Growing up here in Carroll County I have always been aware of the abundance of history that our area has to offer; that goes from the landmarks to the stories behind them. Tourism helps preserve the past and build on the future.
Here recently a new mural was approved at July’s meeting of the North Carrollton Board of Aldermen to be commissioned at George Street near the intersection of MainStreet of an old Coca-Cola bottle. It's an old glass bottle from long ago, the work which is being done by a Mississippi artist and is being funded by tourism funding and will include the logo North Carrollton established 1899. The same logo of the town is on a mural constructed this past February at Grumpy’s Icehouse which displays the early days of the town and the old depot near the railroad tracks.
Tourism is the fourth largest industry in the state, and it has been reported that tourism generates millions of dollars for the economy and provides jobs. It has been reported that in 2021, Mississippi welcomed 23.4 million visitors, who spent $6.7 billion on local economies and generated $677 million in state and local taxes. Visitors spent 24% more in 2021 than they did in 2020.
Back in 2019 voters here in North Carrollton approved the two percent tourism tax. It has been tremendous for the town being able to make investments from beautification and other enhancements that we couldn’t otherwise afford. Through this effort we are helping our town reach its full potential. The help of Senator Lydia Chassaniol made this effort possible with her work in the senate for this legislation for North Carrollton.
Former Speaker of the House Philip Gunn said “Tourism is a multi-billion-dollar economic driver for the state, which is why we have invested in the industry's ability to generate revenue for our state and local communities by sharing our unique brand of Mississippi hospitality with visitors."
While it takes money to promote our communities with what we have to offer, the returns bring money back to local coffers with an investment in our towns and counties. As a result, tourism efforts provide not only recreation, but it tells our story and that is also an investment for generations to come.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League Board of directors.
