LENOX -- In a major step toward enhancing the appeal of activities aimed at visitors and Berkshire County residents, the town is seeking applications from qualified, professional event specialists to coordinate three attractions in late May and in June.
A formal request for proposals details a three-month contract paying up to $8,000 for at least 200 hours of work. If town voters approve up to $95,000 in requested economic development funding at their May 2 annual meeting, the position could become year-round.
Spring events to be coordinated by an experienced events professional include the well-established Memorial Weekend Marathon Races, the second annual Berkshire Bicycle Classic on June 9, and a newly organized car show and village block party planned for the weekend of June 13-15.
The consultant would coordinate events to maximize the economic impact for Lenox businesses and organizations, according to the request for proposals, and coordinate with town businesses and organizations as needed to create or expand established events to make sure they are well received and supported.
The individual hired is expected to identify potential local or regional event sponsors, coordinate marketing and public relations for events through the town, the chamber and area businesses, and participate in Event Committee meetings and other town meetings as needed.
Town Manager Gregory Federspiel, who prepared the request, noted that "while summers are
"A key economic goal is to expand the town's busy season, drawing more visitors to town during the non-summer months," he emphasized. "One way we hope to achieve this is to create new special events to attract visitors to Lenox."
According to Federspiel, the consultant will report to him and will collaborate with the Lenox Events Committee, local businesses, the Lenox Chamber of Commerce and event promoters.
Visitors who stay overnight or who dine in Lenox contribute about $1.6 million to town coffers annually through lodging and meals taxes, an amount that helps hold down the rate of property-tax increases.
The consultant hired would not be a town employee, but would contract with the town for his or her services. The successful applicant will be asked to provide liability insurance, a business license and any other required documentation.
If funding is approved to extend the position, annual contracts would be negotiated based on an agreement covering hours per week worked.
Completed applications are due at Federspiel's Town Hall office, 6 Walker St., Lenox 01240 by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, with no late entries accepted. Interviews will be scheduled for Wednesday morning, March 20, so the Selectmen might vote on a recommended candidate at their meeting the same evening.
The application is available at www.townoflenox.com.
For additional information: (413) 637-5500, ext. 7, or townmanager @townoflenox.com.
Font Resize
