Two days after his beautiful wedding ceremony in 2006, Brian Moore whisked away his new bride on a romantic getaway to the Island of Tahiti, French Polynesia. The Springdale Chamber of Commerce graciously picked up the $8,605.40 tab.Moore, former chairman of the chamber's executive board, told Richard Massey of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette he has no apologies. Moore insists he earned this trip as well as the $10,436.88 anniversary cruise to Istanbul, Turkey a year later "volunteering" to peddle advertising for the Chamber on a 15% commission basis.
There's something just not quite right about being a volunteer and yet paid commissions at the same time.
The 2009 Chairman, Blake Hanby, gave us a different scenario with his explanation to reporter Steve Caraway for the Morning News. Hanby claims that trips were paid for by the Chamber and then reimbursed by the traveler.
I don't know which is the case here, but the fact that Moore was able to volunteer enough of his time to earn such high dollar trips makes me wonder when he had time to do his regular full-time job.
UPDATE: The previously posted wedding photo has been removed at the request of Mr. Moore. Our intent was simply to show the correlation between the date of the wedding and the date of the Tahiti trip.
There's something just not quite right about being a volunteer and yet paid commissions at the same time.
The 2009 Chairman, Blake Hanby, gave us a different scenario with his explanation to reporter Steve Caraway for the Morning News. Hanby claims that trips were paid for by the Chamber and then reimbursed by the traveler.
I don't know which is the case here, but the fact that Moore was able to volunteer enough of his time to earn such high dollar trips makes me wonder when he had time to do his regular full-time job.
UPDATE: The previously posted wedding photo has been removed at the request of Mr. Moore. Our intent was simply to show the correlation between the date of the wedding and the date of the Tahiti trip.
We all know how to vacation. It's economic development we paid for! You "men" should be ashamed of yourselves! A far cry from Robinhood. Bernie Madoff would seen a much closer fit. A paid volunteer, now that's a concept that had to orginate from the Springdale Chamber. How would that bedtime story go? Two years ago when daddy was a paid volunteer.....
ReplyDeleteIt love how people take what they want to from an FOI report and use it as tainted material. I challenge those "people" (and I use that term very loosely) to report ALL the facts, not just the ones they want to use! But, then again, that IS the nature of the media, so one cannot expect too much from it, I suppose. Rather, I challenge those people who choose to believe without self-research to do just that, then post what you think from a fully informed perspective!
ReplyDeleteI also challenge this "Pandora" to reveal herself (yes, I know what pronoun I used). Seems she has a lot to say, but anyone can say what he or she wants when he or she is protected by disguise....
ReplyDeleteIn doing research online about this issue, I found that Springdale's C of C's sponsorship campaign was modeled after the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce's sponsorship campaign, which is still going strong. I doubt the Executive VP of the Bank of Oklahoma would be engaged in improprieties with his local Chamber! Check out this link to their newsletter pertaining to this: http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/nlarchive2.asp?nlid=1961
ReplyDeleteMaybe Pandora should check and see how many of our respected local businesses were involved with the Springdale Campaign. Pandora, you're over your head in this my dear...looks like this is a thriving campaign done all across America!!
It appears to me these campaigns are thriving everywhere but Springdale. The Chamber needs to use their membership dues for this shit, not taxpayer dollars.
ReplyDeleteHey 12:24 - did your research online determine who's boat the Chamber pays for at the marina too? Did it also determine that's a nationally accepted practice? I personally think Pandora is da bomb exposing these self-serving, selfish crooks for what they really are and I personally hope she keeps going and going and going! Our COC does nothing but throw cash at themselves and watch our town fester like a heap of chicken manure.
ReplyDelete"I also challenge this "Pandora" to reveal herself (yes, I know what pronoun I used). Seems she has a lot to say, but anyone can say what he or she wants when he or she is protected by disguise...."
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 11:05 - You have some nerve challenging anybody & then posting anonymously. Whatever.
"I doubt the Executive VP of the Bank of Oklahoma would be engaged in improprieties with his local Chamber!"
ReplyDeleteWe all know how honest the banking industry is! Almost as honest as Sprouse who turned a blind eye before writing the chamber another check recently.
You're either Brian Moore or Dotson. Either way a little thick. Pun intended.
You 3:30, are just a jerk for throwing out insults that have nothing to do with the matter at hand! I don't see your picture on here! Unless your a Ken doll, I doubt you have ANY room to talk! And to all of you, I seem to remember my Savior saying something about letting "he without sin cast the first stone". All of you live in la la land. And you obviously have no lives to spend as much time as you do causing trouble in our community. How can facts be debated with such misinformed, junior high trouble makers? Have at it tossing around anonymous empty words...I'm out of this crazyiness!
