Last year at this time gasoline was over $4 a gallon. Cook County tourism associations experienced about a four percent drop in summer lodging tax revenues from the record highs of 2007. Once the recession started in earnest last fall however, revenues really began to skid.

But this summer, travel organizations are cautiously optimistic. What does this mean for the North Shore? Join Jay Andersen and Barbara Jean Meyers of WTIP’s First Thursday Community Conversations program for “Cook County and the 2009 Summer Getaway – Is Company Coming?” Thursday, July 2, 6 to 7 pm.

Four people who know tourism and our all-important visitor industry will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the prospects for the year. You’re invited to join the conversation and call in with your questions and comments.

In the studio will be Eric Humphrey, Grand Marais Area Tourism Association; Mike Larson, Lutsen-Tofte Tourism Association; Kate Surbaugh with the Cook County Events and Visitor’s Bureau, and Luana Brandt, Gunflint Trail Association.

Tune in for, “Cook County and the 2009 Summer Getaway – Is Company Coming?” on the First Thursday Community Conversations Program from 6 to 7 pm, July 2. Only on WTIP North Shore Community Radio, 90.7 fm and 91.7 fm Gunflint Trail. Questions and comments can be email to wtip@boreal.org or call the station at 387-1070 or 1-800-473-9847.