[MainstreetTowns] Main Street Banquet

Thu Oct 12 17:38:55 CDT 2017

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!  : )

I love the banquet because of the ideas that we see in such a comfortable setting.

From: MainstreetTowns [mailto:mainstreettowns-bounces at lists.onenet.net] On Behalf Of McAlester Main Street
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 5:23 PM
To: MainstreetTowns at lists.onenet.net
Subject: Re: [MainstreetTowns] Main Street Banquet

Greetings!

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? 

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. 

Hope the helps.

Christine Hermsmeyer

  <https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B94QmARpLjYLdncxNDNGdG43X2c&revid=0B94QmARpLjYLM2JTSlNjWnkwOTRFTWdOeEwyNVR2dy9UNTBjPQ> 

Christine Hermsmeyer
Executive Director

McAlester Main Street
119 E. Choctaw Ave, Ste. 104
McAlester, OK 74501

918-423-8888

On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 3:52 PM, Buffy Hughes <Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov <mailto:Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov> > wrote:

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.

Thank you,

Buffy

Buffy Hughes

State Main Street Director

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104

E: Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov <mailto:Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov> 

P: 405.815.5249 <tel:(405)%20815-5249> 

C: 405.664.1260 <tel:(405)%20664-1260> 

OKcommerce.gov/main-street

Greetings Main Streeters!

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.  

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.  

I understand that the Main Street banquet is a long-held tradition and something you do not want to give up.  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.  

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.  

It’s your decision! I have outlined three options: 

*         Hold the banquet, with the host city (or a combination of cities) soliciting sponsors to supplement the revenue from tickets and cover costs.

*         Hold the banquet and cover costs by doubling the amount of the ticket price.

*         In lieu of a banquet, hold an awards ceremony at the Capitol during the legislative session.

Your feedback is important.  Please respond to this email and let us know how you would like to proceed.  Thank you!

Deby Snodgrass| Secretary of Commerce & Tourism 
Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Commerce
405-815-5306 <tel:(405)%20815-5306>  |  <mailto:Deby_Snodgrass at okcommerce.gov> Deby_Snodgrass at okcommerce.gov

 <http://facebook.com/okcommerce> 

 <http://twitter.com/okcommerce> 

 <http://okcommerce.gov/> OKcommerce.gov

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