You should know something about Spring Hill. That college works lock-step with whatever the city establishment (which is somewhat conservative) wants. It's been that way since the beginning.
The reason the Mobile business community seems so enthralled with these Cuba things is simple. When Cuba is reopened, by default, they are going to become our biggest trading partner. Not to mention, it would probably prompt the city fathers to seriously consider an international airport.
Look at the former Soviet Union, how many former Communist officials now hold positions of power or prestige in the new capitalist Russia..........
Essentially, much of the same is going to happen when Castro dies. The regime is Castro, I give it at most, 2 years after he dies.
But alot of those mid-level guys, they will have a position of influence in the new Cuba, and that's who the city fathers are trying to reach out to. All these mid-level officials who will have clout in post-Communist Cuba.
Right now, we are trying to shift back to trade based economy, as opposed to the industry based economy that has predominated since WWII.
Also, by having such an event like this in Mobile, quite frankly, increases the chances that more conventions (of whatever stripe) will come to town, and that could be useful in recruiting businesses here.
With all due respect, I think that the Mobile city fathers need to realize that:
A. They won't make any money in Cuba while Castro still lives, embargo or no embargo.
B. any business deal they cut with Castro will die with him. The next government of Cuba, whatever it is, is unlikely to honor Castro's debts and contracts.
We'll see ...