P. ALLEN SMITH: Says his marketing is worth four times what the state pays for it.

The Dem-Gaz continues to look at the kerfuffle over celebrity gardener and “influencer” (a term of art in marketing) P. Allen Smith’s demand that the state pay $845,000 for his services in spreading the word about Arkansas. Turns out ad firm CJRW agrees with client Stacy Hurst, secretary for the new department of Parks, Heritage and Heritage, that Smith’s work doesn’t merit the huge increase from his current subcontracted fee, $200,000. Hurst said as much to legislators who grilled her this week at a hearing before the House and Senate committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.

Smith’s request to be paid more got a lot of ink today and yesterday in the Dem-Gaz, likely because the significant legislative interest in giving Smith what he wants is curious. Sen. Mark Johnson (R-Little Rock) and Sen. Alan Clark (R-Lonsdale) expressed concern at the hearing that Smith would up stakes and abandon his Moss Mountain Farm entertainment venue in Roland, and his promotional activities, for a better deal in other states.

Advertisement

Smith did say he would not be interested in continuing to provide the level of service he now gives the state — programming on the attractions of Arkansas on his social media — for $200,000 at Wednesday’s legislative hearing, and in today’s article in the daily paper was quoted, “I have no interest in working with the agency of record for $200,000. It’s gone on far too long. They can take it.” P. Allen Smith Garden Home has worked for the state for eight years.

 

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article July 27 To-Do: Waddle and Thomas at Gallery 26 Next article The Saturday night’s alright open line