CHOC Visitors Bureau minutes 082119

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For Approval September 18, 2019 Chapel Hill/ Orange County Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Meeting August 21, 2019 The Chapel/Orange County Visitors Bureau met at Hyatt Place Southern Village 3690 S . Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Board Members Present : Penny Rich , Lydia Lavelle, Shannan Campbell , Annette Stone, Andrew Strickland , David Brooks, Mark Sherburne, Anthony Carey, Mark Bell , Kayla Dempsey, Pam Hemminger, Tanya Moore, Matt Gladdek, Libbie Hough Not Present : Katie Murray, Tim Hoke, Rosemary Waldorf, Jeff Strickler Staff Attendance : Laurie Paolicelli, Marlene Barbera Also present : Steve Brantley, Director of Orange County Economic Development; Sarah Paris , Alliance for Historic Hillsborough , DR Bryant, Southern Village Developer, Sam Vadgama , GM Residence Inn Call to Order Chair Anthony Carey called the meeting to order at 8 : 05 . He thanked the group for being back for a new year and asked for introductions by all . DR Bryant, developer with the Hyatt Hotel , welcomed group to the Hyatt . Approval of Minutes Chair Carey requested a motion to approve the June 19, 2019 minutes . Penny Rich so moved and David Brooks seconded the motion . With all members in favor, the minutes were approved as submitted . Nomination Committee Report Mark Sherburne reviewed what board positions are currently open including an opening from the Chapel Hill /Carrboro Chamber of Commerce . Rosemary Waldorf is currently in position but will be vacating early . Sherburne asked that Dixon Pitt be considered as a nomination with ultimate approval by the Board of Orange County Commissioners . Dixon has a lot of experience with development and special events and serves with Bryan Properties and worked closely with Waldorf and DR Bryan . Another board opening is the Orange County hotelier seat currently held by Andrew Strickland who has left his Orange County hotelier position . Sam Vadgama of Residence Inn Chapel Hill is being recommended for consideration . The third opening is appointed by Town of Chapel Hill Economic Development , Annette Spring Council of Mama Dip' s is the recommendation . She would bring Orange County hospitality heritage and a strong food ie/ restaurateur background to the board . The fourth opening is Town of Chapel Hill appointed . Currently, Town Council member Racheal Schaevitz is on board but due to time conflict, would like Mayor Pam Hemminger to take the seat . All candidates are currently in the application process . Mayor Lavelle reminded that diversity on the board is important . Committee agreed . Chair Carey agreed . Chair Carey made a motion to officially recommend to the commissioners the prospective board members for them to consider and approve . Mark Bell so moved Carey' s motion . With all members in favor, the motion was approved . Finance Report Commissioner Rich reported that occupancy tax collection was up 5 % over last year . She thanked staff for ending the last fiscal year with a balanced budget . She reviewed the budget breakout for 2019- 2020 and reminded that the majority of the budget is allocated to advertising and marketing; staff and then operations . She thanked the hotels and industry for an impressive June and July, typically a shoulder season but months that are now seeing growth .