to
begin
adequately,
advertising
the
state
of
kentucky
to
to
neighboring
states
and
not
only
neighboring
states,
but
states
that
have
good
destinations?
You
know
interstates
that
run
north
to
south
east
to
west
that
are
in
the
close
proximity
traveling
to
the
state,
those
you
know
states
and
I
do
point
to
wisconsin.
They
advertised
heavily.
They
draw
from
from
all
areas,
especially
on
the
eastern
seaboard,
folks,
coming
to
there.
E
G
The
and
thank
you
for
the
question
the
and
you
are
correct
kentucky,
I
think,
ranks
30th
in
spending
for
advertising
on
travel
and
tourism.
So
we're
we're,
I
would
say,
that's
middle
to
bottom
of
the
pack,
and
certainly
any
addition.
No
funding
in
that
area
would
would
be
helpful.
You're
gonna
hear
in
the
subsequent
presentations.
G
I'm
sure
some
numbers
in
what
is
needed
to
help
some
of
these
industries
recover
and
to
promote
the
number
that
that
that
we
were
working
in
are
with
initially
from
the
governor's
recommendation,
was
100
million,
but
that
100
million.
I
want
to
be
real
clear
about
that
that
100
million
included
the
hospitality
industry,
so
hotel
motel
some
some
dollars
for
it
dollars
for
the
state
park
system.
G
G
It
will
make
a
big
difference
and
take
getting
a
percentage
of
100
million
to
market
the
state
to
help
to
our
destination
marketing
organizations,
those
tourism
commissions
that
are
out
there
to
help
them
recover
to
help
our
attractions
recover,
because
we
can
sell
kentucky
all
day
long,
but
they
have
to
be
prepared
as
well
and
and
they're
hurting,
and
they
need
help.
So
it's
really
an
integrated
package,
but
hopefully
I've
I've.
G
Given
you
the
number
that
has
that
was
initially
suggested
and
again
we
have
constantly
more
information
and
data
that
we're
seeking
and
in
fact
part
of
this
five
million
dollars
will
be
to
seek
some
data
on
travel
that
that
we'll
find
out
what
people
want
when
they
come
to
kentucky.
A
Thank
you.
I
have
a
couple
questions
myself.
How
are
the
number
of
jobs
that
are
generated?
How?
How
is
that
actually
determined?
I
mean
you
know
you
spoke
earlier
in
your
presentation.
You
talked
about
the
number
of
jobs.
I
see
an
outdoor
recreation
that
says
70
000
jobs,
what's
included
in
the
jobs.
Is
it
the.
G
In
in
the
95
000
that
we
talk
about
in
the
the
tourism
and
travel
industry,
those
are
are
directly
direct,
related
jobs.
Those
people
who
work
in
hotels,
motels,
those
who
work
in
the
the
state
park
system,
those
who
work
in
attractions
et
cetera.
G
I
would
tell
you
that
that
is
tends
to
be
a
conservative
number
because
who's
to
say
a
restaurant
exists
just
for
a
tourist
when
it
also
may
have
folks
that
eat
there
from
the
community
regularly
as
well.
So
those
those
numbers
are
not
going
to
be
all
inclusive,
but
it's
primarily
those
that
can
draw
their
revenues
to
tourism
and
travel
primarily.
A
Okay,
commissioner
meyer,
you
mentioned
upgrading
a
few
of
the
parks
with
broadband.
That's
been
one
of
my
biggest
complaints.
When
I
go
to
state
parks.
Is
broadband
access.
A
C
A
What
how
many,
what
plans
do
you
have
to
do
further
upgrades?
Do
you
have
a
list
of
the
state
parks
where
you're
going
to
be
doing
that?
Is
it
a
priority
list?
How
do
you
go
about
doing
that
and
where
does
that
rank
on
upgrades
that
you're
going
to
be
doing
to
the
state
parks.
C
Well,
you're
right-
and
I
agree
with
you
and
everyone
here
agrees
with
you.
You
know
our
state
parks
are
located
in
pristine
areas
of
our
state
that
are
hard
to
get
to
high
majority
of
our
state
parks.
Are
so
it's
hard
to
get
these
infrastructure
services
that
you're
talking
about
to
the
state
park,
so
it's
very
expensive
to
do
so.
So,
yes,
we
are
prioritizing
this.
You
know
from
a
from
a
budget
standpoint
and
you
know,
as
as
we
always
say,
and
we
we've
said
here
today.
C
We
welcome
you
know
that
opportunity
to
to
work
with
the
general
assembly
to
get
this
done
and
and
to
move
forward,
because
you
know
we've
changed
as
a
society
and
and
expectations
of
our
you
know
the
the
customers
that
come
to
our
parks.
You
know
when
you
go
to
our
parks,
you
know
15
years
ago
you
didn't
expect
to
have
wi-fi,
but
now
today
you
expect
to
have
wi-fi
when
you
go
rent
a
room
somewhere
anywhere.
C
You
go,
but
you
know
it's
a
big
challenge
and
it
seems
simple
and
and
and
you
know,
as
I
say,
ideas
are
easy
and
solutions
aren't
so
easy.
But
you
know
it's
it's
on
our
list,
we're
prioritizing
it
we're
working
towards
it.
It's
it's.
