HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-10 - Minutes•
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ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
April 10, 2006
Commissioners Present: Dan Coody, Neal Crawford, Bob Davis, and Pat Gazzola.
Commissioners Absent: Maudie Schmitt, Don Marr and David McGeady
Staff Present: Marilyn Heifher, Willistine Smith, Allyson Twiggs
Chairman Pat Gazzola called the regular monthly meeting of the Fayetteville Advertising and
Promotion Commission to order on April 10, 2006 at the Fayetteville Town Center at 2:00 p.m.
SKIP RUTHERFORD
Skip Rutherford, president of the William J. Clinton Library Foundation, was a guest. He said
the Clinton House Museum is an outstanding product and a good addition to the state tounsm
mix. They exceeded $500,000 visitors to the Clinton Library in the first year and had over 500
tour buses from out-of-state.
The Arkansas passport, Billgrimage" will enable all four presidential cities to cross sell. Because
of its uniqueness, it should draw national and international attention.
MINUTES
Moved by Davis, second by Crawford to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2006, regular
meeting. • Motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Larry Bilbrey reviewed financials for March, 2006. Cash position is good. Nothing unusual in
any of the division's financials. Moved by Coody, second by Davis approve the financial
reports. Motion carried.
HMR REVENUES
Marilyn reviewed HMR collections for March. $154,067 was received, a decrease of 6.47%
over last March. Hotels showed a decrease of -10.79% in March, restaurants had a 0.93%
increase.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Kit Williams reported that the prosecutor collected almost $8,000 this month.
This represents an average of $9,780.00 for '06.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Inquiry responses for the month were off 36% for the month and off 44% for the year. Internet
inquiries still increase at a large percentage, up 84% in March and 73% per average visits in
March.
Planning meetings for summer events have kept staff busy. MilhonAire Magazine will feature
Fayetteville. A meeting was held with the Chamber on a relocation guide.
The City Council will consider a festival ordinance to recoup city expenses. Marilyn will keep
up with developments on this issue.
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The auditors are in the city this month and have been investigating A & P funds as well.
CVB REPORT
Real Deal on the Hill will be in town this weekend as will Razorfest. Travel Hero is booking
about 80 room nights a month. We have signed on Enterprise Rent -a -car as a CVB partner.
Allyson asked Commissions directions regarding speaking for Divinity hotel project. Moved by
Coody, second by Davis that staff could address approval of business model for 500 rooms, more
meeting space, and bringing the corporate traveler back to Fayetteville. Motion carried.
TOWN CENTER REPORT
Willistine Smith reported that the Town Center sales had increased by 63% and contract sales
were up 28% in March. Collections were up 24% and per event sales were up 54% in March.
Sales year to date are up 28%, contracted sales up 63% and collections up 12%.
CLINTON HOUSE MUSUEM
Joseph Barnes reported total visitors to the Museum at 285, representing 29 states and 16
countries.
James Carville visited the Museum when he was in Fayetteville speaking at the University. Four
motorcoaches brought 195 guests and two school groups toured in March. Skip Rutherford will
be the first speaker in the Speaker Series.
AGENCY REPORT
Advertising is in full swing. They are beginning to work with staff on Visitor Guide.
OLD BUSINESS
Strategic planning summaries were included with agenda. Quotes were received from three
firms for Visitor Profile study. Moved by Coody, second by Davis that staff negotiate a contract
with Market Vision for $27,800. They provided the lowest quote Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Funding Requests for April 2006. Funding requests will be heard on May 8 at 1:00 p.m. prior to
the next regular meeting of the A & P Commission. Marilyn will contact requestors. They will
set up information on tables and Commissioners will circulate and ask questions.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
&4 j w—LJ
• Marilyn Heifneer
Executive Director