Outgoing Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Debra Stifflemire releases official media briefing sheet.
This document was received from Stifflemire on March 21st, 2022 by the Uvalde Hesperian. The Uvalde CVB is a non-profit organization contracted by the City of Uvalde to promote tourism of the city.
The document reads:
Situation
The City of Uvalde is considering absorbing or dissolving the Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau, leaving uncertainty around a variety of the organization’s assets, including the future of Main Street Uvalde, oversight of the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center, and employee retention. The following information is in response to these developments and after multiple failed CVB requests for a formal meeting with city leaders to both clarify the city’s position and present a case for reconsideration.
Official statement from Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive
Director Debra Stifflemire, on the city’s possible decision to dissolve or
absorb the independent 501 (c)(6) organization:
When you see the CVB ‘s milestones and wins dotted on almost every corner of Uvalde, and how those results have directly impacted this area’s growth and prosperity year after year, it’s difficult to comprehend why a decision like this would even be considered. It has been a highlight of my career to oversee this innovative organization and witness firsthand this team’s dedication to its community’s success. I only hope that what we are hearing has no merit, and that the CVB can continue down a path that has consistently proven to yield increasingly solid results. This has been a challenging situation for my staff and board, as we feel this process could have been more extensive and transparent. We are all committed to seeing Uvalde flourish, and we respect our city leaders’ opinions. If there is something our mayor and councilmen feel we can be doing better, we would jump at the chance to continue a more lengthy dialogue than what we have been given.
Success by the numbers
• $1.5 million -Total amount of known private investments put into 47 downtown projects since 2020, in the middle of economic instability.
• $204,015.47 – 2021 Q4 Hotel/Motel Tax Collections, the most ever in a quarter dating back to 1998.
• $23,621.64 -Total amount awarded in Main Street Façade Grants since 2020.
• 75% – Current approximate percentage of weekend availability booked at the the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center for all of 2022.
• 55% – Current approximate percentage of weekday availability booked at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center for all of 2022.
• 15 – New businesses that opened in the downtown area since 2020, in the middle of economic instability.
Events supported by CVB and its entities
Cactus Jack Bull Riding
Soaring Competitions
Palomino Fest
MariArtChi Madness
Christmas at the Crossroads
Briscoe BBQ Cookoff
Uvalde Palooza
Fort Inge Days
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