Darrell Bailey: Modesto is a destination, and Mullen helped make it one

Re: “Tourism plan criticized: (Page 1A, July 6): Modesto is known throughout the world because of George Lucas’ film American Graffiti. The Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau, headed by Jennifer Mullen and her assistant Dana Hohn, have made an art of promoting Modesto as a Classic Car Mecca. June is Graffiti Month in Modesto largely due to the efforts of Jennifer Mullen.

I have worked with Jennifer on many activities related to American Graffiti Month and classic car events. She interacts well with everyone and is professional and hard working. You can attend any event (not just car shows) in Modesto and find Jennifer working hard and greeting people. She is a source of information for all happenings and obviously loves Modesto.

The city wants to promote our golf courses and the Modesto Nuts as a reason to make Modesto a destination. There are two major-league baseball teams and a number of championship-caliber golf courses within driving distance.

The city is also considering hiring an expensive consultant to tell us why people would want to come here. Get serious. Modesto is already a renowned Classic Car destination, and Jennifer Mullen is excellent at promoting that.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 11:12 AM with the headline "Darrell Bailey: Modesto is a destination, and Mullen helped make it one."