Advertising & Promotion Commission

CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS Advertising and Promotion Commission AGENDA October 16, 2023 6:00 p.m. Page 1. Call to Order: Chairman Roger Sundermeier 2. Roll Call: Recording Secretary Emilia Vazquez 3. Approval and/or correction of minutes: September 18, 2023 1-4 4. Financial Report: Finance Director Cheryl Erkel 5. Old Business: 6. New Business: a. Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Reports 5-12 7. Announcements: a. October 18: Popsicles in the Park at Marshall Smith Inclusive Playground 1700 Redmond Road 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. b. October 21-22: Thunder Over the Rock Air Show at LRAFB Vandenberg gate open to public 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. c. October 28: The Great Pumpkin Plunge at Community Center for ages 3-12 check-in at 12:00 p.m. | starts at 1:00 p.m. | $5/participant | $3/parent d. October 28: Barktoberfest at Farmers’ Market 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. e. October 31: Trunk of Treat at Dupree Park 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 8. Adjournment www.jacksonvillesoars.com  A & P COMMISSION REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 6:00 P.M.-6:52 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: REGULAR A & P COMMISSION MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The Jacksonville Advertising and Promotion Commission met at their regular meeting place on Monday, September 18, 2023. Chairman Sundermeier called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” ROLL CALL: Commissioners Jai Patel, Council Member Reedie Ray, and Council Member Joy Kinman answered roll call. Chairman Roger Sundermeier also answered roll call and declared a quorum. (4) Present (2) Absent (1) Vacant Others present for the meeting include: Recording Secretary Emilia Vazquez, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Marlo Jackson, Parks and Recreation Events and Marketing Manager Megan Tharp, Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Kathy Perez, Warren Dupree, and Lauren Martin. MINUTES: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to APPROVE the minutes of the regular scheduled meeting of August 21, 2023. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. FINANCIALS: Finance Director Cheryl Erkel presented the financial report for the period ending August 31st, 2023. She stated Assets of $2,048,919.00 and Liabilities of $333,986.00, which left an Undesignated Balance of $1,714,932.00. She read from the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures showing Total Revenues at $672,803.00, Total Expenditures at $503,252.00, and Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures at $169,551.00. She noted the next two pages are backup documentation to support the aforementioned figures in the report. She explained for comparisons, Hotel/Motel Gross Revenue for July was $360,166.00, which was an increase of 17% year-to-date and an increase of 3% compared to July 2022. She related that Prepared Foods Gross Revenue was $4,289,355.00, which was an increase of 5% year-to-date and a decrease of 4% compared to July 2022. She concluded that Overall Revenue was $4,649,522.00, which was an increase of 6% year-to-date and a decrease of 3% compared to July 2022. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to APPROVE the financial report for August as presented. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: a. 2024 Budget Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Cupid Shuffle 5K-$8,500.00 requested Parks and Recreation Events and Marketing Manager Megan Tharp explained that their social media advertising is organic; they do not pay for it on this event. She recalled last year they had approximately $6,500.00 in corporate donations/partnerships, but those sponsorships act as buffers for unexpected expenses of the race. She surmised the participants of the last race were 58% locals and the rest were from out of town; listing Paragould, Pocahontas, and Fayetteville. She noted that the $25.00 registration fee helps pay for the race timer and t-shirts, and what is left over goes back into the General Fund for the Community Center, Parks events, etc. She noted a lot of these requests are more than last year’s because costs have risen. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Solar Eclipse 2024-$21,550.00 requested Manager Tharp detailed that they have five locations within the City and have discussed getting a few others that are not Park facilities to have information booths, because whether they advertise the City as a location or not, people will be coming for this eclipse. She related they are expecting three times what our population is, and that does not include the Air Base. She clarified the locations are going to be 1  A & P COMMISSION REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 6:00 P.M.-6:52 P.M. information booths for anyone who wants to put flyers up for their business here. She brought up that they have already ordered the glasses needed to safely view the eclipse, and in order to keep the Parks clean and safe, they have locked in dumpsters and portable toilets from the budget last year. She noted a lot of the money approved for last year did not get spent because they had to roll it over to this year. Chairman Sundermeier referenced the 2017 eclipse of Wyoming mentioned in the documentation of the request, saying a woman from there spoke at the Chamber of Commerce First Friday Breakfast a few weeks ago. He told how a city’s infrastructure caved because they were not prepared for the onslaught of people. He surmised it is going to be a big deal here, but was unsure of the impact the highway construction will have on people choosing us over other cities. He asked how Jacksonville compares to what other nearby communities are doing to draw people in for this event. