Orange County NC Website
3 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting March19 , 2014 <br /> <br />Mark Sherburne inquired what the next step would be. Paolicelli stated that she would like this board to decide if and <br />how much support would be given to the OCAC for the art project. <br />Gordon Jameson commented that they need more clarity on how funding works now that the OCAC is under the VB <br />umbrella. How would the OCAC proceed moving forward? <br />Penny Rich agreed that there should be a line item for art, getting rid of it was a mistake. <br />Laurie Paolicelli echoed Jameson’s remarks in how much and how often should dollars be allocated to the OCAC for <br />public art. Paolicelli recommended establishing a policy. <br />Mike Gering commented that it might be too soon to create a policy. Michelle Johnson concurred and commented that <br />board members should focus on the current project. <br />Lee Storrow commented that it might be best to go with a dollar amount rather than a percentage in case project <br />expenditures increase. <br />It was noted that it should be made clear to the BOCC that this is a one-time only offer. <br />With the conclusion of this discussion, Anthony Carey motioned to fund only the specific piece “You are Here” art project <br />up to 40% of the total cost, but not to exceed $8000 and propose to the BOCC that the County provide the remaining <br />funding. Jim Parker seconded. With all members in favor, the motion was passed. <br />It was then mentioned that this would be the last meeting for Gordon Jameson as liaison for the OCAC. Jameson’s term <br />with the Arts Commission expires this month. Debbie Hepp was introduced as assuming the seat of Mr. Jameson. <br />Executive Director Report <br />Laurie Paolicelli discussed overreaching goals that are strategically aligned with the Visitors Bureau mission for the 2014- <br />15 fiscal year. Paolicelli talked about supporting mid-week business through conference and business travel leads; <br />focusing on recruiting business during the shoulder months: June, July, December and January; farm to fork, LGBT and <br />heritage preservation markets. At the suggestion of Clean Design, television would be added to the marketing mix. The <br />integrated marketing communications plan would include targeting a younger, ethnically diverse demographic while <br />maintaining the Boomers and Silent Generation markets. Other initiatives would include adding informal videos to the <br />website to increase user activity and collaborating with the NC film industry leaders in a local production. Other <br />collaborations include support for a regional-wide Farm Aid event and the downtown Tar Heel, Come Early Stay Late <br />campaign. Paolicelli stated that this plan of work would be finalized and presented for review in May. <br />Sales <br />Linda Ekeland reported on leads and bookings for February to date, a roadshow in Spartanburg, SC; six hotels have <br />signed to participate, and a meeting with hotel DOS’s next week. Ekeland reported that while attending TAHMA <br />(Tuesday) she learned of a proposed retail development project for 100 acres in RTP that may affect group business in <br />Chapel Hill. Steve Brantley commented that the project’s specs are due out in September. Paolicelli stated she would <br />contact Anna Penner, Research Triangle Foundation and request her to speak to the board on this subject. <br />Downtown Partnership <br />Meg McGurk turned it over to Sarah Larson for an update on the new Live & Local (replacing Locally Grown) events that <br />are scheduled for this spring and summer at 140 West. Larson reported that the first event would coincide with 2nd