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Home My WebLink AboutCH-OCVB minutes 111908Minutes Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board November 19, 2008 The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor’s Bureau Board met at Shula’s 347 Grill at the Sheraton One Europa Dr, Chapel Hill Host Wes Collins, Director of Sales Board Members Present: Lee Pavao, Rick Strunk, Rachel Hawkins, Dave Gephart, Jon Wilner, Jim Ward, Frances Dancy, Bob Ward, Mark Sherburne, Creston Woods, Linda Convissor Members Absent: Barry Jacobs Other’s Present: Bradley Broadwell, O.C. EDC Director; County Commissioner Moses Carey Jr. Staff Present: Laurie Paolicelli, Linda Ekeland, Tina Fuller, Patty Griffin and Dale Chodorow Guests: Teresa Damiano, Marketing Director for RDU airport CALL TO ORDER Mr. Lee Pavao, Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:07 a.m. WELCOME and OVERVIEW OF SHULA’S/SHERATON Chair Pavao welcomed everyone. Pavao introduced Wes Collins, Director of Sales for the Sheraton, Chapel Hill, and thanked him for hosting the board meeting. Collins welcomed everyone as well and gave an update on the Sheraton informing that Shula's is open for breakfast lunch and dinner 7 days a week and is available for meetings. Collins went on to say that all the rooms have been recently renovated with new carpet, wall coverings, and flat screen TV’s. The lobby will be updated as an Internet cafe and feature a 60” flat screen TV. SPECIAL THANKS Chair Pavao gave the floor to Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli to acknowledge outgoing board members. Paolicelli presented Moses Carey, Jr. and Rachel Hawkins with proclamations and expressed her appreciation to both for their advocacy and friendship over the years. INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKER Guest speaker Teresa Damiano, Director of Marketing for RDU, was introduced by Chair Pavao to speak to the board on current projects at RDU airport. Ms. Damiano announced that Super Shuttle, a 2-year project in the making, would be operating out of RDU beginning January 3rd. 2008 and servicing the Triangle area. Damiano also announced Delta Airlines’ new non-stop flight to Paris begins June of 2009. Damiano informed board members that the airline companies lack marketing funds and it is the hope of RDU to team up with the area CVB’s to help market the international flight(s). Damiano also spoke on the new terminal at RDU, T2, stating that all carriers will be moving to this terminal in phases with the exception of Jet Blue, Air Tran and Southwest. REPORTS Marketing Report Marketing Chair, Rick Strunk reported that the 2009 visitor profile research originally planned for January has been delayed until February. It was decided to base half of the research on previous visitors to determine perception of area, changes, etc. otherwise it would be based on persons most likely to visit. American Express recently provided this information. Budget & Finance Finance Chair, Bob Ward, reported that some expenditures are nearly tapped out, Supplies and Strategic Alliances, however a credit of $500 is due to Supplies and most obligations were paid up front from Strategic Alliances. Revenue is in-line with expenditures for this time of year. Bob also reported that the Town of Chapel Hill has paid half of the support as described in the performance agreement. Laurie added that she is projecting that the support form Chapel Hill will be flat to an 8% decrease for next budget year. Chair Pavao informed board members that the BOCC disagreed on two items on the 2008-2009 performance agreement and is still in review. Laurie reminded board members that only 10% of occupancy funds collected is required to be used for Visitor Bureau usage. Board member Jim Ward suggested finding constructive ways for stakeholders to explain the value of funds to this commitment and recommends presenting to council members beginning now during coffee meetings, emails, etc. Next years budget is yet to be allocated. Laurie informed board members that she cut a few items from the original budget, one being the van at $33,000. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Pavao requested a motion to approve the October 15th, 2008 minutes. Dave Gephart moved to accept as written, Bob Ward seconded. With all board members in agreement the motion was carried unanimously. REPORTS (continued) Nomination Committee Report The nomination committee recommended Mark Sherburne as Chairman. They also extended an invitation to Dwight Bassett and James Harris to serve on an ad hoc basis. Hillsborough nominee, Jim Parker, was back on the BOCC agenda last night, however results of his approval as board member are unknown. Greg Overbeck was approved. Lee Pavao will serve in an emeritus role. Chair Pavao request a formal vote for Mark Sherburne. Jon Wilner formally nominated Mark Sherburne to assume the Chair position beginning January 2009, Bob Ward seconded. With all members in agreement, the motion was approved. Executive Directors Report Paolicelli stated that in order to weather through the current state of the economy, we need to adhere to a few marketing principles: 1) continue marketing, 2) take greater advantage of business coming here, 3) keep athletic travelers here in Orange County, 4) cut the VB budget by 3-5%, 5) protect hotel rates, and 6) encourage government, UNC, Chambers of Commerce, etc. to think local. Paolicelli informed board members that the O.C. Lodging Association and Linda Ekeland will meet with the Hyland Group out of DC this Friday. Results from this meeting will be presented at the next board meeting in January. Paolicelli also briefed members on new features to the website and stating that in 2009, visitor guide production will be reduced with more marketing efforts given toward on-line projects. NEW BUSINESS Board member Dave Gephart reported on the progress Hillsborough holiday campaigns. Referring to a handout Gephart pointed out holiday ads that ran in the Greensboro News & Record as well as the Raleigh News & Observer. The ads will run as new events occur throughout December. Gephart stated that these events can be viewed on the new website www.holidaysinhillsborough.com Gephart also reported that the Visitor Center in Hillsborough will be operating 7 days a week, the “Ladies Night Out” campaign was a success and that an ambassador program with training for shopkeepers in Hillsborough is in the works. Board member Jon Wilner updated board members on Culture Zone. Wilner reported that they are in the final stages of 501(c)3 application, new window stickers with the Culture Zone logo were created. He also reported that the initial approach to this project would be a 4-week schedule of events, two major (one in the beginning and the at the end) and would center around other major art events in the community for daytrippers with the hopes that some stay an extra day. Laurie added that they had a meeting with Barry Mann (Our State Magazine) has offered to sponsor this project by creating an insert brochure, worth $25,000 in advertising. Board member Jim Ward briefly updated board members on the progress of the Botanical Garden Educational Center which is due to have it’s official opening in October 2009. Parking and pubic transportation to the facility is still a work in progress. OLD BUSINESS Concluding the meeting, Laurie presented Lee Pavao with a proclamation for his service of 12 years with the board. ADJOURNMENT With no other business to discuss, Chair Pavao entertained a motion to adjourn Bob Ward so motioned and Dave Gephart seconded. With all in favor, the meeting came to a close at 9:36 a.m. ________________________________ _________________________________ Minutes Drafted by: Minutes Accepted by: Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director Lee Pavao, Chair ________________________________ _________________________________ Date Date