Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Actions And Financials topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jefferson Davis Parish Tourist Commission approves reptile liability policy and $2,000 marketing grant, reviews visitor gains
Summary
At its April 8 meeting, the Jefferson Davis Parish Tourist Commission approved a $1,000,000/$2,000,000 reptile liability insurance policy costing $8,892.33, approved a $2,000 marketing grant for an October event (first payment $1,500), accepted the February financial report, and noted year-over-year increases in visitor counts and gift-shop sales.
The Jefferson Davis Parish Tourist Commission on April 8 approved several administrative and budgetary items, including the purchase of expanded reptile liability insurance and a marketing grant for an October event, and reviewed tourism metrics showing year-over-year growth.
Sheila Chapman, chairman of the commission, reported that the Search Committee interviewed seven candidates from a pool of 40 applicants for the commission director position; the commission said a special meeting could be called to select a new director if the committee finalizes recommendations before the next regular meeting. Vice Chairman Kori Myers called the meeting to order; Jeremy Doucet led the prayer and Kayla Doga led the pledge.
The commission voted to purchase a reptile liability insurance policy from Jeff Davis Insurance for $8,892.33 to obtain $1,000,000/$2,000,000 coverage. Linda LeBlanc presented two policy quotes during the meeting; the commission approved the higher-coverage policy by motion (individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the minutes).
The board also approved a $2,000 marketing grant for Last Resort Show LLC for an event scheduled Oct. 17–19, 2025, with an initial payment of $1,500. Ronnie Petree moved the grant motion and Kori Myers seconded it; Chair Sheila Chapman abstained from that vote, and the motion carried.
On routine business the commission accepted the February 2025 financial report (motion by Ronnie Petree, seconded by Kori Myers) and ratified actions taken at the March 11 meeting. The minutes of March 11 were approved and later certified by Chapman.
Staff presented tourism metrics and marketing results. Gator Chateau visitor counts rose from 4,694 in March 2024 to 5,885 in March 2025, and gift-shop sales increased from $18,711.50 to $29,441.60 year-over-year for the same month. Sales tax collections for March 2025 (paid in April) were reported at $11,722.74. Marketing/Communications Director Macey Guidry Cormier reported social media reach between roughly 417,600 and 663,700 views across platforms, and described a Compass Media Foodie Focus campaign that ran six Google ads and an Instagram video ad, generating an estimated 2,500+ clicks and about 250,000 impressions.
Other items: the commission donated $750 to sponsor the Swamp STOL banquet (April 9–12), supplying goody bags and beverages and encouraging board attendance. Members discussed the need for a new park entrance sign and improved directional signage; Chapman said she would contact the mayor to pursue that work. Kaylee Bryant was announced as the new Gator Chateau manager. The next regular meeting is scheduled for noon Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Tourist Commission administration office; Ethics Financial Disclosure Reports are due May 15, 2025.
The meeting adjourned following a motion by Jeremy Doucet, seconded by Kori Myers. The minutes of the April 8 meeting were certified by Chair Sheila Chapman.
