THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 16, 1994 TAG: 9409150189
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
To triple in size over 10 years is no small feat for a museum. But the Virginia Marine Science Museum will do precisely that by 1996, beginning with a groundbreaking ceremony at 3 p.m. today. Governor Allen's presence signifies that this is one of the state's most popular museums. The presence of local movers and shakers signifies that Virginia Beach is a city that can do when it wants to.
It's impractical but it would be fair to add to the official plaque not just the names of donors solicited for $5 million in direct contributions to the expansion but the millions of anonymous donors who contributed to the museum expansion by eating out or sleeping in this city. That additional half-percent tax which customers pay on meals, lodging and sports events, and which businesses initiated and now collect for the city, adds up to the Tourism Growth Investment Fund, millions designated for several projects to boost tourism and ripple revenues throughout the city. The science museum expansion is the first of those TGIF projects to break ground.
An initial success for TGIF is the second reason to celebrate this museum expansion. The first reason to celebrate is that in augmenting its quality and offerings - and not with stuffed shirts or animals - the Virginia Marine Science Museum does what too few projects do: It literally builds on success.
To triple in size over 10 years is no small feat for a museum. But the Virginia Marine Science Museum will do precisely that by 1996, beginning with a groundbreaking ceremony at 3 p.m. today. Governor Allen's presence signifies that this is one of the state's most popular museums. The presence of local movers and shakers signifies that Virginia Beach is a city that can do when it wants to.
It's impractical but it would be fair to add to the official plaque not just the names of donors solicited for $5 million in direct contributions to the expansion but the millions of anonymous donors who contributed to the museum expansion by eating out or sleeping in this city. That additional half-percent tax which customers pay on meals, lodging and sports events, and which businesses initiated and now collect for the city, adds up to the Tourism Growth Investment Fund, millions designated for several projects to boost tourism and ripple revenues throughout the city. The science museum expansion is the first of those TGIF projects to break ground.
An initial success for TGIF is the second reason to celebrate this museum expansion. The first reason to celebrate is that in augmenting its quality and offerings - and not with stuffed shirts or animals - the Virginia Marine Science Museum does what too few projects do: It literally builds on success. by CNB