Keast Speaks to Jackson, TN Rotary Club About Tourism and Pearls

The Jackson Country Club in Jackson, Tennessee was the setting for the Jackson Rotary Club's weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 3 at noon. The special guest speaker was Bob Keast, CEO/Owner of Birdsong Resort, Marina and Campground, and host to America's only Freshwater Pearl Farm in Camden Kentucky Lake, Tennessee.

Keast was welcomed by more than 150 Rotarians from the Jackson area, which is the most active Rotary Club in Tennessee, including Bill Sipes, one of Keast's long-time friends in attendance.

Keast was introduced by Lawson Crain, a Jackson CPA, who had many colorful comments about his friendship with Bob. Crain fishes out of Birdsong Resort and had many fishing stories to swap with Bob.

Keast's purpose during that meeting was to educate, inform, and entertain the Rotarians during the luncheon meeting. Keast presented a 20 minute presentation on his pearl farm operation, and opened the floor to questions. The audience was captivated with the idea that a real, working pearl farm was so close, yet unknown to them.

Bob shared tourism-related information regarding the 3 million plus visitors that come into west Tennessee annually. Many were unaware of the tremendous impact tourism has on the local economy.