Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission approves marketing grant, sets park cleanup and reports strong visitor numbers

The Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission on April 9 approved routine business, authorized a marketing grant for a local car show and outlined spring outreach events while hearing a report on recent visitor and retail figures.

Vice-Chair Buffina Crochet called the meeting to order and Ronnie Petree led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Ronnie Petree, seconded by Bengt Lindell, and then unanimously approved the minutes from March 6, 2024, and the February 2024 financial statements after motions by Bengt Lindell and seconds from Katelyn Little.

In new business, the commission approved a marketing grant for the Last Resort Car Show; Ronnie Petree moved the grant and Buffina Crochet seconded. The board also agreed that the Tourist Commission's project for the Chamber's Clean Sweep on April 20 will focus on park cleanup and plant refresh, with a public barbecue planned at the park from 4 to 6 p.m.

Board member Randy Whetstine told the commission that Cassidy Billboards has raised prices and discussed the possibility of placing a billboard between Texas and Jennings to improve regional exposure. No formal motion on billboard procurement was recorded.

CEO/President Creed Romano delivered the executive director's update and certified the minutes at the close of the meeting, stating, "I, Creed Romano, certify that the above and foregoing constitute the minutes of the meeting of the commissioners of the Jeff Davis Tourist Commission held on April 9, 2024." The report noted a STOHL recap estimating 800 to 1,000 attendees at a recent event, gift shop sales of $27,032.75 for February'March 2024, and a visitor count of 4,690 for March 2024. The commission is also in discussions with a Coushatta Tribal member about a potential Tribal nominee for the commission board.

Staff member Macey Guidry said social media accounts are being reactivated, logos have been revamped, two advertisements were developed, local businesses are being photographed for promotion and a hotel-specific campaign is in development to highlight area lodging.

The commission announced its next meeting for noon on Wednesday, June 4, 2024, at the Tourist Commission Administration Office. A motion to adjourn by Katelyn Little, seconded by Bengt Lindell, passed unanimously.