Latest news with #DougBennett
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
St. George, UT Metropolitan Area Grass Replacement Stats on Par with Las Vegas
ST. GEORGE, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Since 2023, the St. George Metropolitan Area in Utah has replaced nearly 3 million square feet of grass with water-efficient landscaping as part of the Washington County Water Conservancy District's Water Efficient Landscape Program. Since 2023, the Washington County Water Conservancy District's Water Efficient Landscape Program has replaced nearly 3 million square feet of grass with water-efficient landscaping - replacing more lawn per capita than Las Vegas. Share 'To put that into perspective, over the last few years our residents have replaced more lawn on a per capita basis than the national leader in grass replacement – Las Vegas,' said Doug Bennett, district conservation manager. 'In fairness, Las Vegas has already done a tremendous amount of work, but our stats demonstrate our community's commitment to using the resource efficiently.' Bennett oversaw the grass replacement program in Las Vegas for more than two decades before joining the district. The voluntary landscape conversion program is a focus of the district's water conservation efforts because lawns use four times more water than trees and shrubs. A 2023 analysis determined as much as 40% of the region's lawn was decorative, using almost three billion gallons of water annually. Participation in the district's program is increasing annually, with residential conversions more than doubling since 2023. 'The program is the region's most cost-effective way to extend its water supply so it's great to see this level of success,' said Bennett. 'We still have a lot of work to do, but we're trending well.' To address new development, the district's eight municipal customers united to adopt Utah's highest Water Efficiency Standards in 2023. The standards prohibit non-functional lawn in new commercial, institutional and industrial developments and limit lawn in residential developments to 8% of the lot size, with a cap for large lots. To sustain compliance, the district adopted a water rate structure that discourages excess use. The district's water conservation initiatives have reduced the St. George area's per capita water use almost 50% since 2000. The Washington County Water Conservancy District is a not-for-profit public agency that oversees water resources in Washington County, UT. Visit for more information.
Skift
22-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
How Louisville's Award-Winning Charm Built a Top Event Destination
With two convention centers, accommodation options that cater to every type of attendee, and an airport with nonstop service to 38 destinations, Louisville checks all the boxes of a premier convention city. To understand its magic, though, you need to look at something that cannot be built: the authentic sense of Southern charm that defines the community. Louisville may be best known for hosting the world's most iconic horse race — the Kentucky Derby — but the city has also cemented itself as a premier place for business events. In 2024, Meeting Professionals International chose Louisville to host its World Education Congress, and this summer, the Professional Convention Management Association will bring its annual edUcon program to the scenic banks of the Ohio River. With two cutting-edge convention centers, 23,000 hotel rooms, 2,500 restaurants, and a conveniently located airport just 10 minutes from downtown, it's easy to see why major meetings and conferences are gravitating toward the Bourbon City. But Louisville's appeal goes beyond just the numbers. 'Louisville offers something truly special,' said Doug Bennett, executive vice president of Louisville Tourism. 'Authentic southern hospitality, infused with a progressive, inclusive spirit, is what sets us apart.' A Collaborative Core What makes planners fall in love with Louisville? It all begins with the people they collaborate with, who help bring their events to life. 'At the heart of Louisville's hospitality success is a strategic investment in people, partnerships, and place,' said Bennett. 'Our team is committed to building strong relationships with local businesses, venues, and service providers to create seamless, collaborative experiences.' These connections open the door to unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression — whether it's the iconic Churchill Downs bugler kicking off an opening ceremony or a lively bluegrass band setting the tone for a happy hour reception. Louisville Tourism's Destination Services Team has built a reputation for going above and beyond — and the industry has taken notice. In 2024, the team earned the ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award and was recognized by MeetingsToday as one of the Best Destination Marketing Organizations in the South. But Louisville's reputation as a top-tier city extends well beyond the region, with respondents in Groups Today survey ranking Louisville as the 2024 U.S. Destination of the Year. 'Awards are wonderful recognition,' said Bennett. 'But they reflect something deeper: a city that genuinely cares about how it makes people feel.' That commitment to hospitality and inclusion resonates with every visitor. Louisville has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index for 10 consecutive years — a testament to its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. And in fall 2024, the city celebrated that spirit of inclusivity by launching Bourbon & Belonging, the world's first LGBTQ+ bourbon festival. Nulu neighborhood festival. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Seamless Planning Steeped in Southern Charm In Louisville, southern charm goes beyond a warm welcome — it means taking the stress out of planning. For meeting professionals, that charm translates into seamless logistics and thoughtful support throughout every stage of the event. As Bennett explained, job titles alone don't capture the full scope of what the Destination Services Team brings to the table. 'Our team is made up of connectors, collaborators, and problem-solvers,' he said. 'From the initial RFP to the final thank-you note, they operate as an extension of your planning team. They coordinate closely with the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hotels, venues, transportation providers, and even city officials to ensure every detail runs smoothly.' Beyond logistics, the team also enhances educational programming by linking planners with Louisville's vibrant network of academics, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It's a city where intellectual and business capital are just as accessible as the hospitality — and where every event is set up for success. A Celebration All Year Long When the education sessions end, Louisville keeps the energy high with celebrations rooted in its rich bourbon culture. 'Louisville knows how to celebrate,' said Bennett. 