HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-29 - Minutes -Fayetteville A&P Commission Meeting Minutes
September 29, 2025 – Fayetteville Town Center – 2:00 p.m.
Present: Chair Elvis Moya, Sterling Hamilton, Mike Wiederkehr, Sarah Bunch, Chrissy
Sanderson, Elliot Hunt, Katherine Kinney
Staff: Ryan Hauck, CEO
I. Call to Order
Chair Moya called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
II. Approval of Minutes
Motion: Bunch | Second: Hamilton | Approved via roll call.
III. Collections Contract with City of Fayetteville
CEO Hauck presented the previously approved (Nov. 2024) collections contract, re-
submitted for updated signatories and to provide a signed copy to the city. The fee remains
2% of collections, with a projected 2026 cost of $108,000. Motion: Wiederkehr | Second:
Bunch | Approved unanimously.
IV. Reports
A. Meet the Team
Hauck introduced staff members Miletus Callahan-Barille (Maintenance Supervisor),
Robbie Courtway (Event Services Coordinator II at FTC), and Melissa Freeman (Marketing
Manager at EF).
B. CEO Report – Ryan Hauck
• New Visitors Guide distributed to 13 Welcome Centers, hotels, and attractions, plus 300+
mailed copies.
• Ale Trail Passport launching at Falltoberfest.
• Reviewing RFQs for Agency of Record and Public Relations; commission requested top
2–3 staff recommendations.
• Growth in group bus tours; exploring Certified Tourism Hospitality program for front-line
staff and volunteers.
• FTC hosted 18 August events and 24 in September; 37 new contracts in negotiation;
rebranding & refreshing underway.
• Discussion on new restaurants, upcoming events, and an October all-day planning
retreat (approved).
C. Financial Report – VP Jennifer Walker
• YTD revenue: 66% of budget (1% under target); expenses: 61% (6% under).
• HMR collections: $3.4M; net income: $319K; cash/investments: $5.2M; FTC unearned
revenue: $275K.
D. Music Cities Recap – VP of Sales Tina Archer
Archer shared event highlights and a recap video, thanking community partners including
Brian Crowne with George’s Majestic Lounge who was attending this meeting. She noted
strong outcomes from Arkansas Music Week and emphasized the event’s international
reach and tourism impact. Hauck commended the team’s work.
E. Downtown Fayetteville Coalition Update – Kelly Rich
Rich provided an overview of DFC’s progress over the past 2.5 years, including
establishing its structure, securing funding, and collaborating with the City on downtown
ordinances. She outlined the coalition’s strategic pillars—Common Voice, Welcoming,
Place Keeping and Capacity—and reviewed key annual events and discussed estimated
economic impact.
Rich noted that DFC’s current goal is to transition into a self-standing nonprofit
organization (501c3), allowing it to attract additional donors and funding sources. DFC is
requesting a three-year funding agreement from both the City of Fayetteville and the A&P
Commission and Rich discussed potential staffing models to support the transition.
DFC Board President Brian Crowne added insight into the coalition’s governance and
long-term sustainability plans. Commissioners discussed the proposed funding structure,
staffing, and continued A&P representation on the DFC board. Crowne confirmed A&P
would retain board seats. CEO Hauck reiterated that this meeting was informational only;
no vote was taken.
F. Ozark Folkways Lease – Abby Hollis
Hollis expressed appreciation for the finalized lease agreement and offered to answer
questions.
V. Old Business
Ozark Folkways Lease Approval – Final revisions included language on political activity,
hold harmless terms, and landlord notice. Motion to approve the lease with these final
revisions was made by Commissioner Kinney | Second: Hunt | Approved unanimously to
commence Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2030.
VI. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 3:47 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: Amy Stockton, Experience Fayetteville