Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 013 - Department of Parks and Tourism
Division 06 - Tourism Division
Rule 013.06.13-001 - Regional Tourist Association Grant Program Rules

A. To be eligible for matching funds, a regional tourist promotion agency shall first be incorporated as a non-profit corporation under Act 176 of 1963. The corporation shall be open to all interested citizens and residents of counties comprising a natural planning region of this state. The membership in the corporation shall represent counties comprising not less than 50% of the total population of the region.

B. A regional tourist promotion agency has been established in each of the twelve regions, including all of Arkansas's 75 counties, and provides that any two or more natural planning regions may merge to form a single regional area of the respective regions. But no more than one non-profit corporation will be designated as the regional tourist promotion agency for the combined regions.

C. A county in one natural planning region may, upon approval of the Department of Parks and Tourism and the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission, join an adjacent natural planning region if and when the county tourist values are more closely identified with the other region.

D. A copy of incorporation papers, constitution and bylaws of the regional tourist promotion agency, along with a letter of application to be recognized as the tourist promotion agency, will be sent to the Tourism Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. When the Department of Parks and Tourism determines that the constitution and bylaws are in compliance with the rules and regulations established by the Department, that applying corporation will be designated as the participating agency for matching funds in the region.

E. A region may change its name by a vote of a majority of its Board of Directors and approval from the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. However, no region may change its name more than once within a five-year period.

F. In order to be eligible for participation in the Regional Matching Funds Grant Program, the regional tourist associations agree to comply with all applicable regulations as set forth in the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993, the Publicity and Tourism Act of 1937 (and subsequent revisions), and the annual Regional Rules and Regulations as approved by the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission.

G. A regional tourist promotion agency must have at least one board member from each of the counties composing a region. Each board member must either reside, own a business, or be employed in the county he/she represents.

PERFORMANCE BASED INCENTIVE PLAN

GOAL

To enhance the timely communication of performance, marketing, and operational data from the regional tourism associations to Parks and Tourism for planning, analysis, and distribution to the regions in a format that will benefit regional strategic planning and information needs.

PROCEDURE: MONTHLY REGIONAL INFORMATION

Once a month, regional associations will be asked to forward the following information to Parks and Tourism. This data must be received by the deadlines listed so Parks and Tourism staff has the time to analyze and distribute the information to interested individuals. A Performance Based Incentive Form is provided on page XX.

* Minutes of all regional association membership, board of directors and executive board meetings;

* Notification of the date, time and location of the next scheduled meeting, submitted on the form provided;

* The number of inquiries received, submitted on the form provided; and,

* A membership update, submitted on an approved form.

At the first of the fiscal year, a matching grant allocation is available to each region. The amount is equal for each region and subject to budget decisions by the Arkansas State Legislature and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and approval by the State Parks Recreation and Travel Commission. If the documentation requested above is received in proper form and content by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date of each month, the region's grant will remain at the above stated figure. If the region does not provide the complete documentation requested by the deadline established, the region's budget will be suspended until complete information is received.

Should the region choose not to submit this data after being contacted by the Department of Parks and Tourism, its entire regional matching fund may be suspended until information is received.

GENERAL REQUESTS AND DEADLINES

At any time, the Department of Parks and Tourism may ask a regional tourist association for proof of its compliance with the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act (& 4-28-201 et seq. and & 4-33-101 et seq.) Additionally, the Department may request input on a variety of topics throughout the year. A regional tourist association will be expected to provide information specific to its region on tourism related matters.

USE OF FUNDS

It is the responsibility of the regional associations to ensure that the rules and regulations are followed for each project before submitting applications for funding.

REGION BROCHURES

(see also page XX)

PRINT AND BROADCAST ADVERTISING

(see also page XX)

Print and broadcast advertising placed outside of the region will be eligible for matching funds.

