Civic Auditorium Complex Commission members, along with their executive director, expressed dismay over a reported possible cut of up to $300,000 in funding from the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission.
CACC member Lisa Kosmitis asked A&P Executive Director Sheri Storie about the data she used to figure how much funding her commission could reduce for the 2026 budget. A&P budgeted $1.3 million in donations to the Convention Center for 2025, and Storie has said she would like that figure to come down to $1 million, with 50% of the city’s revenue from its tax on food and beverages going to the Convention Center and the other 50% to A&P.
Storie said A&P relied on data from location analytics to look at how many people the downtown facility attracts for events and the budget in relation to projected revenue and other projects funded by the A&P. Location analytics is something A&P regularly tracks, she also said, relying on placer.ai.
“The Convention Center isn’t the only facility we help fund,” Storie said. “They’re the biggest recipient at over $1 million, but we provide grants to the Railroad Museum, Hestand Stadium, the Arts & Science Center, Taylor Field … (in addition to) events that are held.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Facilities other than the Convention Center received “little” funding cuts for 2025 while the Convention Center received increased funding, Storie said.
Barbara Dunn, the executive director of the CACC, the board behind the Convention Center, said she was surprised by the amount of the possible funding cut after reading an article in the Aug. 24 edition of The Commercial. Storie told the newspaper that more should be done to bring in tourism, but not because 60% of A&P funds go to the Convention Center.
“Anytime you’re over any type of business or organization, if there’s going to be a cut, it’s going to affect the operation,” Dunn said. “Secondly, I want to say we are working closely with our partners such as the city, and our plan is to continue to work with the city. A&P has supported the Convention Center for years because it’s the law.”
Dunn has also had to quell fears among staff about their job status after talk of possible funding cuts.
“As an executive director, I’ve always led in this capacity to where my employees are always aware,” Dunn said. “Once I find out, they’re going to find out.”
The entities work together on budgeting in October, Dunn said, adding CACC will also seek grants to help with operations and improvements to the facility.
Since A&P and CACC became separate entities, the relationship between the two has been push-and-shove, Kosmitis said. She also commended Dunn, who completed one year in her position on Aug. 5, for the work she’s done.
“We’re seeing Barbara revive partnerships that were dead,” CACC member Travis Mosler said. “Anyone who sees a budget will prioritize a budget, but I’d like all of us to get on the same page.”
A marketing plan, Storie suggested, needs to be put in place for the aging Convention Center. Dunn said that is already the case, explaining she promotes her events through social media and the Convention Center’s website and marquee.
“There has been progress, and we will continue to move forward,” Dunn said. “Whatever the case, under my leadership, the Convention Center will move forward.”
Betty Brown, A&P’s administrative assistant, suggested to both parties the division doesn’t have to continue.
“This division doesn’t have to happen if we’re relaying on Jesus to help us,” Brown said. “I know someone who can penetrate our thoughts, hearts and minds. Truth isn’t always butterflies and dandelions.”
Storie said she sees a path forward for A&P and CACC to work together.
“I see us being able to work together, as long as there’s transparency, there’s truth in the numbers and let’s see how we can move all of this in the right direction,” she said.
