The Rock Port Tourism Board met Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Rock Port City Hall. Members present were Charlie Clodfelter, Madison Dick, Holly Huntley, and Tami Lansdown. Mike Farmer and Jody VanSickle were present via phone. Also present was City Clerk Emily Schulte.

The meeting agenda was approved.

The February 9, 2023, meeting minutes were approved.

Emily Schulte had emailed the new owners regarding the lack of payments received from Rock Port Inn and Super 8 for hotel taxes. It was inquired if they had no sales or weren’t aware of the remittance procedure. She will keep the board updated.

The February 2023 financials were approved.

Members have reached out to prospects for empty positions on the Tourism Board.

2023 Events

Madison has created sample materials to promote 2023 tourism events. Once final edits are made, they will be sent to the printers.

Madison had brochures and posters made for the Farmers Market and asked members to assist with handing them out and displaying them. A large banner was also made with upcoming dates that will be hung at highly visible locations and moved periodically.

Holly expressed interest in hosting a summer kick-off event on or near the last day of school at the park. She researched companies that would bring events to our area and presented them for review. Options offered by Carnival Times out of Kansas City were reviewed. Some of their larger items come staffed, which is included in the pricing. Additional items including food and giveaways were discussed. The hope is to pull off a large event that is 100% free to attendees. The last day for Rock Port Schools is scheduled for May 25, and all students in the surrounding area will be invited to attend as well.

Board members voted unanimously to approve $10,000 towards attractions for the last day of school event.

Holly asked that everyone look at the website and send her their top attractions. It was also discussed getting other local businesses, groups, and individuals involved to provide and/or serve food, assist with giveaway items, and provide additional hands that day to ensure everything runs smoothly. An additional budget was then discussed for purchasing of food and drinks, supplies, giveaway items, and advertising.

Board members approved  $5,000 to be used for additional expenses associated with the last day of school event.

Emily will put out a short Facebook poll to inquire what time would work best: noon-4:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., or 4:00-8:00 p.m. Holly will then coordinate with the Carnival Times.

Holly presented an idea to partner with the Rock Port Golf & Country Club to offer a monthly band May through September. She has been coordinating with Josh Hayes, one of the board members, to discuss potential options. The following dates and bands are available: May 13, Drunk Monkey/Shawn Cole; June 3, Steven Bankey + The Flatland Band; and September 16, High Heel. The country club will host and be responsible for coordinating the event. They will keep food and alcohol revenue, and the Tourism Board will receive the cover charges collected (which will then be donated to a local group or cause).

Board members voted to approve $20,000 for bands to perform at the country club May through September and any associated costs.

Other Business

Madison inquired if there would be any opposition to recreating the Tourism Board logo. The current logo is blurry and doesn’t come out well on advertising materials. No issues were voiced.

Emily mentioned several items owned by the Tourism Board currently being stored within City Hall and asked if there were any plans for these items or if they should be sold, donated, or thrown away. One set of items were around 250 tabletop flip displays, intended for used in restaurants. Board members voted to part with the table displays and offer them free of charge to local businesses and organizations.

The next meeting is set for April 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm.