By Shannon Wright
There’s a lot happening in Webster Parish right now and if the latest meeting of the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission is any indication, there’s also a lot to be hopeful for.
The Commission held its second meeting of the year on Wednesday, March 18, at the Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce, working through a full agenda.
One of the biggest changes has been happening quietly.
Until recently, the Commission and the Greater Minden Chamber have shared office space, with the Commission leasing the space from the Chamber.
However, behind the scenes, Executive Director Amie Poladian and Johnnye Kennon have been busy making the move into a new office.
“The City of Minden made some space available for us out by the Rec Center, so that was sort of an easy decision,” board chairman Ty Pendergrass said. “It’s a really nice space.”
The location may not be permanent, but the City has offered it for up to a year.
Poladian, who stepped into the role as Director in July of 2025, after the position had been vacant for months, has been focused on getting things back in order while also increasing tourism. One of the first items on her list was bringing the Commission’s financial reports up to date.
“Financial Management has been really good, they are getting us all up to speed on everything,” she said. “Our finances are in order.”
With Wise, Martin and Cole CPAs handling the financial review, the Commission is preparing for what comes next. If they reach the $500,000 threshold, as expected, they will be required to have a full audit performed. That’s more in-depth, but steps are already being taken to make that transition smoother, including the board-approved changes to how certain items are paid out to keep everything in compliance and easier to review.
Pendergrass also pointed out something important when it comes to understanding the numbers. State tax revenue is distributed in two payments, and those aren’t released until the annual financial review is submitted. Because of delays tied to the director position being vacant, 2025 revenue may appear understated, while 2026 may appear overstated.
It’s not a discrepancy, it’s just timing.
The board also approved two recurring cooperative endeavor agreements, both in the amount of $4,000. One with the Scottish Society, which hosts its well-attended annual festival in Minden, and another with the Brothers Keepers MC Burn Run, a major fundraising event held each year at Lake Bistineau State Park.
The Krewe des Ambassadeurs was also approved for its annual advertising grant of $2,000, which carries a little extra meaning this year as the krewe celebrates its 25th anniversary and reunion.
Several other items were approved as well, including Directors and Officers liability insurance for $661 annually, other insurances, enhanced lighting at Miller Quarters Park for $2,000, four kayak wraps for parish paddle events totaling $1,300, and cleaning services for the new office at $165 per month.
Poladian reported that a $1,000 donation was made by Webster Parish Police Juror Tan Grigsby to help with the lighting improvements at Miller Quarters Park. As well as the lights being donated by Entergy.
There was also some exciting news shared during the meeting.
A new upper-midscale chain hotel is in the planning stages for the Minden area and is expected to be completed by the Summer of 2027. While details are still limited, it’s another sign that Webster Parish is continuing to grow and draw attention.
The Commission is also exploring the idea of bringing in a new team of photographers to better represent the parish through more consistent branding and high-quality imagery. The discussion will continue at the next meeting.
During public comments, Springhill-North Webster Chamber Executive Director Amber Cobb shared an observation.
“[Tourists] want to explore Louisiana and they start at the top [in Springhill] and work their way through the state,” she said. “We’re finding that a lot of people just want to explore. They don’t want to do museums, they don’t really want to do shopping…they just want to walk, they really just want to explore.”
There was discussion on one of its hidden gems, the Bayou State Trail, which passes through Wenks Landing in the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area near Springhill before connecting into the Louisiana Trail and eventually running down through the entire state.
Kisatchie National Forest, right here in Webster Parish, with its trails and a fairly new bike trail that continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts. Then, of course, there are trails of another kind at the Muddy Bottoms ATV Park. There are trails at Caney Lake, and Lake Bistineau State Park offers trails for both adults and children.
Even the bald eagles that can be spotted around Lake Bistineau and Bayou Dorcheat have become a draw for visitors.
The Tourism Commission is encouraging residents to take a little time to see the parish as a place to explore – whether it’s getting out on a trail, visiting a local event, touring a museum, browsing antique and thrift shops, stopping by a farmers market, or dining at local restaurants.
And the Commission asks that when you do, you share it on social media. Post about it and tag @VisitWebsterParish.
The next meeting of the Commission will be held on May 20 at 9 a.m., with the location to be announced on their Facebook page and website.
Meetings are held every other month, and the public is always encouraged to attend.