Tourist Commission Meets

The McCreary County Tourist Commission met in their regular May meeting with newly appointed Commissioner Whitney Tucker filling the Chamber of Commerce representative vacancy created by the resignation of Diana Bybee.
The Commission approved a reading of their 2017-2018 Draft Budget with slight changes increasing the amount for digital/online marketing to $6,000 and decreasing traditional/print advertising to $4,000.  Other budgeted items include $2,500 for travel shows, $3,900 for event sponsorships, $4,000 for Heritage Trail Days, and $5,500 for brochures.  Additional line items listed under operations, promotions, and advertising/marketing are also included.
The Commission voted to donate $100 for the traditional Fourth of July Fireworks display in Stearns.  The donation was in response to a $500 request from the McCreary County Heritage Foundation.  The annual 4th of July event is organized by the Foundation and sponsored primarily through donations from the community.
The Commission also discussed a “return on investment” (ROI) calculation determined by the Kentucky Department of Tourism concerning the Yamacraw Trail Race held in McCreary County in April.  In line with earlier, favorable tourism data released by the KY Department of Tourism for McCreary County indicating tourism/travel related employment in McCreary County during 2016 at 992 and a direct tourism/travel impact of more than $5 million, the local ROI showed significant local economic impact during the weekend of the race in excess of $150,000.
The Voice will take a closer look at the figures reported in the local ROI in next week’s issue.
The Commission also addressed maintenance of the County welcome signs.  Tourist Commission Secretary Cristy Hill has been busy weed eating and planting flowers around the signs.
The McCreary County Tourist Commission meets each month on the third Thursday at 6:00 at the Tourist Commission Office in Whitley City.