HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-16-2000-8lORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 16, 2000
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT_ Travel and Tourism/Economic Development Support Proposal _,_
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Moses Carey, Chair
None
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968501
Durham fi88-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider 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.
The Board discussed this item at its April 4, 2000 regular meeting and asked the County
Manager to meet with County Attorney Geof Gledhill, Economic Development Director Dianne
Reid, and Visitors Bureau Director Joe Blake to discuss the proposal. It has been determined
that support of this activity can encompass a public purpose and that the county may want to
support this event as part of its economic development activities. It is important to note that
neither the Economic Development Department nor the Visitors Bureau maintain budgeted
funds for supporting events of this caliber.
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 in matching funds from
z
Commissioners' contingency to complement support from other North Carolina local
govemments and businesses.
RECOMMENDATION(S): ,The Manager recommends that the Board consider allocating up to
$5,000 in matching funds from Commissioners' contingency to complement support from other
North Carolina local governments and businesses.