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2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting October 16 , 2013 <br /> <br /> <br />Paolicelli reminded board members that of the $500,000 marketing budget, $50,000 in marketing dollars are earmarked <br />for Hillsborough in addition to staff support in PR, media, social media and marketing. <br />Jim Parker mentioned a multiple town consortium along with this board for promoting Hillsborough. Mike Gering noted <br />that at the Hillsborough town board’s direction, staff was to work with this board for the possibility of collaboration for <br />historic recognition of Hillsborough. <br />Dave Gephart informed board members that the funding for Alliance comes from 1% food tax - of which 60% funds <br />tourism events, 40% goes towards grants, and 6% administration fee. Sarah explained briefly how the different boards <br />collaborated under the direction of the Alliance. <br />Ms. Paolicelli inquired if it would be beneficial for some of that revenue going straight to the Alliance annually to use for <br />Hillsborough branding, rather than all of it given to season events that each have their own branding. Mike Gering noted <br />that the 40% used for grants could be used for anything. The other 60% is allotted for marketing & publications. <br />Reports <br /> <br />Budget/Finance <br />Commissioner Penny Rich reported a 2.56% increase (YTD through August) in occupancy revenue over this time last year <br />for a sum of $170,000. Invoicing has been sent for $87,500 to the Town of Chapel Hill for the first and second quarter <br />support. Ms. Rich reported that the promotions and dues accounts are high for the period however will even out as the <br />year progresses. Ms. Rich opened discussion on the administrative fee that the Bureau is currently paying the county <br />(5%) in which she feels is too much. Ms. Rich reported that Solid Waste is another department that pays an <br />administrative fee. She stated that other tourism entities pay less, citing Winston-Salem at 3%, Raleigh at 3%, Asheville <br />at 1.5% and Wilmington pays a flat fee. Mike Gering noted that the 6% that the Alliance pays (noted earlier) covers the <br />cost of collecting the meals tax. Ms. Rich stated that she would meet with interim county manager, Michael Talbert to <br />discuss further. Funding for the Arts Commission comes from the occupancy tax at $100,000 annually; Based on this <br />allocation; Rich feels that the total fees paid by the Bureau should now be decreased. <br />Sales Report <br />Linda Ekeland reported that 11 partners participated and 22 planners attended the RDU roadshow on the 4th. She stated <br />that she has already been contacted by one organization from that event. In other news, she reported that leads are <br />trending further out than before, with requests for 2015 and beyond. Ms. Ekeland informed board members that sales <br />associate Allison Phillips has accepted a full time position with Southern Pines. Mike Gering inquired if the position could <br />be a proposed budgeted item for 2014-2015. Paolicelli confirmed. <br />Executive Director Report <br /> Paolicelli suggested forming a nominating committee for upcoming board seats. Ms. Lavelle commented that as mayor <br />she would join other boards and suggested other Alderman should serve to learn more about what the Visitor Bureau <br />does. Dave Gephart, Anthony Carey, and Mark Sherburne volunteered for the nominating committee.