Recent statistics released by the Amador Council of Tourism shed a bright light on an industry that has traditionally helped gauge the economic state of Amador County. According to the optimistically titled report, “Amador Council of Tourism Accomplishments 2008”, the tourism council has been taken big steps towards promoting and nourishing Amador County’s tourism industry. These steps included hiring a part-time tourism director, opening a visitor’s center in Plymouth and tripling funding from 2006 to 2007. Many residents are familiar with the tourism council though there many appearances at travel shows, which this year included the Sunset Show Celebration, Amadoropoly, the Orange County Show and the Los Angeles Travel Show. Advertising played a big part in the council’s promotional campaign, with colorful ads featured in Sacramento magazine, the California Visitors Guide, Sunset, and Sactown Magazine. The Council ahs also qualified for an additional 14,000 dollars in Measure E funding which will be used for advertising.