* Art and Music

* SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)

STRENGTHS:

- A basis in the community to build on
- A tie to the colleges in Marshall
- Can get some of the community involved
- Lots of possible venues for development
- A great downtown to use as a foundation
- An architecturally interesting downtown
- Significant investment in downtown
- Assets such as Memorial City hall, Paramount
- Close to I-20. Easy access
- A beautiful historic courthouse

WEAKNESSES:

- Significant portion of the population is poor, making it difficult to sustain upscale shops and dining
- Economic development tax is unused for Section-B, quality of life improvements
- Downtown business mix is not destination-oriented
- Civic auditorium, arena consuming HOT funds that could otherwise be invested creating a stronger ROI
- Chamber is disengaged from the tourism development process
- Main Street program is under-funded and ineffective
- Local politics is polarized as to strategic direction
- Brands require public investment
- Downtown requires a commitment locally
- Liquor laws restrict an increase in evening entertainment