Commissioners in attendance: Hull, Slader, Curran, Moulton, Ruth, and Sommer.
Commissioners absent: Wehrbein, Johnson, Mitchell, gaiashkibos, Smith, Stokes, and Williams.
A quorum was not satisfied.
Chairman Hull called the meeting to order at 9:05AM and welcomed everyone to Ponca State Park.
Chairman’s Report – Hull went into brief detail about the meeting with the governor on May 10th, in which Wehrbein, Ruth, Swenson, and Hull attended. He said that the Governor is genuinely excited about the Lewis and Clark events to come. He also thanked the Governor for his support from the beginning. Hull then reported Annette Arkeketa, one of the drama advisors, has made arrangements to have auditions for Native Americans on May 14th. Hull emphasized that they should be given first priority for certain parts in the play. He thanked Paul Barnes of the UNL music department for all of his hard work. He stated that Phillip Glass, the writer of the Lewis and Clark Piano Concerto, has finished the first two movements. He also reported that the commission is the largest investor at $25,000 of the total $50,000. The Lied Center put in $15,000 and the Hixson-Lied College of Fine & Performing Arts (UNL) put in $10,000. The national premiere of this piece will be at the Lied Center on September 18th. Hull reported that Nebraska Public Television would televise the event. Then on the 24th & 25th, it will be performed at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha. Hull also mentioned that the governor has extended his hospitality to the Otoe-Missouria tribe. He announced that a governor press conference/official welcome has been tentatively scheduled on Saturday, July 31st at 9:00AM.
Executive Director’s Report – Swenson welcomed everyone to the new facility at Ponca State Park. He talked about the productive national conference call that had taken place since the last meeting. He stated that the National Park Service has challenged everyone involved to please continue lobbying for support of the cost share program that they offer for Lewis & Clark activities. There has also been a challenge to the press to keep exposure to Corps II, especially where it may not get as much of the spotlight, so that events in rural areas can be given some publicity. There were also kind words during the conference call from Amy Mossett, who cited Nebraska as an example for fostering a relationship with the Otoe-Missouria tribe. He also stated that the governor wants to get out on the trail himself to see what’s happening in communities along the trail. He proceeded to discuss the Mouth of the Platte Program’s signage. He praised the efforts of all involved in that area. He also talked about the meeting he had with Randy Yates of the Boy Scouts. Specifically, they discussed a Boy Scout patch. He mentioned that gaiashkibos had given input into the design of the patch. He mentioned that the Boy Scouts have asked for up to $400 to subsidize the production costs of the patch. He asked the commissioners to take note of the request. NEBRASKAland magazine featured a six-page article on touring Lewis & Clark in their April issue. He thanked the magazine for their publicity and support.
He also mentioned that pictures on the Game & Parks calendar would be available in matted prints or posters for visitors to the state. Swenson also discussed the Omaha Tribe involvement with Dr. Mitchell at Fort Atkinson and explained that the tribal council’s main interest is with the Hallushka Dance. He also reminded everyone that on May 14th there would be a stamp event in Omaha. Swenson also announced that May 15th is “Take Pride Across America Day.” Different events, such as a trash pickup, will take place.
Ernie Ricehill from the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska announced that some more information about the events should be presented to the Tribe. He stated that his commission is available to help with the events when needed. He also commented that they are trying to get new signage for their events. The signage will specifically designate the events that have ties with Lewis & Clark activities. Both Ricehill and commission members reiterated the importance of helping each other out and apprising each of new information.
Slader questioned whether Corps II has finalized its sites of activities through 2006. Rhian commented that she heard that they had been confirmed.
Coordinator’s Report – Rhian reported that fundraising efforts are doing very well. A few possible donors are still waiting to be heard from: Cooper Foundation ($10,000) and the Circle of Tribal Advisors ($10,000). She also commented that Roy is committed to finding $15,000 more from private donors. Rhian stated that a request was made to the Arts Council in the amount of $5,000. A final decision will not be made until their June meeting; however she was optimistic about receiving the grant. She also mentioned that people who give directions in Cedar County should take notice that Highways 57 and 15 have switched. The switch is shown on new maps but not on old ones. Rhian also was excited to say that Nakai has agreed to do Native American flute workshops on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at Fort Atkinson. She also stated that she would soon be departing to attend Illinois’ signature event. Rhian and Curran also announced that the Tourism intern, Tony Dowling (471-3798), would be assisting the commission in any way possible. Commissioner Hull thanked Curran for lending his support in this way.
Ruth stated that the Otoe-Missouria expense is now incorporated into the budget. He commented that it was approved at the executive committee meeting but not at the previous commission meeting. It is now part of the budget.
Hull commended Smith on his remarkable fundraising efforts. Rhian stated that Smith had helped raise $40,000 within 4 days of the previous meeting from Anderson, Scott, Stinson, and himself. Hull was very appreciative of Smith’s donations and his fundraising efforts. Rhian reported that the budget has been expanded due to the donations.