Basically,
a
a
budgeted
budget
item
that
you
know
you
know
we're
dealing
with
at
parks
and
and
we're
progressing
with
it
and,
and
you
know,
making
some
progress
with
it.
C
But
you
know
it's
just
not
going
to
be
ongoing
and
and
and
if
we
have
the
the
funds
and
to
to
do
it,
we've
got
the
ability
to
get
it
done
so
and
we'll
you
might
want
to.
Will
adams
deputy.
I
I
If
you
would
like,
we
could
provide
you
with
a
more
detailed
breakout
list
of
where
we
are
on
those
different
projects
because
they
are
ongoing.
I
know
work
is
underway
at
lake
barkley
as
we
speak
to
pull
wires
and
and
upgrade
the
infrastructure
there.
But
we've
got
a
you
know,
quite
a
quite
an
exhaustive
list
of
of
where
that
50
million
is
being
spent,
and
we
can
provide
that
to
the
committee.
A
F
C
You
know
we
anticipating,
anticipate
getting
back
to
that
number
and
and
hopefully
exceeding
that
number
with
with
the
interest
in
our
state
parks
and
and
the
redis
really
and
truly
the
rediscovery
of
our
state
parks
and-
and
you
know,
with
the
campgrounds
golfing
numbers
going
up.
You
know
I
I
see
you
know,
there's
the
demand
out
there.
People
are
wanting
to
get
back
to
our
state
parks
and
and
eat
there
and
take
their
families
there.
So
you
know
I
I
believe
we're
going
to
better
the
53
before
the
pandemic.
C
A
How
does
the
occupancy
compare
to
other
states
for
their
state
parks?
You
know.
C
I
don't
have
that
answer
for
you
will
you
may
know,
but
you
know
I
I
think
prob,
maybe
a
comparable
number
might
be
what
the
industry
you
know
the
hotel
industry
is
in
kentucky
and-
and
I
don't
know
what
that
number
is,
but
it
may
be
around
the
60
mark.
You
know.
I
I
will
add
as
well
that
our
our
recreational
travel
has
certainly
surged
it's
it's
tough
to
get
a
lodge
room
on
a
weekend
or
a
cottage
right
now.
What's
really
continua
we're
continuing
to
struggle
with?
Is
the
group
sales
business
the
during
the
week
business
meetings,
conventions
trainings
traditionally,
several
of
our
parks
are,
are
great.
I
Host
sites
for
those
lake
barkley
lodge
is
our
largest
park
by
number
of
rooms
and
they're
really
struggling
because
they
don't
have
that
group
sales
component
coming
back
to
use
the
convention
centers
and
that
sort
of
thing
similar
to
what
our
private
private
industry
counterparts
are
facing.
So
that'll
be
the
last
one,
the
last
segment
to
recover
once
that
comes
back,
we
think
we'll
do
very
well.
G
And,
and
just
as
an
fyi
that
number
of
occupancy
in
april
of
this
year
for
hotel
motels,
this
is
outside
of
the
state
park
system
in
kentucky
was
45
percent,
so
we're
not
lagging
too
far
behind
that,
but
but
will
is
spot
on.
I
was
at
buckhorn
lake
last
weekend,
state
park
and
they're
full
on
the
weekends
and
they've
got.
You
know,
folks
that
are
coming
back.
It's
the
middle
of
the
week
where
they
struggle
with
occupancy
numbers.
A
I
I
was
looking
at
this
yesterday
and
I
believe
our
our
it
is
we're
closer
to
breaking
even,
but
I
think
our
cost
per
per
dollar
earned
is
about
a
dollar
seven
right
now
I
could
be
wrong.
I
couldn't
get
that
information
to
you,
but
traditionally
we
were
about
a
dollar
25,
a
dollar
30
in
that
range,
so
we're
getting
closer
to
break.
Even
some
courses
are
breaking
even
others
are
not,
but
across
the
board
we're
getting
close.
C
You're,
not
you
know
the
the
golf
industry
as
a
whole
in
the
late
90s
early
2000s,
you
know
had
a
had
a
big
surge
and
it
has
dropped
off
the
golf
industry
nationwide,
not
only
in
our
state
but
nationwide.
It
dropped
off
from
2004,
really
up
to
coveted.
We
haven't
seen
seen
the
surge
or
the
interest
in
the
golf
industry,
so
you
know
I
look
for
us.
You
know
capitalizing
on
that
and
look
for
for
better
numbers,
not
only
this
year,
but
next
year
too.
C
So
you
know
I,
as
I
said
in
my
presentation,
it's
exciting
to
to
see
that
come
back,
but
we're
still
not
at
the
numbers
industry-wide
that
we
were
back
when
golf
had
the
had
the
big
surge.
So
it's
it's!
It's
a
tough
business.
It's
a
tough
business!
I've
personally
been
in
the
business
as
an
owner
of
a
golf
course,
and
it's
it's
tough
to
put
one
in
the
black.
It's
just
it's
not
an
easy
game
to
to
be
in
and
that's
just
the
way
it
is.
C
I'm
just
going
to
give
you
a
personal
economic
tourism
answer
to
that
is.
I
think
I
think
golf
is
a
is
a
quality
of
life
for
for
any
community
and
a
lot
of
these
communities
that
have
golf
courses.
State
park,
golf
courses,
it's
a
draw
to
their
community.
