Logan County has had a very productive year thanks to several events and happenings.

Geoff Ladd, the executive director of the Abe Lincoln Tourism Bureau, says that there are exciting days ahead for the city of Lincoln and Logan County thanks to many positive results from the past year. Major events such as the annual Art and Balloon Festival and Railsplitting Festival have also been a major boost to Logan County's economy.  Ladd says a great way to measure how the Lincoln Economy is doing is to look at the Hotel/Motel taxes made over the last year. Lincoln's total was up considerably from the year before which Ladd says may point to signs of an economic recovery.

[audio:logancounty4.mp3]Ladd On Logan County's Hotel Taxes[/audio]

One of Logan County's greatest tourism contributors is the Sports Commission. Ladd explains the Sports Commission is a new addition to the Lincoln area. He says sports play such a vital part of every community, including Lincoln, which features many sports related events throughout the year.

[audio:logancounty1.mp3]Ladd On Logan County's Sports Commission[/audio]

One of the Bureau's partners is the Lincoln Park District which has stepped up and provided several sporting events according to Ladd. Smaller communities and local schools also help to shape the sporting business of the community.

[audio:logancounty2.mp3]Ladd On Sports In Communities[/audio]

Another major event was the 5th Annual Route 66 Garage Sale.  The sale has helped to drive the local economy in major ways.  Ladd says that there may be a few changes this year with past experiences taken into consideration.

[audio:logancounty3.mp3]Ladd On Garage Sale Changes[/audio]

Ladd hopes the 2011 numbers for Logan County can be an indicator of continued success. He points to new hotels and renovations to existing ones as reason more people may be staying in Lincoln.