Breaking News

Broadmoor Hall accommodates up to 350 trade show booths. The Broadmoor Announces New Group Offers In an effort to attract groups needing a large venue and a variety of guest room offerings that peak at 1,700 rooms, the historic Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO, has created the Broadmoor Connection program. Broadmoor partners include Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Hilton Doubletree World Arena and the Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs Hotel. All three hotels are within five minutes of the 60,000-square-foot pillarless, carpeted Broadmoor Hall, which accommodates up to 3,800 attendees banquet-style or up to 350 booths for trade shows. For information, visit www.broadmoorconnection.com. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO. The 700-room Broadmoor, which together with the Broadmoor Hall, offers up to 185,000 square feet of meeting space, has announced the following select value dates for 2008. For more information, contact David Fine, director of sales and marketing, dfine@broadmoor.com. Rates from $285: August 27 - September 3 September 7 - September 9 Rates from $215: October 12 - October 16 Rates from $195: September 1 - September 2 October 30 - November 2 Rates from $190: September 28 - September 29 Rates from $169: November 5 - November 8 November 22 - December 3 December 14 - December 20 Rates from $145: December 21 - December 31

Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Opens
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale opened recently as the Gold Coast's newest luxury hotel. Located oceanfront, the property features 192 guest rooms and 24,000 square feet of meeting space. The resort holds a four-star rating from the Mobil Travel Guide and was named a "Top New Hotel" on Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 "Hot List." For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

The M Resort, Spa And Casino Tops Out
Marnell Corrao Associates, the world's leading hotel design and construction firm, celebrated the topping out of The M Resort, Spa and Casino, a $1 billion gaming resort set to open in spring 2009 in Las Vegas, NV. The M Resort, Spa and Casino will have 390 guest rooms, nine restaurants, a destination wine cellar and tasting room, more than 60,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, a 23,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and a 100,000-square-foot pool and events piazza named Villaggio del Sole. The boutique resort will feature more than 92,000 square feet of casino space that will house 1,846 slot machines, 64 table games and a state-of-the-art race and sports book. Property executives recently announced a partnership with Cantor Gaming to provide cutting-edge mobile gaming technology to the casino floor and race and sports book. For more information, go to www.themresort.com. Marnell Corrao Associates Chairman and CEO Anthony A. Marnell, III (left) attended the topping out festivities.

DMAI Announces News And Updates
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) hosted 1,260 marketing professionals, educators, students and industry partners for its 94th Annual Convention, held in Las Vegas, NV, from July 28th to July 30th at Caesars Palace. The event, entitled "Betting on the Future" offered educational programs, product familiarization demonstrations and networking possibilities for all in attendance. DMAI has also released a study, "The Future of Destination Marketing: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation," geared for destination marketing professionals to understand and respond to strategic trends and developments that shape the industry. Emerging key themes recognized in the study included relevance, visibility and value proportions, as well as eight "super-trends" that capture the essence of more than 200 detailed trends identified in the study. For more information, visit www.destinationmarketing.org.

MGM Grand Las Vegas Introduces Mobile Concierge
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas (NV) now offers mobile concierge service to guests via personal mobile phone devices and PDAs. Guests now can receive exclusive discounts and updates for services and amenities for MGM Grand's restaurants, spa and salon, and onsite entertainment including the Cirque du Soleil show Ka, as well as Crazy Horse Paris. Guests will receive pre-arrival e-mails after their hotel reservations have been booked with the option of signing up for updates. Guests also may sign up for the service upon check-in at the hotel front desk. For more information about this new service, go to www.mgmgrand.com.

PCMA Offers Free MeetingMetrics Trial
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and its partner in meeting results measurement, MeetingMetrics is now offering meeting managers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with its online measurement tools at no cost through the MeetingMetrics 30-Day Trial License Program. The trial includes a prerequisite webinar tutorial, choice of pre- or post-meeting survey, 400 survey respondent entries and technical support via phone or e-mail for the full 30-day trial period. More information on MeetingMetrics and the free trial program is available at www.meetingmetrics.com.

