The Rock Port Tourism Board met October 10, 2024. Present were Jody VanSickle, Jim Clodfelter, Alyssa Beck, Philip Angle, Elizabeth Dillman, and Karen Brown. Guests present were Dennis Sherlock and Mayor Amy Thomas.

Jody called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

The agenda was approved.

Dennis Sherlock introduced himself (and his wife) as the new owners of the bowling alley and gave an update on what remodel plans are in the works. He expressed interest in working with the Tourism Board for an event.

The minutes were approved. Financials were available to be reviewed but the Tourism Board wants time to do an audit as they appear incomplete. Financial discussion tabled until audit.

Old Business

Jim brought up the Chamber’s request for $5,000 for fireworks. There was discussion in the group on how to make the celebration different to bring in surrounding communities. Several ideas were brought up including a Freedom 5K run, color run, several different tournaments, fireman picnic, mud wrestling, parade, night golf, some sort of Guinness World Record type event, and a BBQ.

Board members voted to approve $5,000 for the Rock Port Chamber fireworks advertising.

It was suggested by Amy that the Tourism Board begin to look for a separate 4th of July committee to solidify sponsors and events for July 4th activities.

There was a recap of the storage space concerns. Currently, the Tourism Board has items in three city areas: a closet at City Hall which has four totes of ping pong balls, in City Hall which has the portable speaker, and at the Board of Public Works building which has the portable stage. Jim suggested that they look for a group or organization to donate the stage to where it will be used. Rock Port School and Liberty Theatre were suggested.

Philip reported on progress he has made in regard to a summer tractor and truck pull. He has estimates from two tractor pulling associations, radio advertising estimates but stated he will work on more of the specific details and is also looking for sponsors. There is some infrastructure that must be completed before the site would be able to host the event. Philip will continue to work to secure spot. A potential date is July 5, but that might not be enough time to secure sponsors and site improvements. That event is potentially postponed until 2026.

New Business

Amy stated that the Tourism Board will need to present a balanced budget in the November or December city council meeting. The board needs to get some ballpark ideas and earmark those funds. Karen will make a first attempt at the budget and present to the board for approval at the next meeting. It will be helpful to have after audit numbers before finalizing and presenting to the city council. Amy agreed.

The next meeting is Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.