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For Approval November 20, 2024 <br /> o Noted that overnight lodging represents a lesser area of spending from arts attendees, <br /> which could improve by hosting more large-scale projects. <br /> B. Current Challenges in the Arts Community <br /> • Limited availability of spaces for artists to learn, work, live, and create. <br /> • Insufficient venues for performance, teaching, or sales of artistic work. <br /> • Artists are relocating from Orange County due to high living costs. <br /> C. Support and Preserving Our Creative Community <br /> • Recommendations for support include: <br /> o Paying a living wage to artists. <br /> o Involving artists in community planning. <br /> o Supporting agencies that employ artists. <br /> • Noted a national decrease in private support for the arts. <br /> • Arts initiatives receive bipartisan support in the NC State Legislature. <br /> • Emphasis on supporting initiatives that enhance the community, such as creative spaces and <br /> artist-led initiatives. <br /> • Upcoming event: Raffle for the Arts. <br /> Executive Director's Report <br /> A. Logo Update <br /> • A survey has been distributed at the request of Wendy Smith to assess the need for greater <br /> representation in the logo design. This survey will be resent for additional feedback. <br /> B. Branding Strategy <br /> • Discussion on maintaining the branding of"small town charm"while accommodating growth <br /> in the area. <br /> • Continued promotion of outdoor activities to attract visitors looking for alternatives to <br /> mountain hiking. <br /> Budget Report <br /> Hannah Hemphill reported on the budget with the following key points: <br /> • The Visitors Bureau has requested to appropriate $201,842.00 from the fund reserve to offset the <br /> increase in advertising spending due to the opportunity to sponsor Sonark Media's PBS Special and <br /> increased meeting advertising costs. <br /> • Occupancy tax reports have shown that they are tracking with the revenue we expect to see, and <br /> occupancy rates are staying on par with last year. <br /> • We are continuing to monitor budget line items that were cut during the budget cycle, including travel. <br /> Next meeting: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Carolina Inn <br /> The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 AM. <br /> 21 Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting October 16 , 2024 <br />