Gast And Moore Begin Terms As DMAI Chair And DMAI Foundation Chair
Maura Allen Gast, FCDME has commenced her term as chair of the board of directors of DMAI. Her term officially began with DMAI's Annual Convention, held from July 28 until July 30th at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Gast is the third woman to chair DMAI in the association's 94-year history. Gast currently serves as executive director of the Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau (Irving CVB), a position she has held since 2003. She has been with the Irving CVB since 2001 and has been an active DMAI member for 15 years. Steve Moore, president and CEO of of the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau (GPCVB), has been elected to head up DMAI's charitable foundation. The DMAI Foundation was created to enhance and complement DMAI and the destination-management profession through research, education and resource development. Moore has been a member of DMAI since 1985 and has been the head of the GPCVB since 2002. For more information, go to www.destinationmarketing.org.

HSMAI Creates Scholarship To Honor Dimond
The HSMAI Foundation announced the creation of the Mike Dimond HSMAI Foundation Scholarship Fund, in memory of the hospitality industry leader who passed away in July at the age of 67. "Mike believed in giving back to the industry he loved," said Fran Brasseux, executive vice president of HSMAI Foundation. "This scholarship fund will do just that, awarding scholarships annually to deserving students in hospitality programs who plan to pursue careers in sales and marketing." Widely recognized as one of the top hotel marketing executives in the nation, Dimond’s career spanned more than four decades. Dimond was the recipient of the ASAE’s “Academy of Leaders” award, MPI’s “Supplier of the Year” award, was named “Sales Executive of the Year” for Insurance Conference Planners, and is a member of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Hall of Fame. For more information or to make a donation to the Mike Dimond HSMAI Foundation Scholarship Fund, please visit www.hsmaifoundation.org.

Marriott Continues Eco-Friendly Trend
Bill Marriott, chairman and CEO of Marriott International has joined leaders of the travel and tourism industry to call on Congress for a response to the new energy crisis. Marriott supports an industry letter sent to members of Congress and the President Bush urging them to forego their summer recess and develop a new comprehensive energy policy. Marriott stated how reluctance to travel due to high gas and fuel prices for air and car travel could seriously hinder the travel and tourism industry, which is responsible for 7.5 million jobs in the U.S. In keeping with the company's environmentally friendly approach to the meetings business, the brand has introduced new green initiatives for Marriott meetings, including using recycled paper and products for the writing tools used at meetings, as well as boxed lunch options, recycling bins in meeting areas and reduced use of bottled beverages for refreshment. Also, several Marriott properties are currently seeking LEED certification, and the company has also pledged sponsorship to rain forest anti-deforestation efforts in South America. For more information, go to www.marriott.com/environment.

Visit Fairfax Names New CEO
Visit Fairfax (FXVA), the convention and visitors bureau for Fairfax County, VA, welcomes their new CEO, Barry Biggar. Biggar was previously the president and CEO of Bryan-College Station Visitors & Convention Bureau (TX).  There, he spent five years developing successful initiatives and growing the organization. “Fairfax County is an amazing place, combining the very best of the past and the great promise and prosperity of the future. The attributes for visitors and residents alike are incredible,” says Biggar. “To be part of an organization such as FXVA that will play a critical role in the future of Fairfax County and contribute to its success is an opportunity I am humbled to be a part of and am thrilled to have been given." For more information, visit www.fxva.com.

Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem To Open Fall 2009
The Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania will be the home of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem when it opens in the second quarter of 2009. The Sands has already started booking meetings, conferences and events for fall 2009. The Sands will offer the largest meeting space in the two-county, three-city region with 46,000 square feet of divisible space that can be broken into 18 meeting rooms. The largest room will be more than 15,000 square feet and able to accommodate more than 1,260 attendees theater-style, 1,260 banquet-style and 1,000 classroom-style. All meeting spaces will be equipped with the high-speed Internet access, Wi-Fi and the latest in audio-visual technologies. A 300-room hotel and 3,000-slot gaming facility will also be part of the complex, as well as eight restaurants, an upscale shopping mall and a nightclub. For more information, visit www.PASands.com.