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House responded that some communities are doing campsites in fields they own, but he is not okay with us doing it here because we will not get the Department of Health’s approval. He mentioned a lot of other directors and parks departments he has spoken with are along the same lines as we are. He confirmed there will be a huge influx of people, and with the unknown of where his staff will be needed, they do not want to add to it by trying to have special events on top of the eclipse. Chairman Sundermeier mentioned needing a coordinated effort between the Chamber of Commerce, city government offices, and the Parks and Recreation Department. Director House confirmed Jacksonville is in the path of totality for almost three minutes, where Casper, Wyoming had about one minute and twenty seconds, so they feel like this eclipse is going to be bigger. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation The Market-$4,500.00 requested Manager Tharp shared this year, by far, been the most successful Market since Parks has run it. She related they moved it to 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, instead of early morning, so a lot of farmers at other markets can bring and sell what they have left. Director House concurred, saying that two years ago, he would have said to cancel it, but this year has been very successful and well worth the time and money, with no issues regarding locally grown produce. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Big Bang-$22,500.00 requested Director House confirmed he made it a point this year to ask attendees where they are from and there were some from Batesville, Pine Bluff, and other places out of town. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Titans Obstacle Course-$7,200.00 requested Director House noted this event is not affiliated with the school district and the corporate sponsor dollars are used the same way as with the Cupid Shuffle 5K. Discussion ensued where it was noted the Commission only reimburses Parks and Recreation for these events based on invoices submitted and are paid up to the approved requested amount. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation 11th Annual FestiVille-$95,500.00 requested Director House stated overall, they feel it was a success, was well attended, with some vendors saying they had the best FestiVille they have ever been to. They will change a few things, logistically, for next year in order to make it run more smoothly. Council Member Ray noted the nearby food businesses were very busy and everyone really enjoyed it. 2  A & P COMMISSION REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 6:00 P.M.-6:52 P.M. Director House suggested they continue having attractions the City pays for and lets people do for free, rather than having the carnival. Chairman Sundermeier shared he would like to have a well-known performer during FestiVille with name recognition to bring more people in from out of town. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Trunk or Treat 2024-$25,900.00 requested Chairman Sundermeier pointed out this is another one of our capstone events in the community. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Christmas in Jacksonville-$8,000.00 requested Chairman Sundermeier mentioned he would like a portable ice-skating rink to go at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion for the winter season, noting the City of Greenbriar bought a used one a few years ago and First Arkansas Bank and Trust helped sponsor it. He requested the Parks Department to look into it and let the Commission know what the total costs would be and discuss it further in the future. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to APPROVE the total expenditure of $193,650.00 for Jacksonville Parks and Recreation, as outlined in the 2024 Budget. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. Arkansas Pontiac GMC Association 25th Annual Wheelin’ & Healin’ Car Show-$3,800.00 requested Chairman Sundermeier recalled they approved this the past few years with the current $3,800.00 request going strictly toward the advertising of the event. He stated this event is well attended and the money raised will go directly to the Jacksonville Animal Shelter. He noted that Cripple Creek Flea Market and Taqueria Amigos Mexican Restaurant have a great increase in business that day as well, so it does bring economic impact to the community. Council Member Kinman moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE the expenditure of $3,800.00 for Arkansas Pontiac GMC Association’s 25th Annual Wheelin’ & Healin’ Car Show in the 2024 Budget. