The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission on Monday chose Ching Mong, owner of Formosa Chinese Restaurant, to replace outgoing commissioner Brandon Karn.

Karn stepped down in June after four years of service as a member of the volunteer group.

Seven other people submitted applications to fill the vacancy including Doug Allen, owner of Jose’s; Michael Andrews, owner of Fresco Cafe & Pub; Matt Behrend, general manager of Holiday Inn Express/KHG Hotels; Jim Huson, owner of Doe’s Eat Place; Shellie Morrison, co-owner of The Event Group catering company; Hannah Withers, owner of Little Bread Co.; and Denise Youngblood, owner of Mojo’s Pints & Pies.

Formosa Chinese Restaurant

Courtesy

Doug Allen withdrew his application on Aug. 9 citing a need to focus on his business.

Commissioners quickly narrowed the applicants to Mong and Withers, who each applied for a seat earlier this year before commissioner William Lyle was reappointed.

“One of the things I like about Ching Mong is that he and his family have had several restaurants in this area for a very long time,” said Justin Tennant. “When we look at HMR dollars, his family has been responsible for a whole bunch going into the bucket over the years. I also like the fact that his business is a little further from the downtown area. I think it would be good to have some representation for the midtown area.”

Bobby Ferrell, a Ward 3 alderman who also sits on the commission, said he preferred Withers, who was instrumental in organizing the annual Block Street Block Party.

“We are blessed to get so many good applicants, but I have had the chance to witness Hannah invest her time and talent in trying to make things better for everybody,” said Ferrell.

Ultimately, the group decided that Mong was a better fit because of his business’ location at 1998 N. College Ave. and his ability to represent the mid/uptown area.

Tennant made a motion to approve Mong and commissioner Bob Davis seconded that motion. The group voted 5-0 to select Mong. Commissioner Hannah Mills was absent from Monday’s meeting.

Pending City Council approval of Mong’s appointment, this will be his second time to serve on the board. According to A&P Commission chair Maudie Schmitt, Mong served on the commission from 2000-04. His new term expires April 1, 2014.