The Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission held a special-called meeting on Nov. 12, rescheduling it from their regular date, which coincided with Veterans Day. During the meeting, members reviewed the Oct. financial report, discussed the potential purchase of Placer.ai, and considered proposals to rebrand the website.
The meeting began with Financial Advisor Bryan Gay presenting the monthly financial report.
As of Oct. 31, the total balance in the general account and the pavilion account at Cumberland Valley National Bank was $1.5 million.
Gay noted that no fixed asset purchases were reported for Oct.
The restaurant tax for the month was $156,783, and the transient tax revenue totaled $13,272.
“October tends to be one of the lower months. I guess summer seasons still winding down,” said Gay. “Still yet, our restaurant tax was still $12,000 higher than the highest one in the past four fiscal years. So, still strong numbers, but historically, October is a little bit lower.”
The net income for Oct. was $30,662, and the year-to-date restaurant tax is $654,926.
“Last year this time, we were $590,542, so it’s a pretty big increase from last year,” said Gay.
The net income year-to-date from July through Oct. was $120,209. The year-to-date transient tax revenue is $67,929.
Corbin Tourism Director Emily Roberts updated the board on several ongoing projects.
The Depot St. parking lot seal and restripe project has been postponed until April of 2026 since the contractor was unable to fit the work in before winter. The contractors promise to honor the previously quoted price. Board members requested to have that quote in writing.
A $350 sponsorship with the Nightwoven Market, hosted by Rebecca Chastain, will not be used, as Roberts mentioned Chastain was unable to get the event together in time. The board voided the check, and Roberts said Chastain hopes to try again next year, thanking the board for their support.
Roberts also requested that the office be closed two or three days each week to begin working inside the Railroad Museum. Board members approved and requested that they post notices on the office doors so the public knows why. The office phone will still be monitored. Board members encouraged Roberts to visit the new museum in Harlan for ideas.
The board spent time drafting the wording for a plaque for the downtown farmers market pavilion, and reviewed who was serving on the board when the project began in 2021.
Roberts presented three proposals for their rebranding project, expressing a preference for the McDaniel Marketing proposal, given its more than 20 years of experience in tourism marketing and its detailed submission with examples of past work.
While board members liked the proposal, they raised concerns about the price. Members also expressed a desire to utilize local photographers. Ultimately, they decided to postpone a decision until they gathered more information and clarification regarding photography options.
In other business, the board voted to enter a 12-month contract with Placer.ai, a location-based data company, at a cost of $17,500 for a base package with a persona live addition. There is a possibility for discounts, too.
Placer.ai will provide the board with insights on where visitors are coming from, how far they travel, and other stops they make in the area.
Additionally, the Kidslinked and food-and-travel advertising spots were placed on pause until the board could analyze data from Placer.ai.
The board also declined an event sponsorship request from the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky for a production of Alice in Wonderland, saying the project felt more like a local arts event, rather than one that would attract tourism.
Roberts requested creating a TikTok account for Corbin Tourism, noting that reports indicate Gen Z uses TikTok for travel recommendations. The board approved this request.
The board also made a collective decision to proceed with Christmas lights, noting that Halloween had ended and the community could benefit from the added joy of lights.
The board entered executive session, but no action was taken.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m.
