Town of Blowing Rock
Tourism
Development Authority
Minutes –
September 5, 2006
Call to Order
Chairperson Keele called the meeting to order and welcomed the members.
Approval of Minutes – July 5 & August 21, 2006
Chairperson Keele
entertained the approval of the July 5 & August 21, 2006 meeting minutes.
Motion by Member Pickett and seconded by Member Tester to approve the July 5
& August 21, 2006. Unanimously approved.
Chairperson Keele introduced Finance Officer Margaret Pierce to review the FY 2006-07 budget to date.
Finance Officer Margaret Pierce then reviewed the monthly financial statement and the FY 2006-07 Occupancy Tax collections year-to-date through July 2006. She stated that July revenues, totaling a gross of $120,889.02, were up compared to July 2006. Ms. Pierce also advised that revenue has been up for the past fifteen months and that expenditures for the year were in line with projections.
Member Tester asked for an explanation of the purchased services line-item. Ms. Pierce responded that this line-item includes photography services and that a budget amendment would be needed later in the year to reflect this expense.
Monthly Activity Report
Chairperson Keele asked the
Authority if there were any questions related to the report on
Visitor Guide
The Authority discussed
their desire to continue to review the intent of the Visitor Guide prior to
printing. Various questions raised included – are we missing any additional
merchants?; what are the increased costs with a 40-page guide rather than a
32-page guide?; and how often do we print and update the guide?
Chairperson Keele suggested
that the Authority discuss this matter further in the next few weeks.
Visitor Map
The Authority briefly
discussed their concern with the newly produced Chamber of Commerce Visitor
Map, as it is called the “Official Map and Guide” and the exclusion of many
in-town restaurants/shops/lodging establishments. Vice-Chair Tarbutton informed
the Authority that an insert was being produced that would include these
excluded establishments.
WC&T Agency Update
Dave Tomsky updated the TDA
on the marketing activities underway. He stated the following publications had
articles on Blowing Rock –
Relaxation Magazine –
Southern Living Magazine – photo of
Asheville Citizen-Times – 1˝ page article on Blowing Rock
Palmetto Parent – supplement distributed in
Charlotte Taste – upcoming article on Hayes
Performing Arts Center
Womans Day – upcoming article to run regionally in October 3, 2006 issue
Southern Living Magazine – article on woman’s weekend to run in 8-12 months
Marquee Magazine – article ran in July/August 2006 edition
The Authority thanked Mr.
Tomsky for his efforts.
Master Signage Plan Update
Ex-Officio Member Hildebran
advised that the Town was working on issues with the N.C. Department of
Transportation on placement of signage in DOT right-of-way – specifically
regarding safety issues of non-DOT signage. He stated that the Town Council has
contracted with former N.C. DOT Boardmember Sam Erby to follow-up on the
matter.
Closed Session
Upon motion of Member Pickett and seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton, the Authority convened at 8:25 a.m. in closed session pursuant to - N.C.G.S. 143.318.11 (a)(6) for discussion of personnel issues. Motion unanimously approved.
At the conclusion of the discussions, the closed session
was adjourned at 9:10 a.m.
Other
After a brief discussion, motion of Member Pickett and second by Vice-Chair Tarbutton to approve a salary increase to $10 per hour for part-time employee Marcia Vaughn. Motion unanimously approved.
Motion by Member Pickett and second by Member Drury to place Sonya Long on the part-time employee roster. Motion unanimously approved.
The Authority then agreed to a joint meeting with the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board to discuss tourism-related personnel structure issues scheduled tentatively for Saturday, September 16, at 8:00 a.m. at Chetola Resort, with an alternate date of Friday, September 29, at 8:00 a.m. at Chetola Resort. Vice-Chair Tarbutton agreed to follow-up on the meeting.
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 9:15 a.m.
______________________________
Scott E. Hildebran, Secretary
Attachments
#1 – TDA Monthly
Report