Mr. Scholl

Sales & Marketing

A Hotel Marketing Director's Best Friend... Location, Location, Location!

By Todd D. Scholl, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Peabody Little Rock

The city is Little Rock, Arkansas. The catalyst for an unprecedented Little Rock tourism boom is a library. Known in Little Rock as the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. It is an attraction unique to the presidential library system, because it's not an attraction at all; it's a destination. The Peabody Little Rock, which opened a few years before is the bookend to this National Treasure. The meat in this sandwich is the wonderful River Market District, which is very pedestrian friendly and connected by a wonderful trolley system that is a throwback to days gone by. The triple treat of the Peabody Little Rock, William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park and the River Market District have placed "La Petite Roche" in the hearts and minds of both meeting planners and leisure travelers alike signaling a new age of tourism in what is being described as the "New South".

Opened on November 18, 2004 in front of four American Presidents, rock stars, celebrities and 25,000 friends and fans, the Clinton Presidential Center brought the national spotlight to Little Rock. From Entertainment Tonight to national nightly news broadcasts Little Rock was front and center. And the city was ready, showcasing its wonderful new River Market District, its beautiful Arkansas River scenery, historic Little Rock Central High School and a metropolitan array of restaurants, museums, galleries and nightlife. Today, hundreds of thousands of visitors are flocking to one of the hottest destinations in America. One exciting side benefit for visitors to Little Rock is the occasional sighting of #42, President Clinton himself. "The president is in Little Rock once or twice a month," said Skip Ruther, Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service, "and when he's here he likes to stop and greet the people."

That's the thing about this presidential library - just like President Clinton himself, it's all about the people. Anchoring the east end of the thriving River Market District, the Clinton Center is also easy to get to - it's right off Interstate 30, a byway between Memphis and Dallas, with signs directing motorists to two easy exits. "It really exceeds expectations of what visitors think of presidential libraries," Rutherford said. "President Clinton wanted his library to reflect the history he lived. He wanted visitors to be able use modern technology to experience his presidency through interactive kiosks, videos and elaborate exhibits."

The excitement surrounding the project spawned other development as well including the Peabody Little Rock. In fact, more than $1 billion has been invested in Little Rock's downtown area since the president announced the site of the library back in 1997.

"You can't overestimate the value of the Clinton Presidential Center," said Dan O'Byrne, chief executive officer of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. "President Clinton, through his library and museum, has helped put Little Rock on the map as a tourism destination. People are coming for the Clinton Center and discovering all of the other great things our city has to offer."

For me personally, this world-class attraction was a deciding factor for my relocation to Little Rock from Indianapolis, IN. It was interesting to watch my colleagues and friends from Indy question my decision to move to a smaller hotel market, as Little Rock gained national prominence on major news media and entertainment shows nightly. With the coming addition of Heifer International's Global Village in the next few years just a stone's throw from the Clinton Library a truly incredible "Green Corridor" is a reality in a former Brownfield zone. The diversity of the new projects and historic sites in Little Rock make it one of those unique places that offers something for every palate.

Many exciting future events lie before us including the 50th Anniversary of Little Rock's Central High School and the "Little Rock Nine," a true turning point in our nation's history for public school integration. Beyond this will be enhancements to the Heifer International HQ building and grounds including the Global Village. The opening of the new minor league Dickey Stephens Baseball Stadium on the banks of the Arkansas River also add to the wonderful utilization of the shoreline which will also encompass enhancements including a splash park and recreation area for visitors and residents alike. This Cosmopolitan "New South" city is now validated as a destination worthy of a simple day trip or weeklong convention alike.

The Peabody Little Rock is a pillar in the midst of all the activity and is Little Rock's "Living Room" for all things social and VIP in nature. We are so proud to play a vital role in moving this hidden gem of a city to a shining star for decades to come. The daily march of the Peabody Ducks at 11am and 5pm used to attract just a handful of on lookers pre-2005. Everyday now, hundreds of tourists, convention delegates and locals alike crowd the largest of the Peabody Duck Fountains to see the tradition of the Duck March. Tours buses actually put the Duck March on their itineraries because it is such a part of Little Rock's renaissance. Please join us for business or pleasure...the Ducks are waiting and so are the wonderful people of Little Rock to welcome you to America's Newest Destination.

In 2004, Todd D. Scholl was appointed director of sales and marketing for The Peabody Little Rock. At an early age he was taught the finer points of the art of the deal. He draws on over twelve years experience in the field. Before joining The Peabody Little Rock, Scholl was director of sales and marketing for the Canterbury Hotel. He was responsible for all aspects of sales, marketing, yield control, group sales, marketing and PR. A native of Fort Madison, Iowa, Scholl studied at the University of Iowa and graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in communication. Mr. Scholl can be contacted at 501-399-8057 or Todd.Scholl@peabodylittlerock.com Extended Bio...

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