Tourism board approves funding, contracts at quarterly meeting

The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission held its quarterly meeting July 23 at its office on Sibley Road, where board members approved all agenda items unanimously. Absent from the meeting were board members Sara McDaniel, Kyle Robertson and Rachal Miller.

The commission reviewed financials, reports, and several funding proposals and contract authorizations aimed at supporting upcoming events and strengthening the local tourism program.

Executive Director Amie Poladian shared updates on the commission’s tourism initiatives, including progress toward the sale of a building in Springhill. The property has been inspected and received a favorable report. Poladian also noted that Mike Deloney has agreed to maintain the area around Doerge Landing in preparation for a planned kayak launch, targeted for completion in September. Additional signage for kayak trails is also being planned.

During the Social Media Report, social media coordinator Brianna Savoy presented engagement analytics to the board. Under Savoy’s management, Facebook reach jumped from 15,000 to 52,000. Other platforms also saw growth. Savoy’s three-month trial period will conclude before the next board meeting. Poladian told commissioners the long-term goal is to monetize the platforms and use that revenue to cover the cost of Savoy’s position, calling social media “free advertising that is more likely to reach the right people.”

The board approved several items of new business, including:

• Authorizing Poladian to sign all contractual documents related to a CMP Grant Application;
  
• A $2,000 cooperative endeavor agreement with the Greater Minden Chamber for the July 3 Duck Derby fireworks;
  
• A $750 sponsorship for the Louisiana Municipal Association District A Meeting in Minden;
  
• A $2,000 advertising grant for the August 9 Piney Woods Jamboree featuring Georgette Jones;
  
• Advertising grants of $2,000 each for the following events:
  
  • Kisatchie Crusher Gravel Bike Race/Run on Sept. 6 at Caney Lake
    
  • Vintage Car Club Car and Bike Show on Sept. 13
    
  • Oktobertest on Oct. 11
    
  • Witches Ride of Minden on Oct. 25
    

The commission also approved:

• The purchase of a new cellphone for the executive director;
  
• Additional compensation for Johnnye Kennon in recognition of her leadership from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025;
  
• Reimbursement to Poladian for personal cellphone use for official duties prior to her appointment;
  
• Poladian’s employment contract, which includes the same compensation as the previous executive director and a vacation policy allowing one week after six months of service. She will work five days per week in-office for the first 3–6 months, then shift to a hybrid schedule of three in-office and two remote days;
  
• A monthly taxable stipend of $488.86 to cover 80% of Poladian’s individual health insurance premium;
  
• Resolutions naming Poladian as signatory on the commission’s bank and credit card accounts, replacing Serena Gray;
  
• A resolution designating Poladian as the official representative to the Webster Parish Sales & Use Tax Commission.
  

In commissioner comments, it was noted that the Piney Woods Jamboree will feature Georgette Jones, daughter of Tammy Wynette and George Jones, on August 9 at 7PM in Springhill. The Springhill Rodeo is scheduled for September 18–20 and will mark its 73rd year.

The next board meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025, at 8:30 AM at the Springhill Chamber of Commerce, 400 N. Giles, Springhill.