STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSION Logoly State Park, McNeil, AR July 20-21, 2016

Transcription

1 STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSION Logoly State Park, McNeil, AR July 20-21, 2016 Commissioners Present Jim Dailey, Chair Shash Goyal, Vice Chair LeRoy Dangeau Jay Bunyard Danny Ford John Gill Kalene Griffith Weston Lewey Mike Mills Montine McNulty Jim Shamburger Cindy Smith Commissioners Absent Bill Barnes Bob Knight Ness Sechrest Mike Wilson Randy Wolfinbarger Department Staff Present Kane Webb, Executive Director Kris Richardson, Executive Assistant Grady Spann, Director, Arkansas State Parks Joe David Rice, Tourism Director Ron Maxwell, Assistant Tourism Director Cynthia Dunlap, Central Administration Division Director Randy Roberson, Planning and Development Manager Kelly Farrell, Program Services Manager Meg Matthews, Public Information Coordinator Monika Rued, Public Information Officer Jon Brown, Parks Operations Manager Tom Stolarz, Region 1 Supervisor Marcel Hanzlik, Region 3 Supervisor Mike Wilson, Region 4 Supervisor Shea Lewis, Region 5 Supervisor Leah DiPietro, Communications Manager Tracy Morales, Group Travel Manager Kristine Puckett, Tourism Development Manager Clarissa Dodds, Fiscal Support Analyst Erik Holbrooks, Administrative Specialist, Tourism Division LaJeana Carroll, Administrative Specialist, Parks Division Kim Williams, Travel Writer, Tourism Division

2 Pg 2 Aristotle Jennifer Peper CJRW Shelby Woods Darin Gray Brian Clark Jennifer Morgan Brian Kratkiewicz Delanie Thompson Amy Turpin Joy Phillips Guests Hannah Ray, Governor s Office Roll Call Chair Jim Dailey called the meeting to order at 2:02 pm on Wednesday, July 20, Kris Richardson called roll. Approval of Agenda Jim Dailey requested approval of the Agenda. Mike Mills moved to approve the Agenda. Jim Shamburger seconded and the motion carried. Presentation of Minutes from Previous Meetings Jim Dailey requested approval of the Minutes from the June meeting. Mike Mills moved to approve Minutes from the June 16th meeting. Cindy Smith seconded and the motion carried.

3 Pg 3 Recognition of Guests Jim Dailey expressed thanks and appreciation to the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission for hosting the refreshment breaks and to the Chamber for the gift bags for Commissioners during the meeting. FINANCIAL REPORT Cynthia Dunlap presented the year-to-date financial report for the period ended June 30, The expenditures were: Parks Division, $87,255,283 - including construction and grants; Tourism Division, $16,830,674; Keep Arkansas Beautiful, $594,746; Administration Division, $3,312,231; and History Commission, $1,930,060. Expenditures for the Department totaled $109,922,994 an increase of 6% over the same period FY15. The year-to-date revenues included - operating revenue for Parks Division of $28,471,518 an increase of 15% over the same period FY15; 1/8% Cent Tax revenues of $30,550,477, an increase of 4.27% over the same period FY15; and 2% Gross Tax collections of $15,148,049, an increase of 7.5% over the same period FY15. Weston Lewey moved to approve the Financial Report as presented. Danny Ford seconded and the motion carried. Welcome Superintendent Jim Gann welcomed the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission (SPRTC) to Logoly State Park and thanked the Commission for the new visitor center. He added that Logoly State Park was Arkansas s first environmental education park whose primary focus was ecological and environmental education opportunities for school groups and local communities. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S REPORT Oregon Bicycle Familiarization Report Kane Webb presented a video and information on an Oregon bicycling tour taken by ADPT staff and Commissioners June Webb, along with Jim Dailey, Kalene Griffith, Joe David Rice, Joe Jacobs, Grady Spann and Gary Vernon with the Walton Family Foundation, traveled to Oregon to review and experience the success of Oregon s cycling tourism. Webb shared results from Portland s 2012 economic impact study which included: $400 million a year from cycling tourism; 4,600 jobs supported; and cycling guests primarily ride in groups and average three to

