PARSONS – Members of the Tucker County Commission received updates and reports during their meeting last Wednesday. Bill Smith, Director of the Tucker County CVB, presented his annual report and announced his upcoming retirement.
“I want to thank the commission for allowing me to present the 2014 report,” Smith said. “We monitor our expenditures very closely, with 84 percent of our expenditures going to advertising and only 16 percent in operations.”
Smith said that ratio is an enviable ratio. He said in 2014, the print placements alone put the Tucker County tourism message into more than 10.1 million households.
“Social media speaks to a little more contemporary market, and in 2014, our Facebook page reached over 5,000 follower mark,” Smith said. “We use that for current events for the upcoming weekend.”
Smith said in 2014, taxable gross lodging revenues exceeded $11.4 million. “That is a fair chunk of our economy in Tucker County.”
He said the CVB was recognized in 2014 as the redesign of their website was a gold winner at the AVA Digital Awards and was recognized at the 2014 WV Division of Tourism’s Governors Conference as “Stars of the Industry” with the Best Website award and Best Print Article for an article written about biking in Tucker County. Smith said that article appeared in the 2013 “Bike Magazine,” which is a national publication.
Smith also announced his retirement on Jan. 29.
“I have been with this organization 19 years,” Smith said. “I will always call Tucker County home.”
Commissioner Diane Hinkle said Smith was an attribute to Tucker County over the years. Commissioner Lowell Moore thanked Smith for all he did for Tucker County. “I wish you well in the years to come.”
Commissioner Patrick Darlington thanked Smith and said it was a pleasure to work with Smith. “I truly appreciate all you have done for the county. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.”
In other business:
– Hinkle said Hamrick PSD is waiting to hear about the award of a Small Cities Block Grant to complete their upcoming project.
-Tom McCormick from the National Association of Counties updated Commissioners about the Caremark Prescription Cards. No action was taken on McCormick’s information until Commissioners had more time to review.
-Approved $1,900 to help pay for an AmeriCorps volunteer for ArtSpring.
-Dave Clark presented a report on the Tucker County Housing and Small Business Needs Assessment Report. Clark said approximately 37 percent of homes in Tucker County are second homes. Statewide, the average of second homes is only 3 percent.
-Commissioners approved the lease agreement for a cell tower at Tucker County High School.
-Commissioners authorized a letter of support for the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department for a grant.
The next Tucker County Commission meeting is slated for 4 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Tucker County Courthouse Courtroom.
