Ft. Benning Works with Columbus Hotels

It came to my attention a few weeks back that talk on the street was that Ft. Benning was not willing to work with area hotels. I know, it's hard to even get your head around that kind of talk. The story was that soldiers writing home to families about their progress in basic training and inviting them to the upcoming graduation included in their letters that they should only book thru "on line booking companies." Again, hard to believe. So I did some research, made some phone calls and learned that this is anything but true. Matter of fact, a sample letter I was given a copy of actually say the opposite and encourage the use of Columbus hotels and list the CVB as an alternative source for information for hotels and booking rooms. And I was assured that if it was learned that there was anything but a "cooperative spirit and support" for Columbus, that that action or attitude would not be tolerated; that it was not good for the Installation or Columbus.

Good news in a sluggish economy. If you are in the hotel business, you're encouraged to bolster your relationship with Ft. Benning. BRAC is delivering over 20,000 people by September 2011 and those folks will need a temporary place to stay when they go through their own Columbus site visit and eventual relocation. And new jobs will mean new suppliers and vendors to Ft. Benning, also needing a good place to overnight.

Benning is a good partner. And our success is their success.