An Ouch with an asterisk for the City

Editorial, The Decatur Daily

Decatur residents should appreciate the energy and enthusiasm that Tami Reist puts into her leadership role as president of Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Her attitude is so positive that she is turning the loss of the city's biggest tourism event into a seemingly good thing.

The loss of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tournament in May will open hotel rooms for people attending the SoulStock one-day outdoor concert at Point Mallard, she said.

The softball tournament is leaving the city after a 13-year run. Reist and board members wanted, and received, quick feedback on why the teams left for Gulf Shores. With that information they can regroup and go after the tournament in two years.

In the meanwhile, the city has state tennis championships in 2011-13 and the Southwest Athletic Conference men and women's tennis championships next year.

It also has a three-on-three soccer tournament next year.

The Bureau also is working on hosting a rowing regatta at Point Mallard, and more tennis, softball and soccer championship events.

Reist said the Bureau was looking for a "wow" and wound up with an "ouch."

It was, however, a ouch with an asterisk — overall the ratings that team members gave the facilities and accommodations were good.

Now she has a goal to improve them, which based on her record will happen because people want to buy into her enthusiasm.