ARTICLE
(Hot Springs, AR) Aug. 27, 2018 – The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorses and supports Mid-America Science Museum’s Full Steam Ahead campaign, which, if approved by voters, will add more exhibit space to the museum. The board unanimously voted to approve the endorsement during its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 21, after listening to a presentation by Diane LaFollette, MASM Executive Director, and Forrest Spicher, Market Executive at BancorpSouth. The Full Steam Ahead campaign proposes to expand the museum by 7,000 square feet, making it the largest science exhibit venue in the state of Arkansas. The museum is asking City of Hot Springs residents to vote for a $2 million capital improvement bond to fund the expansion on Sept. 11. Early voting begins Sept. 4. “Mid America Science Museum is a huge part of education in our area and it’s vitally important that we invest in their long-term success,” said Chamber Chairman Mark Curry. “Diane LaFollette and Forrest Spicher made a compelling presentation to our Chamber board of directors on the future use for the museum. We voted unanimously to support the campaign as it will support education and will bring in visitors to the Greater Hot Springs area. It will be a ‘win’ for everyone.” There will be no new tax, Spicher said. The money is collected via the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission and voters must simply approve the use of the funds. The proposed expansion will provide children in Hot Springs as well as the entire state and surrounding area with new top-of-the-line educational exhibits. As a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, the museum will have access to several of its most popular traveling exhibits, including the “Titanic the Artifact Exhibition,” “Star Wars and the Power of Costume,” and “The Animation Academy.” In 2015 a renovation by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation updated the museum’s existing facility and added new permanent exhibits, however it does not allow the museum room for traveling exhibits. The proposed expansion will include 5,000 square feet of space for traveling exhibits and 2,000 square feet for utilities. Community groups and educational organizations will also be able to use the space for meetings and events in between exhibits. Plans include a portable stage, ample storage, restrooms, coat check and a food prep area for catering companies. If approved by voters, the anticipated completion time is nine to 12 months with a tentative opening of fall/winter 2019. The expansion will be better for families, businesses and the community, LaFollette said. Special exhibits at the museum have seen an increase of attendance from 20-25 percent, she said. The proposed expansion will attract more visitors not only to the museum but also to the neighboring attractions and restaurants. The Chamber encourages those who live within the City of Hot Springs to vote for the approval of the use of funds and those who live outside the City of Hot Springs to encourage city residents to vote for the expansion. The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is Hot Springs’ leading advocate and champion for business. For further information, contact Mara Kuhn at 501.321.1700 or mara.kuhn@growinghotsprings.com - 30 -
(Hot Springs, AR) Aug. 27, 2018 – The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorses and supports Mid-America Science Museum’s Full Steam Ahead campaign, which, if approved by voters, will add more exhibit space to the museum. The board unanimously voted to approve the endorsement during its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 21, after listening to a presentation by Diane LaFollette, MASM Executive Director, and Forrest Spicher, Market Executive at BancorpSouth. The Full Steam Ahead campaign proposes to expand the museum by 7,000 square feet, making it the largest science exhibit venue in the state of Arkansas. The museum is asking City of Hot Springs residents to vote for a $2 million capital improvement bond to fund the expansion on Sept. 11. Early voting begins Sept. 4. “Mid America Science Museum is a huge part of education in our area and it’s vitally important that we invest in their long-term success,” said Chamber Chairman Mark Curry. “Diane LaFollette and Forrest Spicher made a compelling presentation to our Chamber board of directors on the future use for the museum. We voted unanimously to support the campaign as it will support education and will bring in visitors to the Greater Hot Springs area. It will be a ‘win’ for everyone.” There will be no new tax, Spicher said. The money is collected via the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission and voters must simply approve the use of the funds. The proposed expansion will provide children in Hot Springs as well as the entire state and surrounding area with new top-of-the-line educational exhibits. As a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, the museum will have access to several of its most popular traveling exhibits, including the “Titanic the Artifact Exhibition,” “Star Wars and the Power of Costume,” and “The Animation Academy.”
In 2015 a renovation by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation updated the museum’s existing facility and added new permanent exhibits, however it does not allow the museum room for traveling exhibits.
The proposed expansion will include 5,000 square feet of space for traveling exhibits and 2,000 square feet for utilities. Community groups and educational organizations will also be able to use the space for meetings and events in between exhibits. Plans include a portable stage, ample storage, restrooms, coat check and a food prep area for catering companies.
If approved by voters, the anticipated completion time is nine to 12 months with a tentative opening of fall/winter 2019.
The expansion will be better for families, businesses and the community, LaFollette said. Special exhibits at the museum have seen an increase of attendance from 20-25 percent, she said. The proposed expansion will attract more visitors not only to the museum but also to the neighboring attractions and restaurants.
The Chamber encourages those who live within the City of Hot Springs to vote for the approval of the use of funds and those who live outside the City of Hot Springs to encourage city residents to vote for the expansion.
The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is Hot Springs’ leading advocate and champion for business.
For further information, contact Mara Kuhn at 501.321.1700 or mara.kuhn@growinghotsprings.com
- 30 -