CH-OCVB minutes 051513 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting May 15 , 201 3 Moving on with her report, Ms. Paolicelli took members through a PowerPoint presentation, (attached as an addendum to these minutes) which focused on the current budget stating that it is on target with revenues projected at $960,000. Ms. Paolicelli stated that Chapel Hill’s funding has nearly tripled from $69k to $175k since she accepted the position of Executive Director in 2005. However, a new issue will arise with the new implementation of an extra 3% occupancy tax collection through Hillsborough and Carrboro. Paolicelli hopes a committee of the board will proactively determine the best way to avoid tourism duplication with these new budgets. She stated that the new TDAs will want to have some alignment and understanding of respective goals. She urged the board to determine a way to foster open communication with new tourism board’s appointment by local governments. Lee Pavao agreed that it would get more complicated and suggested that if the committee is formed it should be a cooperative effort in determining what could be accomplished as a main body and what could be done on an individual level. Jim Parker questioned what percentage of Chapel Hill’s collections was allocated to the Bureau? Paolicelli answered 15%. Chapel Hill is asking what the other communities are doing and Paolicelli requested that staff not form a policy on the financials with Carrboro and Hillsborough. Chair Gephart commented that it is critical to move on this now before vendors, stakeholders and others get confused. With that Gephart asked for volunteers. Penny Rich asked for clarification of when the committee would meet. Gephart replied that the designated tourism authorities for each town are getting ready to meet and now would be the best time to work with them on an agenda for next budget year. Four members volunteered, Lee Pavao, Jim Parker, Jack Schmidt and Dave Gephart. It was also agreed that there should be representation from each town on this committee. The Committee was formed by executive decision rather than a vote. Ms. Paolicelli continued with her presentation; Lee Pavao, inquired about current fund balance. Ms. Paolicelli explained that we are wrapping up this year’s budget and the $175k was appropriated for marketing research, a new ad agency and a shift in the whole new brand. Paolicelli informed members that the current fund balance is (approximately) $400k unassigned. For 2013-2014, the marketing strategy will focus more on the destination through arts, music, food, and meetings. Paolicelli passed around renditions of future ads created by Clean Design. Paolicelli reported that a one year renewal contract is in place for Clean Design with review by the board this time next year. Discussion moved towards print vs. digital and Paolicelli suggested she bring in an expert for August meeting to tell us the shift in trends in print versus on-line marketing these days and how agencies are measuring results. Paolicelli reported that last year we added funding for events in hopes of reaching our goals and out of all the groups we sponsored the only events that impacted room nights were TerraVITA, AROHE, and