HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-13 - Minutes• ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
October 13, 2003
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Commissioners Present: Dan Coody, Chairman Bob Davis, Neal Crawford, Pat Gazzola,
David McGeady, Ching Mong, and Curtis Shipley.
Staff Present: Denise Bembenek, Marilyn Heifner, and Allyson Twiggs
Chairman Bob Davis called the regular monthly meeting of the Fayetteville Advertising
and Promotion Commission to order on October 13, 2003 at the Fayetteville Town Center
conference room at 2:00 p.m.
MINUTES
Moved by Shipley, second by Gazzola to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2003
meeting. Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Tom Lonon, Scarbrough & Murtishaw presented financial report for September. Moved
by Shipley, second by McGeady to approve the financial statements.
HMR collections for the month of September were $132,599.87. This represents a .01%
increase over September of last year. Annual Washington County property tax for CEC
of $49,988.10 was paid this month. Town Center bond payment was $9,743.16. This
figure will increase to around $24,000 next month because of refinancing of bonds.
In the absence of City Attorney Kit Williams, Chairman Davis read his report on
delinquent tax collection efforts of the City Prosecutor. Last month collections were
$2,189. Year-to-date collections total $40,990.06. A letter from the city attorney
regarding Attorney General opinion on our HMR tax relating to caterers was discussed.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Manlyn Heifner reported that advertising inquiries were down in September; however,
Internet inquiries continue to increase. She and Allyson went to Little Rock to begin
plans for Governor's Conference on Tourism with Nancy Clark at State Parks and
Tourism department.
She commended the staff of the CVB in going above and beyond the call of duty with
Bikes, Blues, and BBQ, Auburn weekend and War Eagle/Florida room availability. They
are working with all NWA hotels in order to offer one-stop shopping for tourists calling
for hotel availability. They are able to offer the service of the visitor having to make only
one more call to find a room. Hotels are very cooperative and appreciate the service.
Fayetteville properties are booked first
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CVB REPORT
Fayetteville has landed the Arkansas Forestry Convention in 2004. This is the first time
they have been in Northwest Arkansas. That makes 5 solid big conventions the CVB has
landed for 2004. Jay Harrod spoke to our hotels about the "Hot Deals" packages on
Arkansas.com. Phyllis has booked 14 motor coaches in town from now until December
11, 2003. The CVB will again sponsor "Trick or Treat on the Square" on Halloween
afternoon.
TOWN CENTER REPORT
The Town Center completed 23 events in August, a 9.5% increase over August, 2002.
Year-to-date events are up .81% Monthly executed contracts are up 46.9% and collects
are up 30.7% year to date. Annual report to the City Council is in agenda. The Town
Center will sponsor a Haunted House with University Housing and Community Services.
AGENCY REPORT
Brian Clark reported the agency is doing research for advertising placement for next year.
We are going to have to look at Advertising Inquiry Reports differently with the number
of Internet inquiries we are receiving. Media placement schedule and budget overview
will be presented at the November meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Funding Request - Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas — Ralph Hudson reported
on progress for retiring their debt from 2003 festival. It was the Commissioners'
consensus that they would rather fund an event rather than make a loan. Shipley and
others felt responsible for making the suggestion for a 2 -night festival in the Walton Arts
Center parking lot.
Shipley moved, second by Gazzola to give Ozark Blues Society 50% of their aged
payables ($5,898.25). Motion carried with Mong abstaining.
NEW BUSINESS
Downtown Dickson Master Plan — Dover, Kohl and Partners have been selected by the
City Council to do the Master Plan. Davis asked for opinion of Commissioners. Shipley
supports the Master Plan study. He said the core area master plan was done years ago
and needs to be looked at and updated. Several blocks were studied by the R & M Plan
Group (Dan Bennett) including the Town Center, the Library and Walton Arts Center in
the core area. The Mayor said the actual use combats the 1970 zoning map and updates.
Shipley moved, second by Coody to have the A & P participate in and support the Master
Plan study. Motion carried.
• Funding Request Meeting — October 28 at noon at the Catfish Hole was set for
presentations for funding requests for 2004.
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There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Manlyn Heifner
Executive Director