FAYETTEVILLE — Advertising and Promotion commissioners Monday approved a 5 percent raise for Marilyn Heifner, commission executive director, bringing Heifner’s annual salary to $88,200.
Heifner also received a 5 percent pay increase last year.
Ching Mong, commission chairman, cited increased tax collections in 2013 and more profitable events at the Fayetteville Town Center as two reasons for the raise.
“There are a lot of other points we could talk about,” Mong said.
Hotel, motel and restaurant tax collections were up $111,797, from $2.52 million to $2.63 million, in 2013 compared to 2012, according to a report presented Monday.
Sandra Bennett, facilities manager at the Fayetteville Town Center, told commissioners 148 weekday events were held last year compared to 77 events in 2010. Events brought in more than $2,000 on average last year compared to about $1,500 in 2010, Bennett said.
Commissioners reviewed a number of staff accomplishments in 2013, including creation of the Fayetteville Ale Trail craft brewery guide; initiation of a Hospitality Hero program; pocket-sized trail and motorcycle ride maps; a revamped website; and record attendance at the Clinton House Museum.
Commissioners delayed a discussion until next month about possibly changing their biannual system for awarding event organizers and nonprofit groups money.
Commissioner Matthew Petty said he wanted to make sure the commission had ample time to have a full discussion in February.
Spring funding requests are due April 1.
The commission re-elected Mong as chairman. Mong is the owner of Formosa Chinese Restaurant and part-owner of Apple Blossom Brewing Co.