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Home My WebLink AboutCH-OCVB minutes 011608 Minutes Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board January 16, 2008 The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board met at the James Lee Love House, 410 E. Franklin Street in Chapel Hill at 8:00 AM on January 16, 2008 Board Members Present: Lee Pavao, Frances Dancy, Bob Ward, Linda Convissor, Rachel Hawkins, Rick Strunk, Moses Carey, Jon Wilner, Jim Ward, Liz Parham, Mark Sherburne Members Absent: Creston Woods, Dave Gephart Others Present: Elizabeth Read, Alliance; Willie Best, Orange County Staff Present: Laurie Paolicelli, Tina Fuller Guests: Will Lambe, Associate Director Community and Economic Development Program UNC School of Government and author of Small Towns, Big Ideas: Case Studies in Small Town Economic Development; Gene Mayhall, formerly with the hotel Europa; Adam Klein, Director of Government Relations and Economic Development, Chapel Hill /Carrboro Chamber CALL TO ORDER Mr. Lee Pavao, Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. WELCOME TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS Chair Pavao introduced Dr. Harry Watson, Director of UNCs Center for the Study of the American South. Dr. Watson gave a brief history of the Love House. Dr. Watson informed members that research and public outreach in the form of grants is the main objective of the Center for the Study of the American South. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Pavao motioned to approve the November 14, 2007 minutes. Bob Ward noted a spelling error on pg. 2. Chair Pavao recognized and requested to approve the minutes after the correction. Moses Carey so moved and Rick Strunk seconded. With all board members in agreement, motion was carried unanimously. 2 Economic Impact of Tourism YTD Executive Director Paolicelli informed board members that according to recent studies in economic development, Orange Countys tourism dollars were $52 million in 1992 as compared to the current $140 million. Orange County currently has 1400 hotel rooms and 60, 000 sq footage of meeting space. The average daily rate (ADR) is the highest in the Triangle however there is a decline in occupancy partly due to 175 new rooms in this county and 10,000 in Durham. Executive Director Paolicelli introduced Will Lambe which in turn introduced Gene Mayhall, a veteran of the tourism industry in Chapel Hill and Adam Klein, Economic Development Director, who assisted in the research of Lambes recent publication Small Towns, Big Ideas: Case Studies in Small Town Economic Development. Lambe informed members that research for this publication focused on rural economic development. 85 rural counties with criteria of communities being generally 50 years behind were studied for innovation, community and economic development. Lambe stated that Hillsborough is one of the case studies included in the book that has taken the initiative and succeeded in improving the well being of its community. The book lists seven major strategies to improve economic development and will be available to the public IN LATE APRIL 2008. Lambe subsequently answered questions from board members. REPORTS Budget & Finance Finance Committee Chair Moses Carey, Jr., informed the board that the budget looks fairly good. Actual revenue should be at 50%. On the expense side, looks good but concerned about the promotion and events account as it is nearly spent. Advertising is over 50% spent. Carey confirmed with Paolicelli that a large amount of funds were encumbered up front in the beginning of the fiscal year and that occupancy tax revenue is generally received and posted the month following the tax month. Chair Pavao requested a Motion to approve the budget report, Rick Strunk moved to approve the budget and Jon Wilner seconded the motion. With all members in agreement the budget report was approved. Marketing Marketing Committee Chair Rick Strunk gave an update on the progress of the marketing campaigns and passed around boards displaying current ads. Strunk motioned whether to continue using Jennings for fiscal year 2008-2009. Chair Pavao requested a motion to approve. Moses Carey moved with Frances Dancy seconding the motion. With all members in agreement, a contract will be made with Jennings Co. for FY 2008/2009. 3 Board member Wilner expressed concern that in one particular ad, the Arts Center is not mentioned with the Cats Cradle. Paolicelli thanked Wilner for his comments and agreed to add to future ads. Paolicelli stated that incentives to travel here should be offered to offset the rise in gas and other economic impacts. Paolicelli also mentioned using the social marketing tools such as MySpace etc. She informed members that studies on this type of marketing would be covered in the Governors Conference this year. Discussion ensued regarding the type of audience that uses social marketing. Executive Directors Report Paolicelli informed members that every two years UNC, Duke and NC State get together and sponsor a dedication to the literary world Festival of the Book, a Flagship event for the triangle. Chapel Hill is designated to host the event in 2009. The UNC Library has hosted in the past but will be unable to in 2009 consequently the Visitors Bureau has been asked by the Chapel Hill Town Alderman to host and given the task of changing it into a major event. The UNC Chancellor designated $200,000 toward the event. Paolicelli recommended forming a task force with UNC on the condition that Hillsborough be included. Paolicelli asked for volunteers from the board. Board member Jon Wilner volunteered. Paolicelli then acknowledged board member Mark Sherburne to give an update on the current lodging trend. Sherburne informed that our region is status quo with the national average. Occupancy is down, however, hoteliers are satisfied. NEW BUSINESS Board member Linda Convissor informed board members that Jonathon Howe, who recently had a heart attack, had bypass surgery and is recovering in the hospital. Liz Parham gave an update to the board regarding downtown Chapel Hill informing them that nine (9) new businesses recently opened bringing the restaurant business total to 81 and bringing the occupancy rate to 93 %, a net gain. Parham also stated that there is a potential for 6-8 more businesses establishing in Chapel Hill in the near future. At a recent Council retreat a strategic plan to develop a master plan on parking was discussed. Under-utilized lots could be developed. Liz Parham added that the Downtown Partnership also has in the works, a comprehensive study for all aspects of parking with results due in March. Currently the public has access of 50% of the available parking. Ward concluded the discussion that Chapel Hill Council members would like to receive visitors to Chapel Hill in a positive way not by issuing parking tickets. Other new business included the Visitors center merchandising, Elizabeth Reads appointment as Director of The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Bob Wards 4 FEATURE IN INSIDE CAROLINA MAGAZINE and Mark Sherburnes promotion to VP at East- West Partnership. OLD BUSINESS Chair Pavao informed board members that the 1% tax increase request was well received by the Commissioners and would be used solely for marketing. Plans are to formally present on Feb 5th. VB staff will put together a promotional packet for the presentation. Moses Carey informed members of the proposal to develop Buckhorne for regional retail. Water & Sewer is already available by the Town of Mebane. ADJOURNMENT With all business of the Board completed Chair Pavao motioned to adjourn the meeting. Jim Ward so moved and Francis Dancy seconded. With all in favor, Chair Pavao adjourned the meeting at 9:41 a.m. ________________________________ _________________________________ Minutes Drafted by: Minutes Accepted by: Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director Lee Pavao, Chair ________________________________ _________________________________ Date Date