Visit Granbury recognizes ‘Friends of Tourism’

FROM MY FRONT PORCH

Sam Houston is the publisher of the Hood County News. He is also an actor, author, playwright, performer and entertainment producer/promoter.

This past Thursday, Visit Granbury celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week 2022 by hosting the “Friends of Tourism Celebration Brunch” at the Lake Granbury Conference Center. The get-together recognized tourism stakeholders, volunteers and special media partners.

Importantly, Mayor Jim Jarrett proclaimed May 1-7 as National Tourism and Travel Week in Granbury.

I have written about Visit Granbury on several occasions in the past. Tourism is the leading industry in Granbury and brings thousands of visitors to our community each year. Did you know that one out of seven jobs in Texas is related to tourism? These visitors eat in our restaurants, sleep in our hotels and transact business with tons of our local enterprises.

Frequently, visitors come to experience Granbury and are so impressed they choose to move here permanently. These visitors increase our business footprint, add income to our city and county coffers from sales tax revenues, and make our community a bigger, better place to live.

During the brunch, Visit Granbury Director Tammy Dooley acknowledged tourism partners that had gone “above and beyond” including sponsors for the Goosebump Jump, Spartan and Tough Mudder Events, K-Hits 95.5, JR Spas, Hilton Garden Inn, Historic Granbury Merchants Association, Granbury Chamber of Commerce, Visit Cleburne, City of Cresson, Hotel Lucy, La Quinta, Best Western, Oakdale Park and Off the Vine RV, Waste Connections, Texas EMS, True Grit Ranch and the city of Granbury.

Distinguished Friend of Tourism Awards were presented to Romney Carey of Carey and Sons Marine and Staci Schofield of Lamar Advertising.

I am very pleased to report the Hood County News was awarded the Media Partner of the Year Award for its support of Granbury tourism.

Tammy Dooley and her staff do a tremendous job of promoting our community. She is always quick to point out the wonderful support she receives from Granbury City Manager Chris Coffman, the Granbury City Council, Mayor Jarratt and the host of volunteers who expend their time and efforts to make all the events and promotions come together.

Arlis Holland, Betty Moss, Connie LaClair, Deb Meyer, Dee Wilcox, Eva Margie, Dicey Smith, Gari Wise, Jan Hulett, Lori Marshall, Lori Vale, Paul Loyd, Sister McRae, Stan Moore, Sue Ooten, Tammy Quisenberry, and Terry Evans were all recognized for their volunteer service. Sister McRae received an award for the most hours of volunteer service, and Dan Vanderburg received an award for being Volunteer of the Year.

I speak with other people in other communities on a regular basis. They are all envious of the activity and direction of Granbury tourism.

Make no mistake about it, this great success did not happen by accident. It started a long time ago when citizens took the first step to create a historic district. I imagine they had no idea in a few short years Granbury would become the three-time winner of the Best Historic Small Town in America title. The success continues to grow as the city seeks to enhance art and music possibilities, and continues to expand the opportunities for outsiders to use Granbury as a convention, activity or event resource.

Isn’t it amazing that when people work together for a common goal, they can accomplish the unimaginable? Tammy Dooley and her staff, and all those who support Visit Granbury have accomplished amazing things. We should all be very proud and appreciative of their efforts.

Thought for the day: The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.

Until next time

sam@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 260