HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-13 - Minutes• ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
September 13, 2004
Commissioners Present: Dan Coody, Neal Crawford, Pat Gazzola, Don Marr, David
McGeady, Ching Mong, and Curtis Shipley.
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Willistine Smith, Allyson Twiggs and Marilyn Heifner
Chairman David McGeady called the regular monthly meeting of the Fayetteville
Advertising and Promotion Commission to order on September 13, 2004 at the
Fayetteville Town Center conference room at 2:00 p.m.
McGeady reviewed the expansion of hotels and restaurants in Northwest Arkansas and
said the visitor traffic was moving north. He noted the convention facilities downtown
and the future Mountain construction. He asked Commissioners to consider expanding
the CVB to include a staff person who would attract citywide conventions and promote
downtown on a regular basis. Shipley and Gazzola stated that the promotion should be
for the entire city. Marilyn will put together a job description and have 2005 budget
figures for Commissioners to consider request at the October meeting.
• MINUTES
Moved by Shipley, second by Gazzola to approve the minutes of the July 12, 2004
regular meeting. Motion carried.
HMR REVENUES
HMR revenues for August were $146,518, a 10.19% increase over last August. Year-to-
date figures are up 14.29%. McGeady will contact Arkansas Hospitality Association
regarding increases in menu prices and see if he can obtain regional restaurant figures.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Larry Bilbrey from Scarbrough and Murtishaw reviewed Financials for the month of
August. Moved by Shipley, second by Gazzola to approve the financial statements.
Motion carried.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Kit Williams reported that the Prosecutor's office collected $4,239.50
delinquent HMR taxes in August. Their efforts have resulted in $38,395.25 year to date.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Marilyn
Heifner reviewed
advertising inquiries. Internet
unique visits for August are up
• (14,100)
over last August
(7,114). Per day average visits
are 454.
• Marilyn worked with many of the fall festivals in their planning processes during the
month. The Dining and LodginglVisitor's Guide is being updated. She has been
working with the CVB on their marketing plan and 2005 budget.
CVB REPORT
Allyson Twiggs was in Little Rock for an ASAE meeting. Marilyn presented her report.
Borg Management will have a site visit on Oct. 1 (this is a result of the ASAE
Conference here this summer). Several of the other associations are working with
Allyson to have meetings here next year. The 2006 World horseshoe championship is
seeking a location and Alyson is working with them.
CVB is working gain with area hotels to provide visitor clearing house for major events.
This is working excellently. We are also (the 800 number) on the U of A web chat room.
TOWN CENTER REPORT
Willistine reported that Town Center collections were up for August 56% ($22,844.62) as
well as year-to-date up 21.7% ($186,890.70). The Sales Staff is doing an excellent job
in targeting clients.
AGENCY REPORT
Brian Clark complemented the work of the CVB. Only big cities have referral systems
• and the CVB has been able to accomplish it in under two years.
Brian explained the 2005 Visitor Guide, a more elaborate magazine format with
advertising. Moved by Shipley, second by Cody to approve the Visitor Guide. Motion
carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Plaza Li ting — Marilyn reported that lighting on the plaza is complete. The
illumination is great and the appearance of the fixtures really completes the place.
NEW BUSINESS
Autumnfest — Daniel Hintz said Autumnfest had raised #39,375 dollars in-kind and in
cash for the festival this year. They expect from 25,000 to 40,000 people this year. He
requested $3,000 to help defray advertising costs. Moved by Shipley, second by Gazzola
to fund the request. Motion carried.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
• Marilyn Heifner
Executive Director