So
it's
a
it's
a
tourism
economic
impact
issue.
C
Not
necessarily
are
we
going
to
make
a
decision
to
to
cut
that
golf
course
out,
because
it's
not
making
it,
I
think
it's
making
it
as
a
whole
in
the
state
because
of
the
positive
interest
it
draws
through
tourism
and
economic
development
in
these
areas.
That's
that's
where
it's
at,
and
you
know
that's
that's
as
simple
as
I
can
put
it.
A
I'm
curious
why
canada
would
be
a
good
place
to
advertise
and
not
chicago.
I
live
very
close
to
I-24
and
there
are
a
whole
lot
of
people
coming
out
of
chicago
going
on
I-24
on
their
way
to
florida.
So
if
we're
trying
to
capitalize
on
people
going
to
florida,
why
cut
out
people
west
who
are
using
I-24.
G
Well,
I
I
again
part
of
the
the
tourism
campaign
this
year
and
the
the
emphasis
was
on
this
safecation
and
again
it's
it's
constantly
changing.
We
may
not
be
pushing
just
local
travel
come
this
fall,
we're
we're
kind
of
looking
at
it
in
a
month
by
month
and
and
things
are
changing
rapidly
for
all
the
industries
and
we're
not
quite
ready
to
to
to
open
the
the
canadian
market
yet
because
we
still
have
border
restrictions,
but
but
that
will
I
guess
what
I'm
giving
you
at.
G
This
point
is
a
is
a
just
a
picture
of
where
we're
marketing
right
now
and
we
have
not
gone
back
full
tilt
into
the
large
metropolitan
markets
that
would
likely
be
served
with
with
air
lift
and
and
that
sort
of
thing,
as
well
as
as
the
the
family
jumping
in
the
car
coming
in.
We
are
really
in
the
initial
part
of
this
campaign.
We
were
looking
at
a
200
mile
radius
of
the
borders
of
kentucky.
G
Now,
we've
expanded
that
a
little
bit
as
we
have
seen
the
interest
out
there,
but
as
things
continue
to
move,
you
may
by
the
fall,
see
or
late
summer,
see
us
trying
to
get
into
those
markets
as
well.
If
the
resources
are
there.
A
G
Thank
you
very
much
to
mr
chairman
members
of
the
committee
for
your
time
and
for
your
interest
and
please,
if
any
of
you
have
any
questions
about
anything
that
we've
presented,
feel
free
to
reach
out
to
us
and
then
I'll
leave
you
in
very
competent
hands
of
the
people
who
are
in
the
travel
and
tourism
industry
in
the
trenches.
Okay,.
C
J
Thank
you,
mr
chairman,
and
thank
you
so
much
for
the
invitation
to
be
here
with
you
today.
My
name
again
is
hank
phillips,
I'm
the
president
and
ceo
of
the
kentucky
travel
industry
association,
which
represents
the
full
spectrum
of
kentucky's
travel
and
tourism
industry.
J
The
folks
who
will
follow
me,
as
the
secretary
mentioned,
are
professionals
who've,
been
on
the
front
line
and
have
endured
what
the
devastation
experienced
by
our
industry
over
the
last
year,
plus
I'm
gonna
go
straight
to
the
heart
of
the
matter
and
the
point
of
of
our
presentations
today,
and
that
is
in
your
packet.
You
have
a
document
titled
kentucky
tourism
recovery
and
investment
proposal.
J
So
we
are
here
to
explain
the
basis
for
that
proposal
and
the
three
pillars
that
make
it
up,
which
are
marketing
kentucky
as
a
whole
for
tourism,
marketing
our
communities
and
then,
as
you've,
been
hearing
a
a
special
initiative
focused
on
meetings
and
conventions
which
are
the
hardest
hit
sector
within
our
hardest
hit
industry.
J
This
proposal
we
have
shared
it
with
several
legislative
leaders,
we've
heard
more
than
once,
don't
expect
any
blank
checks
and
strings,
meaning
accountability
will
be
attached,
and
we
welcome
that.
We
welcome
accountability.
We
welcome
it
first
because
of
our
confidence
in
the
uses
that
we
intend
to
make
of
these
funds,
but
also-
and
especially
because
we
know
the
return
on
investment
that
will
result
from
those
funds
and
for
from
those
uses.
J
A
few
points
I
don't
want
to
share
one
begins
with
this:
the
the
past
relief
this
industry
has
received
such
as
ppp
as
as
well
as
other
industries.
J
It's
been
vital,
but
it's
been
vital
for
survival
and
survival
is
not
recovery,
we're
we're
moving
toward
recovery
mode
and
in
in
that
regard,
the
american
rescue
plan
act
itself
speaks
to
the
recovery
of
this
industry
explicitly.
J
So
moving
on
to
an
additional
point,
I
want
to
share
with
as
we
we've
we
talked
about,
and
we
are
so
appreciative
of
the
increase
in
travel.
That's
being
experienced
right
now,
thankfully,
but
an
increase
in
travel.
It's
in
relation
to
recovery.
It's
not
a
light
switch.
It's
not
something.
An
increase
in
travel
is
not
going
to
flip
that
switch
for
an
industry
and
for
businesses
that
have
suffered
over
five
quarters.
J
Consecutive
quarters
of
profound
loss
and
also
with
respect
to
the
increase
in
travel.
