ROCKPORT, Texas — The City of Rockport is accepting applications for two new advisory boards that will play a vital part in the growth of the city.
The City is looking for 12 individuals to lead their efforts in promoting tourism, economic growth and development. Two new boards have been formed with that goal in mind, the Convention and Visitor Bureau Advisory Board (CVB) and Tax Reinvestment Zone 1 Advisory Board (TIRZ).
City Manager Vanessa Shrauner said this is a great opportunity for locals to get involved and make a difference in their community.
"It's really important that we allocate that money how the citizens want it allocated and both of these boards in some way or another do that, so that's the importance of it" Shrauner said. "Tourism is our bread and butter, so we need to make sure it's managed appropriately on the backside."
Moving forward, Shrauner said it will be the CVB Board's responsibility to allocate funds from the Hotel Occupancy Tax.
"To help distribute those funds, spend those funds wisely and make sure all sectors are represented," she said.
Mike Catlian is the owner of Coast Modern and he's seen how Rockport has changed drastically over the years. He's looking forward to how these two boards will contribute to the city's growth.
"Rockport has a lot of good things going for it," he said. "Their vision is very clear and they're implementing it very well and I'm super excited about what they have with those groups."
The CVB Board will consist of seven members including one city council member. Members must work in the lodging, tourism, restaurant, arts and historical sectors, or be a member of the Rockport/Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
The TIRZ Board will also be made up of seven members including one council member. they must be over 18 years old, a property owner in the reinvestment zone and be a resident of the county or an adjacent county.
"It's really important they have a say and a representation in how that money is spent so that Rockport ends up looking like the citizen's of Rockport want it to," Shrauner said.
She encourages anyone that is interested on serving on either board, to pick up an application in person or fill one out online. For more information visit the City of Rockport's website here.