Orange County NC Website
The fall edition of the "Happenings, Calendar of Events"was distributed to board <br /> members and guests. <br /> Ms. Green informed the board that she would begin working on the annual report, and <br /> should have a draft ready by the October board meeting. <br /> A program called "Tar Heel Town," sponsored by UNC-CH, will be taking place on <br /> campus near the Bell Tower prior to each home football game this season. The bureau <br /> will set up a kiosk with information and coupons from local businesses to encourage <br /> increased spending in the community by fans. <br /> Ms. Green announced to the board the resignation of Amy Westbrook, Communications <br /> Specialist. Ms. Green and the board expressed gratitude for her work with the bureau and <br /> wished her success in her new employment at Mapleview Dairy Farm Milk Company. <br /> Ms. Green stated that the Orange County Personnel Department had completed a search <br /> for internal candidates to serve as Communications Specialist. There were no qualified <br /> applicants. The position will be advertised for two weeks locally and through state <br /> publications and organizations. The deadline for applications is September 2nd, and if all <br /> goes well it is expected that a replacement will be on board by mid-October. <br /> OLD BUSINESS <br /> At the June board meeting it was requested that Ms. Green research how the impact of the <br /> loss of occupancy tax from the Carolina Inn has affected the bureau. Ms. Green stated <br /> that at this time she estimated the loss to be approximately $25,000 from January 1997 to <br /> June 1997. She added that the impact next year when the policy will be in effect the entire <br /> year would likely be between $50,000 and $58,000 for the fiscal year. <br /> Also at the June board meeting board members requested copies of letters written by <br /> Chancellor Hooker and County Commissioner Bill Crowther concerning the occupancy <br /> tax issue. Copies were included in the August board packet for review by board members. <br /> Mr. Moses Cary asked Ms. Skinner how many customers at the Carolina Inn were tax <br /> exempt, to which she replied approximately 43%. He also asked who determined whether <br /> or not a guest was exempt. Ms. Skinner explained that the reservations department asked <br /> each callers if his or her stay was university related. Their response determined if they <br /> were exempt from paying the occupancy tax. After a brief discussion Ms. Skinner asked if <br /> there were suggestions or questions from the board, and if so, to please let her know. She <br /> would review it with management and bring back responses at a future meeting. <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> 3 <br />