Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – July 17, 2024 – In this quarter’s Advertising & Promotion (A&P) Commission meeting in Jonesboro, members discussed current and future plans for promoting tourism and continuing projects around Northeast Arkansas. The focus was once again mainly dedicated to the proposed SportsPlex project, as well as reviews of recent and upcoming events.
Year-to-date hotel revenue figures for both the 3% and 1% hotel taxes showed stability, with revenues at $462,587 and $154,468 in 2024 versus $479,778 and $160,071 in 2023. And, the Prepared Food Revenue (“Hamburger Tax”) designated for the Sports Complex experienced a rise totaling $3,237,420—an increase from the previous year’s $3,137,299.
Executive Director Craig Rickert highlighted many events that Jonesboro recently played host to, such as the Arkansas Graveler bike ride, which ended in Jonesboro on Friday, June 28th with over 300 participants riding from Fayetteville across the state.
Rickert also spoke about the success of the Juneteenth event and their beautiful fireworks display. Other notable events mentioned were the Food Trucks & Fireworks Fest, the 4th Fest, Freedom Fest, and the Red, White, and Blue Color Run. All were heavily attended and considered highly successful.
Other events included the NEA Game Fest, which was organized by The Gamer’s Guild at the Hilton Garden Inn over the weekend, as well as the PBA Jonesboro Open, Nerds Assemble conference, and the Sunken Lands Songwriting Circle in association with the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home. Most of these events take place in August.
The commission reported a significant surge in social media traffic since the beginning of the year – an encouraging sign of increased visibility and engagement online. Jerry Morgan also reported findings from Thomas, Speight, and Noble, CPA, which completed a financial audit for A&P. The audit revealed no discrepancies in their bookkeeping.
The A&P Commission is dedicated to growing tourism and revenues in our city to better accommodate the needs of its citizens.
As Jonesboro continues to expand in size and industry, the taxes collected go directly to creating amenities that have a positive impact on our comfort of living and exposure to outside tourism.
