|
Lynda Hollebeck ad Jillion Duke, Courier staff Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission is getting close to selecting an executive director.
The commission interviewed one candidate, Jill Jones, on Wednesday.
Alan Jessup, a Union Bank executive who serves as chairman of the commission, said additional interviews may occur, but another member of the panel said a second interview is scheduled with Jones on Feb. 13.
The interview process will end when “the commission decides on the best candidate to help us achieve our goals and that individual accepts the position,” Jessup said.
He said it is unknown when a director will be named, noting, “Again, our goal is to hire the best candidate.”
Benton Alderman Brad Moore, who also serves on the commission, said today that he is optimistic about an executive director being selected soon.
Moore is hopeful that a decision will be made soon after Jones’ second interview.
Moore said the salary for the director has not been set, but the commission has determined a salary range of $35,000 to $65,000, plus the city of Benton benefit package.
“That’s a wide range,” Moore said. “When we surveyed other cities with A&P directors, we found the salary range was $40,000 to $140,000, which wasn’t a consistent range.
This is the first time we’ve driven down this road,” Moore said about the selection of an A&P director.
Moore said he is unaware of any applicants other than Jones. “To my knowledge, she is the only one we have interviewed. I’m presuming there’s only one applicant. Other individuals have called and expressed an interest, but apparently chose not to apply.”
The commission approved a job description for the director last fall, Moore said.
He noted that Jones and her husband have lived in Benton for the past two years. Originally from Atlanta, Ga., she formerly owned an advertising agency in Tampa, Fla. She is a former account executive with KARK-TV in Little Rock.
“Based on her experience and the fact that she owned her own advertising agency and was very successful, she’s definitely qualified for the job,” Moore said.
The executive director will assist the commission in developing and accomplishing its strategic goals and missions, Jessup said.
With the commission’s primary goal of advertising and promoting Benton, he said, “This qualified candidate will work with city and community leaders to build a strong cohesive team atmosphere to better promote and enhance the city and its attributes.”
The A&P director will work with Mangan Holcomb Partners, the advertising firm hired by the commission, on marketing campaigns and events, Jessup said, and also focus on educating and communicating what the A&P is about.
The commission was formed about two years ago. It is funded through a 1.5 percent tax levied on the local hospitality industry.
Moore said Jones and her husband moved to Benton when her husband was transferred to Little Rock with Dillard’s. They live in Hurricane Lake Estates.
|
Razorbacks