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. Jacksonville Museum of Military History Operational Funding for 2024-$48,000.00 requested Warren Dupree stated that for the last year and a half they have had two paid staff members and a full- time curator on their Board, when before this, it was just him. He told how they have held “outside the fence” events for the Air Base at the Museum where they do not have to have the same security as on Base. He related that the Zumwalt Memorial is still awaiting a good funding push, but the tank is in place. He shared that they have a lot of issues with the structure of the old building they are trying to take care of, adding they received a substantial grant from the Attorney General’s Office that will allow them to fix the roof. He confirmed this was the amount funded last year from the Commission. He brought up that he has been working with the City Attorney to look at structuring what their funding is under a contract, similar to the one with the Chamber of Commerce, because it will give them more flexibility on the things the money can be used for. He mentioned the potential for functioning as a visitor’s center point of interest to add a City map with QR codes and call outs since they are there six days a week at a centralized location. When Council Member Kinman inquired, he replied the reason those groups are picked out are because they are very active in veterans support, but they can look a little closer at possibilities within Jacksonville. Jacksonville Museum of Military History Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans/Arkansas Heritage Month activities-$3,200.00 requested 3  A & P COMMISSION REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 6:00 P.M.-6:52 P.M. Mr. Dupree stated this is a slightly smaller request than last year, noting for weather purposes, they prefer to do it at the end of April. He told how they did an event every weekend between the end of April and Memorial Day weekend this past year. He pointed out that his staff requested not to do five weekends in a row again, so they are looking at doing three. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Commissioner Jai Patel to APPROVE the total expenditure of $51,200.00 for the Jacksonville Military Museum, as outlined in the 2024 Budget. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. When Council Member Ray brought up an inspector mentioning the wrong bars on doors, Mr. Dupree assured the grant they just received could be used for some of that and it is on their priority list. City of Jacksonville Christmas Displays-$35,000.00 requested Director House surmised these would be going around the “Welcome to Jacksonville” signs and on City Hall grounds. He confirmed this is the same vendor they used for the pole Christmas lights. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Commissioner Jai Patel to APPROVE the expenditure of $35,000.00 for City of Jacksonville Christmas Displays in the 2024 Budget. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce 2024 | Multiple | Jacksonville-$63,000.00 requested Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Kathy Perez stated the money for the Leadership Class goes towards the team building, lunches for each session, and travel. She detailed that the Quality of Place and Economic Development are a lot of conferences, educational networking events, and for the printing and distribution of the pamphlet used to recruit businesses. Council Member Kinman moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE the total expenditure of $63,000.00 for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, as outlined in the 2024 Budget. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. Discussion ensued regarding the Lamar billboard contract and wraps where it was determined that when it comes time for renewal, it will be brought before the Commission for approval. Director House shared that the Governor’s Conference on Tourism will be held in Jonesboro in February 2024, confirming the $600.00 budgeted should cover an attendee. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to APPROVE the 2024 Budget as presented. MOTION CARRIED unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:52 p.m. 4  2nd Quarter A&P Report April - June 2023 With the EF3 Tornado that hit the City of Jacksonville March 31, the Chamber gathered and provided links to resources from the federal, state and local levels, as well as information on how to remain up-to-date on the latest news regarding relief efforts. Business resources included unemployment assistance, insurance resources, consumer protection, and information on disaster loans. Participated in numerous FEMA/Small Business Administration Workshop meetings to ensure our community was aware of all available resources. Also attended the SBA Long Term Recovery Stakeholder meeting. Supported and attended Jacksonville North Pulaski School Districts Murrell Taylor and Bayou Meto Elementary Schools official groundbreaking ceremony. The last two schools which remain as part of the District's plan “All New Schools by 2024”. Pulaski County Chambers along with respective Economic Development teams participated and supported an effort taking place to have Pulaski County designated as an ACT Work Ready Community. If you’re not aware of what this is, ACT Work Ready Communities (WRC) empowers states, regions and counties with data, processes and tools that drive economic growth. Participants are leveraging the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) to measure and close the skills gap — and building common frameworks that link, align and match their workforce development efforts. JCC was approved for inclusion in the ACT Work Ready Communities Business Directory. Participated in the ASCC / AIA Business Matters Legislative Recap seminar to discuss recently adopted legislation that will impact business and industry in Arkansas. State Chamber/AIA President and CEO Randy Zook and Executive Vice President Kenny Hall walked members through some of the most significant pieces of legislation that passed during the recent legislative session and how these new laws could affect Arkansas’s business climate in the future. Continued participation in and support of Jacksonville North Pulaski School Districts Jacksonville Reads Literacy Campaign. Advocate and support efforts to grow and improve the quantity and quality of the Arkansas workforce. 