Agenda - 01-31-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 • the Board to support the bill. Sharon Finch, Chair of the Orange County Visitors Task Force, stated that their recommendation results from a countywide effort. All of the startup kinds of ideas are concepts that are not currently provided in the County. She feels that visitor services are fragmented at the present time. with some resources, they can be coordinated with everyone working together to promote tourism. she submitted a letter from Susan B. Hansell, Co -owner of A New Attitude who endorsed the concept of the Orange County Visitor Development Authority. She feels that such an umbrella organization can more effectively serve the needs of all the area communities to attract visitors and vacationers. Another letter from Realtor Barbara Pipkin endorsed the resolution for establishment of a Visitor Development Authority for Orange County to be financed by the recommended allocations from the hotel /motel occupancy tax. Mike Fales, General Manager of the Omni- Europa Hotel in Chapel Hill and President of the newly formed Orange County Hotel /Motel Association, stated that the hotel industry in Orange County is in trouble. A lot of them are trying to survive with 55% occupancy. He showed some visitor and business guides that encourage businesses to have meetings in that particular community. On December 19, 1990, the hotels and motels of Orange County unanimously endorsed a resolution of support for the report of the Visitors Task Force. They feel a unified visitor services center would be in the best interest of their industry and in the best interest of the community. Their efforts are geared toward better serving the existing tourist and targeting those visitors who would benefit the community. Ed Rekopf, Director of Hotels and Conference Centers for the University of North Carolina and acting General Manager of the Carolina Inn, stated he feels there are three elements that a visitors center would provide. One is to extend hospitality to visitors coming into the community. The second thing they do is provide coordination and information to those visitors and the final thing they do is to manage the visitor industry. David Taylor, President of the Chapel Hill /Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of and support for a countywide visitor services program. The Chamber adopted a resolution supporting this effort. He encouraged the Board to proceed with seeking the necessary legislation and thereafter proceed with the establishment of a countywide visitors services bureau or program. They believe the program is needed to boost economic development in Orange County. He asked for the Board's support and pledged the support of the Chamber in developing this program. tax and the Tom Roberts spoke in favor of the occupancy establishment of a visitors service bureau for Orange County. He believes it is important for the economic development of the County. Kevin Goodwin, President of the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, indicated that although the Chamber has passed a • resolution endorsing oces ethat support tonight. He feels that to authority,