Orange County NC Website
Approved March 19, 2014 <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES <br />Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Meeting <br />February 19, 2014 <br />The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau met at <br />Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Carrboro <br /> <br />Board Members Present: Anthony Carey, Dave Gephart, Lee Storrow, Gordon Jameson, Greg Overbeck, Mark <br />Sherburne, Karen DeHart, Laura Morgan, Lee Pavao, Michelle Johnson, Mike Gering, and Penny Rich. <br />Not Present: <br />Staff attendance: Steve Brantley, Laurie Paolicelli, Linda Ekeland, Martha Shannon and Tina Fuller. <br />Also attending: Sarah DeGennaro, Executive Director - Alliance for Historic Hillsborough; Art Menius, Executive Director <br />- ArtsCenter. <br />Welcome <br />Chairman Carey began the meeting at 8:14 am, introducing Carrboro Board of Alderman Michelle Johnson and <br />welcoming her as the newest member to the board. Introductions from the rest of members and staff. Barbara Leedy as <br />meeting host, welcomed everyone, gave an overview of the hotel’s layout, and briefly discussed the hotel’s first six <br />months of business in groups, community and partnerships. <br />Welcome to Carrboro update <br />Annette Stone reported they are in their final stages of rolling out the town’s new brand: “Carrboro Feel Free.” She also <br />reported that February is for the Love of Carrboro month, which has a designated website listing business openings, <br />promotions and events all month long. Lunch time dance party this Friday. She thanked the Visitors Bureau for giving <br />Carrboro a full page Ad in the 2014 Visitor Guide. <br />Arts in Carrboro – guest speaker Art Menius <br />Chairman Carey welcomed Art Menius as guest to the meeting giving him the floor for an update on two new proposed <br />projects. Mr. Menius shared the vision of an arts and creativity district spanning Main Street, Carrboro and beyond. The <br />first public meeting discussion was January 16, at the Century Center; the second meeting is scheduled for March 10 at <br />the ArtsCenter. Mr. Menius discussed the proposed Arts & Innovation Center for the corner of East Main and Roberson <br />stating it would be 5-stories and cost approximately 5-6 million to complete. Mr. Menius announced that March would <br />mark the 40th anniversary of the ArtsCenter and celebration plans are underway; Menius noted that the ArtsCenter <br />brings a 3.5 million dollar economic impact to the community. <br />A brief discussion commenced if B&B’s would be considered by the Town of Carrboro and sharing economy trends such <br />as lodging rental company, Airbnb.com.