5 Held ribbon cutting ceremonies for Building a Better Life Mentor Organization, Grand Opening ribbon cutting for Local Tire & Wheel, Lomanco’s Shipping & Warehouse Dedication ribbon cutting, Events of America, Ozark Merchant Services, LLG Media, as well as Romeo Nail Bar ribbon cutting. Participated and attended the four state MAKO conference May 1-3, 2023. MAKO, which represents the Chamber of Commerce Executives in the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma, was formed in 2011.The annual conference is developed with the premise to advance personal and professional development and create close unity with the region, with speakers on topics of membership development, marketing and innovation. Attended Arkansas State Chamber’s Washington DC Legislative Congressional Meeting May 10-12, 2023, further developing local and governmental relationships. This three-day event offered several other exclusive education and networking opportunities, including a working breakfast with the Arkansas House delegation, a national economic outlook and policy briefing from the U.S. Chamber, a working lunch with the Arkansas Senate delegation, a congressional delegation reception, and a private night tour of the U.S. Capitol. Both Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School and Jacksonville North Pulaski School Districts held their Senior Award ceremonies. We were elated to participate in and support by presenting all graduating scholars with a commemorative pendant. By special invitation from Little Rock Air Force Base Commander Colonel Angela Ochoa, honored to attend a Local Civic Leader Tour of Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, home of Air Mobility Command. Transportation to and from Scott AFB was on a C-130J airplane. This allowed us to further strengthen and build our relationship presence within the military forces. Economic Development Board of Director representatives along with our City Mayor Jeff Elmore and other City Government Council Members, participated in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) event held in Las Vegas May 20-21 with over 1,000 retail exhibitors booths. ICSC promotes and elevates the places and spaces where we shop, dine, work, play and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economics. Jacksonville Leadership Academy, a program to help identify, educate and motivate potential leaders to become involved in the future of the community, held its Education Session, Hospitality Industry and Parks and Recreation Session, as well as a tour of the Little Rock Air Force Base, ending with a graduation ceremony held at the Chamber Office. 6 Held our monthly business networking program, First Friday Breakfast that featured presenters such as Dr. Summer DeProw, Chancellor of University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College, Mike Mills, Arkansas Secretary of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Jennifer Cobb, Senior Vice President and Executive Director City Year Little Rock, further developing our relationship in regionalism, quality of life and workforce readiness. Supported Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council Executive Board & General Meetings. We were also honored to attend both Colonel Angela Ochoa and Family’s farwell, as well as the 19th Airlift Wing Change of Command ceremony whereby Colonel Ochoa relinquished command to Colonel Denny R. Davies. In addition, attending a retirement luncheon for Colonel Bernard Smith of the 19th Mission Support Group, followed by the Change of Command Ceremony in which Colonel Bernard Smith relinquished command of the 19th Mission Support Group to Colonel N’ Keiba Estelle. We can’t stress enough how much we as a community love, honor, and respect the role that the LRAFB plays not just locally, but regionally, statewide and globally. We continue to support Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Central Arkansas Academies Program efforts within Jacksonville High School’s Career Academies. We attended a jointly held luncheon meeting with LRRC, JNPSD and key business and community partners to help them learn how each can be involved in this framework. We continue to assist in forging relationships to bring on more community and business partners here in Jacksonville, ultimately strengthening the workforce talent pipeline. A canine pad was erected and built at the Jacksonville Police Department as part of a community class project by our Jacksonville Leadership Academy Class I with donations provided by various class member businesses. Promoted Jacksonville Tornado Disaster Clean Up & Volunteer Information, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, American Red Cross, Disaster Unemployment Assistance - AR Division of Workforce Services, Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) Small Business Tornado Recovery, Disaster Unemployment Assistance - AR Division of Workforce Services, Central Arkansas Development Council, IRS Arkansas Storm