Marriott Waikiki Resort Completes Renovation
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has completed a $28 million guest room renovation project to its 608-room oceanfront Kealohilani Tower. Improvements include: a remote jack that connects cameras, laptops and iPods to the television; in-room Wi-Fi; granite counter fixtures; ergonomic desk chairs; 37-inch HD TVs; patio furniture upgrades; new themed artwork; and bed and linen from Marriott's "Revive" collection. Also, environmentally friendly improvements have been made including automatic sensors for sinks and toilets, and temperature-controlled thermostats. The property features 1,310 guest rooms and 55,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit www.marriottwaikiki.com.

Palmer House Hilton Chicago Nears Renovation Completion
The Palmer House Chicago, a Hilton Hotel, is nearing completion of a $170 million restoration that includes a complete renovation of the hotel's social and event spaces. New features include: the Honore Ballroom, a 3,400-square-foot meeting/event room; restored Grand and State Ballrooms; updated 7th Floor meeting spaces and an onsite UPS business center; upgraded technological amenities; and enhanced wireless connectivity. All guest rooms have been remodeled, and a new full-service Spa Chakra and three-level fitness center are included in the renovations. The Palmer House offers 1,639 guest rooms and 130,000 square feet of meeting space. All renovations are set to be completed at the end of September. For more information, visit www.palmerhouserestoration.com.

Riviera Resort & Spa Undergoes Refurbishment
The Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, CA is currently undergoing a $70 million renovation and is slated to reopen later this fall. The Riviera is a downtown landmark in Palm Springs and will feature 406 guest rooms and suites, a five-star restaurant and the SpaTerre. Also, the property will have more than 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including the 20,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which can hold up to 1,000 attendees. For more information, visit www.psriviera.com.

Dolce Valley Forge Begins Last Renovation Phase
The Dolce Valley Forge Hotel, King of Prussia, PA, has begun the third and last phase of its $17 million renovation. Dolce CEO Andy Dolce unveiled new Dolce signage atop the facility, and the project has entered its last 60 days, with all work set to be completed by Labor Day. The building facade, pool and surrounding area, and redesign of the remaining 102 guest rooms to be renovated are included in phase three, as well as the construction of a new business center, Starbucks and updated lobby. Also, the hotel's new restaurant THREE01 will include new decor and a gourmet menu and wine list. Once completed, the property will feature 327 guest rooms and 24,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit www.dolce.com.

Atlanta Marriott Marquis Completes $138 Million Renovation
The Atlanta Marriott Marquis,  the city's largest convention hotel, has completed a three-year, $138 million property-wide refurbishment. The hotel now features 1,663 guest rooms, including 94 suites, and more than 160,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. As part of the renovation, the Atrium Level of the hotel now features more than 42,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 25,000-square-foot Atrium Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 2,000 people. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis is the third largest property in the Marriott brand profile and is located 10 miles from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.

Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Announces Renovation
Hyatt Regency Coral Gables has announced plans for a $10 million renovation to update all of the property's guest rooms and hallways, as well as its dining and entertainment spaces. Work is set to begin in September and be completed by late Fall 2008. The property offers 250 guest rooms and more than 13,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, go to www.coralgables.hyatt.com.

Denver Gears Up For DNC With Training Program
In preparation for the upcoming Democratic National Convention to be held from August 25-28, the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau has created the largest hospitality training program in the city's history. Called "Go the EXTRA Mile," the program has trained more than 2,400 people while offering training to more than 500 hotels, restaurants and hospitality businesses. Denver is expecting 50,000 people for the convention, including 17,000 members of the domestic and international media. It will be the largest event in the city's history and is the second time Democrats meet in the Mile High City, exactly 100 years after their first meeting in 1908. For more information, visit www.denver.org.