4 Pg 4 seven nights lodging per trip. A comment from one of the Portland hosts was that Arkansas is right for bicycle tourism, heavy on strengths and opportunities and light on weaknesses and threats. Webb advised that the Walton Family Foundation is currently conducting an impact study for the State of Arkansas and will share the report with ADPT once completed. ADPT Pay Scale Review; Phase II Kane Webb reported that he had met with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in regards to the ADPT Phase II salary plan recently. He advised that the State s Workforce Retention Task Force will compare their proposed pay plan to the ADPT Phase II plan. ADPT s pay dissimilarity when compared to other state agencies has been identified by the governor s office and the Department of Finance and Administration. John Gill stated the SPRTC accepted Kane Webb s report and responded that the commission is still vitally interested in adjusting salaries for ADPT staff. PARKS DIVISION Prairie Grove Property Acquisition Preliminary Approval Randy Roberson reported that ASP was recently notified of the opportunity to acquire property adjoining to existing park property, which will become available for purchase in the next three to four months. This in-holding (parcel # ) is approximately 0.53 acre, borders park property to the south and west, and would provide protection to a portion of the battlefield. The property includes a three bedroom residential structure. In accordance with A.C.A , ASP must seek the favorable advice of the governor, the Legislative Council, and the Department of Finance and Administration before acquiring additional lands. John Gill moved for preliminary approval to pursue the A.C.A process for in-holding (parcel # ) approximately 0.53 acre tract that borders Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park property to the south and west and meets Arkansas State Park criteria for battlefield protection. Shash Goyal seconded and the motion carried. Jenkins Ferry Property Acquisition Preliminary Approval Randy Roberson stated that ASP is requesting permission to acquire properties in the area surrounding Jenkins Ferry Battleground State Park as identified on the Mudpuppy & Water Dog, Inc. final report (dated May 9, 2014) for battlefield protection. ASP would like to take the next

5 Pg 5 step and contact property owners willing to sell to ASP. Acquisition of properties will be contingent on available funding and the A.C.A approval process. John Gill moved for preliminary approval to pursue the A.C.A process for parcels identified on the Mudpuppy & Water Dog, Inc. final report (dated May 9, 2014) that borders Jenkins Ferry Battlefield State Park and meets Arkansas State Park criteria for battlefield protection. Leroy Dangeau seconded and the motion carried. Delta Heritage Trail State Park Update Randy Roberson advised SPRTC that the Arkansas City Trailhead request did not receive any bids; however interested parties have been identified and will seek rebid. ASP is currently seeking governor approval for additional trail construction. Capital Improvement Progress (CIP) Report Randy Roberson reported that the CIP quarterly report reflects that $54,880,246 in projects are currently underway, with seven methods of finance closed for a total of $3,660,888. The Amendment 75 expenditures to date show $26,238,538 currently underway and $144,741,300 in projects completed. SPRTC Certificates of Appreciation Grady Spann requested approval for a certificate of appreciation for Judy Ruchalski, Kimberlite Café and Visitor Information Center at Crater of Diamonds State Park, with 27 years of dedicated service to Arkansas State Parks. Shash Goyal moved to approve a certificate of appreciation for Judy Ruchalski for 27 years of service with Arkansas State Parks. Cindy Smith seconded and the motion passed. Grady Spann requested approval for a certificate of appreciation for Donna Sims, Facility Manager at Village Creek State Park, with 28 years of dedicated service to Arkansas State Parks. Jim Shamburger moved to approve a certificate of appreciation for Donna Sims for 28 years of service with Arkansas State Parks. Leroy Dangeau seconded and the motion passed.

6 Pg 6 Logoly State Park Exhibits Kelly Farrell summarized that the Logoly State Park Visitor Center exhibits design portray The roots of Logoly reach through the soil and the past. She highlighted the process of designing a facility and exhibits to move people from the awareness of nature, conservation and environmental education to become stewards and action takers. Volunteer Webpage Monika Rued reported on the new volunteer webpage on the ASP website, encouraging visitors to sign up to volunteer at ASP for cleanups or other opportunities by utilizing a simple form. In 2015, ASP reported 38,043 volunteers with 220,732 hours and an economic impact of $5,144,489. ASP has been in the top five state government agency volunteers for the past several years. Pokémon Go Monika Rued briefly explained the current Pokémon Go craze as an augmented reality game available in public places like state parks. ASP issued a media release embracing the excitement and providing information and basic park etiquette to keep visitors safe. Discussion followed about the game and how it could impact businesses. Miscellaneous Grady Spann mentioned Diamonds! Finders Keepers is an interesting article about the Crater of Diamonds State Park published in the Front Porch publication. Grady Spann highlighted Looking for Fallout in Louisiana from the Arkansas Audubon Society and newsletter from the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas noting employees Shea Lewis, Jay Schneider and Don Simmons taking time to pursue their birding passion; which can be shared with guests and employees who would gain from their experience and knowledge. Commissioner Cindy Smith inquired about Wilson, Arkansas and Hampson Archeological Museum State Park. Grady Spann informed the SPRTC that a meeting was scheduled for July 28 to receive an update from the Lawrence Group and review plan. ASP met with Arkansas

