Story and photos By Susan Salyer
On Monday March 20, 2023 The Lawrence County Tourism Meeting had a Regular Scheduled Meeting at the Fred M. Vinson Museum, 2nd Floor, Louisa, Kentucky at 5:30PM.
LC Tourism Chairman Wes Kingsmore was in attendance along with Treasurer Brenda Hardwick, Secretary Susie Chambers, Debbie Hill, Chris Jobe, Keith Chaffin and Christy Moore. Also in attendance were Vince Doty and Tamyra New and Kristen C. Lemaster.
Special Guest Kristen C. Lemaster, Natural Resources Specialist at Yatesville Lake, Army Corps of Engineers in Louisa, Kentucky was at the LC Tourism Meeting and spoke about the events going on at the lake in the next couple of months. The events include:
- Yatesville Lake Easter Egg Hunt with Bobber,
- Yatesville Lake Open House and Meet & Greet,
- Kids Fishing Day,
- Yatesville Lake Spring Clean-Up,
- Yatesville Lake Paint, Pot & Planting Pollinator Party and
- Yatesville Lake Water Safety & 5K Fun Run. ( For dates, times and details check out Thelevisalazer.com calendar on all events listed.)
Special Guest CEO of United Way, Marshall Tyson, was absent from the LC Tourism Meeting and will attend at a later date.
There was discussion between the LC Tourism Members that the Budget for the upcoming year has to be finished and presented to the LC Fiscal Court before LC Tourism can apply for grants. A ‘Budget Meeting’ was set for Monday March 27, 2023 at 5:30 PM at the Fred M. Vinson Museum, 2nd Floor, Louisa, Kentucky.
AGENDA
1. Blessing
2. Call to Order
3. Special Guests – Kristin Lemaster, Lawrence County Corp of Engineers, and Marshall Tyson, CEO of United Way.
Old Business
4. Give 2023 Budget update/set next work date – Monday March 27, 2023 at 5:30 PM.
5. Approval of February 2023 Minutes (Secretary Susie Chambers) – Motion by Keith Chaffin 2nd by Chris Jobe.
6. Approval of February 2023 Financial Report (Treasurer Brenda Hardwick) – Motion by Susie Chambers 2nd by Wes Kingsmore.
New Business
581 Bridge Project ? – The LC Tourism Members discussed the process of applying to be the recipients of the George’s Creek Bridge and keep it in the Lawrence County, Kentucky, community. This vote will support a joint venture between Lawrence County and The City of Louisa. Proposals must be submitted to District 12 by April 7, 2023. Motion by Susie Chambers 2nd by Keith Chaffin.
KYDOT Signage – The Tourism Members discussed purchasing Kentucky State Road Department ‘Guide Signs’ showing tourist attractions. The Commission decided to table the KYDOT Signage. Motion by Chris Jobe 2nd by Keith Chaffin.
AARP Grant – LC Economic Development Director Vince Doty said, “This grant is a ‘Community Challenge Grant’ any grant monies received will be used to connect Seniors with the Younger folks by purchasing 8 feet ‘customized’ metal park benches to be placed strategically around Lawrence County, Kentucky.” LC Tourism Chair Kingsmore ordered 8 – 8 ft. metal park benches in total. The following areas will receive the park benches. Louisa 2, Fallsburg 2, Blaine 2 and The Wilderness Park 2.
Country Music Highway Tribute Shows – The Comission discussed setting up a booth at a festival or entertainment event at Paintsville, Prestonsburg and Whitesburg all in Kentucky.
Letter of Recommendation ‘Fred Sessions Sponsorships’ – The Tourism Commission discussed sending a letter of recommendation to US Congressman (R) Hal Rogers on behalf of The LC Tourism Commission in Louisa, Kentucky about Louisa Water and Sewage Plant in much need of over 2 million dollars. Motion by Christy Moore 2nd by Susie Chambers. LC Tourism Chairman Kingsmore reached out by letter to US Congressman (R) Hal Rogers explaining that priority for Louisa is to fix the Water and Sewage Treatment Plant in order to sustain the health, housing and future growth in Lawrence County, Kentucky.
Events Scheduled – LC Tourism Commissioner Kingsmore discussed that the ‘Fred Sessions’ will continue at the Fred M. Vinson Museum with Musician Corduroy Brown and Phil Barnett and the East KY Gospel Fest 2023 will beon April 28, 2023.
8. Public Comments – None.
Adjourn – Motion by Susie Chambers 2nd by Debbie Hill.
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Lawrence County Tourism Minutes, Feb. 20, 2023
Prepared by: Susie Chambers; Secretary
The Lawrence County Tourism Commission met on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 5:30 pm at the Fred Vinson Tourism Office. Members in attendance were Chairman Wes Kingsmore, Chris Jobe, Keith Chaffin, Debbie Hill, Brenda Hardwick and Susie Chambers. Mayor Harold Slone, Shona Smith and Susan Salyer were also present.
Wes called the meeting to order and offered the opening prayer. Wes asked Shona to give her presentation before we started with our business. She told us that the Gospelfest will be held at the Lawrence County Community Center on April 28th and 29th. They have many acts lined up including Larry Cordle on Friday night. Our ARPA grant will cover the advertising for this event.
Our January minutes were approved with a motion by Chris and a second by Keith. All in favor. Our January financials were submitted showing a balance as of 1/31/23 of $15,536.07. A motion was made by Susie to accept the report and a second by Keith. All in favor.
Under old business we decided to table our work on the budget until we could have another work session. We have received a check for $4,000 from the Paula Nye grant. We will have to come up with a date for an event to use these funds. We’re thinking possibly of either August or September. The event could include a walk, run and bicycling. We could have entertainment and highlight safety. We would also have helmets and other safety gear. We held our first Fred Session in January and we feel it was a huge success. We are already working on a second session for March. We also have plans to include a front porch session at
the Fred when the weather warms up. Keith said he needs info for the flyer/ map that we plan to have printed for visitors.
Under new business we talked about upcoming travel shows. We hope to go to the fishing expo in Williamson in March. Our first Music in the Park is tentatively set for Saturday, May 2nd.
With no further business to discuss our meeting was adjourned with a motion by Debbie and a second by Susie.
Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, March 20th at 5:30 pm at the Fred Vinson Tourism office.
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The next LC Tourism Regular Scheduled Meeting will be on Monday April 17, 2023 at the Fred M. Vinson Museum, 2nd Floor, Louisa, Kentucky at 5:30 PM.
Everyone Welcome.
