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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><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 [mailto:mainstreettowns-bounces@lists.onenet.net] <b>On Behalf Of </b>McAlester Main Street<br><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, October 12, 2017 5:23 PM<br><b>To:</b> MainstreetTowns@lists.onenet.net<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'><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'>OKcommerce.gov/main-street</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></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'><img border=0 width=251 height=123 style='width:2.6166in;height:1.2833in' id="m_4337572732457690505_x005f_x0000_i1027" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D34380.F9A19EF0" alt="MSALOGO_17COPROGRAM_CMYK"></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><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><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'><img border=0 width=23 height=23 style='width:.2416in;height:.2416in' id="m_4337572732457690505Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image002.png@01D34380.F9A19EF0" alt=facebook></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'><img border=0 width=23 height=23 style='width:.2416in;height:.2416in' id="m_4337572732457690505Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image003.png@01D34380.F9A19EF0" alt=twitter></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></table></td></tr></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></body></html>