7 Pg 7 Archeological Survey s Dr. George Sabo and Ann Early to review the exhibit content and plan to interpret the Mississippi period and the native American sites in that region. TOURISM DIVISION Director s Office Joe David Rice, Tourism Director, stated to the Commission that Little Rock Central High is being considered as a World Heritage Site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO is responsible for designations of certain historic places named as World Heritage Sites with special cultural or physical significance. There are currently 16 civil rights sites. The announcement was made at Little Rock Central High on July 5 th, where Rice gave a brief speech. Commissioner John Gill asked that Rice forward his remarks to the Commission via . Tourism Development Kristine Puckett, Tourism Development Manager, gave a one year snapshot of the Festival Advertising Grants. Puckett stated that 19 applications were received with one retracted, two ineligible, three incomplete, one denied, and 12 funded, two of whom withdrew. The appropriation for the year was $150,000 with only $14, awarded to 10 communities. Several Commissioners questioned why such a low number was awarded. Puckett explained that the grant was put in place by the Legislators and there are many communities that are still unaware that it exists. Puckett went on to say that many small communities still do not meet the guidelines that the Legislators have put in place. Puckett showed photos and video footage of Arkansas Business Publishing Group / Democrat Printing who prints the Retirement and Relocation Guide for Arkansas Tourism. Puckett stated that Emmerson, Arkansas was featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal for their Rototiller Racing at their annual Black Eyed Pea Festival. Puckett presented the 2017 edition of the Living in Arkansas magazine, which is the state s premier retirement and relocation guide. Joe David Rice mentioned that over the next 16 years, 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 each day. Chairman Dailey asked what Puckett is doing proactively to get this publication out. Puckett explained that the magazine is available in

8 Pg 8 all Arkansas Welcome Centers and the Central Office, along with being taken to various tradeshows in and out of state. The online edition is available to order by phone or read online. Welcome Centers Joe David Rice gave the Welcome Centers report in the absence of Tiffany Knox. Photos of June happenings at the Welcome Centers were presented, along with several staff highlights. Rice remarked that there are currently five openings at various Welcome Centers; Blytheville Manager and Assistant Manager, Harrison Assistant Manager and Travel Consultant, along with Corning Travel Consultant. It was announced that new touch-screen visitor kiosks will be coming to the Welcome Centers soon. A Welcome Center Manager s Meeting will take place August and the Fall FAM Tour is scheduled for September Ground breaking and construction photos were presented of the Harrison and Red River Welcome Centers. Commissioner Montine McNulty mentioned that $44,500 in scholarships went to Arkansas students due to the 2016 Arkansas Governor s Conference on Tourism Auction. Communications Leah DiPietro, Communications Manager, announced to the Commission that the Parkansas campaign has been a hit. There have been 67,247 landing page views, 21,564 contest registrants, 79,885 quizzes taken, 13,037 e-newsletter subscriptions, 9,053 Vacation Kit request and 13,751 total clicks to partner detail pages in the featured campaign. DiPietro shared June social media highlights. The Parkansas Campaign, Executive Director Kane Webb s The Buzz interview, and Whitaker Point all received the most likes and shares for the month of June. The Arkansas Tourism Facebook page reached 398,619 people for the month of June; this was 100% organic with no paid reach. Arkansas Tourism has partnered with Keep Arkansas Beautiful for Waterfall Wednesdays on Facebook. One post reached 85,529 people, while another reached 260,505.

