<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=Windows-1252">
</head>
<body dir="auto">
In the past we’ve been able to give a grant
<div>to the host community to cover the costs so they aren’t out any money. That’s gone now.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Keep it coming. I appreciate the feedback.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Buffy</div>
<div><br>
<div id="AppleMailSignature">Sent from my iPhone</div>
<div><br>
On Oct 12, 2017, at 6:06 PM, John Newby <<a href="mailto:jnewby59@gmail.com">jnewby59@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br>
<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div>
<div>On one hand, I agree with convenience for the legislative bodies, although I wonder how many actually show up.</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature">Combining more than one thing such as training would make it more attractive and beneficial. </div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature">That said, if someone wins the community of the year, what are the advantages of hosting the event outside their community if they get no financial return by people coming to their communities. Just curious if there are other reasons
to be the host and get to spend money that doesn't really benefit their community.</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature">As a Main Street community, I would much rather attend a function and support a fellow Main Street community even if I have to drive and stay in a hotel one night or so, rather than building up Oklahoma Cities, unless if they win
of course. Then I can see why the community was the community of the year and experience what success is first hand.</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature">Maybe this budget crisis is a blessing in disguise as it forces us to do things differently and shake it up a bit. </div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature">My one and a half sense worth.</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature">John</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
</div>
<div id="AppleMailSignature"><br>
<br>
John A. Newby
<div>CEO / Executive Director - Main Street Muskogee <span style="font-size: 13pt;">Founder - Uniquely USA</span></div>
<div>207 North 2nd Street</div>
<div>Muskogee, OK. 74401</div>
<div>(Office) 918-683-4600 ext. 22</div>
<div>(Cell) 815-326-9061 </div>
<div><a href="mailto:Jnewby59@gmail.com">Jnewby59@gmail.com</a></div>
<div><a href="mailto:John@uniquelyusa.net">John@uniquelyusa.net</a></div>
</div>
<div><br>
On Oct 12, 2017, at 5:38 PM, Main Street Guymon <<a href="mailto:director@mainstreetguymon.com">director@mainstreetguymon.com</a>> wrote:<br>
<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div>
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Gadugi;
panose-1:2 11 5 2 4 2 4 2 2 3;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Trebuchet MS";
panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.msonormal0, li.msonormal0, div.msonormal0
{mso-style-name:msonormal;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p.m4337572732457690505msolistparagraph, li.m4337572732457690505msolistparagraph, div.m4337572732457690505msolistparagraph
{mso-style-name:m_4337572732457690505msolistparagraph;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle19
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal">It is important to stress the legislators attending. This helps keep our Main Street program alive during budgeting times. I hate that part because it means we have 5 hours to and 5 hours back to drive … but it is probably something that
is more important than my complaining! : )<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I love the banquet because of the ideas that we see in such a comfortable setting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_MailEndCompose"><o:p> </o:p></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_MailEndCompose"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> MainstreetTowns [<a href="mailto:mainstreettowns-bounces@lists.onenet.net">mailto:mainstreettowns-bounces@lists.onenet.net</a>]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>McAlester Main Street<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, October 12, 2017 5:23 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net">MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [MainstreetTowns] Main Street Banquet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Greetings!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">I am new in the Main Street Program Manager position and was looking forward to attending to learn about the completed projects all across Oklahoma. I echo what John Newby shared that
it would be the best use of my organization's funds if the awards dinner was combined with a training session or even a tour of work completed in a Main Street District. As I have not attended this awards ceremony or banquet it depends on what the purpose
of the event is. Is it to share completed projects? Network and share ideas or resources? Highlight the achievements made in our local programs? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">One method of reducing the cost would be to not produce the full-color banquet guide. Offering different pricing points for communities with greater resources or a close proximity to the
awards location. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Hope the helps.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Christine Hermsmeyer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br clear="all">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img width="199" height="154" style="width:2.075in;height:1.6083in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B94QmARpLjYLdncxNDNGdG43X2c&revid=0B94QmARpLjYLM2JTSlNjWnkwOTRFTWdOeEwyNVR2dy9UNTBjPQ"><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Christine Hermsmeyer</span><br>
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Executive Director</span><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">McAlester Main Street</span><br>
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">119 E. Choctaw Ave, Ste. 104</span><br>
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">McAlester, OK 74501</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">918-423-8888</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 3:52 PM, Buffy Hughes <<a href="mailto:Buffy.Hughes@okcommerce.gov" target="_blank">Buffy.Hughes@okcommerce.gov</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote style="border:none;border-left:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-right:0in">
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">Good afternoon. Below is a message from Secretary Deby Snodgrass regarding the Main Street Awards and Banquet. I welcome any comments, suggestions,
