The Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission met for a budget workshop an hour before the Oct. 12 meeting, and vigorous discussion ensued about future support for the Auditorium.
At the Oct. 10 city council meeting, alderman James DeVito presented a proposal from the CAPC as requested by alderman David Mitchell. DeVito reported that if the one percent tax passes, the CAPC intended to budget $110,000 for promoting shows at the Auditorium for the first three years and $55,000 for the following three years. It would also pick up some of the salary of the technical director.
Commissioner Terry McClung stated he wanted to allocate more for the Auditorium. He suggested at least $20,000 more per year for the entire 10 years of the tax if the CAPC can afford it. He said he would expect the new Auditorium to meet certain benchmarks at some point to continue getting the money, but, in his opinion, “This is our opportunity to do something. It might never happen if we don’t do it now.”
He asserted the new commission would need $50,000 a year just for repairing and renovating the facility. Commissioner Susan Harman was not comfortable with a ten-year allowance, although she was okay with adding to the $110,00 to start with.
“$130,000 is not asking the world,” commissioner Damon Henke commented, and sentiment moved toward raising the annual commitment to $130,000 for three years and then reassessing. However, Executive Director Mike Maloney stated it is the task of the CAPC to promote. “It is not our job to fix the Auditorium. We promote.” He said the CAPC can give $110,000 for putting on shows and back it up with promotional support. He said the CAPC will bring people to town and put them in those seats, but the Auditorium Commission will need to figure out how to fix things.
Harman added, “If you put the right show in there and sell enough popcorn, you can make repairs.”
DeVito had also mentioned to council that CAPC was proposing to explore putting a parking garage downtown as part of its effort to support the Auditorium and address the most frequent complaint about downtown by visitors. Commissioners briefly discussed seeking advice from bond attorneys as they develop their plan.
Commissioners again scrutinized the festivals and how best to spend the money allocated to them. Some were not convinced major acts in the Auditorium were cost effective. There will be more discussion of budgeting for festivals as they sharpen the 2017 budget.
Group sales report
Sales Director Karen Pryor announced as a result of her attendance at the Travel South conference she will be hosting 20 travel writers for a familiarization tour prior to the Branson Travel South conference in March 2017, and 20 tour leaders following the conference. She also expects groups from All American Tours, which has built a Eureka Spring program, to be staying in town for four days and three nights. AAT doesn’t conduct tours of fewer than 38 people.
She also mentioned there will be at least 60 non-English-speaking visitors in town in the spring, and she is helping make arrangements for them.
In addition, the Great Passion Play had more than 400 bikers attend a faith-based event during Bikes, Bibles and BBQ.
Marketing support requests
Commissioners voted to approve giving $2,000 for radio ads, posters and brochures for the 34th Tour of Homes. Dee Bright told the commission the event brings regulars to town from as far away as California, Arizona, Illinois and Texas, and proceeds go toward a variety of restoration and repair projects around town.
Commissioners also approved the $2,500 request from the Great Ozark Beard Off, a fundraiser benefitting men’s health programs. This year the beneficiary will be People Helping People. Discussion about this prompted comments about how beneficiaries of marketing support should be held to certain standards in promoting their events, in particular, actively promoting their event online.
Henke suggested event promoters should get advice from Maloney early in their planning. “We’re giving them money, so they should meet a standard,” he said.
Commissioners agreed to revise their rules for marketing support requests.
Director’s report
- Maloney said about 250 people enjoyed Brewer & Shipley in Basin Park on the final Second Saturday concert of 2016.
- Seven artists will be opening their studios during the Nov. 4-6 Studio Tour. Maloney said this event brought several hundred visitors to town last year.
- He mentioned there are new television advertising strategies he plans to try next year.
- Arkansas Parks and Tourism announced its theme for 2017 is “Made in Arkansas.”
Next workshop will be Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m., at the CAPC office. Next regular meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m.