So close! AC casino revenues down less than 1 pct

Last month, 13,588 people stopped for information, directions, maps and brochures at the visitors' centers on the Atlantic City Expressway and on the Boardwalk, a 19 percent increase over September 2010. Year-to-date 2011 figures show a 7 percent overall increase compared to the same period of 2010, according to the Atlantic City Tourism District.

The number of hotel rooms booked in connection with trade and public shows at the Atlantic City Convention Center increased by 10 percent in September 2011 over last September.

And bus rides to Atlantic City by day-trippers also increased last month by 18 percent over the previous year, the district reported.

"We're not out of it yet; there's still a lot of work to do, but I think this town should start feeling better about itself now," Marrandino said.

Wayne Parry can be reached at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC