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2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting Sept. 18 , 2013 <br /> <br />Reports <br /> <br />Marketing Update <br />Tom Hickey, Media Director for Clean Design took board members through an overview of past and present key <br />initiatives, media mix and goals for the year ahead. Mr. Hickey reported that online advertising would increase slightly <br />and print would decrease the same with this year’s media plan. He also reported that 21% of the advertising budget <br />would go to group meetings compared to 7% last year. Mr. Hickey explained that they were putting less emphasis on <br />The Edge of the Triangle, leaving it as a tag line, and focusing more on the 'experience' visitors can enjoy in Orange <br />County, from Hillsborough street festivals and puppet parades to Indian food, galleries and grocery shopping. He also <br />noted that new media partners, USA Gay Pages, Carolina Alumni Review and Public Art Review were added to the media <br />mix. Stephanie Perri, the Bureau’s account representative from Clean Design added that they are involved in other <br />areas of promoting Orange County with the Goodnight Carolina map, Hillsborough historic piece, agritourism insert, <br />LGBT ads and event specific ads to support community partners. <br />Budget/Finance <br />Commissioner Penny Rich reported that last year’s occupancy revenue came in approximately $27,000 over what the <br />Town of Chapel Hill budgeted. Per the 2012-2013 performance agreement with the town, 50% of the actual overage <br />would be given to the Bureau. The town will send the Bureau the additional $13,682.53 in this fiscal year along with the <br />2013-2014 agreed amount of $175,000. Commissioner Rich commented on the art grant awards given last night at the <br />BOCC meeting. She turned to Martha Shannon to congratulate and elaborate. Ms. Shannon explained that for the fiscal <br />year 2012-2013, the NC State Arts Council allotted $30,762 in grant money to Orange County for schools and non-profit <br />organizations that apply for grants to help fund art related projects. Ms. Shannon explained that these grant checks are <br />handed out annually by the commissioners during their regular board meeting. Continuing with the finance report, Rich <br />stated that revenue and expenditures are on target so far for this budget year. Concluding her report, Commissioner <br />Rich commented that she felt the $51,000 charged to the Bureau for administrative fees was a little high and she would <br />like to speak to the other commissioners about the possibility of lowering that amount. <br />Executive Director Report <br />Laurie Paolicelli reported that in accordance with the relocation committee’s request, she is preparing a presentation on <br />recommendations for the future location and scope of a walk-in Visitors Center and she would be presenting this <br />recommendation in October. Additionally Paolicelli deferred a marketing presentation to the agency and noted that <br />staff’s work in communications, administration and sales were strong, on-target and impressive. <br />Sales Report <br />Linda Ekeland reported that July was strong in several group markets. She also reported that she is getting leads for <br />bookings as far out as 2018. Furthermore, she is working with the Sheraton Hotel on a bid to bring in a national <br />conference for 2016 & 2017. Ekeland continued her report, informing board members that SkyLink Shuttle will join the <br />October 4th RDU Road Show. With regard to the AENC Tradeshow in December, Ms. Ekeland explained that she and the <br />other DOS’s are having a hard time coming up with booth ideas noting that last year’s theme will be hard to beat. <br />Concluding her report, Ms. Ekeland stated she is seeing a new trend in holiday bust tours; she is currently working with <br />hotels and other venues for two tours coming in December.