Visitors Bureau meets potential new members

Members of the Fremont and Dodge County Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board met a pair of potential new members at their regular meeting late Wednesday morning.

Judy Hespen and Tammy Evans were introduced as potential members to fill a vacant position that was held by Nona Wiese of Scribner until she resigned in March. While Phil Carter replaced Wiese as the board’s president, Wiese’s position has remained vacant.

Hespen, who lives near Ames, has worked for Simmons Restaurants for 32 years.

She said she believes there are opportunities with tourism in Fremont and Dodge County.

“We should look at what draws people and see what kind of activities we have,” she said. “We should think about what would have an effect on all businesses and on our community in general.”

Evans has lived in Fremont for 3 1/2 years, but has a much stronger commitment to the community than a relative newcomer might be expected to have.

“I am very involved and invested in the community,” said Evans, the executive director of Care Corps. “I hope I could have skills that would partner with all of you. The presence of the CVB needs to be lifted out. I see the CVB as a leader.

“I also know it takes money to make things happen,” she continued. “I have a strong fundraising background.”

Board members indicated that choosing between the two would be difficult.

“They sound excellent to me, both of them,” said Ron Powers.

Advisory board members decided they will vote on a recommendation at their June 4 meeting.

The recommendation must be approved by the Dodge County Board of Supervisors. All expenses of and appointments to the CVB must be approved by the county board because the CVB and its funding sources were created through county ordinances and its revenues are handled through the county treasurer’s office.

Although not at the

meeting, Steve Dorsey has also indicated he would like to be considered for the position, said Melissa Powell and Bruce Eveland.

In another matter, advisory board members decided to spend up to $500 for have a new logo for the CVB developed.

Carter said he knew of a couple of local artists who could bring logo proposals to the June meeting.

Powers said the current CVB logo doesn’t really fit the community.

“It doesn’t say to come to Fremont and Dodge County and have fun,” Powers said. “It says come and see historic places, but how many people do that on vacations?”