HomeMy WebLinkAboutCH-OCVB minutes 061814Approved August 20, 2014
MINUTES
Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Meeting
June 18, 2014
The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau met at
Durham Tech, Orange County Campus
Board Members Present: Dave Gephart, Lee Storrow, Debbie Hepp, Greg Overbeck, Karen DeHart, Mike Gering, Penny
Rich, and Meg McGurk
Not Present: Anthony Carey, Mark Sherburne, Jim Parker, Aaron Bachenheimer, Lee Pavao, Michelle Johnson, and
Annette Stone
Staff attendance: Steve Brantley, Linda Ekeland, Martha Shannon and Tina Fuller
Also attended: Sarah DeGennaro, Alliance for Historic Hillsborough; Penny Gluck, Director DTCC, Orange County
Call to Order
Dave Gephart, filling in for Anthony Carey welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 8:07 am.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Gephart requested a motion to approve the May 21, 2014 minutes. Greg Overbeck so moved and Penny Rich
seconded. With all members in favor, the minutes were approved as submitted.
Update on Durham Tech, Orange County Campus
Mr. Gephart acknowledged Penny Gluck, Executive Dean Orange County Operations for DTCC. Ms. Gluck announced the
O.C. Campus would offer 80 courses in their curriculum studies this fall, which includes courses for a nursing assistant
program and Office Systems Technology, both new to Orange County. In addition to those programs, an EMS program,
exclusive to DTCC, OC will see 1500 students enrolled. Ms. Gluck also reported on DTCC’s FAA/AST Track degree
program designed to help students earn college credits while in their junior and senior year of high school. Some Q&A
followed with discussion on expansion plans, and the role DTCCOC will play in the hiring and training for Morinaga as
well as attracting new businesses to the area.
Reports
Budget/Finance
Penny Rich reported that the request to forego rent charges has been approved by the BOCC. Ms. Rich commented that
the budget outlook looks good and inquired of Greg Overbeck on restaurant business. Me. Overbeck replied that
restaurants are experience an upswing.
Executive Director
Linda Ekeland on behalf of Laurie Paolicelli reported that the Franklin Hotel would soon fall under the new Hilton brand,
Curio. Ekeland also announced that for the MIP group coming in August (21&22), the organizers requested a walking
map to restaurants. Ekeland inquired of Meg McGurk if there would be a concert downtown during the MIP event.
McGurk indicated that there is usually a concert on the Thursday after school begins but it has not been confirmed as of
yet. Continuing with her report, Ekeland announced that Laurie (Paolicelli) is working with UNC on the University
Architects Conference in 2015. Other notable mentions: the sales director position has been posted with an expiration
date to apply June 29; the new Hampton Inn in Carrboro received last minute room nights as a result of the US Open.
Greg Overbeck commented that they also received business from US Open attendees. Concluding her report, Ekeland
invited all board members and meeting attendees to the group sales University Event at TOPO Distillery, tomorrow 4:30 -
6:30pm.
2 | Page CHOCVB BOD Meeting June 18 , 2014
New Business Round Robin
Hillsborough Chamber News – Dave Gephart announced that with the resignation of Margaret Cannell, Betsy Crittenden
is serving as interim Executive Director.
Downtown Partnership – Meg McGurk briefly discussed the Rosemary Imagined comprehensive action plan explaining
that over the next year, 20 visions would be collected and merged with results taken back to council. Early 2015 would
see the beginning of those results.
Alliance for Historic Hillsborough – Sarah DeGennaro announced that the Alliance met with Clean Design marketing
agency and is planning a workshop in September, to further discuss the best ways to expand marketing initiatives for
Hillsborough. She also announced that Hillsborough would hold a picnic in the park, a parade on Tryon Street, and the
reading of the Declaration of Independence during July 4.
Other Hillsborough News – Dave Gephart spoke on Riverwalk events, Riverwalk Summer Session Fest August 16 and the
formal opening on October 11 from 1-5pm.
Arts News – Debbie Hepp reported that the arts commission awarded 26 applicants over thirty thousand dollars in state
assisted grant funds for the Spring 2014 grant cycle, currently there are three open vacancies on the OCAC board of
directors, and the board will attend a retreat at the end of the month June 30 1:30-4pm. Ms. Hepp gave an update on
Hog Day events noting that it would be held at the Hwy 70 Ruritan Club. Martha Shannon commented that she did not
foresee any cuts in state grant funds for the upcoming fiscal year with the current general assembly.
Orange County News - Steve Brantley mentioned that Orange County is redoing its website and suggested Visitor
Bureau staff contact Jim Northrup in the IT department. Penny Rich reported that in a few weeks, Bonnie Hammersly,
the county manager would schedule to meet with staff from each department.
NCHSAA – Karen DeHart reported that with the NCHSAA Chapel Hill Soccer Tournament, the school year in sports
ended. Ms. DeHart also reported that renovations to their building have begun and they are temporarily located at 216
Finley Golf Course Rd for the next 8-12 months. DeHart said some of their meetings will be held at some of the local
hotels.
Other Business:
Lee Storrow reported on his Orange County staycation noting that the most fun part was a visit to the Orange County
Speedway. Councilman Storrow took some time to experience things to see and do in all three towns in Orange County.
With no other business to discuss, Dave Gephart motioned to adjourn, Greg Overbeck seconded and the meeting ended
at 8:58 AM.
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Minutes reviewed by:
Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director
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Minutes accepted by:
Anthony Carey, Chairman
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