Alva Tourism Committee approves Chamber MOU, awards $45,000 for FY 2025–26

The Alva Tourism Committee approved a memorandum of understanding with the Alva Chamber of Commerce committing $45,000 for fiscal year 2025–26 after chamber leaders presented an annual report and described visitor-center and marketing work.

The chamber’s presentation detailed visitor-center staffing, digital marketing metrics and event promotion efforts that leaders said drive visitors and local spending. “We’re a community of character, connection and creativity,” said Megan, an Alva Chamber representative, summarizing the chamber’s approach to tourism promotion.

The chamber said it operates the visitor center at 502 Oakland Boulevard and manages two websites (the chamber site and visitalvaokay.org). Chamber representatives reported growth in membership since 2022, higher engagement with their newsletter (noting a reported open rate above national averages), and increased web traffic and social-media reach. Jody, another chamber representative, said the visitor center and digital channels direct out-of-town visitors to Alva businesses and events.

Committee members questioned the MOU’s level of tourism-specific activity and requested clearer budget breakdowns showing staffing, marketing and program spending. Committee staff noted that past payments covered agenda distribution and clerical support, and asked for clarity on which tourism functions the chamber would perform under the MOU. The chamber clarified current staffing: volunteers and chamber board members staff the visitor center Monday through Friday, generally 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and that the chamber has often kept the center open longer when needed; the MOU refers to a 9 a.m.–4 p.m. staffing expectation.

After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the MOU for fiscal year 2025–26 at $45,000; the motion was seconded and passed on a recorded vote: Bier, yes; Scott, yes; Terry, no; Melinda, yes.

The committee vote authorizes the committee to forward the MOU and funding recommendation as required by its procedures. Chamber leaders said they will continue programming that includes event promotion, a visitor calendar, Chamber Bucks and outreach to regional partners.

The chamber representatives requested that the MOU include clearer deliverables and agreed to provide a more detailed spending breakdown and staffing plan if the committee requests it at a future meeting.