Convention Relief

Ummm...I don't mean to be cynical (not me!) but doesn't this come across as a little self-serving:

Springfield offering space for Gulf Coast-area conventions

Last Updated 9/9/2005 2:00:59 PM

Springfield is joining a list of cities nationwide offering space to conventions and meetings displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

The director of sales of the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau said Friday an initial round of e-mails already has gone out to groups that had meetings planned this month in New Orleans and other areas struck by the hurricane. Another round will go out next week.

Local incentives include free meeting space and up to $1,000 to help cover costs of relocating, such as printing new programs and brochures, said Gina Gemberling.

I certainly think there is nothing wrong with trying to attract the business but I'm not sure it should be couched in humanitarian/relief effort terms. The city and its businesses do stand to still make money.