Victims Tax Relief, First Baptist Church Disaster Recovery Center, First United Methodist Church Disaster Recovery Center, Various Food Distribution Locations, Jacksonville Lighthouse High School & Jacksonville North Pulaski High School Senior Parade on Main Street, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas 2023 Healthcare Series | The Future of Workforce Resilience in Healthcare, Jacksonville Historical District Annual Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet, 2023 Pitch Hit & Run, Parks & Recreation Splash Zone Pool Opening, Youth Fishing Derby, Big Bang on the Range 4th of July Fireworks Show, Miss Jeanne’s Morning Learn to Swim Program, Month of the Military Child Celebration, Parks & Recreation Market Madness, Titans Obstacle Course and 7 Plant Swap, Summer Food Truck Fridays, Jacksonville Boots & Badges Blood Drive, Jacksonville Police Department Takeback Day and Arkansas Appleseed Disaster Recovery - Resource & Legal Clinic in partnership with NAACP on social media and newsletter. Hosted the Committee of Air Power Arkansas LRAFB Air Show, as well as serving on committee. LRAFB will be hosting the Thunder Over the Rock Air Show this October 21st and 22nd, the first air show since 2018. Airpower Arkansas’s mission is to assist in the fundraising, planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale events or activities that strengthen the relationship between Little Rock Air Force Base and the civilian community of Arkansas. Our goal is to bring a heightened awareness of Little Rock Air Base’s community importance and impact to others. In late June, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce served as a resource center for area businesses affected by yet another storm that hit Jacksonville. 8  3rd Quarter A&P Report July - September 2023 Continued to share Disaster Relief resource information from federal, state, and local levels regarding relief efforts for residents and businesses. Business resources included unemployment assistance, insurance resources, consumer protection, and information on disaster loans. Participated in numerous FEMA/Small Business Administration Workshop meetings to ensure our community was aware of all available resources. Also attended the SBA Long Term Recovery Stakeholder monthly meetings. Participated and attended Metro Little Rock Alliance (MLRA) second quarter advisory meeting. Attended the LRAFB Runway Rededication Ceremony in which we gathered to officially celebrate the completion of the base runway construction project and participated in a tour joined by other congressional staffers and local civic leaders. Received RFI from a truck driving training institution and provided them with available property sites. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce awarded two (2) $500 scholarships to two high school scholars upon meeting eligibility requirements. The scholars awarded were Rachel Crow and Sarah Moss, both from Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. Our hope is that it provides a stepping stone to even greater achievements in their future. We continue to advocate and support efforts to grow and improve the quantity and quality of the Arkansas workforce through the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Central Arkansas Academies Program efforts within Jacksonville High School’s Career Academies. We attended an in-person meeting with area chamber leaders from Sherwood, North Little Rock, Maumelle, and Little Rock to discuss the upcoming 2023 Career Expo that 3,000 freshman scholars attended last year. We continue to assist in forging relationships to bring on more community and business partners here in Jacksonville, ultimately strengthening the workforce talent pipeline. We held our 57th Annual Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce | Little Rock Air Force Base Summer Golf Tournament with a record number of teams (32) and attendees in quite a while. Local area professional businesses paired with our military neighbors 9 allowing us to further strengthen and build our relationship presence within the military forces. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce provided 130 New Teacher Welcome goodie bags, with the help and support of local area businesses, to both Jacksonville North Pulaski School District and Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School District to help welcome all the new teachers at their orientation meeting. We’re now hosting monthly Air Power Arkansas | LRAFB Air Show Committee meetings as the event nears, in addition to serving on the committee. LRAFB will be hosting the Thunder Over the Rock Air Show this October 21st and 22nd, the first air show since 2018. Airpower Arkansas’s mission is to assist in the fundraising, planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale events or activities that strengthen the relationship between Little Rock Air Force Base and the civilian community of Arkansas. Casino Night was held in partnership with Jacksonville A & P Commission and Jacksonville Parks & Recreation bringing in 150 plus participants from Central Arkansas showing off the Community Center and helped highlight numerous area businesses within our community. We had the pleasure of presenting Executive Director Jennifer Long, and Development and Marketing Director Teri Todd from Children’s Protection Center, with a check of 10% of our proceeds from Casino Night at the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Office. CPC provides a