'And we do it in ways you won't find anywhere else.' Take the Kentucky Derby, for example. Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, the race is just the grand finale of a month-long celebration. The lead-up includes a marathon, a steamboat race, a festive parade, and — of course — a bourbon festival. But the fun doesn't stop there. Louisville's neighborhoods play a big part in the city's vibrant cultural scene. The LouGrass Music Series brings free bluegrass performances to off-the-beaten-path venues in areas like St. Matthews and the Highlands. For something completely unexpected, there's Bock Fest in NuLu, a beer festival that features goat races, and the World Championship of Dainty in Germantown — a quirky competition reserved for participants 45 and older. 'These aren't just events,' Bennett said. 'They're immersive, only-in-Louisville experiences that help people connect with our city in fun, meaningful, and unforgettable ways.' LouGrass Music. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Industry-Leading Innovation The reigning Destination of the Year is building momentum for an even brighter future. According to Bennett, the city is 'doubling down on innovation that enhances accessibility, sustainability, and engagement.' That commitment is evident in a range of improvements, from upgrades at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to new downtown hotel developments and infrastructure enhancements designed to improve mobility for attendees. Bourbon Tasting. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Louisville's bourbon scene is evolving as well, offering fresh, immersive experiences for visitors. Highlights include a new tasting room at Bardstown Bourbon Company and a speakeasy-style venue at Green River Distilling. 'These additions create dynamic, one-of-a-kind settings for events,' Bennett said. 'It's all part of our city's commitment to blending tradition with transformation to meet the needs of the next generation of meetings.' As the city's travel and hospitality landscape grows with thoughtful, best-in-class enhancements, the positive impact is felt across the community. The Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville is a powerful example. Once a vacant field in an area long affected by disinvestment, the space has been transformed into a 134,000-square-foot, world-class sports complex featuring a retractable hydraulic track that accommodates entertainment events for up to 6,000 guests. Located just a mile from Muhammad Ali's birthplace, the center is a living tribute to the local legend who once declared, 'I am the greatest' — and continues to inspire others to reach for greatness. Learn more and start planning at This is the second installment of Skift Meetings' three-part series with Louisville Tourism, exploring how the city's rich heritage shapes unforgettable events. Read the first installment to find out how bourbon, food, and attractions elevate Louisville events here. Stay tuned for the final installment in June. This content was created collaboratively by Louisville Tourism and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government offers homeowners cash to rip out their lawns: 'It's as simple as check in, dig in, cash in'
Reasons to be Cheerful reported a new way for some Utah residents in Washington County to earn cash and save water: sell their lawns to their local government. Why is the county ready to fork over dollars for lawns? Washington County's already booming 200,000 population is expected to double by 2060, according to Reasons to be Cheerful. The hottest and driest county in the state relies on the Virgin River as its sole water source. Unfortunately, that river basin is under threat from drought due to our planet overheating, and its increasing population is already a strain, leading to overuse. One conservation solution the county has come up with is encouraging homeowners to use more drought-resistant plants by buying their grass through its turf buyback program, which started in December 2022. The Washington County Water Conservancy District has high hopes for the plan. Reasons to be Cheerful reported that they estimate that using regionally appropriate plants can reduce landscape water use from 56 gallons to 11 gallons per square foot. Doug Bennett, conservation manager for the district, said, "I like to say it's as simple as check in, dig in, cash in," per Reasons to be Cheerful. To take part, residents register for the program, a representative measures how many square feet of grass turf needs replacement, homeowners complete the switch within a year, and they get paid after another county inspection. This effort is one of the many initiatives that local and nationwide governments are using to help the environment and protect endangered resources such as freshwater. This buyout plan from Washington County can prevent the area from experiencing a potential water crisis in the future, similar to what's happened in California. In other good water conservation news, Lake Powell, located mostly in Utah, recently reached a three-year water-level high. On the national level, the Inflation Reduction Act has allowed Americans to make their homes and vehicles more energy-efficient with tax rebates that offset costs. The initiative also funded drought mitigation programs and several improvements in water infrastructure. Everyone can do their part to save water and cool down the planet. In addition to using native plants that need less water, homeowners can practice conservation using ancient irrigation methods such as ollas or terracotta pots that slowly seep water into the soil.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Magdalene Hope Women's Center opens on Union Ave
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Magdalene Hope Women's Center opened in south Bakersfield on Thursday. The Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Women's Center located at 333 Union Ave. This center will serve as a safe space where women can access vital resources and support to reclaim their lives and thrive. Hanford child abduction: Why was the Amber Alert sent out 13 hours late? The center's founder told 17 News his vision is to create meaningful change and foster a stronger, more compassionate community. All this coming during Human Trafficking Awareness month. 'The proximity of where we're at is strategic because the women are sold about 50 yards behind our front door and this is where they line them up for sex trafficking,' Dr. Doug Bennett said. 'So, we wanted a place that can be easily accessible even if someone is watching them, keeping their eye on them, that they can come in and sit down for 10 or 15 minutes, charge their phone, get something to eat or shop at our free boutique and hopefully be able to receive counseling service.' The center says at least 40 million people are bought and sold for sex or labor and some of that happens just outside the front door of the center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