There's
no
reason
to
assume
that
without
added
marketing
resources,
that
kentucky
is
going
to
get
its
fair
share
of
that
increase
and
here's
a
fact.
The
fact
is,
our
competitors
are
not
making
that
assumption.
They
have,
they
are
continuing.
Wisconsin
was
mentioned.
J
J
So,
in
addition
to
our
proposal,
we
are
asking
your
support
to
our
encouragement
of
the
governor
to
convene
a
special
session
as
soon
as
practical
to
include
within
that
call
consideration
of
an
arp
appropriation
for
tourism.
One
final
point
for
me,
and
that
is
we're
asking
for
75
million
dollars.
As
you
can
see
in
our
proposal.
J
It's
a
lot
of
money.
We
know
that,
but
when
you
step
back
and
put
it
into
context,
that's
less
than
three
and
a
half
percent
of
the
arp
funds
coming
to
kentucky
three
and
a
half
percent
for
the
full
recovery
of
an
economic
engine
for
this
state
and
and
to
create
a
springboard
from
which
we
can
rise
to
a
level
never
before
achieved
in
terms
of
our
national
and
international
competitiveness
and
the
productivity
that
we
can
bring
about
for
the
people
of
kentucky.
J
And
so
with
that.
I'd
like
to
hand
it
off
to
our
colleague
karen
williams,
president
and
ceo
of
louisville
tourists,
and
I'm
going
to
take
one
half
minute
of
personal
privilege.
To
be
sure.
The
subcommittee
is
aware
that,
after
four
decades
of
extraordinary
service
to
louisville
and
the
commonwealth,
karen
will
be
retiring
at
the
end
of
this
month.
So
you're
getting
to
see
her
in
her
final
phase
blaze
of
glory,
and
we
just
want
to
express
our
appreciation
to
karen
for
all
she's
done
over
many
years
for
our
industry.
B
Thank
you,
hank
kind
of
hard
to
follow.
That
makes
me
sound
like
an
old
fossil.
Doesn't
it
well?
Thank
you,
mr
chairman,
and
thank
you
committee
for
including
louisville
here
today
to
address
you.
You
know,
as
you
have
heard,
hank
state
and
you'll
hear
from
me.
We
have
all
experienced
great
devastation
in
the
travel
and
tourism
industry,
but
before
I
get
begin,
I
think
it's
important
and
hank
said
it
well,
thank
you
for
your
leadership
and
managing
it.
We
know
we're
not
in
this
crisis
alone.
B
B
B
B
When
covid
literally
stopped
our
world
in
mid-march
of
2020,
we
quickly
began
canceling
all
business
over
the
next
30
to
60
days
of
the
coveted
pack
we
canceled
postponed
or
rescheduled
463
events
that
totaled
over
527
thousand
room
nights
for
an
economic
impact
of
over
393
million
dollars.
That
would
have
been
in
our
city
in
2020,
and
this
number
does
not
include
the
kentucky
derby.
B
B
B
Now,
as
we
are
ending
the
2021
budget
and
we
see
business
coming
back,
albeit
gradually,
but
definitely
moving
in
the
right
direction.
We
just
submitted
and
had
approved
to
metro
our
21-22
fiscal
year
to
be
14.6
million
industry
estimates
and
predict.
It
will
take
five
years
for
our
industry
to
get
where
it
was
pre-pandemic.
B
Every
dollar
we
spend
of
our
budget
will
always
have
an
roi
for
our
stakeholders,
our
hotels
and
to
you.
It
is
our
goal
to
be
accountable
and
transparent.
We
just
need
your
assistance
to
get
us
there.
Thank
you.
It
is
now
my
pleasure
to
introduce
my
colleague,
claude
virtual,
claude
bacon,
director
of
development,
lingate
hospitality,
clyde.
H
Thank
you
so
much,
and
thank
you,
mr
chairman,
and
members
of
the
subcommittee
for
the
opportunity
to
present
to
you
today.
My
name
is
claude
bacon.
I'm
vice
president
at
lindgate
hospitality.
Our
headquarters
is
located
in
owensboro
kentucky.
We
are
a
hotel
ownership
and
management
company
and
currently
have
20
hotels
in
our
portfolio
that
are
owned
and
or
managed
by
brands.
Marriott
hilton
and
ihg.
H
H
Number
one,
eight
in
ten
hotel
rooms
are
empty.
The
impact
to
the
travel
industry
is
nine
times
worse
than
nine
eleven.
Seventy
percent
of
hotel
employees
are
laid
off
or
furloughed
nearly
3.9
million
total
hotel
supported
jobs
have
been
lost
since
the
crisis
began
and
number
five
a
50
projected
revenue
decline
for
2020..
H
While
these
are
national
statistics,
we
experience
similar
results
in
our
kentucky
hotels
with
any
business
disruption.
That's
this
deep,
and
this
long
lasting
it's
going
to
require
more
than
minor
increases
in
demand
for
continual
recovery
and
the
hopefulness
to
one
day
flourish
again
today
in
our
hotels,
we
are
experiencing
flashes
of
recovery,
as
the
traveling
public
begins
to
re-emerge.
H
Our
hotels
are
inching
upward.
However,
even
with
these
small
increases
in
demand,
the
road
is
still
incredibly
long
for
most
hoteliers.
