Rob:  Well Oklahoma tourism is in the big leagues now.  Speaking at the Governor’s conference on tourism, secretary of commerce, Natalie Shirley, says world-class attractions and events are drawing more and more people to Oklahoma, boosting the state’s economy.
Natalie Shirley:  As I always say, tourism IS economic development; and, tourism IS big business in this state.  In 2006, the direct domestic travel spending reached more than five-point-three billion, that’s with a B, in Oklahoma, an increase of seven-point-eight percent.  Travel generated employment is up four-point-three percent with employees earning more than one-point-six billion, that’s that B again, in payroll during 2006.  Tourism is an important employer in this state.  Your economy generated almost 73,000 jobs here in this state.  Without these jobs we would see our unemployment rate which is very, very low jump a full four percentage points.  That’s incredible.  That’s an incredible impact on this state’s economy.