Orange County NC Website
3 <br />Paolicelli continued with her report informing members about the Walkabout piece, <br />which is the 1st of 12 pieces collaborated with Travelfizz. Poalicelli informed on the new <br />postcards, which will be given free to all visitors. <br /> <br />NEW BUSINESS <br /> <br />Paolicelli informed board members that 75% (about 3500 bureaus) started out as city or <br />county backed but are now private. However after reviewing funding, staff, & strategy, <br />the Bylaws Committee (Pavao, Carey, Jr. and Paolicelli) has determined it would make <br />sense to stay with the county. Mr. Carey added that research found no uniformity in <br />structure. The bottom line is we will have some constraints and compliances as a county <br />department depending on county management at the time progress is built on <br />relationships. The committee plans to revisit this idea in 2009. <br /> <br />Chair Pavao instructed board members to review the handout on operational <br />recommendations and amendments to the Visitor Bureau Bylaws. Recommendations <br />included a sales bonus program, reimbursement for tips, and more Board member input. <br />Amendments to Bylaws included adding Marketing at Large (non-voting) 3-yr term seat, <br />Town of Chapel Hill ECD (non-voting) 2-yr term seat, and Downtown Chapel Hill (non- <br />voting) 2-yr term seat. Pavao stated he would like to see the board get more involved in <br />the budget. Carey, Jr., reminded the board that there are government and legal issues. <br />Motion to approve recommendations and amendments Bob Ward. Francis Dancy <br />seconded. All in favor, motion granted. A formal request for a work session on these <br />recommendations and amendments will be sent to the BOCC Clerk early next year. <br /> <br />Chair Pavao informed the board that all of the requested 1% tax increase if granted would <br />be used for marketing. After Thanksgiving, Creston Woods and Mark Sherburne will join <br />Lee Pavao to go before the BOCC with the request. <br /> <br />Jon Wilner gave an update on the progress of Culture Shock. Culture Shock has been <br />renamed as Carolina Culture Zone. Becoming a 501C3 will be realized in the next few <br />years. An internal database is in the works to collect data on arts throughout the <br />community. Chatham County has agreed to give financial assistance. The concept of <br />Three Boros and a Hill Arts Community has been discussed. <br /> <br />Discussion moved back to the 1% tax increase request. Board member Jim Ward <br />suggested gathering information on what Carrboro needs budget wise in support of the <br />arts community and getting with Mayor Chilton and Moses Carey or himself. In regard to <br />Creston Woods remarks on a soft market this year, Ward briefly mentioned that UNCs <br />schedule might be dictated by the ACC and T.V. <br /> <br />It was noted that a Light Rail meeting will be held in Hillsborough on November 30th. <br />R/R groups will attend of which two are NC Railroad and DOT. <br /> <br /> <br />.