Dayton News - News
Dayton Chamber gets hotel/motel tax funds to maintain role as visitor center
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| Dayton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Pratka stands in the cornerof the chamber's front foyer where visitor information has been stored since moving into the American Rice Growers Bldg. The chamber also displayed such material at its previous location on Bryan St. |
By MIKE GEORGE
Last week at the second monthly meeting of the Dayton City Council, members voted two-to-one in favor of granting the Dayton Chamber of Commerce $11,000 from hotel/motel tax revenues. With two members absent, Bill Gay and Rick Brown voted in favor, while Councilwoman Barbara Zaruba voted against the measure.
The requested total included $7,000 for this year’s Annual Hometown Holidays celebration that is scheduled the first Saturday in December from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., a nine-hour event. The chamber will have many expenses in that the event includes horse-drawn wagons, Santa Claus with pictures, a fireworks show and more. Other expenses making up the difference had to do with everyday expenses the chamber incurs promoting the city.
One stipulation that was stated through City Attorney Randy Gunter, was that in order to have some of its requests met, the chamber also needed to function as a visitors’ center.
“We’ve always taken on that role,” said Tammy Pratka, executive director. “The only thing missing, I guess, is a sign, so we’ll put something up that will highlight our efforts.”
At a previous meeting the council voted to give the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce $5,000 which is for their Christmas celebration which includes a parade at no charge to the entrants and some refreshments. Historically, for the most part, that event lasts about one-and-a-half to two hours. The vote to give the $5,000, also from hotel/motel tax money, passed unanimously.
The requested total included $7,000 for this year’s Annual Hometown Holidays celebration that is scheduled the first Saturday in December from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., a nine-hour event. The chamber will have many expenses in that the event includes horse-drawn wagons, Santa Claus with pictures, a fireworks show and more. Other expenses making up the difference had to do with everyday expenses the chamber incurs promoting the city.
One stipulation that was stated through City Attorney Randy Gunter, was that in order to have some of its requests met, the chamber also needed to function as a visitors’ center.
“We’ve always taken on that role,” said Tammy Pratka, executive director. “The only thing missing, I guess, is a sign, so we’ll put something up that will highlight our efforts.”
At a previous meeting the council voted to give the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce $5,000 which is for their Christmas celebration which includes a parade at no charge to the entrants and some refreshments. Historically, for the most part, that event lasts about one-and-a-half to two hours. The vote to give the $5,000, also from hotel/motel tax money, passed unanimously.
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