This was big for us after coming off two losses to get a win like this, ... It was nice to finally win on the road.

Reach outside your boundaries. We want to keep a large percentage of the $2 billion in business from the Gulf Coast in this state.

[Craig Ray, director of the Tourism Division of the Mississippi Development Authority, said state leaders are aware of the problems faced by communities that relay on tourism dollars.] What we can do is protect the business we have now by moving conventions scheduled for the coast to other places, ... We're constantly on message that the state is open for business.

If you said 'millions,' I'd guess you'd be safe, if you look at the big picture.

After the first of the year, the governor will ask for specific funds for economic development and tourism to re-market the state of Mississippi.