Tourism, Economic Development Summit Set For Sebring

SEBRING - Lake Placid's effort to welcome growth while maintaining its small-town appeal, Gatorama in Glades County and the Babcock Ranch are among the topics on the agenda for the Rural Tourism and Economic Development Summit that will be held May 4 - 6 at Four Points by Sheraton Sebring, Chateau Élan.

This is the third year for the event and the first time the South Central Florida region has hosted it, according to Sherri Martin new product development manager for VISIT FLORIDA.

Martin said the summit is designed to give ideas to "tie in economic development and tourism."

In addition to the general session on Lake Placid, attendees will be able to tour the caladium fields at Happiness Farms or see the murals in the town and visit Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery.

Patty and Allen Register, owners of Gatorama, will talk about how they turned a family owned roadside attraction into a big business through farming, tourism and the film industry.

William Hammond of Florida Gulf Coast University will discuss preservation and land development on Babcock Ranch.

There will be several breakout sessions including: "How to Pull a Rabbit Out of an Empty Hat" - a discussion on creative financing and community funding; "When Mother Nature Takes Over" - how to continue when the wind blows, lakes are dry and fire smokes them out. Hardee County Administrator Lex Albritton will be leading the session; "Turn Main Street into 5th Avenue" - economic development for your rural small town and "A Recipe for Success" - the proper mix of economics and tourism.

An update and a sign sneak preview of Tourist Oriented Directional Signs will be provided by Mark Wilson of the Florida Department of Transportation

The registration fee is $85 prior to April 10. It will increase to $95 on April 11.

Additional information and the registration can also be found on: www.VISITFLORIDA.org/ruraltourismsummit .

Martin noted that attendees do not have to be from or live in a rural county to attend.