Duster's BED
Of prime concern to me is Mr. Duster's
emphasis on attracting tourists to Illinois.
Tourism is literally a pollution-free industry which
brings fresh new money into the state, benefiting
not only attractions, hotels and motels, restaurants, etc., but through the normal business
process then expands into those businesses serving these industries, such as food suppliers, insurance companies, laundries and all those businesses serving this industry. We were disappointed that
there will be no funding available for Welcome
Centers on the interstate highway system but we
hope Mr. Duster will continue to explore other
ways of getting the Illinois story across to
prospective visitors.
22 / August 1977 / Illinois Issues
EDITOR: I read with a great deal of interest Bill
Miller's recent article on Donald L. Duster, the
new director of the Illinois Department of
Business and Economic Development. Certainly
Illinois has lost businesses to competing states
over the past several years, some of which can be
attributed to the current business climate in
Illinois, but equally important has been the
aggressive attitude of other states in competing for
businesses. I personally feel that Mr. Duster's
stated aggressive policy in obtaining, as well as
retaining, business in Illinois will serve to enhance
our tax base.
Earle B. Searcy
Executive Vice President
Illinois Hotel and Motel Association