Minutes - 02-19-1997 Board Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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MARKETING COMMITTEE Ms. Margaret Skinner reported that a Marketing Committee of three members, including a cross section of representative from various county businesses and organizations, had been established. Joe Blake, Director of Sales for the Bureau will provide staff support. Upcoming tasks include compiling competitive research data and planning for a community wide meeting with hospitality industry employees and interested citizens in March. A first draft of the marketing plan should be completed for presentation to the Board at the April meeting with a final version submitted for the board's approval in June. BUDGET AND FINANCE Mr. Moses Carey, Jr., Treasurer, reported the overall budget was in "good shape" and the revenues were "on target." The budgeted amount spent through the month of December was 26% of the overall budget for the fiscal year. A brief discussion regarding the impact of the loss of the occupancy tax from the Carolina Inn ensued. Ms. Green stated that most of the impact would be felt next year. Ms. Green also stated that the strong increase in average daily hotel rates for the last three years was promising for the bureau and would help offset the loss. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ms. Green provided Board members and guests with a copy of the new issue of Happenings (calendar of events). She stated that the participation from various people and organizations was improving. Ms. Green noted that the Bureau would be working with the Durham Herald to try to increase the size of the publication in the next fiscal year to 16 pages instead of 12. Laura Streitfeld with the Orange County Arts Commission will be working with the bureau to strengthen the participation from artists and arts organizations. The sales activity of the bureau has increased tremendously. Joe Blake has reached 79% of his annual goal as of January, and he is expected to meet his year-end goal by late February or early March. He is also working on the Group Tour Manual for promoting motor coach tours, which is in production and should be completed soon. Ms. Green reported that three proposals to provide marketing, advertising and design services to the bureau were received from advertising agencies. After reviewing the proposals, Jennings and Co. and Sheer and Associates have been asked to make oral presentations to a committee consisting of bureau staff and Ted Abernathy. After this process is complete, the committee's recommendation will go before the commissioners for approval.