|
Tourney’s impact is shown in collections |
|
|
Monday, 14 July 2008 |
The Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission’s latest figures help illustrate the economic impact of the Tournament of Champions held Memorial Day weekend in Benton.
Tax collections from local restaurants, motels and other businesses related to the entertainment industry were up nearly $8,400 for May, A&P officials said.
Jill Jones, A&P executive director, said taxes collected for May showed an increase of $8,220.79 over collections in May 2007.
That increase in sales tax revenue was fueled by restaurants, Jones said, which had an increase of $550,000 in gross sales in May over the same month a year ago.
Alderman Brad Moore, an A&P member, said that “no one can absolutely say” that the tournament was the difference in tax collections this May, “but the only thing different between this year and last was this event.”
Jones credited the tournament.
“It’s really hard to account for that increase in gross sales in any other way,” she said. “It makes perfect sense.”
Jones said the commission appreciates the support of residents in both Benton and Saline County.
“It was a fabulous first-year event,” Jones said, “and we look forward to watching it grow next year.”
Moore said the tournament’s success “shows that investment in our parks can be construed to be economic development.”
In other A&P matters, commission members voted Thursday night to hire GH2 architects of Normon, Okla., to design a proposed civic or events center.
The proposed center would be located near the old airport, Watts Field, off the Interstate 30 access road. The site is near the Saline County Fairgrounds.
Two properties in the area were purchased in April by the commission to make way for a center.
“The commission voted that GH2 is the firm of choice,” Jones said, noting that the firm has not officially been retained so no fees have been discussed.
State law allows public entities like the A&P Commission to choose a professional service based on qualifications. The commission also interviewed Wittenburn, Delony and Davidson Inc. Architects of Little Rock.
“Those were the only firms that made themselves available for interview,” Moore said.
GH2 has a partnership with Hope Engineers of Benton, Moore noted. The architect firm also specializes in designing equestrian facilities, which is one reason the commission was attracted to GH2, he said.
The proposed events center would include plans to meet the needs of equestrian activities.
Jones said the public is asked to become involved in the development of an events center. “Planning this will provide ample opportunity for the public to give input,” she said.
Moore said GH2 “stressed heavily input from the public. They want to hold a number of sessions where members of the public can write on boards on easels what they like to see in the facility.”
GH2 also would provide an economic feasibility assessment on what type of facility would fit best in Benton’s market, Moore said.
The commission also is busy preparing for the “Staycation” event over Labor Day weekend. The free event will be held Monday, Sept. 1, at Tyndall Park.
The commission decided to make booths available for individuals and organizations, Jones said, adding that more information will be made available.
|
Razorbacks
