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2 <br /> <br />APPROVAL OF MINUTES <br /> <br />Chair Pavao motioned to approve the March 19, 2008 minutes. Dave Gephart moved to <br />accept as written, Bob Ward seconded. With all board members in agreement the motion <br />was carried unanimously. <br /> <br />GUEST SPEAKER <br /> <br />Laurie Paolicelli introduced Dr. George Fenich, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of <br />Hospitality Management at ECU and multi-published author. Dr. Fenich referred board <br />members to his handouts outlining trends. Fenich informed board members that the <br />majority of metrics are up but supply and demand statewide is not happening. However <br />nationwide, it is happening. Fenich explained that two issues are coming into play: 1) the <br />Federal tax rebate which will be a minimum of $600, has a history of being used for trips. <br />Also the timing for the release of the rebate, May-August, is perfect. History shows that <br />the regional market took shorter trips. Fenich recommended capitalizing on short-term <br />marketing- family packages; weekend get-a-ways with extra day incentives. 2) the weak <br />US dollar may stimulate more domestic travel and spending as items and travel outside <br />the US are more expensive. It may also bring more foreign travelers here. <br /> <br />Floor opened to questions/comments. <br /> <br />REPORTS <br /> <br />Budget & Finance <br /> <br />Laurie Paolicelli in Moses Carey Jr.s absence reminded board members that revenue <br />always lags behind by a month. Spending is on target. <br /> <br />With Careys resignation from the board and moving forward, Chair Pavao motioned to <br />approve the nomination of Bob Ward as the new Finance Committee Chair. Mark <br />Sherburne so moved with Jon Wilner seconding. With all board members in favor the <br />position was granted.. <br /> <br />Market Report <br /> <br />Rick Strunk informed board members on the launch of the new website, the publication <br />of the 2008 Visitors Guide and a campaign for drive in markets for May August. <br /> <br />5th Quarter campaign plans are to brand extra activities around games to encourage <br />visiting fans to stay here through game day guides, direct advertising, the web and mailer <br />mediums. The Visitors Bureau is supporting by marketing 13 counties. <br /> <br />Research shows the Arts sector is not strong therefore the Visitors Bureau has allocated <br />$10,000 to assist Carolina Culture Zone in their endeavors for budget year 2008-2009.