Town of Blowing Rock
Tourism
Development Authority
Minutes – July
5, 2006
Authority member Lynn Drury was out-of-town.
Call to Order
Chairperson Keele called the meeting to order and welcomed the members.
Approval of Minutes – June 6 & 26, 2006
Chairperson Keele
entertained the approval of the June 6 & 26, 2006 meeting minutes. Motion
by Member Pickett and seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton to approve the June 6
& 26, 2006. Unanimously approved.
Chairperson Keele introduced Finance Officer Margaret Pierce to review the FY 2005-06 budget to date.
Finance Officer Margaret Pierce then reviewed the monthly financial statement and the FY 2005-06 Occupancy Tax collections year-to-date through May 2006. She stated that May revenues, totaling a gross of $51,122.12, were up compared to May 2005. Ms. Pierce also advised that revenue has been up for the past thirteen months and that expenditures for the year were in line with projections. She also advised that June collections would close out FY 2005-06.
Executive Director Report
Chairperson Keele requested
Executive Director Miller to update the Authority on
Executive Director Miller
reviewed her Monthly TDA Report, including visitor inquiries. (Attachment #1) She advised that TDA
website hits were up for the month of June.
Staffing
Executive Director Miller
updated the Authority on staffing and advised that she was in the process of a
hiring second part-time staff member. She also stated that the new full-time
staff member, Jennifer Cramer, was doing a great job.
Visitor Guide
Executive Director Miller
provided an update on the new Visitor Guide for visitor inquiries. The
Authority discussed their desire to include AAA/Mobil type amenities’ ratings
for lodging and restaurants. The Authority also requested an opportunity to
review a proof of the guide prior to publication.
Chairperson Keele suggested
that an events insert be utilized in the guide to provide updated and timely
event information.
Website
Executive Director Miller
stated that the integration of the TDA and Chamber websites was continuing and
that a tentative launch date would be July 10.
Executive Director Miller
advised that the construction of the additional TDA office (in the area
formerly leased to the Chamber of Commerce across from the Visitor Center Desk)
was complete, except for painting. She thanked the Authority for their work on
this project. Also, she announced that the telephone system had been switched
to Com-tech.
Advertising Plan/Marketing
Executive Director Miller
briefly reviewed upcoming co-op advertisements that would be taking place and
pending travel writer visits. She also mentioned the plan to incorporate
“sudden impact” radio spots in the FY 2006-07 marketing campaign.
WC&T Agency Update
Executive Director Miller
advised Dave Tomsky was developing a press release regarding the four
headwaters that start in Blowing Rock.
Photography
Ms. Miller stated that Doug
Holstein had begun the photography services project, and had taken photos
during the July 4th weekend.
Community Events Committee
Executive Director Miller
updated the TDA on the proposed Community Events Committee. She stated that
their first meeting was scheduled for July 12.
Other
Ms. Miller then discussed
the development of an event poster display area in the visitor center. She
recommended the new office wall adjacent to the front desk area.
Executive Director Miller
mentioned the visitor demand for “wireless” internet access. The Authority
requested that Ms. Miller investigate the cost for allowing such access at the
Finance Director Pierce
informed the Authority of a potential outstanding invoice for a billboard
utilized during 2006 Winterfest. The Chamber of Commerce was notified of the
deadline for Authority payment, which has since passed. Based on no formal
request for invoice payment and the fact the budget year deadline had passed,
the Authority agreed that no action was required.
Other
Ex-officio member Hildebran briefly discussed a request received for the TDA use of a transportation shuttle during holidays and peak visitor weekends. Vice-Chair Tarbutton offered the TDA the use of the Chetola bus during a test-period – upon the condition that the Authority cover driver, fuel and insurance expenses. The Authority agreed to further investigate the concept and requested that the new Events Committee follow-up and make a recommendation on the issue.
Mr. Hildebran also advised the Appalachian State University Athletic Director Charles Cobb and Assistant Director Rick Beasley had suggested a meeting with Executive Director Miller to discuss enhancement of ASU football weekends in Blowing Rock. Both Mr. Hildebran and Ms. Miller agreed to follow-up on the matter.
FY 2006-07 TDA Meeting Schedule
Chairperson Keele offered the following FY 2006-07 TDA meeting schedule for Authority consideration – July, September 5, November 7, December (Retreat), January 2, April 3, May 1, and June 5 (Budget). All meetings, except the December (Retreat) meeting, would begin at 8:30 a.m.
The Authority agreed by consensus to approve the meeting schedule as proposed.
The Board tentatively agreed to
schedule a TDA planning retreat for the first week of December in
Adjournment
With no further business, motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and seconded by Member Pickett to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously approved. Chairperson Keele adjourned the meeting at 9:10 a.m.
______________________________
Scott E. Hildebran, Secretary
Attachments
#1 – TDA Executive
Director Monthly Report TDA