or ideas regarding this situation.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">Thank you,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">Buffy</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="font-family:"Gadugi",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Buffy Hughes</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">State Main Street Director</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">Oklahoma Department of Commerce</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">E:
<a href="mailto:Buffy.Hughes@okcommerce.gov" target="_blank">Buffy.Hughes@okcommerce.gov</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">P:
<a href="tel:(405)%20815-5249" target="_blank">405.815.5249</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D">C:
<a href="tel:(405)%20664-1260" target="_blank">405.664.1260</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="1192" style="width:893.75pt">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="1192" style="width:893.75pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:125%">
<span style="font-size:7.5pt;line-height:125%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#4BACC6"><a href="http://OKcommerce.gov/main-street">OKcommerce.gov/main-street</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="1192" style="width:893.75pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:115%">
<b><span style="font-size:3.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1E9EE6"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D"><image001.jpg></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Greetings Main Streeters!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">A new chapter in the state budget saga is being written right now, but the ending will be the same – more budget cuts. The only question is how much. Since 2009, Commerce has
had its budget cut 39%. We have gone from 143 employees just five years ago to 94 today – and one-fifth of those that remain have not had a raise in the last five years – for some, it has been 11 years since their last increase. For these reasons, I have
explained to Buffy that a banquet is no longer a justifiable expense for our agency. Other state agencies have already eliminated banquets and conferences to save money and we need to follow their example.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Last year, the cost of the banquet was $41,440.66. Ticket sales amounted to $20,340.00. Enid’s contribution to the banquet was $15,042.67, but they received grants totaling $10,000.00
to cover their cost. The grants were funded by the legislative appropriation to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and paid to National Main Street as part of our contract. To protect Commerce and Main Street, I have requested an Attorney General’s opinion
on the legality of this pass-through practice. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">I understand that the Main Street banquet is a long-held tradition and something you do not want to give up.
<i>If the host committee can raise $20,000 in sponsorships or you are willing to double the price of the tickets so the event can be held at little or no cost to the taxpayers, the Main Street staff can continue to provide planning and support.
</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><i> </i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">My recommendation is that you consider the practice of the Governor’s Arts Awards and hold your event at the Capitol during the legislative session. That will allow the Governor
and your lawmakers to attend and have their photos taken with you. It will also save your individual Main Street operations money since you will not need to buy tickets it will be held during the day and most of you will not need to spend the night.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">It’s your decision! I have outlined three options:
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="m4337572732457690505msolistparagraph"><span style="font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>Hold the banquet, with the host city (or a combination of cities) soliciting sponsors to supplement the revenue from tickets and cover costs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="m4337572732457690505msolistparagraph"><span style="font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>Hold the banquet and cover costs by doubling the amount of the ticket price.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="m4337572732457690505msolistparagraph"><span style="font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span>In lieu of a banquet, hold an awards ceremony at the Capitol during the legislative session.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Your feedback is important. Please respond to this email and let us know how you would like to proceed. Thank you!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Deby Snodgrass| Secretary of Commerce & Tourism
<br>
Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Commerce</span></b><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"><br>
<a href="tel:(405)%20815-5306" target="_blank">405-815-5306</a> | </span><a href="mailto:Deby_Snodgrass@okcommerce.gov" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Deby_Snodgrass@okcommerce.gov</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background:#008FEB;padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><a href="http://facebook.com/okcommerce" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;text-decoration:none"><image002.png></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><a href="http://twitter.com/okcommerce" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;text-decoration:none"><image003.png></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><a href="http://okcommerce.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white;text-decoration:none">OKcommerce.gov</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><br>
_______________________________________________<br>
MainstreetTowns mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net">MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net</a><br>
<a href="https://lists.onenet.net/mailman/listinfo/mainstreettowns" target="_blank">https://lists.onenet.net/mailman/listinfo/mainstreettowns</a><o:p></o:p></p>
</blockquote>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div><span>_______________________________________________</span><br>
<span>MainstreetTowns mailing list</span><br>
<span><a href="mailto:MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net">MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net</a></span><br>
<span><a href="https://lists.onenet.net/mailman/listinfo/mainstreettowns">https://lists.onenet.net/mailman/listinfo/mainstreettowns</a></span><br>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div><span>_______________________________________________</span><br>
<span>MainstreetTowns mailing list</span><br>
<span><a href="mailto:MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net">MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net</a></span><br>
<span><a href="https://lists.onenet.net/mailman/listinfo/mainstreettowns">https://lists.onenet.net/mailman/listinfo/mainstreettowns</a></span><br>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</body>
</html>