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2 REPORTS Executive Directors Report Paolicelli briefly spoke on current events. Paolicelli then directed members to a handout previewing the strategic plan of action for the budget year 2008-2009. She stated that with the predicted recession the Visitors Bureau would scale back on out-of-state marketing and concentrate more on local marketing, within 200 miles to include Richmond, Charlotte, Greenville and Wilmington. Paolicelli discussed the goals for marketing and sales to include further testing of gay, food and heritage tourism markets. Paolicelli explained the tourism opportunities for enticing visitor and conference bookings. Some of the strategies and tactics include offering transportation to groups (a meeting with Duke Energy is lined up), strengthening NCHSAA and arts community relationships. Marketing costs were also discussed. The Visitors Bureau will continue to promote Hillsborough and Carrboro by directing visitors to our toll-free line, website and visitor center. A discussion ensued on the decision for cutting back on out-of-state marketing when the long-term objective of the Visitors Bureau is to bring people in from all over. It was determined that the decision is short-term and based on the current state of the economy. It was also determined that 66% of marketing funds would go locally/regionally and 33% would be spent on national group markets. In a more stable economy the numbers may be 50/50. Paolicelli informed members that the amount of visitors to the Visitor Center is going down due to lack of parking which may be a result of the Courtyard parking issue causing more of their employees as well as other employees using the Bentley Building parking lot. Discussion followed. Sales Report Staff member Linda Ekeland gave a summary on her recent travel to Charlotte. Ekeland and seven (7) industry partners including the Friday Center spent three days in Charlotte targeting key companies i.e. Philip Morris, UNC Charlotte, and Wachovia in an effort to lure them to Chapel Hill. A drawing for a Chapel Hill Weekend Getaway will be offered to any meeting planner who books a program with a minimum of 15 room nights anytime during June 15th-September 15th. Included in the package are tickets to Carolina- Notre Dame football game, dinner at the new Shulas restaurant, breakfast at The Franklin, Friday nights on the Front Porch (Carolina Inn) package, Two nights stay at the Sienna and gift baskets from several other hotels. Key chains with business cards and a promotional postcard mailing were also part of this blitz. Drawing will be held September 16th. Ekeland stated that she would be able to track the outcome. She also stated that the Charlotte Blitz was so successful that some hoteliers showed an interest in doing a blitz quarterly. Board member Jon Wilner suggested a promotion on the Arts and offered an incentive from the Arts Center the next time around.