9 Pg 9 DiPietro announced that she attended IPW in New Orleans with Mary Osteen, who is the Public Information Technician for the Communications section. The pair met with journalist from across the globe to discuss what Arkansas has to offer as a vacation destination. DiPietro stated there were 6,000 in attendance. DiPietro shared that the Mountain Biking publication will see a reprint of 30,000 copies and then the staff will do a redesign in Group Travel Tracy Morales, Group Travel Manager, shared that she attended IPW in New Orleans June Morales informed the Commission that international travel is growing three times the rate of domestic travel. It was stated that of the southern states, Georgia sees the most international travelers with Arkansas seeing the least. The top three international markets for Arkansas are Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Morales shared photos of how other states and businesses presented themselves at the conference, many of whom had large booths with elaborate displays. Morales stated that Arkansas needs to step up its game with international travelers because Arkansas is missing this opportunity. Musical heritage and the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home were key topics of discussion at the Arkansas booth, she said. Morales also gave a report on Olga Mazzonia from Milano, Italy. She is a Travel South USA Italia rep and traveled parts of Arkansas on a motorcycle June 26-July 1. She visited Walnut Ridge, Dyess, Little Rock, Mount Magazine and Eureka Springs. Mazzonia stated that her favorite location was Hot Springs National Park; however seeing Johnny Cash s Boyhood home was very special. Mazzonia had visited Graceland in Memphis previously, and stated that Johnny Cash s Boyhood Home was more authentic and gave her a sense of closeness and emotional tug to Johnny Cash that Graceland s commercialization had not. Mazzonia meet with Morales, Rice, Webb, Chairman Dailey, and Commissioner Goyal for breakfast at the Capital Hotel to discuss her impression of the state. Commissioner John Gill questioned why the section was named Group Travel when Morales reports seem to be more about individuals and/or International s. Morales stated that the mission statement of the section is to promote groups into the state; however the International Market has been placed in the Group Travel section. She stated that there needs to be focus on niche markets as well. Rice stated that the environment has changed in Arkansas over the years with the addition of world-class attractions such as Crystal Bridges, and the state is now at the cusp of being able to promote more internationally.

10 Pg 10 Internet-Related Items Jennifer Peper presented the Commission with Aristotle s report. Peper commented that the new Pokémon app is sweeping the nation and believes this will go farther than a summer fad. The game features pokestops which are geographically designated points within Google Maps chosen by Niantic. Businesses can purchase lures which will give their place of business more pokestops and can increase sales. It was reported that there were 678,148 visitor sessions for the month of June, a 0.8% decrease over June Phones and tablets saw 450,293 visitor sessions for the month of June, an 8.4% increase over June The total sales leads were 261,457 which equal 8,715 per day. Phones and tablets saw 126,912 sales leads for the month of June, which contributes to 48% of all sales leads. The new Native American landing page saw 3,412 page views with 1,026 visits being from Arkansas and 452 from Texas. Peper announced that the bicycling landing page has been updated to combine both road and mountain biking, and gave a preview of the new site. Peper reported that companies are using the new feature Facebook Live to stream live broadcast from their place of business. Facebook automatically boosts these posts for free, and Peper suggested all of the Department s Facebook pages should be using this feature. The Department recently used Facebook Live to show an interview with Kane Webb and Little Rock radio station The Buzz. Advertising Items Brian Kratkiewicz presented CJRW s 2016 plan results and digital media recommendations to the Commission. It was reported that the Spring/Summer 2015 budget was $775,000 while the Spring/Summer 2016 budget was $900,000. Spring/Summer 2015 saw 49.5 million impressions, while Spring/Summer 2016 is projected to see 77.1 million impressions. Spring/Summer 2015 saw 229,334 visits, while Spring/Summer 2016 is projected to see 271,551. Fall 2016 digital media plan is 12% at $300,000. Digital TV and partnerships were previously approved at 11% for $298,262 for the total digital at 23% at $598,262.

11 Pg 11 The following is a list of recommended mass reach websites: Pandora, Shazam, AARP, TubeMogul, Centro Dallas, Meredithmotorcycle.com, bicycling.com, bike.com, KFSM-NWA, and KTHV-Little Rock The plan summary will provide 3.6 million additional impressions, reduced rates and no-charge ads plus extends it by 25%. The grand total digital media recommendation budget is $324,500, which was approved by the SPRTC in May 2016 at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Montine McNulty moved to approve the program elements as presented. Cindy Smith seconded and the motion carried. Joy Phillips presented a Meet the Locals video to the Commission featuring Rose Schweikhart who is the owner of Superior Bath House Brewery in Hot Springs National Park. A Point of View video featuring the Cossotot River was presented to the Commission. Weston Lewey moved to approve the videos as presented. Jim Shamburger seconded and the motion carried. Tourism Miscellaneous Rice presented a thank you letter that legendary Ozark trail builder and writer Ken Smith wrote to the Commission. Smith thanked the Commission for the recent resolution he received from the SPRTC. Rice stated it was time to start thinking about nominees for the annual Henry Awards which will take place at the Arkansas Governor s Conference on Tourism in March of Rice also reported that the Department has been a member of Travel South for 50 years. A meeting will take place in Branson, Missouri the second week of August which Rice will attend. A FAM tour of North West Arkansas will follow. Rice announced that the Harahan Bridge between Memphis and West Memphis is scheduled to open on October 22, 2016, as a biking and hiking venue.

12 Pg 12 Adjournment Jim Dailey adjourned the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission meeting at 10:40 am on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Logoly State Park, McNeil, AR.