Perry Named To Major Tourism Boards

IAEE Board Assists With Air Travel Woes
The board of directors of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) have taken several actions to alleviate the burdens posed by the ongoing air travel crisis in the U.S. An Air Transportation Crisis Task Force has been formed to develop new practices to conform with recently updated practices and procedures, including the reduction in airlift to several U.S. cities; a newsletter containing details and recommendations of the task force will be put into effect; an increase in involvement and support of the IAEE in the Travel Industry Association; and continuing to lobby legislators to address issues of common interest and concern in the meetings industry. Information will be posted as it becomes available at www.iaee.com.

Arizona Tourism Faces Tough Times Ahead
Higher airfares and fewer flights spurred by record fuel costs mean that air-dependent markets such as Phoenix will take hits in business travel and tourism. US Airways will reduce flight frequencies between Phoenix and 20 markets beginning in October, including Tucson, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles. Arizona companies that have pulled their meetings business since the fuel cost increase, such as General Dynamics C4 Systems and PetSmart, have turned to teleconferencing technology in order to conduct business without holding conference meetings. Other air-dependent markets such as Hawaii and Las Vegas are also expected to suffer business losses due to rising fuel costs.

No Strike, No Lockout At Greenbrier
A "no strike, no lockout" pact was signed between labor union officials and management of the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV. The pact will be honored up to and before January 4, 2009, or until new contracts are reached, according to the joint statement issued. While this may be the first step towards a new contract for 1,100 union employees, others are less than thrilled. The announcement did little to dissuade the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, which cancelled its huge fall leadership meeting in early June, citing fear of a work stoppage despite the agreement. Other major clients of The Greenbrier have also pulled their business and gone elsewhere, including the American Chemistry Council. Both companies expressed hesitation regarding whether the unstable work environment could successfully host their meetings.

Chicago CTB Offers Traveler's Toolkit
The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB) has introduced the Chicago Select program, a toolkit containing value-pricing information on air and ground transportation, entertainment and lodging options, will be available to planners only during the first quarters of 2009, 2010 and 2011, courtesy of American Airlines and CCTB members. Along with discounts for entertainment options and event venues, American Airlines is offering exclusive deals for group travel and other rewards as part of its business travel program. For more information, go to www.choosechicago.com.

Judge Rules Against Former Greenbrier President
A Circuit Court judge ruled partly against Paul Ratchford, former president of The Greenbrier, who has sued the property for $50 million over his termination. The judge denied a motion for partial summary judgment, but said West Virginia case law does not address the wage issue at the center of the case. Ratchford is appealing the ruling. Ratchford's suit claims wrongful discharge, post-traumatic stress, breach of contract, fraud and other allegations. He was hired by The Greenbrier in 2006 to rectify an estimated operating loss of $15 million per year and was terminated on September 18, 2007.

Reno-Tahoe Creates New, One-Stop Site
The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) has created a new Web portal to facilitate and expedite the user experience for travelers looking for information on the area. Since the site went live, it has seen a marked increase in visits and a more than 50 percent increase in user time on the site. To visit the site, go to www.visitrenotahoe.com.

Holland America Debuts msEurodam
Holland America cruise lines has unveiled the ms Eurodam, an 11-deck, 2,104-passenger liner and the company's first Signature class ship. The liner features several pieces of traditional Dutch artwork  and artifacts, as well as contemporary pieces, and is Holland America's largest ship. The ms Eurodam will have an official naming ceremony on July 1st, followed by a maiden voyage in the Baltic region. The ship will offer its first trans-Atlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Philadelphia CVB Offers Real-Time Info
The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau has begun to accommodate travelers who use mobile technology to stay informed and connected on the go, introducing a new Web site on a dotMobi platform for hand-held devices. Blackberrys, Treos, iPhones and other devices can now search for lodging, restaurants, shopping, museums and more. The site was custom built by Weaver Multimedia Group and is easily navigable, offering comprehensive information for today's busy traveler. The address for the new site is www.PhiladelphiaUSA.mobi. For more information, visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel.

