Minutes - 12-10-1997 Board Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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difficulty in attempting to work with the Department of Transportation regarding the highway signs: installation, costs, locations, engineering, etc. Mr. Link stated that the highway signs and the approval of the slogan were scheduled to go before the county commissioners at the December 16th meeting. Mr. Link suggested that since many things had changed regarding the highway signs that the abstract on the county commissioners agenda be re-written reflecting those changes. Ms. Green and Mr. Ted Abernathy will re-tool the abstract regarding the highway signs and forward to Mr. Link for commissioner's meeting. Mr. Cary stated the revised budget should retain the $30,000 for highway signs. The board could decide not to spend the full amount based on commissioner's input. Also, the revenues for the bureau were up $100,000. Ms. Green advised there has been a 4% growth in occupancy tax overall and pointed out the last quarter of the Chapel Hill occupancy tax came in after the 96-97 books were closed. The revised budget was for $560,000. It was at this time that Mr. Cary made a motion to approve the revised budget, Mr. Pavao seconded the motion, and with all in favor it was passed that it be presented to the county commissioners. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ms. Green reported that Maria Lundberg; Communications Director had submitted her resignation. The number two candidate, Ms. Patty Griffin, was contacted, and she accepted the position. Ms. Griffin will begin January 5, 1998. Presently, Mr. Dale Chodorow is working as a temporary, with his main focus on developing a new visitors guide. Mr. Chodorow conducted a focus group with hospitality partners on December 9th to discuss ideas regarding a new visitors guide. Ms. Green shared some of these ideas with the board and also the concept of enhanced listings for Chapel Hill/Orange County restaurants and accommodations. April is the desired completion date for the visitors guide. After discussion regarding the enhanced listings, a motion was made by Mr. Carey that the visitors bureau should allow, on a trial basis, enhanced listings for restaurants and hotels in the visitors guide and paid listings for retail stores. He also added that the county attorney should review the wording contained in the forms for listing prior to mailing to local businesses. Catharine Callaway seconded the motion and with all board members in agreement the motion was carried. Ms. Green then updated the board on the new collateral pieces, which includes the lure brochure, the new format for the "Happenings" Calendar of Events, and the new folders for sales kits. The post cards, visitors map, and the newly designed meeting planners' guides to be available within 2 to 3 months. 2