HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-04-2000-0aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 4, 2000
Action Agenda
Item No. ~_
SUBJECT: Report on Travel and Tourism/Economic Development Promotional Event
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
None
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Moses Carey, Chair
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 68$-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To receive a report on Orange County's possible support of a North Carolina
travel and tourism/economic development promotional event on July 4, 2000 in Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
BACKGROUND: The United States Ambassador to Canada, the Honorable Gordon D_ Griffin,
has invited the State of North Carolina to be the host for the largest 4`" of July celebration
outside the U.S. This event is billed as the highlight of an entire week's activities in Ontario in
celebration of July 4~', and over 5,000 attendees are expected. It is understood that this event
will be the subject of substantial media coverage across Canada. Numerous entities across
North Carolina, including businesses and local governments, are being contacted and asked to
provide support for this event. With the event being the largest 4"' of July celebration outside
the U.S., North Carolina's hosting of this celebration will promote North Carolina to attendees as
well as to a substantial number of other Canadians and likely encourage interest in the state
from both travel and tourism and economic development perspectives.. Numbers indicate that
300,000 Canadians chose North Carolina as a travel destination last year, and it is expected
that this event will grow that number.
It is should be noted that Sam Hobgood of Hillsborough has agreed to spearhead the
organization and planning related to North Carolina's hosting of this event, and Mr. Hobgood
will be present at the Board meeting to provide additional information.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Any financial impact is dependent upon the Board's level of interest in
participation. The Board may wish to consider allocating up to $5,000 to complement support
from other North Carolina local governments and businesses.
RECOMMENDATION(S): Receive the report and provide appropriate direction to staff.