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4 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting January 21, 2015 Special Sales Report Anthony Carey announced that there have been talks between the hotel community and UNC in regard to their recent contract with a third party travel booking agency, Campus Travel Management. UNC‘s goal is to collect commissions from future bookings to Chapel Hill and Orange County hotels from travelers already visiting the area for reasons related to UNC. This new revenue stream, levied on hotels, would help pay for new school scholarships. Mr. Carey stated that Marlene Barbera had a meeting with UNC’s Vice Chancellor and gave the floor to her for details on the outcome of the meeting. Ms. Barbera informed the board that in her meeting with Vice Chancellor Meredith Weiss, it was communicated by UNC that by introducing their own ‘on-line travel agency’ component, the fees they gained could be re-directed to scholarships. Laurie Paolicelli elaborated on the issue stating that, in essence, under this proposal, if the hotels want UNC business they will have to go through a third party broker and pay a pass through fee and possible 10% commission, to continue to receive UNC related business. She felt it was an unfair fee to pass on to the hotels, just for keeping their existing business. Ms. Barbera stated that the Vice Chancellor said they still have a lot of things to work out and they are taking the issues to their legal department. Barbera said the University has no intentions to force the hotels to do anything. Ms. Barbera stated that UNC has signed the contract but that it is not binding. With that, Ms. Barbara went on to report that she sent 10 leads in December and 5 bookings were turned into definite conference bookings, including an MPI Carolina Chapters meeting which booked 3 days at the Sheraton. She went on further to say she will attend a trade show in South Carolina and she is exploring military reunion groups business in which Hillsborough and UNC would be a perfect fit for itineraries. She also reported that the VB is extending its contract with SDR (a lead referral group) and working with Shannon Media for advertorials in the Chapel Hill and Durham Magazines that will focus on the benefits of tourism and the services offered by the Bureau. Other Business: Chairman Carey reminded the board that Jim Parker was nominated to serve as Vice Chair for the board however his term expired leaving the position open again. Mr. Carey proposed Lee Storrow for the position inquiring if Mr. Storrow would be interested. Mr. Storrow replied if there were any other candidates interested. It would be a two year term. Carey inquired of the board stating it would be a two year term. Penny Rich then motioned to have Mr. Storrow serve as Vice Chair, Rosemary Waldorf seconded. With all members in favor the motioned passed and Mr. Storrow accepted. Chairman Carey requested updates from members. Debbie Hepp reported the OCAC gave $27,000 in arts grants for the fall 2014 cycle which would be presented by the BOCC at their February 3rd meeting which also marks their 30th year as a county department. She reported that a new Piedmont Laureate was nominated, James Maxey from Hillsborough. Karen DeHart reported that they are back from a two week break. Construction is near its end and they plan to move back into their offices in March. She said they would like to host the Bureau for an upcoming board meeting. Meg McGurk reported 7 or 8 businesses have emerged from the LaUNCh Chapel Hill campaign (which was made possible by the collaboration of the Town of Chapel Hill, Orange County, UNC-Chapel Hill and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership). The Varsity Theater has met its goal; raising over $40,000 through Kickstarter. Park on the Hill has an