Our
financial
institutions
were
great
over
the
pandemic,
offering
as
much
assistance
as
possible.
However,
they
didn't
use
an
eraser
over
that
period
of
time
and
their
pause
and
our
commitments
is
coming
to
and
in
some
cases
has
already
come
to
an
understandable
end.
H
The
proposed
pillars
offer
some
of
the
most
immediate
ways
to
positively
impact
the
hotels,
but
also
sets
the
stage
to
increase
demand
for
our
industry
that
has
the
potential
to
return
year
after
year.
Fortunately,
we
have
tourism
commissions
that
have
long
been
in
place
to
market
kentucky
and
drive,
demand
that
bring
visitors
to
these
hotels.
H
The
hotel
room
is
critical
to
the
expanded
economic
impact
and
benefits
in
these
communities.
Drive
in
and
drive
out.
Tourism
has
a
positive
impact
and
it's
important.
However,
the
overnight
stay
sets
the
stage
for
expanded,
visitor
spending
in
our
restaurants,
shops
attractions
and
so
many
others.
Clearly,
more
hotel
rooms
benefits,
hoteliers
and
their
businesses,
but
the
larger
economic
impact
is
at
risk
without
continued
support
to
recover
hotels,
support,
job
creation,
small
business
opportunities
and
economic
activity,
but
they
also
generate
significant
tax
revenues
for
kentucky
and
local
governments.
H
D
Thank
you,
claude
and,
as
my
colleagues
have
already
acknowledged,
mr
chairman,
we
very
much
appreciate
the
invitation
to
be
in
front
of
you
today
to
discuss
kentucky's
travel
industry
as
you've
heard
from
my
colleagues.
The
past
15
months
have
been
devastating
for
those
of
us
who
sit
before
you
today,
we've
faced
more
challenges
than
we
thought
possible
and
we
have
all
experienced
significant
losses.
D
at
visit
lux,
specifically,
we
canceled
240
meetings
and
conventions
due
to
covet
19,
representing
100,
000
room
nights
and
tens
of
millions
of
dollars
in
economic
impact
that
never
materialized
for
our
city.
This,
of
course,
includes
hotel
room
revenue,
group
meal
functions,
eating
out
at
area,
restaurants
bars
visiting
attractions
and
transportation,
recreation
and
business
services.
D
D
D
Similarly,
average
daily
rate
april
is
a
fabulous
month
for
us
in
lexington,
largely
due
to
the
keenland
race
meat
that's
running,
and
so
we
typically
enjoy
great
rates
at
our
hotels
in
april
of
2020
rate
was
64.66.
D
Thankfully
april
2021
we
saw
an
increase
in
rate
as
well
and
are
at
96
we're
at
96
dollars
in
in
last
month.
So
we
do
see
light
at
the
end
of
the
tunnel
and
we're
thankful
for
that.
D
D
We
applaud
the
arpa
funds
that
were
allocated
at
the
end
of
the
legislative
session
and
we
believe
that
there
is
one
industry
left
unaddressed
and
still
very
much
in
need,
and
that
is
the
kentucky
travel
industry.
We
are
confident
that
an
investment
in
the
travel
industry
will
yield
significant
returns
on
investment
for
years
to
come.
D
Specifically,
as
my
colleagues
have
mentioned,
we
believe
that
in
allocating
arpa,
funds
to
the
travel
industry
will
help
us
reclaim
our
market
share.
We
lost
momentum
and
visitors
during
the
last
15
months,
and
we
know
that
visitor
that
competition
for
visitors
in
the
coming
months
will
be
fierce,
especially
in
the
meeting
and
convention
space.
D
D
Dedicated
funds
spent
with
clear
accountability
in
place
will
allow
us
to
outperform
our
domestic
competitors,
especially
those
of
the
states
in
the
south
that
have
already
begun
robust
campaigns
to
win
back
visitors
to
their
states.
As
a
point
of
information,
I
was
recently
engaged
in
a
panel
discussion
with
my
counterparts
in
asheville
north
carolina
and
chattanooga
tennessee.
D
D
I
know
that
lexington
is
every
bit
as
compelling
a
destination
as
asheville
and
chattanooga.
I
might
even
suggest
that
we're
more
compelling,
but
there
is
no
way
I
can
compete
with
these
cities.
These
cities,
when
they
outspend
me
on
marketing
campaigns,
two
to
five
times
as
much
kentucky,
is
a
travel
destination
that
is
primed
for
explosive
growth.
We
have
an
outstanding
product
offering
inclusive
of
our
signature,
equine
and
bourbon
industries,
our
unparalleled
natural
beauty
and
outdoor
adventure,
our
rich
tradition
of
music
and
robust,
culinary
scene.
D
D
We
all
know
the
power
of
travel
and
if
we
believe
in
the
power
of
travel,
then
you
must
also
believe
in
tourism
marketing
agencies
like
ours,
because
we
are
the
largest
demand,
generators
and
drivers
of
travel
to
kentucky.
We
can't
put
kentucky
on
the
travel
map
without
your
help.
We
request
that
the
general
assembly
make
a
solid
investment
to
our
industry
through
tourism
marking,
by
supporting
the
plan
that
has
been
outlined
before
you
today,
and
we
appreciate
very
much
your
time
and
consideration.
