Town of Blowing Rock
Tourism
Development Authority
Minutes –
April 1, 2008
Call to Order
Chairperson Keele called the meeting to order and welcomed the members.
Approval of Minutes – December 4, 2007 and March 12, 2008
Chairperson Keele
entertained the approval of the December 4, 2007 and March 12, 2008 meeting
minutes. Motion by Member Pickett and seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton to
approve the December 4, 2007 and March 12, 2008 meeting minutes, with a
correction to read “(even in
Chairperson Keele suggested that due to value of the goals and actions established at the planning retreat, that Executive Director Brown create a checklist of action items from the December 4th TDA Planning Retreat for Board follow-up.
Chairperson
Keele introduced Finance Officer
Finance
Officer
Budget Amendment
Ms.
Norman reviewed a proposed budget amendment for the Authority’s consideration,
which allocated co-op ad ($10,531) and copier ($461) revenue reimbursements.
Motion by Member Pickett and seconded by Member Tester to approve the budget
amendment as presented. Unanimously approved. (Attachment #1)
Operations Activity Report
Executive Director Brown
reviewed the Operations Activity Report on Visitor Center activities - web site
usage, telephone and email requests, walk-in traffic, etc. (Attachment #2).
Executive Director Brown
discussed –
·
·
·
Website – taking steps to update and improve the look.
·
Marketing – due to fuel prices and economic conditions, looking to more
regional marketing efforts (4-6 hour drive time). Held brief discussion on the
·
Media – TDA will be guest on FOX Charlotte News Rising to promote Wine
Festival.
·
Hotel Meeting – Discussed recent efforts by Ray & Melissa Pickett
and the possibility of hotel packaging.
·
Visitor Guide – update underway.
·
Recent Publicity – US Airways Magazine, RFD television, UNC-TV, Weather
Channel, Governor’s Conference award for Ken Cham. Key is relationship building
with other media players and travel writers.
·
TDA Tattler Newsletter – still
getting great reviews.
WC&T Update
·
Dave Tomsky advised the TDA staff is doing a great job, and the TDA Tattler Newsletter is providing great
information to the frontline staff. He echoed the need for an updated website.
·
Discussed the 3-tier approach being utilized –
1) Local story ideas – press
releases for the local press to tell the TDA story.
2) Regional Releases – press
releases/stories on periodic events.
3) Big Fish – working with
travel writers and big media to get major press; i.e. Weather Channel, UNC-TV,
etc.
·
Mr. Tomsky encouraged the Authority to stay the course during an
economic downturn and suggested packaging of rooms during the week (3 for 2).
However, he discouraged “discounting” and “low rate” ads due to maintaining a
high quality market.
·
OTHER – The Authority briefly discussed the lack of interest and
organization support for the Gallery Strolls. The discussion then proceeded to
the lack of a downtown merchants group and overall coordination of downtown
events, operating hours and overall retail strategy.
The Authority thanked
Executive Director Brown and WC&T Consultant Dave Tomsky for their work on
behalf of the TDA.
Economic Development Discussion
Chairperson Keele then
introduced the topic of economic development, stating that the Town needed some
direction on the future of the downtown market.
Member Tester stated that
the TDA spends money to promote Blowing Rock and shopping in the village – however,
the trend is going away with new real estate offices replacing retail space. He
also advised that the upscale stores are going away. He suggested that the TDA
must focus on sustaining business community, as our competitors also have great
scenic views. He encouraged a focus on caring and nurturing of the retail
community.
Vice-Chair Tarbutton stated
that many retailers cannot afford the rent, so the TDA must act if no one else
does.
Chairperson Keele stated
that downtown has an overabundance of real estate offices and not enough retail
to support our visitors. He recommended that we need someone to study the issue.
Ex-officio Member Hildebran stated
that he and Member Tester had discussions several months earlier about the need
for market study from a sound and experienced firm that would provide a
complete review of the issues that confront Blowing Rock.
Director Brown advised that
Appalachian State University was initiating a focus group of retailers and consumers
to gather data to better define our market.
