HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-11 - Minutes• GROUP: ADVERTISING & PROMOTION COMMISSION
DATE: August 11, 2003
PRESENT: Dan Coody, Bob Davis, Neal Crawford, Pat Gazzola, David McGeady, Ching
Mong, Curtis Shipley and Marilyn Heifner.
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ABSENT: None
The monthly meeting of the Advertising and Promotion Commission was called to order on
August 11, 2003, at the Fayetteville Town Center conference room at 2:00 p.m. by Chairman
Bob Davis.
MINUTES
Moved by Shipley, second by Gazzola to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2002 meeting with
the correction that under financial report, paragraph 3 last sentence should read, "Kit still felt
that his interpretation was correct of charging at the place of delivery." Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT
HMR tax collections for July were $130,575.30, an increase of 1.53% over one year ago. Tom
Lonon (Scarbrough & Murtishaw) presented the financial statements for July, 2003. Moved by
Shipley, second by Gazzola to approve financial statements for July. Motion carried.
City Attorney Kit Williams presented delinquent tax collection efforts. Collections for the
month are $8,250.82 Year to date collections are $37,711.06. Collections in 2002 totaled
approximately $96,000.
Williams addressed the HMR ordinance regarding caterers being charged HMR tax at the place
of delivery indicating that he would leave the ordinance as is unless directed otherwise by the
HMR Commission or the City Council.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Marilyn Johnson reviewed her activities for the month of July. Report was included to agenda.
Restaurant collection comparisons for 2001-2003 indicated a slight increase in HMR revenues
each year and a larger increase in the number of restaurants collecting the HMR tax. The report
is attached. Top 20% of restaurants representing 42% of the total revenue results were that 34 of
the restaurant's revenue decreased in 2003, and 31 restaurants showed an increase in 2002.
McGeady asked that Marilyn prepare a report comparing hotel revenue.
• CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU REPORT
Allyson Twiggs reported working with Kaleo Trade Show and AED Conference. Brumley
Gospel Sing went great. Carnall Hall is open. August 22-23 will be the Blues in the Natural
State Festival.
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TOWN CENTER REPORT
Denise Bembenek presented the Town Center report. July sales are down 54.2%. Year to date
executed sales contracts are up 1.1%. Collections are up year-to-date 41.4%. Average per
event sales are down 39.9% for the month, down 12.1% year-to-date.
Denise reported on repair of sewer line leak. We are still working with Northwest Controls on
the air conditioning. Roofing leaks were fixed by Harness Roofing at no cost because they are
still under warranty.
AGENCY REPORT
Brian Clark of Sells Clark reported that inquiries are down 650 year to date. An Internet recap of
January to July 2003 to same period in 2002 shows an 80% increase in Internet usage. The
agency presented a photo slide show of new photography.
OLD BUSINESS
Smoking Ordinance
Neal Crawford expressed his concern for the loss of revenue if a smoking ban is passed. Curtis
Shipley reported that Santa Fe restaurant sales are down 15% following passage of their no
smoking ordinance. A Chamber resolution encourages further study before the ordinance is
passed. Pat Gazzola favors putting the question to a vote of the people. Ching Mong reported
that Dallas had restaurants moving to Plano and that Springfield is relooking at its ordinance
because of loss of revenue. New York is looking at revoking its ordinance because of the
negative impact economically of people going to New Jersey. California is making a comeback
but most independent restaurateurs went bankrupt.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Johnson Heifner
Director, Convention and Visitor Development