The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission discussed it’s budget and the City’s new marketing initiative at its meeting Sept. 21.

The NHDDC received $319,000 for its budget, which is a 11 percent cut. At its meeting July 20 David Stamey said they anticipated a 12 percent cut, so their 15 preemptive percent cut to the budget was accurate.

For the past four years the NHDDC has received their capped amount of $360,000 from Louisiana’s Visitor Enterprise Fund to divide amongst its projects.

“We prepped for this and we came out close,” said NHDDC Chairman Van Erikson.

Rebecca Blakenbaker revealed the firms chosen for the City’s new marketing initiative that would develop a brand for Natchitoches. They will work with the Graham Group and Kinetix Solutions. The Graham Group has experience with brand strategy for municipalities, particularly when tourism is involved. Kinetix will be used for the digital side of the initiative.

“We want to negotiate to their strengths,” said Stamey.

The next step is to have a meeting with the NHDDC committee and stakeholders to start gathering input.