One of the things that you should know, although sadly not everyone does, is that every time you go out to eat or stay in Little Rock a 2% tax is levied to fund the city’s Advertising & Promotion Commission (A&P). Needless to say those couple of pennies per dollar add up quickly, so having the right person in charge is important.
Late last week the A&P Commission announced that Capi Peck, owner and chef at Trio’s, was unanimously selected as the new chairperson for the commission. The commission is in charge of overseeing the Little Rock Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as well as city owned facilities like the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, and River Market.
“I am very excited about my recent appointment as chairman of the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission,” Peck tells us. “I really think people have no idea how much we do with those two pennies, the so-called hamburger tax. We bring conventions and visitors to Little Rock, resulting in more heads on beds in our hotels and butts in seats in our restaurants which results in a huge economic impact for our city.”
Peck takes over for Warren Simpson, who is the EVP and Managing Director of Stephen’s Capital. This year’s commission is not short on big projects either. The Robinson Center remodel is expected to complete this year along with the Wayfaring project on the river trail along with a huge boom in local culinary in the city.
Announcement aside, I personally am glad about the appointment of Peck. Being the only member of the commission that has direct experience in the food world hopefully it will bring a much-needed boost to the commission’s efforts in promoting local restaurants.
With the growth of food tourism and the overall movement to eat local this is an area that a commission charged with promoting a city must focus on. We all have come to know and respect Capi a great deal, and her nearly 30 years successfully in business is telling to her knowledge about how to turn attention to restaurants. No offense to any other member, but there is no one else on the commission that understands this like she does, it will be a very good thing for the city.
Peck has been on the commission since 2006, so her influence has certainly been heard, but the new position should give her a bit of added weight to accomplish great things for the city.
Also joining the commission is Pamela Smith, who is the communications director for Little Rock Public Schools, a tough job especially when you have to deal with me and Rock City Time’s posting articles every time snow is forecasted. Full release on the appointments below.
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The Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission (A&P Commission) recently named a new chairperson and announced its newest member.
At the September 22, 2015 commission meeting, Capi Peck was unanimously selected to serve as chairperson for the commission. J. Warren Simpson previously held the chairman’s position, and will remain a member of the commission. Ms. Peck has been a member of the commission since 2006. She was granted a third term on the commission last year due to her efforts, and leadership, surrounding the Restore Robinson campaign that led to the current restoration and renovation of the historic building. Robinson Center is due to reopen November 2016 after a $70 million renovation and expansion.
Pamela Smith was recommended for appointment to the commission and approved by the Little Rock Board of Directors last month. She was officially sworn in by Pulaski County Circuit Clerk, Larry Crain at the October 20, 2015 A&P Commission meeting. Smith replaces Tim Morton in the at-large seat. Morton had termed out after serving eight years on the commission.
Smith is currently the Communications Director for the Little Rock School District. Prior to that she spent twenty-two years with KATV, serving as co-host of Good Morning Arkansas and Weekend Anchor. She is a Little Rock native and involved in countless civic and charitable organizations. Known as a local “foodie” and avid supporter of local restaurants, she also supports Pulaski Technical College’s culinary program, as a foundation board member, and emcee for their annual fundraiser and signature event, Diamond Chef.
The A&P Commission is the governing body for Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB). It is a volunteer board consisting of seven members – two City of Little Rock elected officials, four owners or managers of Little Rock hotels, motels or restaurants (one may be an owner or manager of a tourism related business), and one at-large seat residing in Little Rock.
Other members of the A&P Commission include: Mayor Mark Stodola, City Director Gene Fortson, Larry Carpenter, Philip Tappan, and Warren Simpson.
