Far-reaching proposal
By: WALTER WEBB
This week a far-reaching proposal for building tourism, promoting business and fostering goodwill was unveiled in Holly Springs.
This idea to build an antebellum style structure on Highway 78 as a destination for approximately 300 tourists per day is a multi-faceted venture.The thing that strikes me most in hearing the presentation and talking with LaMont Burns, the founder of a company around which this project is centered, is that it is a great opportunity for a variety of entities.
First of all, it is a tremendous opportunity for Holly Springs to realize its dream of becoming a tourist destination.
In one swoop, with five buses a day full of tourists adding Holly Springs to stops in Memphis and, of course, Tunica, the town will have people in town the likes of which we have never seen.
The Pilgrimage has been drawing dwindling crowds on a three-day tour, but this will be every day.
Then LaMont Burns, the man whose passion is to introduce "authentic southern cuisine" as a style as distinctive as Mexican, French or Asian foods, has the opportunity to realize his dream through exposure to the world through a syndicated television program originating in Holly Springs.
As his brand recognition increases, there is an opportunity for meat producers and grocery chains to tie in to LaMont's products. For example, Bryan Foods could have a pre-cooked pork roast with a packet of LaMont's sauces enclosed in the packaging.
And the State of Mississippi, which has provided help and encouragement for the project, will have the opportunity to receive positive exposure from an African-American man who will have a high-profile promoting Mississippi.
Holly Springs also has the opportunity to have a quality restaurant that would serve an evening meal.
Lifestyle Ventures has the opportunity to add another stop on their tour packages making a longer trip and more revenue. They additionally have an opportunity to develop a unique southern concept for history and food against the backdrop of a real historic town.
This is powerful and hopeful stuff for a town like Holly Springs and it adds the opportunity for the town to come together for a single purpose that provides opportunities for so many.
Such an ambitious undertaking could be dismissed as a lot of dreaming were it not for the high-powered people of vision, like George Bryan, who have invested time and will invest dollars to see this come about.
We support their efforts and pray that they are successful. We may not see another opportunity like this come our way again.