A
A
My
question,
first
of
all,
before
I
ask
the
question,
let
me
just
say
that
people
are
itching
to
get
out
and
do
something
and
to
move,
and
I
see
it
in
businesses.
I
work
with
the
people
that
I
deal
with
and
there's
absolutely
competition
to
bring
them
to
our
area,
and
I
get
that
100
percent
and
you
got
to
sell
that.
You
got
to
be
able
to
sell
your
area.
You
got
to
be
able
to
sell
what
you
have
and
whatever
I
can
do
to
help
in
that
endeavor.
A
A
B
What
we
were
looking
at
is:
how
are
we
going
to
keep
up
with
this
growth?
What
do
we
need
to
do
as
a
tourism
community
to
make
sure
that
we
do
not
let
our
visitors
down,
but
we
had
the
product?
We
had
the
infrastructure
we
built
3,
000,
new
hotel
rooms
and
louisville
and
expanded
our
state
facility.
We
opened
attractions
what
we
desperately
need
now,
and
I
had
not
heard
that
chattanooga
from
my
budget
that
should
have
been
25
million
to
go
to
8.6,
which
now
I'm
near
chattanooga,
is
just
unfathomable
to
me.
B
So
I
know
if
I
have
the
ability
to
market
what
we
have,
what
we
know
we
have
in
19
that
I'll
be
able
to
get
those
people
back
to
loyal
back
to
our
state
kentucky.
So
it's
not
reinventing
the
will,
but
it's
having
the
ability
to
be
competitive
with
this
market
that
is
going
to
be
so
aggressive.
We've
always
been
aggressive
with
chicago's
and
atlanta's,
and
st
louis
is
an
indie,
but
it's
much
more
we're
all
coming
out
of
that
gate
to
use
a
horse
analogy
at
the
very
same
time.
F
Mr
chairman,
this
is
senator
caslin.
Can
I
ask
a
question.
A
We're
gonna
co-chair
castle
and
we're
gonna
go
ahead
and
finish
with
the
folks
in
the
room
and
then
I'll
go
right
to
you.
D
Sorry,
I
will
just
pop
in
karen:
did
a
beautiful
job
sort
of
selling
you
on
the
y?
I
would
tell
you
that
if
you
were
thinking
about
lexington
that
we
would
be
a
charming
mid-sized
city
that
you
can't
miss,
I
would
simply
say
to
you:
you
will
experience
the
equine
industry
like
no
other
place
in
the
world.
D
D
So
I
would
try
and
basically
say
that
we
are
in
many
ways
able
to
offer
what
you
enjoy
about
big
cities
but
with
a
small
town
feel-
and
I
certainly
would
make
mention
of
the
fact
that
we're
the
front
porch
to
the
south-
that
really
things
do
start
to
change
as
you
head
into
kentucky
from
an
investment
standpoint
specific
to
lexington.
While
I
am
really
excited
about
the
investment,
that's
happened
with
the
convention
center
and
thank
you
very
much
to
this
legislature,
which
helped
kick
start
that
project
we
will.
D
We
will
be
unveiling
a
whole
new
campus
in
early
2022..
D
There
are
a
couple
of
other
infrastructure
needs
that
I
would
love
and
I
think
we've
got
a
couple
of
holes
in
in
our
city
product
that
I
would
love
to
to
fill
in.
One
of
those
happens
to
be
something
that
speaks
directly
to
youth.
So
if
I
had
all
the
money
in
the
world-
and
I
got
to
go-
create
an
attraction
from
scratch,
I
would
probably
work
on
a
science
center
and
children's
art
museum,
something
that
would
specif
speak
specifically
to
that
age
group.
So,
thanks.
J
I'll
comment
quickly
on
from
the
just
a
statewide
perspective
and-
and
these
folks
are
the
experts,
but
from
the
a
statewide
perspective,
it's
it's,
it's
really
more
of
the
same
meaning
that
kentucky
is
always
in
a
sense
struggling
to
get
to
a
certain
level
of
public
awareness
of
of
what
we
have
to
offer
two
quick
cases
in
point.
Several
years
ago
I
was
in
a
observing
a
focus
group
of
travelers
from
around
the
country.
We
were
testing
their
awareness
of
what
kentucky
offers.
J
Subject,
mammoth
cave
came
up,
mammoth
cave
national
park.
The
people
in
that
focus
group
said
yeah.
I've
heard
of
that
it
sounds
pretty
cool,
but
I'm
not
sure
where
it
is
not
sure
where
mammoth
cave
is
that's
the
challenge
we
have
is
to
break
through
the
general
population's
awareness
of
what
we
have
and
the
way
we
do.
That
is
to
emphasize
a
couple
of
things.
J
J
H
Yeah-
and
this
is
claude
bacon
again
speaking
remotely-
and
mr
chairman,
thanks
for
that
question,
because
while
we
represent
a
number
of
our
hotels
in
a
number
of
different
cities
in
kentucky,
because
I
live
in
owensboro
I'll
I'll
speak
to
to
what
that
might
look
like
rolling
stone,
just
mentioned
owensboro
as
one
of
seven
of
must-visit
music
cities.
H
You
know,
we've
got
a
vibrant
food
scene
here
clearly
led
by
the
different
barbecue
restaurants
and
things
that
that
are
here.
