Tourism Commission Meeting

The Hope Tourism Commission met Thursday, December 19 in the McLarty Room of the Hope Visitors Information Center.  

The meeting was called to order Sharon Caldwell with the commission reviewing and approving the minutes, revenue, and expenses for the month of November.

City Manager, Catherine Cook spoke to the commission concerning the permit statue reports and possible actions that could be taken. There are six businesses who do not have permits. An ordinance was set in July and was enforced on December 1. The commission made a motion that by January 5, businesses who do not have a permit will be presented with a citation. 

An update was given by Secretary, Paul Henley on the Parks playgrounds. Both parks are now completed and the elephant slide will be installed on Friday, December 20. The commission discussed the Christmas decor that was brought in this year and their placements. The 11ft Christmas tree is now placed under the pavilion of the new courthouse. They were pleased to see the community enjoying them and taking pictures. 

They also discussed on adding new signage for upcoming events to the signs that are placed on the side of the Visitors Information Center. They hope to help create new events that will draw in tourism and possibly adding in a soccer tournament. 

This was Paul Henley’s last meeting serving as secretary. Don Still stated “appreciate all the time and work you have put in.” The tourism committee was created in 1976 and Henley has been the only Tourism Director that the city of Hope has ever had. 

The meeting was then adjourned.