Somerset Co. Businesses Prepare For 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Posted: 2:08 pm EDT May 19, 2011
Updated: 2:26 pm EDT May 19, 2011

SOMERSET, Pa. -- Somerset County is bracing for what's expected to be a record tourist season.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and the first phase of the Flight 93 National Memorial is expected to be complete.

On Thursday, the county's business community got a head start on preparing for thousands of anticipated visitors.

Officials said an estimated 350,000 people are expected to visit the county this year, which is 250,000 more than the county usually welcomes each year. Many businesses have already seen a boost from tourists who travel to pay their respects at the Flight 93 Memorial.

In response, the Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the Allegany College of Maryland to host a breakfast meeting for business leaders. Participants got a refresher from the National Park Service on the memorial's design and a rundown of the planned events on Sept. 10 and 11. They also got a look at how to maximize the huge boost in tourism.

Ron Aldom of the Chamber of Commerce said, "We really need to be at our best. We need to be able to connect and give people the best experience that we can. Not only do we need to provide services, But we need to make them really appreciate being here, staying here and return here."

Additional classes will be held through June. For more information, call the Somerset Campus of Allegany College of Maryland at 814-445-9848.

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