Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Tourism Grant/Executive Advisory Board, met Friday at the CSi Technology Center at Historic Franklin School.

The Board reviewed grant requests from Jamestown Drag Racing, and James River Rodeo.

rodeo photoThe board unanimously approved the James River Rodeo grant request in the amount of $3,500 to promote the annual event, at the Stutsman County Fairground.  Spokesman Marlyn Bertch said grant fund will be used  in the areas of programs, advertising and the sound system, during the Stutsman County Fair, July 4,5, 2015.

Other major funding sources were listed as ad sales for $18,000 and gate sales of $6,000 to $7,000, with the total cost of the program at $60,000.

He noted that rodeo attendees spend at least one night at Jamestown motels, and eat at local restaurants. Last year there were 760 contestants competing.

JDRA photo

JDRA photo

The board also unanimously approved the request from Jamestown Drag Racing Association, in conjunction with this year’s drag races at Jamestown Regional Airport to be held July 18,19, 2015.

The request is for $6,000 for advertising expenses and $1,500 for a computer upgrade for the timing system.

Other sources for funding include: local business sponsors for poster ads, in the amount of $13,093, gate admission fees are estimated at $8,607, and racer entry fees at $11,345 with the total program cost of $39,000.

JDRA Race Director, Glen Christianson said th Drag Racing Association is applying for a non-profit status to raise funds, to establish their own drag strip outside city limits.  A committee evaluating locations has contacted the Buffalo City Gun Club, the Off-Roaders Club, Moto-Cross, City Pistol Range, and the Rodeo Club, asking for their opinion. All clubs have come on board with JDRA with pursuing a location, indicating that a drag strip there would benefit everyone in that location.

At the outset of the meeting, it was noted that Jamestown Tourism’s, Office Manager/Digital Marketing Strategist, Cassie Theuer has resigned, after five years in the position, accepting a position with Lord of Life Church in Bismarck, with the children and music ministries.

She noted that the past two years in tourism has been “exciting.”

Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund pointed out that Cassie’s job description consists of a 37 page manual, adding that it is no small task to handle her responsibilities.

He added that Cassie brought creativity to the position, and brought systems together, including the digital component.

Board member Beth Dewald said that Cassie handled the transition well when former Tourism Director, Nina Sneider retired, and Swedlund became Tourism Director.

Board Chairperson, Mitzi Hager said Cassie was knowledgable in her position.

All board members in attendance said that she will be missed.

The board presented Cassie with a clock, with the inscription, “In Recognition of Five Years of Service.”