By Paige Gurgainers

The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission (WPCVC) met for their bi-monthly meeting last Thursday where they welcomed two new members and said goodbye to two ‘old’ members, as well.  

After dutifully serving on the commission for 13 years, Nicky Patel made the decision not to re-up his position on the board. “It has been an honor to serve with you guys,” said Patel. “I have seen a lot of improvements. We have done a lot of new things, and I am proud to have been a part of it.” 

Also bidding farewell after one year of service is Brandon Perryman, owner of Perryman Welding. This decision stemmed from a conflict of interest with him serving on the board that has limited his ability to be able to bid on jobs in the city limits.  

“I will be working instead of sitting here. I can’t bid on anything as long as I am on the board. With the things going on at Miller Quarters and all the pavilions and everything, I wouldn’t be able to bid on. With iron work being our passion, I want to put all the iron up.”

Officially starting in January are new members Kyle Robertson and Rachel Miller.

The board also approved the budget for the upcoming year, which includes the last portion of the funds granted by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  

“We have to project where those funds will be spent, but we have until December 2025 to spend them,” explained director of community affairs Johnnye Kennon. 

Kennon has been filling in for the previous executive director, Serena Gray, who a few months ago made the decision to join the Shreveport-Bossier tourism board. But according to WPCVC President Ty Pendergrass, the board will begin actively searching for their new executive director after the new year.