Bloomberg Says No To Hotel Tax
Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg balked at a proposal by city council officials to increase the city's hotel tax to 8 percent to avoid budget cuts to public schools. Citing inconveniences to tourists and the tourism, which is up 9 percent in the city, Bloomberg dismissed the idea as killing the "golden goose." Proponents of the proposal say that raising the hotel tax is a more palatable idea than slashing a significant portion from the Department of Education budget.

Catskills Project Gets Green Light
A $1 billion development plan for the Concord Hotel property in Thompson, NY has received the go-ahead from New York governor David Paterson and state legislative leaders to build a "racino," or racetrack-casino, at Monticello Raceway. A tax revenue reduction was approved by New York legislators for lottery machines at the racino to help fund $38 million a year for state education. Included in the proposal is a redeveopment plan for the Concord Hotel that features a 1.5 million-square-foot convention center, 600,000 square feet of retail space, a several hundred-room hotel with spa and possibly 3,000 housing units. Gov. Paterson said the proposed plan will help reestablish the Catskills as a destination venue.

CityCenter Resort Casino Plans Unveiled
CityCenter, located in the heart of the Strip in Las Vegas, NV, has released the name and details of its resort casino, scheduled to open in late 2009. Aria Resort & Casino will feature 4,004 guest rooms including 568 suites, 300,000 square feet of meeting space and luxurious amenities. Impeccable hospitality and creative personalized attention will join an incredible array of amenities to provide each guest an unmatched journey through Aria. Aria will form the core of CityCenter, an $8 billion development project between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts. For more information, visit www.citycenter.com.

Motorcycle Museum Opens In Milwaukee
The first and only Harley-Davidson Museum is set to open in MIlwaukee, WI in early July. The attraction is expected to bring an estimated 350,000 visitors to the city annually, and will also serve as a venue for meetings and private events. The facility can host up to 1,000 for meetings and sit-down dinners for up to 750 people.  Outdoor meeting space can handle up to 15,000 people. Onsite catering is provided by Levy Restaurants. For more information, visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.

ADME Announces New Accredited DMCs
The Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) has announced the second class of DMCs to receive their Accredited Destination Management Company accreditation. The nine DMCs include Activity Partners Inc., Las Vegas, NV; PRA Destination Management Palm Springs, Palm Desert, CA; Global Events Partners Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; and Convention Designs LLC, Greenwood Village, CO. Two other PRA Destination Management companies have also been named. With this class, the total number of companies that have received ADMC certification is 33, representing 43 locations. For more information, visit www.adme.org.

Philly's Memorial Hall To Offer Event Space
When Philadelphia, PA's Memorial Hall reopens in October, the building will be available to the public as a special event venue. Max & Me Catering, a premier catering company, will be in charge of culinary offerings at the National Historic Landmark, which will feature the Please Taste Cafe and more than 156,000 square feet of event space. Memorial Hall is the new location of the Please Touch Museum, a 32-year-old local institution whose mission is to enrich the lives of children through hands-on learning. The museum will provide an array of event options and spaces. For more information, contact Jennifer Kabinoff at Jen@MaxAndMeCatering.com.

Corporate Travel Pros Meet With DC Leaders
The 2008 NBTA (National Business Travel Association) Legislative Summit held in Washington, DC brought more than 50 corporate travel professionals from across the United States to learn about current legislative issues facing the corporate travel industry and visit congressional leaders. Two pieces of legislation were discussed: the FAST (Fair, Accurate, Secure and Timely) Redress Act of 2007, which would take significant steps  toward alleviating burdens on passengers named to terrorist-watch lists, and the End Discriminatory State Taxes on Automobile Renters Act of 2007, which would stop governments seeking to fund local projects from targeting people who rent cars. For more information, visit www.nbta.org.

