Just checking in...how's everyone been?

Well, I'm obviously not in - or anywhere near - the hotel business. But
I've this sense that, somehow, there's perhaps some small opportunity
here. For example, what if Jay's hotel manages to become a "local
attraction".

That's precisely our target market this winter, Andrew -- and every winter,
quite frankly. A HUGE proportion of our off-season business is from locals
(defined as folks who live in the same county) doing weekend getaways,
spending time "flying" the sim, soaking in the hot tubs, and watching our
(free) aviation movies. When gas was $4/gallon, we were even getting a lot
of these folks during the season. (Defined as April - November)

But that's primarily a weekend business affair, leaving the other five
nights wide open without the traditional business travelers. We need those
companies -- and families moving to the area, staying with us while looking
for a house -- to come back. And that's going to take economic confidence
to achieve.

I take some solace from the Black Friday sales, which -- by most accounts --
were actually UP over last year. Let's hope this signals a turnaround.

Either way -- it's just 236 days until our 2009 Oshkosh Fly-In Pool Party!
Winter is just a few months long...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
Ercoupe N94856
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"