CH-OCVB minutes 041614 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting April 16 , 2014 In the absence of Penny Rich, Laurie Paolicelli reported on the current budget, noting that revenue is running about 8- 10% over budget. Paolicelli confirmed with Anthony Carey that he, Penny Rich and Lee Pavao still plan to discuss the rent and administrative fees charged to the Bureau with Commissioner Jacobs. She noted that the Bureau was originally thought to become a 501C3, and the budget was based on that model. Anthony Carey commented on the occupancy tax report, noting that occupancy revenue overall is strong; March numbers have not come in yet however they [Siena] and the Carolina Inn were at 90% plus occupancy for March. Mike Gering inquired if there is a way to compare our revenues with others. Paolicelli replied that we are trending ahead of Durham and Raleigh and slightly above the national numbers and would send him that information. Gering also inquired on the status of the public art project discussed last month. Paolicelli deferred to Martha Shannon for an update. Ms. Shannon reported that the project is on hold now due to the Interim Manager’s hesitancy to sign an agreement that had not been seen by the BOCC. The funding source remained uncertain. Gering asked for clarification. If the funds are not available now, will we look at this again in FY 2016? Shannon confirmed. UNC Athletics With the arrival of Rick Steinbacher, conversation returned to the partnership with Tar Heel Athletics. Steinbacher spoke on strategic plans which is set to include developing relationships with marketing moguls; the Disney Institute, Nike and Coca Cola to assist with specific branding and game day events. Steinbacher also reported that he hopes to bring Tar Heel Town to downtown twice this fall, one on a Friday and one on a Saturday. Meg McGurk sited that the economic impact to Chapel Hill and local businesses from last year’s Zero Dark Thursday event/game amounted to over $5 million. Discussion turned to the Touch Downtown campaign. Laurie Paolicelli gave a brief overview of the project and noted that it should be revisited. Rick Steinbacher stated that it should be a combined branding and tangible effort rather than just the branding aspect as was done in Touch Downtown. Lee Storrow inquired if there is a way to tell a broader story that incorporates athletics with town assets. Steinbacher agreed but not sure how to go about it. Paolicelli suggested this board look into it further, and bring Hillsborough to the table as a daytrip stop for visitors coming from Virginia. Concluding the discussion, Paolicelli offered to have Clean Design develop some ideas. Executive Director Report Laurie Paolicelli reviewed the 2014-2015 Strategic Plan stating that as always, fits with the mission of the Bureau. Paolicelli discussed revenue sources, expenditure allocations that match internationally recognized best practices, target audiences, geographic focus, and opportunities and objectives. Paolicelli stated that high school and non-traditional sports along with the LGBT groups market would be prime targets next fiscal year. She also reported that PR campaigns would focus on food, farms, personalities, and festivals along with UNC Arts Venues. Downtown Partnership Meg McGurk updated the board on the Live & Local Friday night events that will run through June 27th, the Summer Solstice event. She also mentioned an article in the Chapel Hill News about the public art display Exhale and skateboarders. All events benefit tourists. Arts Debbie Hepp reported the OCAC is gearing up for the Spring Arts Grants awards. Martha Shannon spoke on the Congressional Arts Competition. Hepp distributed upcoming art related events. UNC