Member Tester responded that
it was critical to have someone experienced with a small town tourist economy
and someone that can develop a transition plan that can be implemented very quickly.
He mentioned some of the efforts taken in
Chairperson Keele stated
that the competition for business was great so Blowing Rock must have a niche in
order to limit loss of retail shops.
Mr. Tomsky shared similar concern.
He stated that the natural attributes are here, but the Town must maintain the retail
shopping to remain competitive.
Vice-Chair Tarbutton recommended
retaining a good consultant with experience and that the TDA can help in funding
the plan.
Member Tester briefly
discussed some readings provided by Brian Crutchfield about the creative
economy based on our environment – build the local economy around our
uniqueness, such as local artists.
Mr. Tomsky concurred and
suggested that Blowing Rock strive to maintain the uniqueness of the Town.
Member Tester followed by
stating that Blowing Rock must preserve the village atmosphere, not so much
historic, but the experience and character of the community.
After a short discussion, Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and seconded by Member Pickett that the TDA and Town of Blowing Rock jointly agree to hire an experienced downtown consultant to study economic development issues in the Town Center and that Town Manager Hildebran and TDA Executive Director Brown serve as primary contacts for the selection process. The motion was unanimously approved.
Newspaper Racks
Ex-Officio Member Hildebran
advised that the modular newspapers racks have arrived and would be installed
in the next week.
Chairperson Keele asked Mr.
Hildebran to review the planned locations of the racks. Mr. Hildebran responded
that the three locations were
Master Signage Plan Update
Ex-Officio Member Hildebran
advised that the new information directory kiosks are scheduled to be delivered
in the next week or so. The kiosks will be placed at Memorial Park and at the
Maple Street Parking Lot. Also, a directory panel would be made available to
Tanger Outlet for display.
Two additional kiosks will
be constructed after July 1 for placement at the new American Legion Parking
Facility and at the new
The Authority expressed their excitement for their installation.
Public Restrooms
Ex-Officio Member Hildebran updated the Authority on the status of proposed public restrooms at the Ice House building. He stated that a design had been completed and an estimated construction cost was being formulated. A draft lease for the building will be developed for Authority consideration at the May meeting. The Blowing Rock Stage Company has had discussion with Executive Director Brown about a joint use of the building – front portion for display of visitor information/stage company tickets as well as a concierge area.
Mr.
Hildebran also stated public restrooms are being considered at the new Robbins
Pool Complex and in the proposed
Chairperson Selection Process
Chairperson Keele informed the Authority that Town Council had requested TDA input on the succession of the chairperson of the Authority. He referred to Member Tester for further direction. Member Tester stated that during the infancy of the TDA the Town Council wanted to insure stability of the organization. However, with a proven executive director on staff, the Authority now had less a need for day to day oversight and more of a need to focus on strategic planning and the budget. He then advised that the Town Council wanted input from the Authority on the selection process of the chairperson as new appointees come on board in the future.
After a brief discussion, motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and seconded by Member Pickett to recommend to the Town Council that the Vice-Chair succeed the Chairperson for a recommended 2-year term. Unanimously approved.
Other
Executive Director Brown briefly updated the TDA on trends observed at the recent N.C. Governor’s Conference on Tourism such as separate TDA/Chamber of Commerce organizations. He stated that the proliferation of TDA’s and state occupancy tax statutes had accelerated this transition. He mentioned that Brevard had divided their once combined agency into two separate organizations, with one focused on tourism promotion and one focused on business needs.
Vice-Chair Tarbutton stated that our organizations (TDA and Chamber) have begun the healing process here as well.
Reschedule Meeting Date
Due to scheduling conflicts,
the Authority agreed to move the Tuesday, May 6, 2008 regular meeting date to
Monday, May 12, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.
Adjournment
With no further business, motion by Member Pickett and seconded by Member Tester to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously approved. Chairperson Keele adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.
______________________________
Scott E. Hildebran, Secretary
Attachments
#1 – Budget Amendment
#2 – Operations Activity Report