facility and programs designed to create a sense of safety and security for child victims during a very traumatic time. They work to place the welfare of the child first and meet their needs with sensitivity and competent care. Continued participation, support and attendance of Jacksonville North Pulaski School Districts partnership celebration announcement and ribbon cutting of City Year Little Rock AmeriCorps partnership with the Jacksonville Elementary School, in addition to celebrating another partnership with Unity Health and Jacksonville High School Healthcare Academy. Supported Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council Executive Board & General Meetings. We were also honored to attend the Assumption of Command Ceremony in which Colonel Terence Green assumed command of the 913th Airlift Group (Reserve Component on base), as well as an Evening Social at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History with the 18th Air Force Commander, Major General Corey Martin and his wife, Mrs. Holly Martin. Service members and military families selflessly do whatever it takes to serve the nation, therefore it’s easy to understand why the citizens of Jacksonville are closely tied to the LRAFB and why they both work closely together. Participated and attended Metro Little Rock Alliance’s Retail Attraction Training with Rickey Hayes, hosted by the Little Rock Regional Chamber with topics focused on retail 10 attraction which included but not limited to: Understanding How Cities Grow, Primer on the Retail Industry - How restaurants and retailers do site selection, How to Incentivize Retail Growth, just to name a few. Participated and attended the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives conference August 27-29, 2023. AEDCE gives you the opportunity to share and learn from experts, businesses and community leaders, site selectors and each other through several educational and professional development programs in a collaborative environment to share best practices, build strong relationships and provide the necessary resources for our communities and regions throughout Arkansas to grow and thrive. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce participated and supported FestiVille by hosting a Razorback Watch Party so the community could come together and enjoy the game while also supporting the Food Court vendors and all the FestiVille festivities. We featured Arkansas Office Products, ARCare, and Modern Chemical as Member of the Month in our newsletter. We also held a grand re-opening ribbon cutting ceremony for a new member, The Bar-B-Que Shack. We’re proud to announce that we recruited 24 new members for Class II of the Jacksonville Leadership Academy. A program to help identify, educate, and motivate potential leaders to become involved in the future of the community. We held the kickoff Team Building Session with Phillip McClure, McClure Professional Services at the Chamber Office. First Friday Breakfast, our monthly business networking program, featured presenters such as Jay Chesshir, President & CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce and Metro Little Rock Alliance, and Susie Cowan, Project Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, further developing our relationship in regionalism, and quality of life. Held meetings with Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) representatives on two separate occasions. Discussions on existing manufacturing industries and how we continue collaborations with one another. Promoted Jacksonville Tornado Disaster Clean Up & Volunteer Information, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, American Red Cross, Disaster Unemployment Assistance - AR Division of Workforce Services, Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) Small Business Tornado Recovery, Disaster Unemployment Assistance - AR Division of Workforce Services, Central Arkansas Development Council, IRS Arkansas Storm Victims Tax Relief, First Baptist Church Disaster Recovery Center, First United Methodist Church Disaster Recovery Center, 11 Arkansas Appleseed Disaster Recovery - Resource & Legal Clinic in partnership with NAACP, Various Food Distribution Locations, Jacksonville Lighthouse High School & Jacksonville North Pulaski High School Senior New Teacher Welcome, Jacksonville Museum of Military History 16th Annual Stars & Stripes Golf Scramble, Jacksonville Historical District Annual Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet, Unity Health Blood Drive Blitz, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Golf Tournament, Goodsell Truck Accessories 24th Annual Car & Truck Show, CALS Mental Health Forum, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy, 2023 Pitch Hit & Run, Parks & Recreation Splash Zone Pool Opening, Youth Fishing Derby, Big Bang on the Range 4th of July Fireworks Show, Miss Jeanne’s Morning Learn to Swim Program, Month of the Military Child Celebration, Parks & Recreation FestiVille, Market Madness, Titans Obstacle Course and Plant Swap, Popsicles in the Park, Summer Food Truck Fridays, Trunk or Treat, 46th Annual Holiday Craft Gift Sale, FEMA/SBA Small Business Disaster Forum, and Jacksonville North Pulaski School District/Central Arkansas Academies 2023 Career Expo on social media and newsletter. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as a welcome and resource center for area businesses and citizens of Jacksonville by providing referrals and support to member and non-members businesses. 12