Virginia mountain music center boosts economy by growing businesses

The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center is the kind of museum a group of Cleveland County residents wants here.

Its presence is about more than just the exhibits honoring the Clintwood resident. The 4-month-old museum is already impacting the small town’s economy.

Operators of the Ralph Stanley Center are looking forward to spring and summer, when tourism is expected to kick into high gear.

“I think it’s going to be a shot in the arm for this community,” said Clintwood Mayor Donald Baker.

But already, the museum is doing exactly what the community of 1,800 people hoped: it’s creating new business.

Joy Scott
Star Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.shelbystar.com/portal/ASP/article.asp?ID=14083

*******
Thanks to Ed Morrison (excellent econ dev. blog – http://edpro.blogspot.com/ ) for the following:

"There are several important dimensions to the story. First, it underlines the importance of making anchor investments in tourism. Developing tourism entails creating visitor experiences. To develop a clearer understanding of this perspective, read The Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine, B. J., II Pine, James H. Gilmore.

Next, though, the article points to the importance of packaging experiences. Stand alone attractions are likely to fail. If tourism is driven by experiences, it’s important to package these experiences and brand them."