Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 12, 2024 – In Thursday morning’s Advertising & Promotion (A&P) Commission meeting in Jonesboro, members discussed current and future plans for promoting tourism and continuing projects around Northeast Arkansas. Highlights included a focus on the proposed Sports Complex project and a robust lineup of upcoming events.
Year-to-date hotel revenue figures for both the 3% and 1% hotel taxes showed stability, with revenues at $212,728 and $70,700 respectively, in 2024, versus $215,325 and $71,739 in 2023. Moreover, the Prepared Food Revenue (Hamburger Tax) designated for the Sports Complex witnessed a slight uptick totaling $1,615,542—an increase from the previous year’s $1,535,636.
Grants and Expenditures were covered briefly, with a total of $869,200 awarded, $226,733 paid, and $642,467 unpaid.
Executive Director Craig Rickert outlined the city’s successful hosting of events such as the Rubik’s Cube Tournament in January that brought several hundred students and their families to the area.
Rickert also discussed the Governor’s Conference in February, expressing that “We knocked it out of the park… This wasn’t an Embassy event, this wasn’t a Downtown event, this was a Jonesboro event.”
Looking ahead, a diverse array of events promises to captivate visitors, ranging from sports tournaments to cultural festivals. Notable mentions include the Jonesboro Open Disc Golf, The Revolutionists at the Fowler Center, Delta Crawfish Festival, Juneteeth, FNB Arena Events including Rodeo, Harlem Globetrotters, Oliver Anthony, and Shooting Sports Complex Competitions, just to name a few!
With the completion of the Craighead Forest bike trail upgrade project, a Ribbon Cutting has been scheduled for April 23. Esteemed guests, including representatives from USA Cycling, National Interscholastic Cycling Association, and The Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Shea Lewis, will converge to commemorate this milestone, signaling Jonesboro’s commitment to outdoor recreation.
Long-term plans for the A&P Commission can be summed up in two words – Sports Tourism. These plans include the expansion of facilities including the Sportsplex, mountain biking trails, and enhanced sports fields. This strategic approach capitalizes on the city’s existing infrastructure and vibrant community spirit.
Rickert added that the community’s buy-in on these projects is paramount, “We don’t have a mountain or a river, but we have infrastructure. But more importantly than that, we’ve got people.”
The meeting also highlighted Jonesboro’s media exposure, with CBS Sunday Morning featuring the city during the recent Solar Eclipse. Rickert stated that the episode has received over 500,000 views on YouTube.
The commission reported a significant surge in website traffic this year – an encouraging sign of increased visibility and engagement.
Commission members alongside Director Craig Rickert and Kevin Hodges then discussed at length updates on the proposed Sportsplex coming to Race Street. Read detailed notes on those discussions here.
Morgan also led a discussion to approve a RFP from Thomas, Speight, and Noble, CPA to complete a financial audit for A&P. The vote carried.
As Jonesboro continues to carve its niche in the tourism landscape, the A&P Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering economic growth, community enrichment, and memorable visitor experiences. With strategic foresight and collaborative efforts, Jonesboro is poised for a prosperous future as a premier destination for travelers near and far.