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Home My WebLink AboutCH-OCVB minutes 111407 Minutes Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board November 14, 2007 The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board met at the Sheraton Chapel Hill at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Board Members Present: Lee Pavao, Frances Dancy, Bob Ward, Linda Convissor, Rachel Hawkins, Rick Strunk, Moses Carey, Jon Wilner, Jim Ward, Liz Parham, Creston Woods Members Absent: Mark Sherburne Staff Present: Laurie Paolicelli, Tina Roberts Guests: Daniel Wallace, Author; Aaron Nelson, Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber Executive Director CALL TO ORDER Mr. Lee Pavao, Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:06 a.m. WELCOME TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS Chair Pavao welcomed Dave Gephart who will be replacing [upon approval of the BOCC] Bill Crowther, representing the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough; Aaron Nelson, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber and Daniel Wallace, Author of Big Fish and Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician. Chair Pavao invited Daniel Wallace to speak. Mr. Wallace briefly described his background, how and why he came to Chapel Hill, his view on the area (kind of a magic synergy), and the need for programs that realize the arts culture. Board member Jon Wilner commented that many of the local artists in the community do not have financial support and as a community we need to make sure this happens to keep them here. Aaron Nelson apprised board members on the Foundation for a Sustainable Community, its relationship with the community in general, business community, the environmental community and UNC & Duke Universities; its major objectives; and its membership organization - the Institute for Sustainable Development. The Foundation for a 2 Sustainable Communitys mission is to achieve the triple bottom line of community sustainability - environmental stewardship, social equity and economic prosperity. REPORTS Marketing Committee Marketing Committee Chair, Rick Strunk, informed that a slight adjustment in the logo font has been done. He also stated that the 2-page spread on Orange County hotels would make its debut in the High School Championship Program. Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli elaborated on the logo explaining the deletion of the name Orange County and the spelling out of Historic Hillsborough and Carrboro instead in an effort to promote these towns more effectively. She noted that the name Orange County is affiliated with other states, namely California. She also informed board members of the sub branded new line of merchandise; hats, t-shirts, teddy bears, and note cards available in the Visitors Center. Paolicelli updated the board on Website details: on-line date has been pushed to January or February and will include testimonials and attributes on arts and green. She noted that the arts ads are going strong, closing the gap between the Tar Heel and arts cultures. In reference to the merchandise, Jon Wilner stated he would like to see a tag line for Carrboro. It was noted that an old tagline was Paris of the Piedmont. Paolicelli agreed it is something we could look at as we move forward in merchandising and we could add to the Agenda for further discussion. Budget & Finance Committee Finance Committee Chair Moses Carey, Jr., informed the board that based on the October financial report our expenditures appears to be normal for the first qtr but expressed concerns about revenue. Recommendation to speak with Ken Chavious about the projected budget, which could be a clarifier, was duly noted. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT Laurie Paolicelli commended Linda Ekeland, Visitors Bureau Sales Director, for the terrific job on the latest FAM conference. Paolicelli proceeded to brief members on the conference. Board member, Creston Woods stated he felt the market is soft compared to last year, possibly due to the sports schedule, increase of supply and economic insecurity. Paolicelli commented that the Visitors Bureau marketing efforts are future oriented. Woods stated that the meeting space ratio is behind. Discussion and suggestions ensued. 3 Paolicelli continued with her report informing members about the Walkabout piece, which is the 1st of 12 pieces collaborated with Travelfizz. Poalicelli informed on the new postcards, which will be given free to all visitors. NEW BUSINESS Paolicelli informed board members that 75% (about 3500 bureaus) started out as city or county backed but are now private. However after reviewing funding, staff, & strategy, the Bylaws Committee (Pavao, Carey, Jr. and Paolicelli) has determined it would make sense to stay with the county. Mr. Carey added that research found no uniformity in structure. The bottom line is we will have some constraints and compliances as a county department depending on county management at the time progress is built on relationships. The committee plans to revisit this idea in 2009. Chair Pavao instructed board members to review the handout on operational recommendations and amendments to the Visitor Bureau Bylaws. Recommendations included a sales bonus program, reimbursement for tips, and more Board member input. Amendments to Bylaws included adding Marketing at Large (non-voting) 3-yr term seat, Town of Chapel Hill ECD (non-voting) 2-yr term seat, and Downtown Chapel Hill (non- voting) 2-yr term seat. Pavao stated he would like to see the board get more involved in the budget. Carey, Jr., reminded the board that there are government and legal issues. Motion to approve recommendations and amendments Bob Ward. Francis Dancy seconded. All in favor, motion granted. A formal request for a work session on these recommendations and amendments will be sent to the BOCC Clerk early next year. Chair Pavao informed the board that all of the requested 1% tax increase if granted would be used for marketing. After Thanksgiving, Creston Woods and Mark Sherburne will join Lee Pavao to go before the BOCC with the request. Jon Wilner gave an update on the progress of Culture Shock. Culture Shock has been renamed as Carolina Culture Zone. Becoming a 501C3 will be realized in the next few years. An internal database is in the works to collect data on arts throughout the community. Chatham County has agreed to give financial assistance. The concept of Three Boros and a Hill Arts Community has been discussed. Discussion moved back to the 1% tax increase request. Board member Jim Ward suggested gathering information on what Carrboro needs budget wise in support of the arts community and getting with Mayor Chilton and Moses Carey or himself. In regard to Creston Woods remarks on a soft market this year, Ward briefly mentioned that UNCs schedule might be dictated by the ACC and T.V. It was noted that a Light Rail meeting will be held in Hillsborough on November 30th. R/R groups will attend of which two are NC Railroad and DOT. . 4 OLD BUSINESS/APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Pavao asked for approval of the October 17, 2007 board meeting minutes. Chair Pavao asked for a motion to accept the minutes. Creston Woods so moved and Moses Carey, Jr. seconded ADJOURNMENT With all business of the Board completed, and by executive privilege, 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