CH-OCVB minutes 112013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting November 20, 2013 After much discussion, seven members opposed the first motion and did not pass. The consensus was the Visitor Bureau board is interested in supporting a county fair if the BOCC approves forward motion of the site and ancillary plans. It was suggested that $10,000, if approved, go towards research and coordination. Mark Sherburne revised the first motion to state that the board does have an interest in the idea but would like to receive feedback from the County Commissioners first before we can actually allocate the $10,000. The motion was seconded by Jim Parker. With all members in favor of the motion, it passed. Budget/Finance Penny Rich reported that the budget is on target. She also reported that the audit came yesterday. She noted that the Bureau’s fund balance is growing considerably high and feels it needs to be spent to benefit tourism endeavors. Paolicelli said that an ideal strategy from a tourism standpoint is to use some of the funds for a full time sales position. She noted that since the Bureau’s inception several hotels have been added yet the sales department has not grown. Gene Pease agreed that the new position would be an investment in itself citing that for every overnight booking made by the sales person, approximately $285 goes back into the economy per person (based on a tourism industry formula). After some discussion, Mark Sherburne motioned to have an additional sales person position requested in the 2014- 2015 budget to increase sales efforts in order to keep up with the growing demand. Lee Pavao seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion passed. Sales Report Linda Ekeland reported that she has sent out 10 leads so far this month stating that RFP’s have come from a mix of the group markets: corporate, association, sports and social. Ekeland reported the seven trade partners would be participating with her at the upcoming AENC Tradeshow in December. Ekeland talked about re-doing the meeting & event guide with the help of Clean Design to incorporate our current branding. Laurie Paolicelli asked for news on the Mayors Innovation Conference for August 2014. Ekeland reported that the conference would most likely be held at the Carolina Inn for approximately 100 people, but noted that it has not been confirmed yet. Lydia Lavelle inquired if Carrboro could be included in that agenda. Paolicelli and Ekeland confirmed it could. Paolicelli informed Ms. Lavelle that Mayor Kleinschmidt would be contacting her for the purpose of producing a video to be used for the conference. Communications Report Patty Griffin reported on the current marketing activities informing board members that the 2014 Visitor Guide will be the same size as it is currently but with an additional eight pages. She informed that 60,000 copies would be printed as opposed to the 40,000 this year. Griffin spoke on the recently printed Historic Hillsborough booklet and plans for its promotion and distribution. She also spoke on the Goodnight Carolina campaign, annual report for 2012-2013, recent SATW conference, and holiday flyer. Nominating Committee Report Discussion on nominations for the upcoming seat vacancies for Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Hillsborough, Town of Carrboro, and Orange County EDC was postponed to the January 15, 2014 meeting.