At its August 2025 meeting, the Leitchfield Tourism and Convention Commission voted to forgo a proposed three-year contract extension with marketing firm Retail Coach, ending the current engagement after two years.

Commission members said Retail Coach had not delivered anticipated leads and business recruitment, and the commission would seek alternative representation going into the busy fall convention season. The commission chair called for a motion to decline the year-three extension; members voted in favor. The commission noted the timing was imperfect because convention bookings peak this season, but members said it was time to explore other options.

Commissioners discussed the financial terms: the proposed third-year extension would cost $20,000, with $5,000 to be covered by industrial development and the remainder split with the city, and the expense had been considered in budgeting. Commissioners said they had been patient with the vendor and felt follow-up with other candidates should begin immediately. One member summed up the action informally as “we're breaking up with Retail Coach,” after the vote.

The commission directed staff to solicit proposals and “put out feelers” for new marketing representation in time for the fall season. Members said they preferred a replacement in place quickly but did not set a specific procurement timeline during the meeting.

The vote was recorded as a motion to decline/terminate the proposed third-year contract extension; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. No formal amendment to the current contract was made at the meeting; the commission said staff will follow up on next steps and possible vendors.

The decision follows prior discussions with Retail Coach in which the contractor and the commission indicated an amicable split would be possible if results did not meet expectations. Commissioners said they would pursue other firms and asked staff to resume outreach.