INTERNET

(see also page XX)

IN-REGION ADVERTISING MEDIA

(see also page XX)

Advertising in out-of-region newspapers, magazines, television, radio and other media that has a circulation or distribution into the State of Arkansas shall not be considered in-region advertising. Advertising based in-region will be considered on a project-by-project basis when the following is submitted to the Department of Parks and Tourism prior to the start of the project:

* Name of the media outlet

* Business address of the media outlet

* Media coverage map (print publications and television broadcast)

* An affidavit from the radio station stating that it meets the minimum power requirements of 500 watts for AM stations or 3,000 watts for FM stations (radio broadcast)

In-region advertising projects for regional tourist associations comprised of 15 or more counties will be considered on a project-by-project basis when submitted to the Department of Parks and Tourism prior to the start of the project.

OUTDOOR MEDIA

(see also page XX)

Each project will be considered individually by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism upon submission of proposed design and location prior to initiating the program. Billboards need not have the statement "This ad is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds." Regional tourist association name may be substituted for the words "private regional association."

PRINT AND DIGITAL MEDIA KITS

(see also page XX)

Will contain photographs, news releases, videos, and other promotional materials designed to promote the entire region in either hard copy or digital format. The project must be approved by the Department of Parks and Tourism prior to initiating the program.

TRAVEL RESEARCH PROJECTS

Will be designed to provide accurate data on travel patterns, volume, and expenditures. All information shall be furnished to the Department of Parks and Tourism for its use.

MEMBERSHIP FEES

Membership fees in national and/or regional tourist organizations, such as the Arkansas Travel Council and Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation, will be eligible for matching funds.

VIDEOS/ PHOTOGRAPHY

Each project will be considered individually by the Department of Parks and Tourism upon submission.

TRAVEL/TRADE SHOWS

Regi onal tourist promotion agencies may choose to exhibit at any tourism oriented travel/trade shows by contracting with a show producer.

Matching funds will be allowed for the following:

FESTIVAL/SPECIAL EVENT PROMOTIONS

(see also page XX)

Regi onal matching funds may be utilized for promotion and advertising of a festival or event by a regional tourist promotion association. Festival and event promotion and advertising will be matched only if it is placed outside the region to attract visitors to the event. Promotional items used within the region and promotion at the festival site will not be eligible. All printed materials must contain the statement in 8 point type in final production, "This ad paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds." Regional tourist association name may be substituted for the words "private regional association." These projects must be approved in advance on a project-by-project basis by the Department of Parks and Tourism.

PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS

The customary (15%) advertising agency commission, artist, photographer, auditor, or other professional contracts such as those dealing with accountability, membership development, coordination, increased exposure, website development, social media management, financial management services, and legal services will be allowed since professional knowledge and expertise can help the region maximize its resources.

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT MATERIALS

Any printed or digital (i.e. CD, DVD) membership recruitment materials, including brochures and postage, approved prior to production by the Department of Parks and Tourism.

INQUIRY RESPONSE

Postage for inquiry fulfillment, regional tourist association website hosting expenses, and telephone expenses will be allowed. To qualify, a landline/cell phone must be registered in the regional tourist association name and identify the association name in its voicemail. Up to 50% of personal cell phone bills that are used for regional tourist association business will be allowed if the association name is identified in its voicemail and the number is identified as belonging to the association in promotional materials.

IN-ROOM ADVERTISING

Each in-room advertising project (i.e. concierge books and hotel closed circuit informational videos) must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism in writing prior to beginning the program.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Such as net salary (amount after withholdings), stationery, office rent, or office supplies up to 10% of the total matching funds available for each region will be allowed. Invoices for supplies, or payroll documentation, will be required. A letter of employment is required to be eligible for payroll matching funds (See example letter on page XX). Salary checks must be written at the end of each pay period.

OTHER ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY PROJECTS

All projects not listed in the Use of Funds section shall be submitted in writing for consideration to the Department of Parks and Tourism in advance of the start of the individual project. Value of each project will be assessed at reasonable fair market value by the Department of Parks and Tourism and only that portion considered to be a reasonable cost will be eligible for matching funds.

NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MATCHING FUNDS

A. Each regional tourist promotion agency will elect or appoint an advertising committee, including at least one member from each county in the region.

B. The regional advertising committee chairperson will be the coordinating agent between the region and the Department of Parks and Tourism. All regional programs are submitted in writing to the Department of Parks and Tourism through this committee chairperson.

C. Submissions of proposed programs were due to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism on or before the start of the new fiscal year. The regional advertising committee must submit in advance of use:

* Preliminary advertising and promotional plans for the region as a whole.

* An estimate of funds to be raised or pledged.

D. The region's proposal will be reviewed, and, if approved, funds will be set aside and the region's advertising committee will be notified by on or before the second Tuesday in July. Unless approval is given prior to the commencement of any project, such project may not qualify for matching funds.

E. Matching funds are only available for projects developed and completed within the fiscal year in which appropriation is made. Reprints of brochures produced in a previous year can qualify upon written approval of the Department of Parks and Tourism, provided the brochure meets the previously listed qualifications.

F. All projects reimbursed using matching funds shall be subject to audit by the state.

G. All contracts for goods and services under the matching funds program shall be binding between the regional association and the vendor. In no case will the Department of Parks and Tourism be made a party to any contract.

H. Each regional tourist association is supported, in part, by public funds. Therefore, the association is required by law to fully comply with all the provisions of Act 93 of 1967, "The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act," as amended, with regard to the information on file both on the local level, and in the Department of Parks and Tourism.

APPLICATION FOR MATCHING FUND PAYMENT

GENERAL OVERVIEW

It is the responsibility of the regional associations to ensure that the rules and regulations are followed for each project before submitting applications for funding.

All invoices and contracts must list the regional tourist association as the payee. The regional tourist association must pay the service provider directly.

Upon completion of an approved project, the Regional Advertising Committee will submit to the Department of Parks and Tourism, the following documentation:

* A fully completed, legible Request for Payment Form (020 RMF 911)

* A copy of the invoice for this project

* A copy of the front and back of the regional tourist association's canceled check, a copy of the bank debit report listing payee and amount, or cashier's check, and

* Any documented proof of performance for the project in question.

* Completed project report (Form 2A or 2B)

* A copy of the Department of Parks and Tourism's approval (for projects requiring approval prior to project implementation)

If any of the above documentation is unable to be submitted electronically, the entire application is ineligible for electronic submission.

REQUEST FOR PAYMENT FORM - 020 RMF 911 (page XX)

In order to process your request for payment, the date, name of the Association, address, city, zip code, and counties which comprise your region must be filled in.

Next list the project(s) which you are requesting payment for. These project(s) will come from your Region Matching Funds budget, as approved by the Parks and Tourism Department, and need to be listed one per line. Several projects may be listed on the same "Request for Payment" form.

The total cost for each project will come from the invoice you receive from the vendor for this particular project, and needs to be listed following the project for which it applies. This invoice amount may be more than the amount requested for approval.

To calculate the total matching share amount requested, take the total cost, divide by 3, then multiply by 2. Round up to the nearest cent. Total cost of projects is the sum of all approved project costs. List this amount in the appropriate place.

To complete this form, obtain the signature of the association's Advertising Committee Chairperson and the President or Treasurer.

INVOICES

Every Request for Payment Form (020 RMF 911) will be accompanied by an invoice, or itemized statement. This is required for a request to be processed. Invoices vary greatly, but there is information contained on every invoice which Parks and Tourism needs in order to process a request. This information is:

* The name, address, and phone number of the vendor (payee),

* The name, address, and phone number of the customer (payer),

* An invoice number, date of transaction, and specifically what item, project, or job the vendor is requesting payment for, and

* The cost of each item, project or job, listed individually. Other costs may be included on an invoice, such as tax, freight, or services.

* Previous, current, and ending balances.

