Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey has cut off town funding for Discover Easton.
The non-profit organization, formerly known as the Easton Business Alliance, provides marketing, promotions and event services for Easton and its businesses and organizations. It has received funding from the town for some years.
Discover Easton also gets funding from member businesses and fundraising activities.
In his Sept. 28 letter to the board of Discover Easton, Willey said the money slated for Discover Easton would instead go to the Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC).
The town has split its economic development funding between the two organizations for several years. The money comes from the accommodations tax paid by guests at hotels and similar establishments; that tax revenue is required to be spent on tourism or economic development.
Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey
The only explanation the mayor gave in the letter is that the town believes its economic development funding “will be leveraged better” by going entirely through the EEDC.
Willey’s decision comes just three months after the start of the town’s fiscal year 2020-21 budget. The town council unanimously approved the $23.376 million budget, which included $480,750 for economic development, in mid-May.
Discover Easton recently drew some opposition for its proposed pedestrian promenade on Washington Street in front of the county courthouse.
The town council initially approved the street closure, then rescinded approval after opposition. The town later approved the closure of parking spaces along one side of Washington Street to allow for outside dining during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discover Easton describes itself as “a marketing, promotions and events nonprofit in Easton, Maryland. The mission of EBA is to enhance, preserve and promote the vitality of Easton’s independent merchants which benefit business owners, residents and visitors; and to bring awareness to the Town’s historical roots and lifestyles. EBA is a nonprofit operating under the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The organizational funding is provided by the Town of Easton; additional funding is provided by membership dues and through fundraising events.”
While Discover Easton has focused on marketing, promotions, and events, the EEDC has worked on business creation and retention.
According to its website, the “Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works toward managing Easton’s continued growth as a diverse and healthy ‘smart town,’ leading innovation where the land and water meet.”
Letter from Mayor Willey
KM Miller says
A grevious mistake by Mayor Willey! The promotion of Easton by Discover Easton has been a much more (and better) marketing arm for the town/area than the EEDC has been! Regrettably, a very narrow and short shortsighted decision to the desirable & needed approach of promoting Easton & the business community.
Laurie Frame says
I agree!
Leslie Hamburger says
Exactly! The “Events” page of the EEDC has not been updated since Dec. 2019! Discover Easton/Ross Benincasa has done a wonderful job of promoting our community and providing up to date information about events and how to enjoy Talbot County. This decision by the Mayor raises many questions that should be answered; for one, is it a conflict of interest (and ethics) that Mayor Willey also sits on the board of EEDC? And another, how is the EEDC funded? If funding comes from local private businesses/residents, is it possible that the wealthy businessman who publicly went after Ross Benincasa about the pedestrian promenade had something to do with this decision? Perhaps the most significant question, which has come up before, do our elected officials truly represent all the people or just the wealthy people?
Barbara H Perry says
Excellent comments. Will we ever know the answers?
Barbara H Perry says
Agree with Leslie’s comments. Is there a conflict of interest here?
Barbara H Perry says
Very sad. Wish we knew why the change of heart. Discover Easton has done more to market our downtown area and events that will bring people to Easton.
Nanny Trippe says
This is a very distressing announcement. Ross Benincasa and Jeff Lankford have worked creatively and tirelessly to bring PEOPLE to Easton. With no foot traffic, we don’t survive and new businesses won’t want to join our beautiful town. This makes no sense—Discover Easton has a successful track record!!!! Ross and Jeff are “boots on the ground” -they are in constant touch with all businesses and share ideas, advertising campaigns and get our feedback. In 10 years, Mayor Willey has been in my business ONE time and he did not even converse with me-it was an election year walkabout.
Denis Del Pino says
Heard about this decision last night and was floored,a bit surprised and Miffed. Here for the first time we have had someone that actually did work for our local business community with results, trust me when I say this, have been through lots of Candidates. Ross held his own and by far out did past holders of this job, seems this decision came out of nowhere and without transparency maybe Im wrong and hope this doesn’t mean that two jobs have been lost.
Nancy Lehmann says
This is not a well thought out decision. Discover Easton has made so much progress in promoting our town and to be defunded in this manner makes it appear as retaliation for going against certain individuals. I would hope this is not the truth. I respect both organizations and believe both are needed to continue to help our town grow responsibly. Discover Easton certainly has placed the small businesses and their customers in it’s forefront of its concerns. I hope the mayor will rethink his decision. Ross Benincasa has had a significantly positive impact on this town with Discover Easton and the marketing job they have done.
Sharon Harrington says
What needs to be asked is what part or involvement, if any, did Mr. Paul Prager have in this decision? We know from the Town Council meetings on the promenade that Mr. Prager has “it out for” Discover Easton.
CATHERINE RICHARDS says
Incredibly disappointing and as others have noted, short sighted at best. This decision takes an incredible resource for our local business community and tosses it in the rubbish.