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2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting August 19 , 2015 <br /> <br />several vendors for artwork for the hotel. Laurie Paolicelli commented that Mr. Bunich sits on several CVB boards and is <br />a Carolina Alumni. Laurie Paolicelli inquired if the tone of mixed-use properties is changing. Mr. D.R. Bryan, CEO of <br />Bryan Properties located at Southern Village replied that they are seeing mixed-use trending more and more towards <br />the millennials that prefer open space and interaction while traveling. Mr. Bryan went on to explain that the front door <br />(point of entry) for the hotel faces 15-501 and the back door to the Village Center Green. <br />Continuing with new property updates, Mr. Carey recognized Gordon Merklein for an update on Carolina Square. Mr. <br />Merklein commented that with the addition of Carolina Square and the continued growth of 140 West, the ‘new’ center <br />of Chapel Hill will shift to Church and Franklin Streets. Mr. Merklein reported that Carolina Square is six years in the <br />making. To date, demolition of University Square has begun and a permanent new entrance to Granville Towers was <br />developed; upon completion of the project, it will be possible to cut through to Franklin Street. Mr. Merklein reported <br />that they came into some surprises with the demolition, finding large oil pipes and concrete 20 feet down. Continuing, <br />Merklein said there would be ¾ acres of green space with views into The Core, where Carolina Performing Arts will <br />practice. He also mentioned the based on market changes adding more people and more retail adds to the vitality <br />downtown. Some discussion commenced on mixed usage for parking. Completing his presentation, Merklein stated he <br />expects the demolition to be complete by mid- September, vertical construction to begin in late September and a <br />projected completion date in September 2017. <br />Anthony Carey then requested to revisit the sales manager position directive. Laurie Paolicelli agreed and noted that <br />Marlene will be giving an update in her report. <br />Executive Directors Report <br />Ms. Paolicelli reported that over the summer she worked on assessing the needs for public space after meeting with Rob <br />Bruce, Director of The Friday Center where plans to add outdoor space to the Friday Center and if this market could <br />support more space were discussed. Partnering with them and Kenan on a feasibility study, encouraged this board to <br />look at spending $15k for a seat at the table. Paolicelli inquired to Lee Storrow about the OTO property on Rosemary St. <br />Mr. Storrow replied their proposal comes back to town council this fall. Paolicelli continued stating that with the OTO <br />property and talks of another Atma Group hotel in Carrboro, can this area sustain these properties? Paolicelli <br />commented that the funds are available to support this study. Chairman Carey and Ms. Paolicelli agreed to have Rob <br />Bruce present before the board next month before opening up discussion and making a motion to pursue. <br />Adding to this discussion, Aaron Bachenheimer reported that the topic for one of the Town of Chapel Hill’s next lunch <br />and learn series is on the erosion of campus housing. The community will be asked to weigh in on reutilizing space for <br />student housing opportunities. When asked about housing preferences, Mr. Bachenheimer stated that they prefer to <br />keep students as close to the campus as possible. After further discussion on student housing preferences it was agreed <br />that all space needs and issues should be addressed. <br />Sales Report <br />With that, Chairman Carey recognized Marlene Barbera for her sales report. Ms. Barbera reported that she is actively <br />looking for a sales specialist, just looking for the right person. She stated that most of the people responding to the ad <br />do not realize that it is part-time where they are looking for full-time. She informed members that the ad will run again. <br />Ms. Barbera reported on the new sales marketing strategy that has shifted to less print and more digital noting that the <br />Bureau has invested into CVENT, a portal hub for meeting planners which allows for ‘real-time’ advertising. Ms. Barbera <br />discussed the advantages of CVENT and cited ROI numbers so far. Barbera talked about upcoming tradeshows, the <br />updating of the Bureau’s CRM database with new formulas that calculate the ROI to the specific type of booking. She