First, my apologies if this in not an appropriate format for these
questions.  This is my first shot with a discussion group.
 
I am a tourism development consultant who frequently works with
communities that consider their museums as important resources and
tourism draws.  I do not dispute this.  I too consider museums to be
draws for certain segments of the tourism population.
 
My question concerns the support museums receive from the business in the
community that stand to benefit from that museum's existents.  Is there
any data on the impact of museums on the neighboring businesses?  Also
are there any good cases in which museums have successfully culled the
important support of neighboring businesses for general operating
support?
 
Once again, my apologies if this question is insulting.  The museums I
usually encounter do not get much support and I think they deserve it and
the neighboring business owe it.
 
My e-mail address is: "[log in to unmask]"
 
Mike Teskey
CommunityFirst! Partners
303-393-7623