I
haven't.
We
have
an
unbelievable
riverfront,
as
many
of
you
know
and
have
been
here.
The
redeveloped
riverfront
is
really
second
to
none,
and
I
know
a
lot
of
communities
have
a
riverfront,
but
ours
is
special
because
we've
got
a
couple
of
these
incredible
hotels,
downtown
matched
with
a
convention
center.
H
E
Thank
you,
mr
chairman,
I'm
not
sure
who
to
direct
this
question
to
so
I'll,
just
throw
it
out
there
and
whoever
would
like
to
answer
ken.
Can
you
go?
Please
update
us
on
what
coveted
restrictions
are
still,
in
effect,
for
hotels
in
the
state.
B
I
can
say
for
louisville
we're
really
covert.
Restrictions
are
really
monitoring
what
the
governor
has
as
sanctioned
june
11th
is
when
we
feel
like
as
a
community
that
we
are
truly
open,
but
we
have
been
really
using
the
same
guidelines
as
the
governor
in
louisville
for
hotels,
attractions
and
restaurants.
E
Okay,
thank
you,
and
I
want
to
make
one
comment.
If
I
may,
mr
chairman,
did
someone
else,
have
someone
else
anything
you
know?
I'm
not.
I've
not
been
an
advocate
of
spending
money
just
for
the
sake
of
spending
money,
but
I
want
to
commend
you
for
coming
to
the
general
assembly
with
a
plan
that
appropriates
75
million
dollars
of
the
american
rescue
plan
money
for
for
advertising
and
promoting
our
state
and
bringing
those
folks
in
and
as
I
think,
ms
williams,
you
said
that
investment
or
we
we
return.
E
800
million
dollars,
has
returned
to
state
and
local
governments
in
the
terms
of
taxes,
but
I
just
want
to
commend
you
for
coming
with
a
plan,
because
I
think
that's
what
we're
going
to
be
looking
for
in
the
general
assembly,
not
just
spending
75
million
to
spend
75
million,
but
75
million
that
is
directed
and
pinpointed
in
areas
that
will
bring
folks
from
other
states
to
visit
kentucky.
So
folks
in
wherever
can
enjoy
places
like
mammoth
cave
and
the
start
of
the
bourbon
trail
in
bullitt
county.
E
You
know
they
can
come
and
enjoy
those
those
places,
and
so
I
want
to
commend
you
with
that,
and
I
would
I
want
to
say
that
if
I
can
be
of
assistance
and
help
in
promoting
that,
however,
we
do
it
whether
it's
special
session
or
the
next
regular
session,
then
I'm
certainly
interested
in
in
helping
with
that.
F
Thank
you,
mr
chairman,
and
I
appreciate
the
presentation
as
one
of
many
members
of
the
legislative
body
that
fought
hard
during
this
session
to
get
her
state
back
open,
we're
starting
to
see
the
effects
of
what
these
shutdowns
did
and
especially
to
the
hospitality
and
entertainment
industry.
F
F
I
guess
if
I
could
ride
a
commercial
that
would
probably
be
my
slogan
there
for
kentucky,
and
one
of
the
questions
I
have
is
what
is
a
targeted
approach
that
you
all
look
at
spending,
this
75
million
amongst
all
the
other
states
that
are
going
to
be
doing
the
same
thing
at
the
same
time
like
it's
not
more
of
a
perfect
season
to
be
selling
kentucky
than
going
into
the
summer
like
it
is.
But
what
are
some
areas
that
you
guys
are
really
looking
to
hone
in
on.
B
Senator
this
is
karen
williams,
and
thank
you
for
that.
I'm
not
sure
if
you
we,
I
sent
my
plan
in
advance
an
advertising
and
marketing
plan,
but
you're
right.
We
realized
that
75
million
and
I
also
realized
that
louisville
would
just
receive
if
those
funds
were
allocated
just
a
small
portion
of
that.
But
my
budget
is
a
hundred
percent
from
my
transit
room
tax.
B
I'm
very
transparent
metro
council
sees
it
we're
open
records,
so
everything
that
I
do
from
an
advertising
standpoint.
I
have
all
the
data
and
updated
data
that
tells
me
every
year
where
my
visitors
are
coming
from
from
a
convention
standpoint
and
from
a
transient
standpoint.
So
I
know
and
as
you've
seen
in
that
plan,
it
shows
my
five
feeder
city
markets
and
it
shows
exactly
when
I
should
market
and
how
I
should
market
and
how
much
and
then
I
get
the
roi
on
that
every
single
year.
B
F
Yeah
just
a
follow-up
comment,
and
I
appreciate
that
and
and
yes
I
I
I'll
go
through
the
budget
and
kind
of
look
at
it
now,
and
I
just
want
to
say
you
know
when
we
look
at
the
effect
that
the
pandemic
has
had
on
you
all
and,
and
we
hear
from
our
parks
and
we
hear
from
the
different
areas.
You
know
the
public
private
partnership
right
now
is
key
for
the
tourism.
F
A
Now
I
have
a
couple
questions.
My
turn:
we've
heard
a
lot
about
the
extended
unemployment
benefits
being
a
problem
with
getting
getting
help.
Do
you
all
see
that.
J
I'm
gonna,
I
think
claude
as
the
private
employer,
is
the
best
to
comment
on
that
I'll.
