Council okays skating rink promotion

By John Butters
Posted 12/20/22

An improved revenue stream coupled with significant updates to the Wellman skating rink has encouraged the Wellman City Council to approve an advertising contract with a regional television …

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Council okays skating rink promotion

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An improved revenue stream coupled with significant updates to the Wellman skating rink has encouraged the Wellman City Council to approve an advertising contract with a regional television station.

Council members approved a 6-month contract with KCRG Television for a series of ads promoting the skating rink and the community of Wellman. Skating Rink Manager Brenda Reasor submitted the proposal to council members Monday that specifies a $2,000 ad per month advertising campaign for the next six months.

Council members expressed apprehension about the $12,000 expenditure but noted that the rink had made significant financial progress in the last year. It was mentioned that the rink had not needed additional city funding in the past year and that the many improvements had paid for themselves.

Because there are very few roller rinks left, Reasor said that the Wellman rink was attracting a substantial number of out-of-town visitors. She said the rink has booked parties from the Fairfield, Washington, and Sigourney School systems, as well as adult parties from as far away as Cedar Rapids.

Visitors often complimented her on the excellent condition of the rink, she said. The rink has recently refurbished the floors, the skates, and its lighting and sound systems.

Council person Tony Evans said that though the upfront cost was high, the awareness the ads would create would remain in viewer’s minds.

“They can’t visit the rink if they don’t know about it,” he said.

Mayor Ryan Miller agreed, pointing out that advertising creates “top-of-mind awareness” that can translate into sales at a later date, if not immediately. 

With its proven ability to draw skaters to Wellman, council person Aaron Fleming asked if there was any anecdotal information of visitors spending additional money at local businesses.

Reasor said that several parties had mentioned that they dined locally and/or stopped at the local convenience store for purchases.

Council members said they would be monitoring the results of the advertising in an attempt to measure its overall effectiveness.

In previous business, council members approved an amendment December 5 to its pets and animal licensing ordinance. The amendment makes it unlawful for residents to feed feral dogs, cats or wild animals within the city.  Those violating the ordinance could be subject to ticketing by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.