ReplyDeleteA simple google search will reveal that similar programs are conducted by many local chambers across the country. The so-called facts of this story are filled with half truths and inaccuracies. I know Mr. Moore personally, and I am POSITIVE he has given more back to the city of Springdale than the small group of individuals responsible for this hate filled blog. In fact, let's consider this group and blog. This is nothing more than a personal attack by a group of pathetic and small minded individuals with their own self serving agendas. Why remain anonymous? Are they ashamed to let the good people of Springdale know who they are? It demonstrates that they are hypocrites and shows a tremendous lack of personal character.
ReplyDeleteAttacking an individual like this wrong, plain and simple. Posting pictures of Mr. Moore's family members one the web without his permission is stepping over the line of common decency. I guess when arguments can't be won in legitimate open debate, some people resort to anonymous attacks to feel better about themselves. This so-called story is nothing short of slander, and I hope those responsible are held accountable.
It's only slander if it's not true. I couldn't find where similar programs were handing out $20k to their chairmen. If Moore is so sensitive about his photos, then they shouldn't be out there on the web for anyone to see. The agenda, plain and simple is for the City to give NO MORE TAXPAYER MONEY TO THE CHAMBER. Period.
ReplyDeleteThere are only two reasons I can see why this group does not want the chamber to get money (despite the fact almost all similar size cities across the entire country do it).
ReplyDelete1- A great hate for Perry Webb. This is personal and everyone knows it. How truly sad to put personal feelings above what is good for all.
2- I believe certain players in this blog have their own financial interests in mind. They probably believe that if the chamber does not receive the money, either their company (or friend's company) will receive it.
Why doesn't this blog discuss how much money Mr. Moore put into the chamber or Springdale Tomorrow before discussing this trip. I KNOW it was more than 20k. Just another "little" piece of the puzzle that is conveniently left out. The best lies are those that are full of half truths... too bad most of this is not even half true!
More than $20k was spent on just two of Moore's trips - there were so many more. A lot of people put money into that Springdale Tomorrow fundraiser. The problem is nobody knows where it went!
ReplyDelete8:40pm - YOU are a jerk for chastising those who toss around anonymous words and yet post your own blather in anonymity.
ReplyDeleteI have never claimed to be without sin, but your chosen quote "let he without sin cast the first stone" makes me believe you know what they have done is wrought with just that - sin.
MY Savior says thou shalt not lie and thou shalt not steal. They are stealing from the citizens of what was once a wonderful, vibrant town and then lying about it.
Do you think anyone would care what Moore, Webb or anyone else did with their "commissions" if we actually had real economic development? I think not. And don't you dare bring up that baseball stadium BS either - it can't even pay for itself. It is just another playground for the Chamber to entertain their friends and family - just like the Country Club.
I find it hypocritical that anyone supporting this blog would have the nerve to quote any scripture...
ReplyDeleteLet's see.
- Attacking an individual and his family. Real classy indeed.
- Making up facts or just telling half the story to serve a hidden agenda. Crooked is as crooked does.
- Oh my, "the ballpark won't pay for itself"?! Really?! Some real mental power at work here. No one EVER said it would.
I wonder if the six people or so that control (and read) this blog will ever get tired of listening to themselves blab on and on and on? It is all smoke and mirrors, sad and pathetic.
Hummmmm Sounds like taking taxpayer dollars for personal gain has hit a very high note! Shall we call you Citibank and petition the taxpayers for yet another bailout? Oh that would be a vacation in your case.
ReplyDeleteIt appears to me that it was you and you alone that put yourself in this position. The rest of us work and pay for our own trips. What a novel concept.
How does vacationing abroad help the good people of Springdale?
Oh my! Economic Development ....that was not in your business plan was it?
Your new and improved website should have a warning label. "Suckers Beware" Have American Express will travel!
If Moore wants us to believe he did nothing wrong he will produce his 1099-MISC claiming the trips he took in 2006 - 2008 on his income taxes. That would go a long way to restore his reputation at this point.
ReplyDeleteDid the chamber boys suddenly get quiet? 1099-MISC scare the noise out of you?
ReplyDeleteThat was more than kind to remove some picture Moore was whining about. Cute dog, but I wouldn't have done it. The truth hurts they say.
Someone said there are more than just the two trips costing us $20k. I hope Pandora plans on sharing. I for one can't wait.
Why on earth would Moore have to show you anything? By my estimation, if Moore got commissions of $20,000, he raised over $130,000 for the chamber! That would be as much as the City paid for Economic Development!
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't have to show us anything but the law requires a 1099 and I don't believe his trips were reported to the IRS.
ReplyDeleteI actually heard (don't know if it's true) that some money was spent at strip clubs on some of the trips that the Chamber paid for! Again, don't know if it's true or not...I'm just sayin'!
ReplyDeleteI have heard similar stories and it wouldn't surprise me one bit. They probably take the girls to the links apartment the chamber pays for. Can't think of any other reason for them to have it.
ReplyDelete