Vic Gutman’s Report – Gutman was happy to report that the initial fundraising goal has not only been met, but was exceeded. He stated that fundraising efforts are still being made to deal with possible contingencies. His goal is to raise $50,000 of uncommitted funds by at least two weeks before the festival. He also commented that if the money were not used, it would be available to the commission to use for later purposes. He stated that the total amount raised is approximately $1,047,000. He said that he was hoping for at least another $40,000, of which $20,000 he thought was almost secured. He also commented that Roy is also helping with another $10-15K that they are pursuing. Gutman stated that in-kind marketing donations by Channel 7 and Waite media have accumulated to $400,000. The advertising is set to kick-off on May 17th. He emphasized the importance of bringing in an underwriter for the advertising campaigns to assure that the advertisements occur during prime time viewing hours. Jeep has been brought in as an underwriter of a substantial portion of the $400,000. Jeep will not be identified as an official sponsor of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration, but will be mentioned as an advertiser supporting the media campaign. He stated that he was ecstatic to get this promotion. He also commented that billboard advertisements would be seen from Kansas City to Omaha. Gutman also mentioned that the coordinated efforts have been made to assure that the same advertisement will be heard on television as well as radio. Print material, such as brochures, will be received very soon, and so the marketing side is also on schedule.
Curran raised the question on whether there would be chances for commissioner interviews. While Gutman said there would be many interview opportunities, he emphasized the importance of communicating an identical message, in terms of passing along the same information about the events to come.
Gutman also stated that there are three tiers to the marketing campaign. The first tier includes the signature event at Fort Atkinson; the second is the Corps of Discovery II, and the third being St. Charles. He also stated the importance of having people go to the Lewis & Clark website to discover other events that are going on.
Maddux reported that the program is almost completed. She reiterated that the preparation for the event is in fabulous shape. Commissioner Hull commended Maddux and Gutman for their wonderful efforts on the project.
Ruth then stated that the governor was impressed by the list of events that were already planned.
Pawloski said that graphics coordination was key for the next few weeks so that the website logo and the billboard logo are similar.
Ruth and several others reiterated the importance of helping advertise the Omaha Tribe’s events through signage.
Siouxland Update – Donna Goodier of South Sioux City presented many information brochures that outline the Lewis & Clark events planned for the Siouxland Region. She reported that their postal ceremony would be done at the Southern Hills mall on Friday (14th). She also stated that the Sargent Floyd Memorial Encampment would take place August 20th. She was excited to say that they have received numerous National Park Service grants. She announced that the Ragbri bicycle tour will be entering into South Sioux City this year to tour parts of the Lewis & Clark trail. Dakota County’s main Lewis & Clark event – Fish Camp II – will take place at Crystal Cove Lake featuring many different activities. Slader, Hull, and Curran commended her on all of her efforts. Goodier emphasized that signage in all directions is vital to the success of many Lewis & Clark events.
Commissioner Round Table
Slader commented that event area preparation is underway.
Swenson reported that the National Recreational Planners Association would be on the Fort Atkinson site on Tuesday (18th) to learn what has been done thus far.
Curran emphasized that the Nebraska Travel & Tourism division will make complimentary kinds of public relations plans with radio stations to promote the events. He emphasized increased signage from west-to-east. He also commented that most people would make their travel plans three to four weeks or less before traveling. Therefore, most of Travel & Tourism’s public relations efforts will be focused around the middle of June and on.
Ruth acknowledged Slader for his hospitality during the last committee meeting.
Sommer stated that the Lewis & Clark documents from the Oklahoma historical society are now in Omaha. He also stated that commissioner members would soon be invited to view them.
Special Advisor Roundtable
Pawloski stated that the event guidebook will soon be added to the website and will be available to be downloaded in a pdf format. Also, he brought up the possibility of adding a promotional page to the website under the heading of “Contributing to the Bicentennial Commemoration.”
Hastert welcomed everyone to the next Mouth of the Platte meeting (18th) concerning signage. He re-emphasized Curran’s view of the importance of increased signage from all directions.
Goodier stated that there is much to look forward to in the upcoming months.
Snowe and Pinkelman stated that they have been busy in promoting the Shannon Trail. They said that increased signage to the trail should be done sometime in July.
Hull thanked everyone for coming and asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Sommer motioned and Curran seconded the motion.
Meeting adjourned at 11:40AM
List of Attendees
Commissioners
Ron Hull
Dan Curran
Gary Moulton
Larry Ruth
John Slader
Larry Sommer
Staff
Jim Swenson
Paula Rhian
Others in Attendance
Donna Goodier
Barb Hastert
Bob Pawloski
David Hendee
Patricia Ruth
Bat Smonatona
Sally L. Snowe
Mary Rose Pinkelman
Ernie Ricehill
Stacy Maddux
Vic Gutman