At its Sept. 14 meeting, the City Advertising and Promotion Commission had the task of again nominating someone to fill the seat vacated when commissioner Damon Henke’s term expired at the end of June. At its August 10 meeting, commissioners had voted to re-nominate Henke, but the city council vote August 22 to confirm his nomination was 3-2-1. Since four Yes votes were needed, confirmation was denied. Mayor Butch Berry was absent from the August 22 meeting, so was not able to vote.
Chair Ken Ketelsen then announced at the August 24 workshop that Brandon Cox and former commissioner Bobbie Foster had also applied for Henke’s seat, but Ketelsen told commissioners at this meeting that Cox had just called him and asked not to be considered for the position, leaving commissioners with Henke and Foster as the two choices.
Commissioner Charles Ragsdell commented that according to Robert’s Rules of Order, a person must be nominated and seconded before the name can be placed on a ballot. Commissioner Terry McClung nominated Henke and commissioner Dustin Duling seconded. Ragsdell nominated Foster and commissioner James DeVito provided the second. Blank ballots were passed out and commissioners wrote their choice at the top of the ballot and signed it.
Ketelsen announced Henke had been re-nominated again. The vote was 4-3. His name will be submitted to council for approval at the Sept. 26 meeting.
McClung said he hoped aldermen would take it upon themselves to get answers to any questions about Henke before the next vote. He commented he did not understand why the previous council vote happened like it did.
Director’s report
Finance Director Rick Bright read Executive Director Mike Maloney’s report because Maloney was in Little Rock at the Arkansas Hospitality Trade Show and Convention. Maloney reported Eureka Springs was one of the sponsors for the Arkansas Culinary Classic and Iron chef competition. The conference is where Arkansas Parks & Tourism unveils its 2017 marketing plan giving commissions and organizations the chance to cooperatively advertise with the state.
Preparations are moving swiftly for the International Mountain Biking Association World Summit in Bentonville Nov. 10-12. Maloney’s report stated, “Eureka Springs Parks is taking delivery [at Lake Leatherwood City Park] on the first of several modern cabins, complete with heat, air conditioning, bunk beds and other creature comforts. They will be establishing a type of bike camp for a few riders.” The Parks Commission and CAPC will work their booth together for three days of the event.
The Bike Magazine team will be in Eureka Springs in mid-October filming and taking photos of LLCP for its January issue.
Arkansas Parks & Tourism announced a mountain bike writing contest for high school juniors and seniors. Besides the chance to improve writing skills, students will be helping to promote mountain biking in the state. First prize will be a $1,000 mountain bike package donated by the Walton Foundation. Winner will be announced at the IMBA World Summit.
Maloney stated, “Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the country, and Arkansas is among the leading states in providing trails for mountain bikers. Travelers from across the globe have visited Arkansas to ride our trails which bolsters our state’s economy.”
A film crew will spend several days in Eureka Springs during October or November shooting as part of a feature length movie that is being developed out of the award-winning short film Antiquities.
As a result of Maloney’s report, commissioners discussed ways to facilitate promotion of events such as the upcoming Folk Festival, in particular, how to get posters in windows in the I-49 corridor or in Branson. They eventually broadened the topic to the how Chamber of Commerce fits in with the broader outreach until Henke noted they should have a workshop at some point on visitor services in general, and bring strategies up-to-date.
Ragsdell added that the Eureka Springs output on the Cox channel is unchanging and antiquated whereas he saw vibrant, up-to-date videos on a local channel for a town in Kansas. He moved they make an official request to have the CAPC ads shown in other cities featured on the local channel. Commissioner Dustin Duling said visitors in town would be able to see them while they are here and learn more about the town. Vote was loudly unanimous to approve Ragsdell’s motion.
Next workshop will be Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 2:30, at the CAPC office. The Johansen Group will present findings of its internal audit of operations followed by discussion of the 2017 budget.
Next regular meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m., preceded at 5 p.m. by a workshop devoted to developing a long-range for the Auditorium.