CH-OCVB minutes 011514 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting November 20, 2013 Lydia Lavelle also mentioned that the newly formed TDA presented their budget to the Alderman at the previous night’s meeting and it was approved. Budget reflects occupancy tax for Carrboro hotels to be used for wayfinding, signage and town promotions. Orange County –$750,000 was received through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to help with infrastructure for future development by the Morinaga Company. Other News – Laurie Paolicelli updated board on recent meeting with Fundraiser hired for Kidzu and Friday Center. She reported that the new theater at university mall would take over space that Kidzu was going to use temporarily until their final move, so now they will temporarily be in the space that Arc of Orange uses during their seasonal tree gala. She also reported the Friday Center is producing more programming, more series and building a new atrium. Chapel Hill – Lee Storrow informed that Monday was the first town council meeting with the two new council members. The Obey Creek proposal was a matter of discussion and Storrow pointed out that there is a lot of concern from the residents in the southern part of town; largely traffic issues. Storrow reported that traffic and economic studies would need to be commenced and reviewed before moving forward. Greg Overbeck noted that the original plan rendered a footprint the size of South Point and University Mall combined. Hotels – Mark Sherburne stated that transient business continues to be phenomenal for the market as a whole. Anthony Carey reported that Executive Chef Adam Rose has left Il Palio to pursue his new restaurant, Straw Valley in Durham. New up and coming chef, Teddy Davis from Martha’s Vineyard arrived last week; Davis’ passion is Italian cooking. Il Palio will undergo renovations in July, down about 6 weeks to outside public but available to staying guests. Arts – Gordon Jameson told the board that Frank Gallery also ended well for 2013. A Gala marking their 4th year anniversary is coming up April 12th. Jameson reported they might adopt Deep Dish’s silent auction tactics where participants will have the opportunity to underwrite sets and exhibitions and still eligible for tax deduction. Hillsborough –Jim Parker reported that Hillsborough Depot has closed. The Pet store next door is expanding into that space. Hillsborough Chamber would no longer host Hog Day, noting that the Chamber would focus more on membership and promoting their local businesses. Parker reported that Waterstone is going into their next phase connecting out to Old Hwy 86 which will see about 150 new homes. Forest Ridge off Hwy 70 will see 250 more homes, The Gulf Rim changing to LaPlace Louisiana Cookery in February. Billsborough is moving to north Hillsborough in the old Maxway space. Riverwalk bridges should be in by the end of the month and opening in summer. Reports Budget/Finance – Penny Rich reported that December was on target, the additional $13,000 plus was received from Town of Chapel hill, and will be applied towards promotions, otherwise uneventful. Commissioner Rich moved on to her update on the Ad hoc committee meeting. Rich reported that she, Lee Pavao, Laurie Paolicelli and Anthony Carey met to on December 19, to discuss approaching the commissioners on administration fees and rent expenditures charged to the Visitors Bureau which amounts to about $100,000. Rich mentioned that no other Orange County department pays this amount to exist. Commissioner Rich went on to say the committee wants to address two issues; 1) reduce that amount; Rich was advised by Commissioner Jacobs to have a formal written letter to Commissioners, this group will probably meet one more time to draft that letter and 2) a new sales position. Rich explained that the conversation with the Commissioners should provide evidence for the need of another sales person to capitalize on the amount of inventory in the pipeline and how the position would pay for itself.