New Orleans is definitely back in business, and Cable is helping spread the word. Today, 12 cable companies announced a donation of more than $12 million in airtime to promote New Orleans tourism. The Cox-led program will place tourism commercials on cable channels nationwide. The spots feature stars like John Goodman and Wynton Marsalis sharing what they love about New Orleans and directing viewers to www.NewOrleansOnline.com for travel info. The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC) estimates the donation alone will deliver $1.3 billion in economic impact to the area. Mayor Ray Nagin, himself a former cable guy (he was General Manager of Cox’s New Orleans operation), certainly understands the power of the in-kind donation. “On behalf of everyone who calls New Orleans home, even those who remain relocated, I give heartfelt thanks to Cox and their cable peers for this incredible gift,” he said.