Rosemary Bailes touts events manager

Seneca has one. Maybe now it’s time for Oconee County. Rosemary Bailes, in her capacity as the chairwoman of the Oconee A-Tax Commission, said yesterday, “The handwriting is on the wall that tourism will be a big part of Oconee County’s economic survival.” The commissioners yesterday recommended the distribution of nearly $30 thousand worth of state and local accommodations tax money to nine local events and organizations that will use the money to promote tourism. According to Phil Shirley, Oconee’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism director, Oconee’s prospects for tourist-type events are increasing to a level that current manpower won’t be able to handle.