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2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting September 16 , 2015 Mr. Gering suggested partnering with the local chamber, that they are probably interested in this same information. Paolicelli stated that she wants to commit to a long term study on feasibility. Mr. Gering inquired if she would ask for a proposal for a study in which Paolicelli replied yes. Ms. Paolicelli asked other board members if they thought this would be beneficial to them. Libbie Hough replied yes, and posed the question of where can we have a decent event? She commented that there is new event space in the pipeline but also talked about the logistics; how do we get people to and from the space. Ms. Hough agreed that charting growth in the community is a good idea. Annette Stone also agreed that a (space) study is beneficial but commented that there are so many arms involved. Chairman Carey commented that a study could show us opportunities and identify who we are. With that Mr. Carey motioned to allow the Visitors Bureau to write an RFP stating scope of services and cost for conducting an event space feasibility study. Mike Gering suggested the RFP should include all, for more than one stage, by town. Libbie Hough seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion passed. Ms. Paolicelli agreed to partner with the local Chambers of Commerce. Budget Update In the Finance Chairs absence, Ms. Paolicelli reported that at this time the budget is uneventful and on target. She stated that the fund balance is currently $690,000. 20% of the current budget will stay in reserves noting that this past year was an anomaly. Ms. Paolicelli stated she would use funds from the fund balance for the study. Mike Gering confirmed then that about $350,000 would be available to use on various projects. Anthony Carey commented that we have to use our funds strategically noting that focusing on the few hotels downtown would create a compression for other hotels in Chapel Hill. Andrew Strickland made comment that our competitors are the hotels in RTP and Durham, not each other. Executive Directors Report Laurie gave a recap on current events. She stated that this is Tina Fullers last meeting. Mark Sherburne will be leaving the board and Andrew Strickland in turn will represent that seat. Future plans include Bob Ward’s suggestion of incorporating ‘The Southern Part of Heaven’ for UNC’s Anniversary in two years. She also reported that TerraVita is October 10th and all are invited to attend the Grand Tasting on the Green as Visitor Bureau guests. Sales Report Marlene Barbera reported that she and the Sheraton Chapel Hill Director of Sales met with 28 meeting planners. She state some planners showed an interest in Chapel Hill and received a few pieces of business. Ms. Barbera reported on upcoming conferences that she will be attending. She gave an update on hotel participation on the Bureau’s Cvent marquis page in September. And lastly, informed that the search for a sales associate is ongoing. New Business/Roundtable Chairman Carey acknowledged all for updates in their respective fields: Aaron Bachenheimer talked about the recent community events and the upcoming family weekend September 25-26. Meg McGurk discussed Tar Heel Downtown saying the pep rally seemed to fit the needs of the community. She reported that they will look into having it more than once next year. She also talked about Festifall and the small plate crawl. Annette Stone reported on upcoming events to Carrboro; the Music Festival and TerraVita. Ms. Stone discussed the possibility of incorporating bicycle events in the Visitors Bureau tourism plan. She mentioned having the Carrboro Bicycle Coalition speak at a future board meeting to discuss further. Meg McGurk agreed. Laurie Paolicelli agreed to have them attend the November meeting. Concluding her report, Ms. Stone talked about the upcoming crafters market- Carrboro Bazaar Arts & Craft Market; they have three upcoming events this fall.