Just
generally
say
that
yeah,
it's
a
factor,
there's
a
there's,
multiple
factors
but
claude,
is
the
private
employer
I'll
give
him
the
opportunity
to
discuss
what
he's
experiencing
and
his
view
of
it.
H
Thank
you,
mr
chairman.
It's
certainly
having
an
impact
on
the
industry.
I
mean
there's
no
question
that
in
our
own
company
and
I'll
be
careful
just
to
speak
for
myself
here
and
our
company
and
and
what
we're
experiencing
and
having.
But
but
we
know
that
we
know
it's
having
an
impact
to
what
degree
that
that
is
difficult
to
determine,
because
there's
no
true
measurement
for
what
that
is
other
than
just
the
sentiment
that
you
kind
of
hear
and
hear
people
talk
about.
H
We
we
do
know
that
there
were
a
number
of
those
hotel
employees
when
they
were
initially
furloughed
that
went
to
other
industries
and
now
we're
having
a
difficult
time
getting
them
back
as
well
as
they
moved
on
to
other
other
jobs
and
other
industries
to
take
care
of
their
families.
And
we
completely
get
that
and
understand
that
and
as
wages
have
increased,
it's
made
it
more
difficult
for
the
hospitality
industry
to
lure
those
people
back
into
our
own
hotels,
because
our
occupancies
and
rates
just
the
whole.
H
This
standard
financial
model
don't
dictate
raising
those
wages
to
the
levels
that
it
takes
to
get
some
of
those
employees
back.
But
regardless
of
the
reason
it
is,
but
I
will
say
that
largely
this
proposal
that
kta
has
in
front
of
us
all
today
is
focused
on
the
future,
and
I
believe
that
if
we
can
get
some
of
these
things
to
end
sooner
than
later,
then
we'll
be
in
a
great
opportunity
to
serve
the
increased
demand
that
we're
looking
for.
B
A
B
Just
add
one
comment
to
that:
you
saw
all
of
us,
not
our
heads,
it's
it's!
B
It's
definitely
the
number
one
thing
that
we
worry
about
every
day,
but
it's
somewhat
of
a
chicken
and
egg,
and
I
say
that
because
I
talk
to
my
hoteliers
every
day
that
during
the
week
in
louisville
right
now
we're
running
anywhere
from
a
six
to
eleven
percent
occupancy,
which
we
should
be
running
a
seventy
percent
occupancy,
and
I
say
a
chicken
in
an
egg
because
our
hoteliers
from
unemployment,
as
clyde
pointed
out
during
this
time
of
covid,
some
of
our
a
lot
of
our
people
were
able
to
go
to
different
industries.
B
But
we
also
can't
bring
these
people
back
just
yet
because
we
don't
have
consistent
business
just
yet.
We
don't
see
that
till
the
fall,
so
at
derby
they
hired
up
and
many,
and
we
helped
our
teams
in
hoteliers
to
make
beds
and
do
things.
But
you
can't
bring
back
like
our
marriott
that
normally
has
380
employees
that
now
works
with
15.
B
A
A
How
many
businesses
do
you
see
that
look
to
be
permanently
closed?
Have
you
heard,
as
as
a
result
of
either
or
both,
and
what
are
you
doing
you
personally,
of
course,
what
what
you
know,
what
is
louisville
doing
to
build
public
confidence
so
that
people
come
back
and
are
not
afraid
of
what
went
on
this
last
summer.
B
Thank
you
for
asking
that
I
knew
I'd
be
asked
well,
a
couple
of
things
and
you're
right
louisville
did
definitely
suffer,
as
some
major
cities
in
the
united
states
did
a
double
whammy
with
the
social
unrest
as
well
as
the
covid.
B
I
am
happy
to
say
to
you
today
that
none
of
our
hotels
or
attractions
permanently
closed
because
of
this
did
they
close
during
some
of
the
portions
of
what
went
on
last
may
and
june.
Yes,
sir,
they
did,
but
all
of
our
attractions
opened
up
in
july
to
august
of
20
and
all
of
our
hotels
reopened
with
a
very
slim
staff
that
opened
in
september.
B
B
We
quickly
last
may
and
quickly
and,
as
you
can
see
in
our
plan,
wanted
to
make
sure
that
we
had
a
lens
of
diversity
and
all
of
the
marketing
and
advertising
that
we
did.
I've
always
felt
that
louisville
was
a
very
inclusive
city
and
our
very
inclusive
state,
but
there
were
things
that
we
needed
to
do.
B
A
Thank
you.
Our
time
has
expired,
so
I
want
to
thank
you
all
for
your
presentation.
I
very
much
appreciate
it
and
karen
whatever
your
next
adventure
is,
I
hope
you
enjoy
it.
It's
wonderful
and
I'm
sure
you'll
do
as
good
a
job
at
that,
as
you
have
with
this
one.
So
thank
you
for
being
here.
A
A
All
members
will
be
provided
the
information
part
of
the
meeting
on
how
to
access
the
meeting
remotely
and
if
meeting
materials
are
provided,
they
will
be
made
available
online
for
downloading
did
any
if
any
members
joined
after
roll
call
was
taken.
Please
indicate
your
presence
and
whether
you're
present
in
person
remote
from
the
district
are
the
remote
from
the
annex.