Silver Spurs Arena Great For Events
A new curtaining system installed at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, FL greatly enhances the venue's options for event and meeting planners. The Silver Spurs Arena is a 10,500-seat adaptable facility alongside the Exhibition Building, offering 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and Osceola County Stadium. The new curtaining system will allow for smaller seating venues, seating 3,600 and a half-house that seats 6,200. For more information, visit www.OHPark.com.

Marriott Wardman Park Completes Renovation
Washington, DC's largest hotel, the Marriott Wardman Park completed a $100 million comprehensive revitalization. The 1,316-room property features 195,000 square feet of flexible convention and meeting space and is a premier destination for meetings and events. All guest rooms are now equipped with 32-inch LCD high-definition plasma screens and feature advanced multimedia capabilities. The hotel's new signature restaurant, Stone's Throw, is a steakhouse with a seasonal menu that uses the region's finest ingredients. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.

Gas Prices Up, Hotel Demand Down
According to Bjorn Hanson, a hospitality and leisure researcher at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, rising gas prices means bad news for U.S. hotels as well as motorists. Speaking at the 30th annual New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York City, Hanson reported every 10 percent increase in the cost of fuel is coupled with a 0.5 percent decrease in hotel demand. However, the economy should not affect hotel rates any time soon: Hotel room rates have not declined, despite high gas prices and reduced availability of credit. Also, a new upward trend in weekday occupancy accounted for more than $24 billion in hotel revenue at the end of April, up from more than $23 billion a year earlier.

NBTA Travel Group Honors Rhodes
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Government Travel Group (GTG) presented the first-ever National Travel Forum Icon Award to Becky Rhodes, deputy associate administrator, Office of Travel, Transportation and Asset Management, U.S. General Services Administration. The award was presented at the 2008 National Travel Forum (NTF), the largest industry event for government travel professionals, in Atlanta, GA and recognizes outstanding contributions to advancing the professional development of federal government travel employees. For more information, visit www.nationaltravelforum.org.

$30 Billion Increase Reported For Airline Costs
Current oil prices have forced a sharp increase in airline costs, and several large and small U.S. airlines will default on their obligations to creditors by early 2009, according to a study released by AirlineForecasts LLC and the Business Travel Coalition. The study predicts oil prices at $130 per barrel will increase yearly airline costs by $30 billion, while airlines will be able to generate only $4 billion in fare increases and incremental fees, forcing bankruptcy and liquidation for several airlines.

Westin New York Renovates Guest Rooms
The Westin New York, an 863-room property located in New York City's iconic Times Square, is currently undergoing a $20 million refurbishment after being open only five years. Guest rooms have been outfitted with new flat screen televisions, and upgraded bathroom and bedroom fixtures. Bar 10, the property's second-story hot spot, has been opened up to the lobby with the installation of a glass wall, and 32 meeting rooms have received new wall coverings and carpets. The Majestic Ballroom will be remodeled in August. The property features 34,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit www.westinny.com.

Continental Airlines To Feature Live TV And Wi-Fi In 2009
Continental Airlines will introduce live television and Wi-Fi services in early 2009 onboard its NextGeneration aircraft within the continental U.S. First- and economy-class passengers will be able to choose from 36 channels of DirectTV, iincluding sports, news and weather. Access to the system will be complimentary in first-class and $6 in economy. Continental customers will also have complimentary access to e-mail and instant messaging using Wi-Fi-enabled BlackBerrys, laptops and smartphones.

Kiplinger's Announces 2008 Top 10 Best Cities List
Kiplinger's Personal Finance has announced its 10 Best Cities of 2008. The story will appear in the magazine's July issue, on newsstands on June 10th, and is now available online. The annual list is compiled according to criteria based on economic strength, job abundance, cost of living and things to do.This year's list features research by Kevin Stolarick, research director at the Martin Prosperity Institute, a think tank that studies economic prosperity. To view the list online, go to www.kiplinger.com/money/bestcities.