April 18, 2013 Page 9 The 2013 Spring/Summer Campaign Tour is a 20-minute video that staff can take on the road to present to civic clubs and other organizations. In response to research done by the Arkansas Hospitality Association, a train the trainer’s program curriculum has been established for the Welcome to Arkansas program. A Power Point presentation has been created to support individual trainers. Periodic blogs and e-newsletters will go out as well with written and video tips about giving good customer service. Tourism Miscellaneous Advertising Contract Joe David Rice reported the current contract with Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW) will end June 30, 2013. Mr. Rice stated the Commission has the option to either request proposals from interested advertising agencies or to extend the current contract with CJRW for another year beginning July 1, 2013. Ness Sechrest moved to extend the advertising contract for Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods for fiscal year 2014. Billy Lindsey seconded and the motion carried. Miscellaneous During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Joe Rice participated in the “Destination: Capitol Hill” event, sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association. The objective was to meet with members of the state’s Congressional delegation to discuss issues concerning tourism including the Originated through Launching Travel” (JOLT) Act. The bill proposes several programs “Jobs and policies to combat a major problem faced by many visitors to the U.S.—excessive wait times for visa interviews. Mr. Rice was able to meet with everyone from the Arkansas delegation with the exception of Senator John Boozman, who had to cancel. The sequestration concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan for the Arkansas River, and the proposed hog farm near the Buffalo National River were also discussed. Commissioner Danny Ford stated that Bill Carter is interested in planning an outdoor Johnny Cash Festival in order to promote the Delta. The former Air Force Base in Blytheville is under consideration as a site location. Joe David Rice has been speaking at several organizations lately. Many of the Commissioners have been in attendance and he thanked them for their support. SPRTC Minutes
April 18, 2013 Page 9 The 2013 Spring/Summer Campaign Tour is a 20-minute video that staff can take on the road to present to civic clubs and other organizations. In response to research done by the Arkansas Hospitality Association, a train the trainer’s program curriculum has been established for the Welcome to Arkansas program. A Power Point presentation has been created to support individual trainers. Periodic blogs and e-newsletters will go out as well with written and video tips about giving good customer service. Tourism Miscellaneous Advertising Contract Joe David Rice reported the current contract with Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW) will end June 30, 2013. Mr. Rice stated the Commission has the option to either request proposals from interested advertising agencies or to extend the current contract with CJRW for another year beginning July 1, 2013. Ness Sechrest moved to extend the advertising contract for Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods for fiscal year 2014. Billy Lindsey seconded and the motion carried. Miscellaneous During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Joe Rice participated in the “Destination: Capitol Hill” event, sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association. The objective was to meet with members of the state’s Congressional delegation to discuss issues concerning tourism including the “Jobs Originated through Launching Travel” (JOLT) Act. The bill proposes several programs and policies to combat a major problem faced by many visitors to the U.S.—excessive wait times for visa interviews. Mr. Rice was able to meet with everyone from the Arkansas delegation with the exception of Senator John Boozman, who had to cancel. The sequestration concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan for the Arkansas River, and the proposed hog farm near the Buffalo National River were also discussed. Commissioner Danny Ford stated that Bill Carter is interested in planning an outdoor Johnny Cash Festival in order to promote the Delta. The former Air Force Base in Blytheville is under consideration as a site location. Joe David Rice has been speaking at several organizations lately. Many of the Commissioners have been in attendance and he thanked them for their support. SPRTC Minutes