OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
Owensboro is becoming well-known for its downtown revitalization. Now other city leaders want to know Owensboro's secret for success.
City leaders from Round Rock, Texas, a city outside of Austin, took a tour of downtown Owensboro because they too want a give their downtown a makeover.
It came from a city manager's convention in Texas. It came from recognition in the New York Times.
"They talked about communities that were thriving in this economic downturn and the development that was going on in those communities and Owensboro was talked about with high regards," said Round Rock's Economic Director Ben White.
"I want to see a city in action that's actually implementing and is coming out of the ground. It's not a pretty picture on a book. Let's go touch it. Let's go feel it," said Round Rock City Manager Steve Norwood.
That's why Round Rock leaders took a tour of downtown Owensboro Friday.
"Very impressive and it takes a community to really put themselves out there to do this kind of development," White noted.
"It's off the chart. It's incredible. What's impressed me the most is the pride. The sense of ownership. It's stick out your chest and look what we're doing," commented Norwood.
These Texas leaders think Owensboro will get a good return on its investment.
"This type of development will bring, in my opinion, will bring in the private money in. Will bring visitors in," White said.
"The huge thing with this is it's actually creating that private investment. It's actually creating that synergy," said Norwood.
The Texans want a downtown like Owensboro.
"There was a little of that kind of appeal if Owensboro, Kentucky can do it, then Round Rock, Texas can do it," said Norwood.
The Texans say they plan to sample some Owensboro bar-b-que while their in town, because they too know a little something about bar-b-que.
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Round Rock leaders took a tour of downtown Owensboro Friday.
