The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission approved multiple agenda items during its quarterly meeting held March 18, at 400 N. Giles Street in Springhill, with all items requiring a vote passing unanimously.
Board member Jerri Lee was absent.
The commission approved minutes from its January 21 meeting and addressed several financial and administrative matters. Action on the financial report was postponed until May due to unavailable paperwork.
“Our finances are in order. We will not hit the audit threshold for 2025 so we’ll be doing the financial review, which we’ll start this month,” Executive Director Amie Poladian said.
Commission President Ty Pendergrass noted that the absence of an executive director for a period of time led to late financial reporting, which will shift one state payment into 2026.
As a result, 2025 revenues will appear understated, while 2026 revenues will appear overstated. Pendergrass added that once the commission’s revenue exceeds $500,000, it will be required to undergo an audit rather than a financial review.
In tourism updates, Poladian reported that a new hotel is expected to be operational by July 2027. She also noted a $1,000 donation from Webster Parish Police Jury member Tan Grigsby to support lighting improvements at Miller Quarters Park.
Amber Cobb, executive director of the Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce, reported increased visitation, including international travelers.
“They want to explore Louisiana, and they start at the top,” Cobb said. “We’re finding a lot of people just want to explore. They don’t want to do museums, they don’t really want to do shopping, they just want to walk. They really just want to explore.”
Cobb added that social media engagement is strongest for posts highlighting destinations rather than specific activities.
Under new business, the commission approved a revised 2026 meeting schedule, moving meetings to tourism-related locations instead of chamber offices or town halls. Meetings will be held quarterly on the third Wednesday at 9 AM.
The board also approved updated electronic payment processes, automatic payments for recurring bills, and several cooperative endeavor agreements and advertising grants. These included $4,000 each for the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands’ Scottish Tartan Festival on May 2 and for the Brothers Keeper Motorcycle Club’s Burn Man event scheduled April 17-18. A $2,000 advertising grant was approved for Krewe des Ambassadeurs’ 25th Anniversary Coronation and Reunion set for August 28-29..
The commission authorized Poladian to enter into a lease agreement with the City of Minden for office space at 1004 Recreation Drive at a rate of $1,200 per month through December 31, 2026, pending legal review. The commission had previously paid $2,400 per month in 2025 and faced a proposed increase to $3,750 per month for 2026 at its former location.
“That probably won’t be our permanent location,” Pendergrass said, noting the possibility of constructing an office at Miller Quarters Park in the future. “The City of Minden said we could stay where we are for at least a year.”
Commissioners also approved insurance coverage related to the lease, as well as event insurance for the Spring Paddle scheduled April 18, directors and officers insurance, and a contract for kayak wrap design.
Additional approvals included a cleaning services agreement, electrical work for lighting installation at Miller Quarters Park, and authorization for Poladian to proceed with selecting a vendor for pressure washing and restoration services at the park after further review of proposals.
No vote was taken on proposals for professional photography services, which are intended to support marketing efforts and advertising grants. The commission also approved transitioning its website platform services to Townsquare Media at a cost of $400 per month, discontinuing its app to reallocate funds toward expanded website capabilities.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 20. The location has not yet been confirmed. The public is welcome to attend.