The CATPC (City Advertising Tourist Promotion Commission) met a week early in March to avoid meeting during Spring Break.
The Commissioners heard from the City that Mayor Jackson was very pleased with the turnout for the Taste of Harrison, which was held at Creekside. The event featured 20 local restaurants that provided samples from their menu, and the guests could sample as many as they desired. The event was a fundraiser for Share & Care and Rotary. Tickets were sold, and about 400 people attended.
Chuck Eddington reported to Parks and Rec that a basketball tournament would take place this weekend, with 16 teams coming.
Jeff Nielsen reported for the Chamber that he was very pleased with how the Annual Chamber Luncheon went. Provalus CEO/President was the main speaker and loved Harrison and the Provalus location at 101 N. Main Street. He also said it is very possible they could hire an additional hundred more than originally planned. Provalus would also like to host a three-day convention here in a few years to bring all of their customers together.
Nielsen also reported that a private equity firm had purchased Pace Industries, but they weren’t sharing their plans for the property or the company with anyone. The remaining employees would be let go by the end of April.
He also mentioned that the Chamber fully supports the City on the sales tax issue and would support and help in any way they could.
Explore Harrison Executive Director Matt Bell reported that finances are looking strong. Hotels were up 27% year-over-year in January. Restaurants were down, but when the delinquencies catch up, he feels those numbers would be up, too.
One restaurant that was on the list last month had its check get lost in the mail, and had proof it had been sent. Two restaurants under new direction didn’t realize they were supposed to be collecting the 1%, but will be in the future. Several are past due for December and January, but only Los Aztecas is 90 days late and being turned over to Code Enforcement this month.
Richard Sciarra from Explore Harrison said he has room for a few more cooks for the Chili event on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
He updated the commissioners on the Micro Wrestling event and said 100 tickets have already been sold.
He’s planning an AIM Conference (AI Masters). He has some good groups lined up for the Veteran’s Day Parade and said volleyball and soccer were going well.
Bell also mentioned that Josh Pray tickets are on sale for the PG-13 event at the Creekside Amp. “He sold out at the Lyric last time and is excited about performing at the Amp.”
A preview of the Motorcycle guide was shown to the commissioners, and an elite cycling group will soon promote a route that includes our area.
The next meeting is set for April 23 at 8:30 a.m.