Lipscomb Has The Last Laugh
I am so glad that Bass Pro came through on their end of the bargain. Had they not, those who are critical of this latest development. Would have a field day talking about the city's ineptness at handling these type situations. Judging by the comments in today's Commercial Appeal. They don't have much to say now. Some Mid-Southerners would rather hear a well dressed lie, than the naked truth. And that's exactly what they've been hearing. For the most part, these are intelligent people with an agenda. Ben Ferguson is smart as a whip. He just thinks everybody that listens to him, is inferior in knowledge to him. Like another popular radio host always says "they believe the lie because they want to."
Ben Ferguson is pushing the Ericson plan to open an amusement park in the Pyramid. That was part of the strategy to begin with. To get Ben Ferguson and his band of supporters to undermine anything this administration comes up with. What does Ericson care if people call him a swindler if his plan doesn't pan out ? He'll just take his millions and move away. Downtown is no place for an establishment like that or a casino. Not that a casino is even an option. But that continues to be mentioned as a possible use. Even if we could. There isn't adequate parking down there. Every piece of paper that is signed. Puts another nail into the Ericson coffin.
Robert Lipscomb has a history of success. Instead of being critical of his plans. We shoul have been expecting positive results. This man has a proven track record. Robert Lipscomb has an impressive list of credentials certifying his handling of issues of finance. Why do you think he is always picked to head these reuse committees? The man is good. It's kind of like Bass Pro supposedly leading all these cities along. No one would take the time if people didn't want them in their area. They have something that's in demand. If everything goes as planned. This man brokered a deal that relieves the city of the debt, and still leaves the city as an owner. After allowing the University of Memphis out of their lease. This is a dream come true. All the naysayers need to give credit where credit is due. Robert Lipscomb has the last laugh. He turned a pink elephant into a cash cow.
posted by Common at
6:44 PM
> 
5 Comments:
Ben Ferguson waited until the last hour to talk about this on his show today. Being that he is one of their most vocal opponents. Seems as though he would have dedicated more time to the subject. He only stays on until 10:45, and he talked thirty-five minutes of that.
He kept reading what people in Buffalo N.Y. had to say about BPS. As of Friday, Memphis's status has changed from being a hopeful. We are no longer in limbo. Despite what Ben Ferguson would have you believe. Bass Pro is a good thing.
They've been rubbing the Mayor's nose in this debacle for some time now. When he finally says something in his own defense. He is considered as being arrogant. Shouldn't he be able to shake the haters off?
City, county get first look at new Bass Pro agreement
By Amos Maki (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Originally published 02:17 p.m., August 25, 2008
Updated 02:17 p.m., August 25, 2008
City and county leaders got their first look today at a new agreement for outdoor retailer to transform the vacant Pyramid into a mixed-use facility that would provide a year-round economic impact.
“Finally, The Pyramid will become a 365-day-a-year economic engine for Downtown Memphis,” Mayor Willie Herenton told about 75 local leaders during a morning meeting at City Hall.
“I must remind you in many cities we saw communities shut the door on these facilities; they gave up,” he said. “This (Pyramid reuse) committee said they wanted to create the largest possible economic impact for the redevelopment of The Pyramid.”
Bass Pro Shops president Jim Heagle has signed an agreement that calls on the Springfield, Mo.,-based retailer to build one of its famous stores, a hotel and environmental exhibits.
Heagle said Bass Pro –- known for its well-planned strategy of rolling out only a few unique stores each year -- has always been interested in The Pyramid project. He also cited some local “political difficulties.”
“There has never been a point where Bass Pro Shops became disinterested in The Pyramid,” he said. “This has been the longest process of any negotiation we’ve had to open any store.”
The agreement includes a 12-month development period with quarterly milestones, requested by Lipscomb, that Bass Pro Shops must meet. The company will make monthly payments of $35,000 and has already submitted its first payment.
The 12-month period allows Bass Pro Shops time to finish planning and obtain all the necessary government permits and approvals. It also gives city arena reuse manager Robert Lipscomb time to secure federal and state funds.
If Bass Pro Shops backs out at any time, the outdoor retailing giant will pay $500,000 to the city and county in addition to the rent payments.
* The hunting and fishing industry in the U.S. is valued at $67 billion in retail sales. Yes, with a "b".
* It accounts for an estimated 1,000,000 jobs.
* On average, each hunter spends $1,896 per year.
* Retail sales have grown on average 17% per year since 1991.
* 44.3 million fishermen spend $1,200 per year, on average, with total expenditures on the order of $116 billion in economic output, including $41.5 billion (yes, with a "b") in retail sales.
* Bass Pro has 21 superstores, which receive 60 million visitors per year.
http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Econom...
todayeml: It will apparently appeal to a large group of people who spend billions of dollars on their hobbies. I'll make a bet right now that if you go just once, even you will find something that you like.
Thank you so much.
ดูซีรี่ย์จีน
chinese-series.com
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home