Free parking is underrated

By Tim Eberhart, executive director
Rainsville Chamber of Commerce
Newspaper column for August 13, 2010 edition

In July, I took a vacation in the heart of a large city for the first time in my life. By the time it was time to go back home I got used to the noise, the traffic jams, the one-way streets, and the crowded sidewalks teeming with odd characters.

 It was a great vacation. I will never forget it. I may never get another chance to spend $209 for parking.

As it is with all vacations, it was great to get back home to northeast Alabama and its beautiful ridges, lakes and valleys, its Southern hospitality, its uncrowded sidewalks, and its free parking.

I now realize that all the tourism and economic development organizations in north Alabama should start emphasizing our free parking along with all the other amenities that we use to promote the region.

In the metropolis I visited, they charge big bucks to park in high-rise parking decks—or you can opt to pay even more for valet parking. Here, we have acres of free ground level parking almost anywhere you go, although I’m sure a few people would sometimes pay to park 40 feet closer to the super center doors.

In Chamber news, I’ve got another new member to report this week. All-Temp Windows is the latest addition to our growing list of business members. The growing company is located at 240 McCurdy Avenue (Hwy 75) South where there is plenty of free parking.

The company has custom-manufactured windows known for quality and durability for over 30 years now. Whether for renovation or new construction, contact them to find out about the advantages of getting efficient, low maintenance windows direct from the manufacturer.

Let me shine the spotlight on another business member—Goggans Insurance—that offers free parking over at 363 Main Street (Hwy 35) West. That’s between the king’s burger place and First Southern State Bank.

Family owned and operated since 1987, they represent well known carriers including Progressive, GMAC, Travelers, The Hartford, and Auto Owners. Consider Goggans Insurance for your auto, motorcycle, ATV, boat, home, rental, and life insurance needs. They specialize in commercial insurance as well, and have other offices in Fort Payne, Scottsboro, Boaz and Centre.

Contact info

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 396; Rainsville, AL 35986

115 Main Street West
PHONE: 256-638-7800