The LC Tourism Commission on Monday September 15, 2025 at the Fred M Vinson Museum. L-R sitting Brenda Hardwick and Wes Kingsmore back row Chris Jobe, Debbie Hill, Susie Chambers, Christy Moore, Kate Cecil and Johnda Barker.
LC TOURISM SPECIAL GUEST JAMES ELLIS…
By Susan Salyer
The Lawrence County Tourism Commission had a Regular Meeting on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 5:30PM at the Fred M. Vinson Museum, 315 Madison Street, Second Floor, Louisa, Kentucky. LC Tourism Commissioner Wes Kingsmore was in attendance along with members Brenda Hardwick, Debbie Hill, Susie Chambers, Chris Jobe and Christy Moore. Kate Cecil was in attendance representing the IT Committee. Johnda Barker was in attendance representing Kentucky Tourism.
JAMES ELLIS
Mr. Ellis attended the LC Tourism Meeting to discuss why there should be a showcase of talent presented at the Garden Theater monthly or more.
Ellis said, “We could do an old time radio podcast at the Garden Theater with enough access to make a 45 minute running time.” There was also discussion of including this show with “Music in the Park” showtimes. No decision was made.
ARPA CLOSEOUT AND MATCHING FUNDS
The total for ARPA Funds was $51,388.56. The total unaccounted for amount with ARPA was $46.00. The amount left in the checking account for ARPA is $26.95. The Commission decided to close the ARPA checking account and transfer the funds to the General Account. Balance to be paid to ARPA. Motion by Chris Jobe seconded by Susie Chambers. None Opposed.
MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER MEETING
The Minutes were unanimously approved for September 2025. Motion by Brenda Hardwick seconded by Christy Moore.
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER FINANCIAL REPORT
The Financial Report for September was approved with a Motion by Susie Chambers seconded by Debbie Hill. None Opposed.
HALLOWEEN EVENT AT WILDERNESS PARK DONATION SUZIE NEW
The Commission decided to donate $500 to Suzie New for the Halloween Event at Wilderness Park. Motion by Christy Moore seconded by Brenda Hardwick. None Opposed.
AGENDA
Opening Prayer
Call to Order
Special Guests – James Ellis –
Old Business
- ARPA Closeout and Matching Funds – Motion by Chris Jobe 2nd by Susie Chambers. None Opposed.
- Minutes to Approve for September Meeting – Motion by Brenda Hardwick 2nd by Christy Moore. None Opposed.
- Approval of Sept. Financial Report – Motion by Susie Chambers 2nd by Debbie Hill. None Opposed.
New Business
- Harvest Moon Gala- Sept. 25
- Farm and Field Day- Sept. 26 at Fallsburg
- Harvest Tour – Sept. 27
- Suzie New, Halloween event to Wilderness Park donation to help – Motion by Christy Moore 2nd by Brenda Hardwick. None Opposed
- Thanksgiving Turkey Trot- Nov. 27 at 8AM.
- Adjourn – Motion by Susie Chambers 2nd by Debbie Hill.
###
The next Regular Scheduled Monthly Meeting is on Monday October 13, 2025 at 5:30PM at the Fred M Vinson Museum.
###
Lawrence County Tourism Meeting, August 18, 2025
Prepared by: Susie Chambers, Secretary
The Lawrence County Tourism Commission met on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 5:30 pm in the Fred Vinson Tourism Office. Members attending were Wes Kingsmore, Chris Jobe, Debbie Hill, Brenda Hardwick, Christy Moore and Susie Chambers. Kate Cecil was in attendance representing the IT committee. Johnda Barker and Susan Salyer were present as well.
Wes called the meeting to order and offered the opening prayer. The July minutes were read and approved with a motion by Chris and a second by Brenda. All in favor. The July financial report was presented showing a balance of $12,366.83. Susie made a motion to accept the financial report as corrected with a second by Debbie. All in favor.
Old business: 1. EHN meeting was hosted by Lawrence County Tourism at the Wilderness Park conference room. The lunch was catered by Masterpiece Kitchen and was well attended. 2. The film Festival at the Garden Theater was successful and they were happy with the turn out. Boyd Countian Rob McNurlin won an award for his documentary.
New business: 1. Open Mic at the Masterpiece Cafe went well. Tourism bought ice cream for all attendees. With a motion by Chris and a second by Christy we voted to pay Connor and Rachel $150.00 for organizing this event and supplying the sound system. All in favor. 2. We want to continue to support the Mountain Movers shows at the Garden Theater. 3. Wes will help man the Eastern Ky booth at the state fair. Chris made a motion to cover his expenses with a second by Susie. All in favor. 4. Septemberfest is scheduled for September 5 and 6. 5. The saddle club will be having a trail cleanup on August 23. If they request funds for their Septemberfest Ride we voted with a motion by Chris and a second by Brenda to help. All in favor. 6. The Harvest Moon Gala is going to be on September 25. 7. With a motion by Susie and a second by Brenda we nominated Adam Chaffin, David and Teresa Prince and Noah Thompson to be added to the CMH signs in Lawrence County. All in favor. Wes will present these names at the fiscal court meeting. 8. We approved having an intern for tourism. Susie made a motion with a second by Chris for our intern to be Crystal Sizemore. All in favor. 9. We have been awarded up to $13,881.00 from the state tourism in matching funds. Other upcoming events include Rocktoberfest, a packet for the time capsule and KACO’s art competition.
With no further business to come before the board Chris made a motion to adjourn with a second by Debbie. All in favor.
Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, September 15th at 5:30 pm at the Fred Vinson Tourism Center.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurers Report
For Month Ending July 31 to Aug. 29, 2025
Balance Forward:
Deposits
Checks
Debit Card Activity
Balance
Outstanding checks (deduct)
$ 20,581.83
$+6,125.04
$ – 8,065.00
$ – 2,874.82
$ 15,767.05
$ – 2,679.00
Balance
$ 13,088.05
Submitted by Brenda Hardwick
Sept. 15, 2025
