We are honored to have two outstanding presenters for this year's Christmas Tour program. Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director, will be speaking about the 2010 campaign that will highlight The Year of Small Town & Downtowns. Ross Railey, owner of J. Ross, The Florist, will show us how to make outstanding tablescapes for the holiday season. The presentations will begin at 3:00. Lee Sentell will be in the sanctuary at St. John's Episcopal Church. Ross Railey will be in the Parish Hall.

Lee Sentell

Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell has been involved in tourism promotion for more than 25 years. He was director of marketing at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center during the first 10 years of Space Camp. Since Gov. Bob Riley appointed him as tourism director in 2003, Alabama's tourism industry has grown by 45 percent to $9.3 billion in expenditures a year.

Under his leadership, Alabama's tourism agency has been selected as the best in the South for three of the past four years. The Year of Alabama Food and Year of Alabama Arts campaigns have received numerous national awards including ones for the best state promotion. Other campaigns have celebrated gardens, outdoors, and sports. 2009 celebrates The Year of Alabama History and the 2010 campaign will focus on The Year of Small Towns & Downtowns.

He currently serves on the boards of the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Better known locally as J Ross the Florist, Ross Railey decorates homes, plans events and delivers flowers for all occasions. His shop is located in the Historic Bank Street shopping district. In addition to his wonderful floral creations, Ross offers a variety of jewelry and unique decor for the home. Please visit his website at www.jrosstheflorist.com.