Three apply for 2 spots on ad panel

Two restaurateurs and a hotelier have applied for two open seats on the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission.

The applicants are Stubby’s BBQ owner Chris Dunkel, Deluca’s Pizza owner/operator Anthony Valinoti and Blake Purnell, president of JSP Development, which operates the Comfort Inn and Comfort Inn & Suites. The deadline for applications was noon Monday.

Applicants must be a qualified elector within the city limits of Hot Springs and be an owner or manager of a hotel, motel or restaurant located within the city limits.

The ad commission administers the collection and expenditure of the city’s 3% tax on prepared food and lodging for the purpose of promoting Hot Springs. The tax revenues also support the operations and maintenance of the Hot Springs Convention Center, special events and secure almost $9 million in debt issued for the Mid-America Science Museum expansion and the con

struction of the Majestic Park baseball complex.

The commission will vote on filling the positions at 9 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Its selections must be ratified by the Hot Springs Board of Directors.

Dunkel, who began working for his family business at an early age in the 1980s, is now the owner of Stubby’s.

His longtime involvement in Hot Springs has led to being involved with numerous community organizations.

“When you have a restaurant in Hot Springs, and you’ve been around as long as we have, you see everybody in the county,” Dunkel said. “We’ve touched numerous organizations over the years.”

When it comes to being involved with the ad commission, he said he feels “obligated” to serve the community through it.

“I’d like to be involved, and I feel like (Stubby’s has) benefited through the commission’s guidance over the years, and it’s my turn to step up and put in my time for a group that continues to grow Hot Springs,” Dunkel said. “I just felt it was my obligation because we have a great town, and it continues to click up those notches, and I just wanted to be part of (it). … I think Hot Springs is going to flourish, and I just wanted to put in a little effort on my part to help.”

He added that, as a business owner, he appreciates what Hot Springs has done for him.

“I’d just like to throw my hat in the ring and just take a seat and the table and continue to grow Hot Springs and bounce off new ideas and just have a bunch of smiling faces from all the visitors who are coming in town,” Dunkel said.

According to Valinoti’s application, he wants to serve because he sees Hot Springs from a “unique” perspective.

“I’ve lived in many a big city, but choose Hot Springs over L.A., Miami and Las Vegas, because of all it has to offer: Great people, picturesque beauty and the enthusiasm of the commission to promote this great city,” Valinoti’s application said. “I would love the opportunity to help the A&P achieve its goal of telling the world just how great the city of Hot Springs is.”

According to his application, Valinoti has been involved with Shop with a Sheriff, No Kid Chef, the Baron’s Ball, Splash of Red and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.

Purnell is originally from Hot Springs and has worked for his family’s company for the past five years, post-graduation from the University of Arkansas.

He has worked with The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Young Professionals, the Arkansas Hospitality Association and local volunteer work.

Purnell said he applied for a position on the commission because it is a “good way to serve” on a commission that is “directly related” to his occupation that is affiliated with Comfort Inn and Suites hotels, as well as have an impact on the promotion of the city’s tourism.

At 28 years old, he said he assumes he’s one of the youngest applicants, which could work to his advantage.

“I’d be able to provide a unique perspective, as far as generate business and tourism from a younger generation, and ensure tourism to Hot Springs for years to come,” Purnell said.

The commission began the search for two new members on July 6, after Ohio Club owner Mike Pettey resigned on July 4. A second commission opening comes up in September when Commissioner Brianna Moore’s term expires. Moore is owner/manager of Red Light Roastery.

Pettey was faced with calls to resign on social media after a complaint filed by his wife, Dona, with the Arkansas Department of Health against four local bars for allegedly violating COVID-19 guidelines surfaced online.

“The A&P does a tremendous good for our community and is filled with great people that have a passion for Hot Springs and are highly respected for that. I resigned because I don’t want anything I’ve been involved with to tarnish the A & Ps reputation. It has been a pleasure to serve these last few years,” Pettey later told The Sentinel-Record.

Position 4, held by Moore, is a four-year term. The term for Pettey’s former seat, Position 6, expires on July 31, 2023.