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3 <br />Board member Wilner expressed concern that in one particular ad, the Arts Center is not <br />mentioned with the Cats Cradle. Paolicelli thanked Wilner for his comments and agreed <br />to add to future ads. <br /> <br />Paolicelli stated that incentives to travel here should be offered to offset the rise in gas <br />and other economic impacts. Paolicelli also mentioned using the social marketing tools <br />such as MySpace etc. She informed members that studies on this type of marketing <br />would be covered in the Governors Conference this year. Discussion ensued regarding <br />the type of audience that uses social marketing. <br /> <br />Executive Directors Report <br /> <br />Paolicelli informed members that every two years UNC, Duke and NC State get together <br />and sponsor a dedication to the literary world Festival of the Book, a Flagship event for <br />the triangle. Chapel Hill is designated to host the event in 2009. The UNC Library has <br />hosted in the past but will be unable to in 2009 consequently the Visitors Bureau has been <br />asked by the Chapel Hill Town Alderman to host and given the task of changing it into a <br />major event. The UNC Chancellor designated $200,000 toward the event. Paolicelli <br />recommended forming a task force with UNC on the condition that Hillsborough be <br />included. Paolicelli asked for volunteers from the board. Board member Jon Wilner <br />volunteered. <br /> <br />Paolicelli then acknowledged board member Mark Sherburne to give an update on the <br />current lodging trend. Sherburne informed that our region is status quo with the national <br />average. Occupancy is down, however, hoteliers are satisfied. <br /> <br />NEW BUSINESS <br /> <br />Board member Linda Convissor informed board members that Jonathon Howe, who <br />recently had a heart attack, had bypass surgery and is recovering in the hospital. <br /> <br />Liz Parham gave an update to the board regarding downtown Chapel Hill informing them <br />that nine (9) new businesses recently opened bringing the restaurant business total to 81 <br />and bringing the occupancy rate to 93 %, a net gain. Parham also stated that there is a <br />potential for 6-8 more businesses establishing in Chapel Hill in the near future. <br /> <br />At a recent Council retreat a strategic plan to develop a master plan on parking was <br />discussed. Under-utilized lots could be developed. Liz Parham added that the Downtown <br />Partnership also has in the works, a comprehensive study for all aspects of parking with <br />results due in March. Currently the public has access of 50% of the available parking. <br />Ward concluded the discussion that Chapel Hill Council members would like to receive <br />visitors to Chapel Hill in a positive way not by issuing parking tickets. <br /> <br />Other new business included the Visitors center merchandising, Elizabeth Reads <br />appointment as Director of The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Bob Wards