Cooperative efforts over the next decade will rapidly improve the economy as well as create new jobs as the steady flow of tourists, come for an hour, a day, a weekend or week to enjoy our cultural legacy. In 1997 tourist industry representatives toured the valley and were asked for their objective opinion on tourism potential. There was 100 percent support, with lack of public awareness and and what the valley has to offer being the main weakness. That means we have to market ourselves, through a collective effort. Fillmore s downtown now has 27 antique stores among other businesses in the city, many of whom came in on faith, Payne noted.
Efforts are underway to get train riders into both cities for shopping excursions.
The HVTB is of value to you and your community. . . Payne said Fillmore s sales tax revenue increased by 23 percent last year, and although much revenue comes from highway businesses, revenue from downtown merchants is on the rise.