Committee taps attorney to fill spot

The Texarkana, Ark., Advertising and Promotion Commission has chosen a nominee to fill its vacant at-large position.

At its quarterly meeting Thursday, the commission nominated local attorney Brandon Cogburn to fill the vacancy and will submit the choice to the city Board of Directors for approval.

Cogburn serves as chairman of the Miller County Election Commission. He said if the board approves his nomination, he will accept.

“I think I can help make sure that A&P money is spent wisely. And I know there’s been some contention on the commission, and maybe I can help bring the commission together and forge ahead and do what’s right for the city with the taxpayers’ money,” he said.

The seat has been vacant since the resignation of former commission chairman Buddy Allen last November. One additional seat on the panel is vacant, and it must be filled by an owner or manager of a Texarkana hotel or restaurant.

The board heard several proposals and tabled action on most because Commissioner Claude Moore was not in attendance.

Two marketing firms gave presentations in an effort to win commission business promoting the city as a tourist destination. Pinnacle Creative of Texarkana and Sells Agency of Little Rock pitched marketing services including photography and digital advertising. The commission took no action on the proposals.

Businessman David Peavey requested $75,000 in funds for a renovated rail lounge car he plans to convert into a coffee shop at Front and Olive streets. City Finance Director TyRhonda Henderson asked the commission for $3,400 to fund one night’s dinner and entertainment during a conference of the Government Finance Officers Association slated for July in Texarkana. The commission tabled both proposals until a special meeting planned for Feb. 1.

The commission voted to approve a reallocation of funds it awarded the John Measel Center last October. The center sought to change the purpose of its funding to pay for emergency roof repairs.