Developing one logo and slogan for all of Vicksburg’s marketing efforts is one component of a new strategic plan adopted Thursday by the Vicksburg-Warren County Community Alliance’s Tourism Council.

The plan replaces one that was created for 2004 through 2008, but the previous plan lacked attainable goals and didn’t touch the recent issues that have arisen, members said.

&#8220There is urgency here because the tourism plan needed to change,” said council chairman Ann Jones, owner and operator of Mississippi River Tours.

The Alliance is a self-formed group that has been operating alongside more formal, established entities such as the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce and the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The plan, which will be submitted to the Alliance’s council board, executive council and board of directors, focuses on advertising and idea sharing.

In addition to a single logo and slogan, the plan also calls for development of an advertising campaign to reach people in a 200-mile radius as well a 500-mile radius, which would allow multiple-day visitors in the area. The council has already had a commercial made, but is awaiting funding before starting its eight-week run nationwide.

Jones and Alliance director Scott Martinez will approach the Warren County Board of Supervisors to ask for the remaining $27,000 of $40,000 allocated to the organization to use for the commercial.

The council is also working to support a tax hike that would increase spending for advertising, which is how the money would be used exclusively. Jones said the council hopes to have a plan in action to be presented by the next state Legislative session, which will be in January.

Another goal for the council, as stated in its strategic plan, is to continue to work with other tourism organizations to &#8220create new strategies and materials to reposition Vicksburg in the marketplace and to encourage the national, international and tour bus tourist and other specialized markets to stay here for several days.”

A continued effort to recommend future board members of the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau by following a set criteria is also a goal for the council. The last three appointees came from a list drawn up by the council for the Warren County Board of Supervisors and Mayor and Board of Alderman and consisted of people with specific experience in the tourism industry.

The plan also states that the Tourism Council intends to be an active part in the VCVB’s planning and budgeting to ensure that common goals are being set and met.