A&P

From page A1

A& P to help new restaurants in the city stand on their feet. He mentioned a new pancake house, burrito shop and BBQ joint on his list of new pandemic era eateries weathering the storms of startup and coronavirus protocol. The mayor asked the A& P for scholarships to reward early efforts and help sustain new restaurant businesses in tumultuous times.

“I haven’t thought it all out,” said McClendon. “We have quite a few small local restaurants in West Memphis some that started in the last six months. I’d like for you all to consider $5,000 scholarships.”

Commissioners thanked the mayor for the suggestion but moved down the agenda without discussion of the newly conceived request.

Commissioner Dr. Scott Ferguson asked for Convention and Visitors Bureau staff to look into a digital sign board. He placed one outside his medical of_ce building and testi_ed about the results.

“It draws a lot of attention and Provides a way to get a lot of information out there,” said Ferguson. “It will help people w2hat is going on at the convention center and civic auditorium. It will help people _nd the buildings.”

Commission Chairman Frank Waggener revived an old idea. He asked commissioners to identify things associated with the city to form a new annual civic event.

“Something like the old ‘Livin’ on the Levee’ event,” said Waggener. “Those were good times. I’d want something that was professionally produced. We should be taking advantage of the new park space on the river.”

Commission members began brainstorming ideas. Waggener cut it off.

“Think about this over the coming month,” said the chairman. “Let’s visit this again in a month and see what ideas you’ve generated, something that showcases West memphis food and music.”

West memphis Communications Director Nick Coulter reported social media results to the A& P. He said he used social media to target hotel guests for the upcoming Auto-Zone Liberty Bowl.

Anyone Googling Auto-Zone Liberty Bowl will see what West Memphis has to offer, our ads will pop up,” said Coulter.

We are targeting the two town of the traveling football teams,” said CVB Director Jim Jackson. “We know it is better and cheaper to stay over here and go to the ballgame in Memphis.; Coulter reported crossing the 15,000 threshold with city Facebook followers. Facebook impression soared 285 percent in 2021.

“It’s been a good year, pretty good for a town our size.” said Coulter. “We have 5,000 Instagram followers. What is most impressive is our Facebook impressions at 2.4 million year to date. That’s Facebook alone, let alone Google. That’s a bunch.”