The Alva Tourism and Convention Committee heard three requests for funding Wednesday night during their regularly scheduled meeting, starting with the Alva Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Oklahoma Visitor’s Center secretary salary. Alva’s Economic Development Coordinator, Alexandra Mantz, addressed the committee, comprised of chairman Norville Ritter, members Juanita Dobson, Terri Parson and Dr. Charles Tucker. Connor Martin was absent.

Mantz emphasized the importance of the secretarial position, citing the estimated number of walk-ins, emails and phone calls the secretary handles. Serving as the public’s main point of contact, the secretary’s goal is to maintain the level of service it has provided in years past. The committee approved the $6,000 request.

The second request for financial assistance was for regional tourism industry advertising. The proposal, also presented by Mantz, was requested for the purchase of a spot in The Red Carpet Country 2019 Visitor’s Guide. She said that the publication is distributed in Oklahoma, southern Kansas, the Texas panhandle, chambers of commerce, and visitor centers. She explained that with a distribution number of 80,000, the publication has increased tourism and awareness of Alva and its surrounding communities. Her request for $2,300 was unanimously approved.

Mantz gave the floor to PRCA rodeo star Stockton Graves who requested $15,000 for the upcoming Ranger Rodeo. The rodeo will feature student athletes from all over the United States to showcasing their talent at the Woods County Fairgrounds. Scheduled for Oct. 25-27, Graves estimates the event will bring in about 2,500 visitors, providing a big economic boost to the community. Committee members approved Graves’ request.

Other items on the night’s agenda included review and action of August meeting minutes and financial reports from August and September, which were ultimately approved.