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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: April 4, 2000 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. ~_ <br />SUBJECT: Report on Travel and Tourism/Economic Development Promotional Event <br />DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): <br />None <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Moses Carey, Chair <br />TELEPHONE NUMBERS: <br />Hillsborough 732-8181 <br />Chapel Hill 968-4501 <br />Durham 68$-7331 <br />Mebane 336-227-2031 <br />PURPOSE: To receive a report on Orange County's possible support of a North Carolina <br />travel and tourism/economic development promotional event on July 4, 2000 in Ottawa, Ontario, <br />Canada. <br />BACKGROUND: The United States Ambassador to Canada, the Honorable Gordon D_ Griffin, <br />has invited the State of North Carolina to be the host for the largest 4`" of July celebration <br />outside the U.S. This event is billed as the highlight of an entire week's activities in Ontario in <br />celebration of July 4~', and over 5,000 attendees are expected. It is understood that this event <br />will be the subject of substantial media coverage across Canada. Numerous entities across <br />North Carolina, including businesses and local governments, are being contacted and asked to <br />provide support for this event. With the event being the largest 4"' of July celebration outside <br />the U.S., North Carolina's hosting of this celebration will promote North Carolina to attendees as <br />well as to a substantial number of other Canadians and likely encourage interest in the state <br />from both travel and tourism and economic development perspectives.. Numbers indicate that <br />300,000 Canadians chose North Carolina as a travel destination last year, and it is expected <br />that this event will grow that number. <br />It is should be noted that Sam Hobgood of Hillsborough has agreed to spearhead the <br />organization and planning related to North Carolina's hosting of this event, and Mr. Hobgood <br />will be present at the Board meeting to provide additional information. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: Any financial impact is dependent upon the Board's level of interest in <br />participation. The Board may wish to consider allocating up to $5,000 to complement support <br />from other North Carolina local governments and businesses. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): Receive the report and provide appropriate direction to staff. <br />