The Arkansas City Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee is made up of a six-member board of directors, and several advisors. We meet once a month to discuss what issues and concerns we have that pertain to tourism in Arkansas City, and how we can better serve the community and its visitors.
Up to this point, the board has been operating with less than the required six members, for various reasons. But, I'm happy to report that, at this time, we now have two new members for the CVB Board, and would like to tell you a little bit about them.
Marshall Brentlinger comes to us from the Regency Court Inn. He has been their accountant for a little over a year now, and will bring some input to the board from the hotel/motel industry. He has spent quite a few years in the accounting business, working as general accountant at Rodeo Meats, cost accountant at Rubbermaid, and bookkeeper at David's Electronics.
Brentlinger moved to Ark City 34 years ago, is married, and has two children, and four grandchildren. We are pleased to have Brentlinger on our Board, and look forward to working with him.
Stu Osterthun, director of public relations at Cowley College for almost 10 years, will be our sixth member. He has a background in journalism and public relations, having been the managing editor of The Arkansas City Traveler for about three years. While at Cowley, he has also been a journalism instructor, and coordinator of public information before becoming director.
Osterthun, a native of Nebraska, and the former sports editor of the Grand Island Daily Independent, has been in Arkansas City since 1989. He received his Bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State University, and his Masters of Education from Southwestern College in Winfield. He is married to Stephanie, and has three children. It's good to have Stu on our Board also, and we know he will bring valuable insight to our endeavors.
Other members of the CVB Board include Kim Ebert, of Brown's Office Supply, who was appointed in June, 2000; Allen Goff, of Cox Communications, who was appointed in September, 2000; Jim Ramirez, from the Ark City City Commission, who was appointed in April, 2001, and is also Board Chairman; Shantell Schweer, of USD 465, who was appointed in January 2001; and, Jim Wheatcroft, of Gambino's Pizza, who was appointed in September, 2000. All these board members bring diverse backgrounds, knowledge, experience, and insight into the discussions and decisions that are put before the CVB Board. Other advisors to the committee are Curt Freeland, City Manager, and Yazmin Wood, President/CEO of the Ark City Chamber of Commerce.
As the Director of the Ark City Convention & Visitors Bureau, I am very fortunate to have these people working with me, helping me as I strive to be the "window" on our town, and bringing their creative and unique viewpoints to any project we work on. In addition, their positive and humorous attitudes make a great combination for a working Board!
Congratulations to our new Board members...and thanks to the current ones!! We're looking forward to another great year!
Don't forget the Xi Alpha Upsilon Craft Fair this weekend at the Agri-Business Building, 712 West Washington. It starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Admission is free, and there will be a quilt raffle and concessions as well. Any interested exhibitors can still call 620-442-0482.