Should you deal with a vendor that issues statements, but no invoices, the statement will need to contain the same data listed above for an invoice. Specifically, statements must be itemized.

PROOF OF PAYMENT

No request for payment is complete without a copy of the regional association's canceled check, a copy of the bank debit report listing payee and amount, or cashier's check. Regardless of which form of payment your region prefers, all invoices to which this check applies must be clearly listed, and individually itemized on the front of every check.

Each regional association will submit a copy of a check with its Request for Payment. This copied check, by law, must indicate payment of at least 1/3 of the invoice to which it applies, and needs to include the front and back sides of the check.

Another form of payment acceptable to Parks and Tourism is the cashier's check. In this case, a copy of the front of the cashier's check (not the back), or an actual official duplicate of the cashier's check, is all that is needed to fulfill the payment requirement.

An itemized debit report listing date, payee, and amount from the regional tourist association's bank is acceptable proof of payment when using a debit card. If paying with a credit card, the credit card statement listing date, payee, and amount should be submitted along with proof that the credit card bill has been paid by the association.

Documentation of payment by check from organizations other than the regional association will not be allowed. In other words, the check submitted as payment for a project must be drawn on the regional association's account.

DOCUMENTED PROOF OF PERFORMANCE

In most cases, documentation proving a project submitted for matching funds has been completed is as simple as a copy of the article, ad, brochure or spot. This documentation will accompany your request for payment to the Department of Parks and Tourism.

As there are different media to advertise and promote your region, so are there different requirements concerning the various proofs of performance needed to process your request.

In general, any printed advertisement submitted will include the date, name of publication and copy of the advertisement. For example, a tear sheet from the newspaper, an issue of the magazine, or a section from a tabloid. Photocopies of print ads and printed electronic copies will not satisfy the documentation requirement. Electronic tear sheets, as provided by the issuing agency, must be forwarded as an e-mail attachment to the Department of Parks and Tourism.

When advertising with audio/visual communications, CD/DVD/digital (or current format) copy of the spot must be submitted with your request.

The five most common advertising mediums are discussed below, with examples of each following. When in doubt as to what documentation is needed, call the Tourism Development Manager for clarification.

NEWSPAPER

When advertising in a newspaper, a tear sheet is needed for documentation. To be reimbursed, a tear sheet is to be included from each publication in which the advertisement ran. A tear sheet is a full page including the publication date and the publication name. This may include more than one page, or several sections. A clipped article, ad, or advertorial from the publication is not acceptable documentation.

MAGAZINE

Documentation requirements for magazine advertising mirrors newspaper advertising. The tear sheet from the publication must include a copy of the region's advertising with the publication name and date on the page. If the advertisement tear sheet does not have the name and date on it, include the entire magazine. A clipped ad or advertorial from the publication is not acceptable documentation. Links to electronic issues of magazines must be provided to the Department of Parks and Tourism.

RADIO

When advertising on radio, two forms of documentation are necessary: a script or CD/digital (or current format) copy of the advertisement7 and an affidavit of performance. This affidavit must be notarized (notary seal and signature), and contain the signature of the Station Manager. If you advertise 3 messages on 5 stations, then 3 copies of the ad, and 5 signed, dated affidavits of performance are needed.

The ad must include this statement, "This ad paid with state and regional funds."

If radio spots are purchased through an advertising agency, an ad agency invoice would take the place of the affidavit of performance. A script or CD/digital (or current format) copy would still be required.

TELEVISION

When advertising on television, two forms of documentation are necessary: a script or video of the advertisement and an affidavit of performance. Again, this affidavit must be notarized (notary seal and signature), and contain the signatures of the Station Manager.

The ad must include this statement, "This ad paid with state and regional funds."

As with radio advertising, if the regional television advertising is purchased through an ad agency, the ad agency invoice will take the place of the affidavit of performance and a script or video of the ad would still be required.

INTERNET

When advertising on the internet with banner ads or pre-roll video, three forms of documentation are necessary: