Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Classic Rock Concert featuring headliner Eric Burdon and the Animals was attended by approximately 6,000 people, the Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission board heard Thursday.
The board received a follow-up report from Janelle Wilson, activity director for Warsaw's parks and recreation department. The KCCRVC granted $7,605 for the event, which was approved by the county council.
During the Classic Rock Concert, people filled out questionnaires to register for an artist-signed t-shirt drawing. From the 147 answers, Wilson tallied the number of out-of-county people that attended, 58; how many either stayed overnight, 31; ate at a county restaurant, 78; purchased gasoline, 67; or went shopping, 51; went to the Visitor's Center, 7; and how they heard about the event. These respondents estimated spending a total of $7,093 in the county during this one-time event.
She said a plexiglass box and the questionnaire was stationed near the band's merchandise table. The t-shirt drawing was announced several times during the concert.
The system was praised by the commissioners who want to know how many out-of-county visitors attend events and what else they do while here.
Board president Deb Wiggins said accountability is one feature the commissioners are looking for in the follow-up reports.
David Taylor suggested the commission provide guidelines or suggestions about getting out-of-county figures, using a system like the parks department.
Board member John Elliott presented a $6,000 request from the Warsaw Community Development Corp. to pay for July 4 fireworks. Elliott is the WCDC board president.
He said community donations are usually around $23,000. Costs increased from $26,000 to $29,500 for this year's event.
"The show on Winona Lake is one of the largest in northern Indiana," Elliott said, adding that the Warsaw City Council allocates $4,000 each year and the Winona Lake property owners association gives $1,000. The requested funds make up for a shortfall.
Elliott abstained from the vote. Wiggins, Jan Carter, Joy McCarthy-Sessing and Taylor voted for, with Faye Medlock against.
Camp Mack Executive Director Rex Miller requested $1,337.20 to advertise the seventh annual Camp Alexander Mack Festival, which was unanimously approved.
Miller said the Church of the Brethren-sponsored camp has fundraisers throughout the year to provide scholarships for children to attend the camp. The camp also is used by 4-H clubs from 13 other counties and other church organizations.
Convention Visitors Bureau executive director Mary Kittrell asked if the Visitor's Center could have booth space and was told yes.
Kittrell and Mike Stetzel, CVB board president, requested $58,947 for fourth-quarter expenses, which was approved. Final approval will be made before the county council.
Kittrell said the CVB planned to purchase advertising on the back of a new county map being commissioned by the Warsaw-Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce. The maps would be purchased for resale, too, and available at the Visitor's Center.
She also said she plans to attend a National Softball Association conference with City County Athletic Complex Director Ethan Bontley. The CCAC representative attends the conference to schedule upcoming tournaments.
The board also:
• Approved a contract with the county council to retain County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell as the commission controller from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
• Heard several organizations held events and have not filed follow-up reports nor submitted invoices for reimbursement. They are: Warsaw Optimist Triathlon, Lake City Skiers, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum Antique Show and Sale, Kosciusko County Right to Life, Pro-Life Music Festival, Warsaw Community Development Inc., Downtown Days and Pierceton Community Services.
Kittrell said the Optimists, ski group and music festival organizers plan to submit reports and invoices in September.
The commissioners considered putting time limits on funds if follow-up reports are not made within a certain amount of time, but did not take action.
Contracts between the CVB board and CCAC were handed out. Board members were asked to give Kittrell input on the documents and discuss them next month.
• The commission received the contract to develop a long-range tourism strategy. Zeitgeist Consultants of Wisconsin have been approved to conduct the plan for an amount not to exceed $35,000.
KCCRVC members are Deb Wiggins, Jan Carter, Joy McCarthy-Sessing, Faye Medlock, John Elliott and David Taylor. John Sroufe was absent.
