South Central Reporter

City of Salem Tourism Board met Feb. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

The Salem Tourism Board met Monday, February 13, 2023 at Salem City Hall.

Chairman Jacob Hockett called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Present were board members Janelle Smith, Dana Hampton, Joy Conner, Brooke Frederick, Sherry Morton, Leon Chapman, Chairman Jacob Hockett and Secretary Suetta Oulrey

Minutes

The minutes of the December 5, and December 12, 2022 meeting were presented for action.

Leon Chapman made a motion to approve the minutes. Sherry Morton seconded the motion. AYES: Dana Hampton, Joy Conner, Brooke Frederick, Sherry Morton, Leon Chapman, Janelle Smith and Chairman Jacob Hockett. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s Report for December, 2022 and January, 2023 were presented for action.

Joy Conner made a motion to approve the report. Janelle Smith seconded the motion.

AYES: Joy Conner, Brooke Frederick, Sherry Morton, Leon Chapman, Janelle Smith, Dana Hampton and Chairman Jacob Hockett.

NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Presentation of Petitions/Public Comments

Marion County Fair Board Grant Application.

Ethan Maxey is requesting $5,200 grant to help cover the cost for live entertainment at the Marion County Fair. Money will go toward the cost of the performer. They already have $30,000 to start. Marion County Fair Board needs more money to provide a sound system on top of the cost for the performer. Ethan has been talking to a few businesses to try and get help with that. Leon Chapman explained that Tourism is here to generate hotel / motel revenue and that he doesn’t see that generating hotel / motel revenue. Ethan explained that the goal of the Marion County Fair Board is to increase the performers and draw in people that would eventually stay in the hotels to see the music performers. Leon Chapman also said that if Tourism gives Marion County Fair Board this money this time. Don’t expect it every year. Marion County Fair Board is planning on a Sunday night performance (30th). Leon Chapman thought that Sunday night was a good night considering most performers do big shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Leon Chapman thought Sunday night performances might be a little cheaper. Janelle Smith says there is potential to b ring in people for hotel / motels. Rex Barbee suggested that the Marion County Fair Board really promote advertising and make sure everyone knows who helped with the monetary for the entertainment. Janelle Smith thinks with a performer there is potential to bring in people to eat, and drink at establishments before the performance. Dana Hampton suggested Tourism should put a stipulation on the $5,200 grant money only be available once they see a signed contract with the performer. All Tourism members agreed with giving the money with a signed contract from the performer.

Joy Conner made a motion to approve the $5,200 to help Marion County Fair grow. Stipulation that they see a signed contract from the performer. Sherry Morton seconded the motion. AYES: Brooke Frederick, Sherry Morton, Leon Chapman, Janelle Smith, Dana Hampton, Joy Conner and Chairman Jacob Hockett. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Christine Orr at Discover Downstate Illinois –

On February 7, 2023 Cristine at Discover Downstate Illinois sent out an email to see if Tourism was interested in advertising in the USA TODAY Go Escape which will come out in April. All Tourism members were in agreement that they didn’t think this would be beneficial to Tourism.

AYES: None.

NAYS: Janelle Smith, Dana Hampton, Joy Conner, Brooke Frederick, Sherry Morton, Leon Chapman and Chairman Jacob Hockett. Motion carried.

Tourism Email –

Joy Conner explained that the Tourism email is up and running.

Grant Reports

Board Members Report

None

Adjournment

As there was no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

The next regular Tourism meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2023.

https://www.salemil.us/node/795/minutes/2023