Craig Rickert hired as Jonesboro’s A&P executive director
by October 31, 2023 10:58 am 547 views
The Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission has hired Craig Rickert as its first executive director. Rickert comes to the A&P after serving six years as director of communications for Jonesboro Unlimited.
“We are excited to bring Craig on board to lead the organization and spread the story of all the great events happening in our city. His knowledge and passion for Jonesboro is unmatched,” Jonesboro A&P Commission Chairman Jerry Morgan said.
Rickert has been a vocal Jonesboro advocate for 21 years, first as primary anchor at KAIT-TV for 15 years, followed by working in economic development with Jonesboro Unlimited.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to continue to let people know all we have to offer here in Jonesboro,” Rickert said. “I can’t wait to work to spread the word and draw even more people here for special events.”
Rickert was instrumental in the recent rebranding of Jonesboro. With Jonesboro Unlimited taking the lead, Rickert brought together the city of Jonesboro, the Downtown Jonesboro Alliance, the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the A&P Commission to unify under one complementary logo and style.
“It was one of the most satisfying accomplishments in my working career. It showed me and many others how easy it can be to work together when we realize we all have a common goal,” Rickert said. “With that kind of teamwork, we’ll be able to do some impressive things in the future.”
“We appreciate the work Craig has done for Jonesboro Unlimited.” JU President Mark Young said. “He is a great advocate for Jonesboro, and we look forward to working with him in this new role.”
Mayor Harold Copenhaver said Rickert “knows this town and he knows the people. “With the amenities we have in place, like the Shooting Sports range and the coming sports complex, he has the passion to market Jonesboro regionally and nationally.”
Jonesboro’s A&P Commission is funded by hotel and restaurant tax revenues that are reinvested in the community. Those funds are used for promotion of conventions, sports tournaments, and the creation of the regional sports complex that is under development.
The A&P Commission was instrumental in the agreement with Arkansas State University and the O’Reilly group to build the Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro. The Convention Center continues to elevate Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas as a destination city for events and tourism. Jonesboro will also serve as the host city for the 50th anniversary of the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism to be held in February 2024.