Town of Blowing Rock
Tourism
Development Authority
Minutes –
September 6, 2005
Call to Order
Chairperson Keele called the meeting to order and welcomed the members and guests.
Approval of Minutes – August 2, 3, and 15, 2005
Chairperson Keele
entertained the approval of the August 2, 3, and 15, 2005 (including the August
3, 2005 closed session) meeting minutes. Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and
seconded by Member Pickett to approve the August 2, 3, and 15, 2005 (including
the August 3, 2005 closed session) meeting minutes. Unanimously approved.
Finance Officer Margaret Pierce then reviewed monthly financial statement and the FY 2005-06 Occupancy Tax collections year-to-date through July 2005. She stated that July revenues, totally $109,671.54, were up compared to July 2004.
Report -
Chairperson Keele and Member
Tester updated the Authority on the status of various projects at the
Center Layout
Based on tours of other
centers and staff recommendations, all brochure racks are to be relocated to
the front room of the building. A sitting area with television/video capability
will be located adjacent to the fireplace. The center room will house a
computer and telephone area for visitors.
The changes in layout are
scheduled to take place in mid-September and will coincide with the Blowing
Rock Art and
TV/Monitor
Staff has received
quotations on costs for a flat screen television to be placed above the
fireplace. The television would allow guests to view a Blowing Rock tourism
video or the weather channel. Quotes are in the range of $1,200 to $1,500.
Computer System
David Sechrist, of Sechrist
Consulting, has examined the
Telephone System
Staff has met with
Appalachian Technologies to reprogram the
Security System
Staff has received
quotations on costs for a security system for the
Other
Chairperson Keele advised
that other minor improvements had been made to the
Motion by Member Drury
and seconded by Member Pickett to authorize expenditures of up to $9,000 to
cover the recommended
Report - Advertising/Marketing/Web site
Member Drury and Vice-Chair
Tarbutton updated the Authority on the status of various projects of the
Advertising/Marketing/Web Site Committee.
Grant Request
The Advertising/Marketing/Web Site Committee made a recommendation on a proposed FY 2005-06 grant funding request, and advised that additional support may possibly come from advertising partnerships via the TDA marketing campaign.
Blowing Rock Stage Company
Requested $11,500 for advertising
Recommendation: $4,500
Motion by Member Pickett and seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton to approve $4,500 in funding to the Blowing Rock Stage Company. Motion unanimously approved.
July 4th Fireworks
Requested additional $1,500 for July 4th Fireworks (split with BR Country Club)
Recommendation: Place on hold at this time.
Ex-officio Member Hildebran
stated that the parties would seek other funding alternatives, such as a
sponsorship for the fireworks.
Advertising Plan
Member Drury provided the
Authority with a proposed Co-op Advertising Plan as well as a Cooperative
Marketing Survey, developed by the marketing sub-committee. (Attachments #1 & 2)
Member Tester stated that
local co-op opportunities provided more impact for most retail establishments
and that larger out of the area marketing probably needed more of a message
advertisement. Vice-Chair Tarbutton concurred but also suggested that
attractions, events and things to do in the co-op ads provide that message.
Member Drury stated that the
TDA would provide the overall banner for the co-op ads, which would help reduce
the costs for the local merchant/hotel/restaurant to advertise.
Vice-Chair Tarbutton agreed and stated that with the TDA supplementing a co-op campaign financially with an image piece, local merchants could participate with specific ads creating an economy of scale.
Member Tester encouraged the
Committee to make merchants aware of the co-op opportunities and, if possible,
share the banner theme/layout with them.
Chairperson Keele suggested
that the Committee continue to look at new marketing areas, such as Hilton Head
and
Member Drury reminded the
Authority that the Advertising Plan was a moving document and would be adjusted
as ad opportunities and special events arise.
WC&T Agency - Dave Tomsky
Member Drury stated that the
Committee had interviewed several public relations firms about representing the
TDA, and the Committee recommended retaining the firm of Wilson, Coman &
Taylor of
Mr. Tomsky reviewed his
professional background with the Authority – 2 years with Asheville Chamber of
Commerce, 9 years as Media Relations/PR Director with Grove Park Inn, former
Lt. Colonel U.S. Marine Corp., Masters Degree in Print Journalism and Media
Relations from
Mr. Tomsky stated that his
firm would produce a press kit and market the town to his travel writer
contacts with the goal of “putting heads in beds”. He explained the difference
between general advertisements and public relations – with ads being controlled
and biased, and PR being independent and an implied endorsement. He advised
that public relations would allow you to shape your message.
After a brief discussion, motion by Member Drury and seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton to approve a Public Relations 12/mo. contract with WC&T for $13,500. Motion unanimously approved. (Attachment #3)
TDA/Chamber Joint Marketing
Member Drury advised that
both groups are working together and meetings would be forthcoming to discuss
the visitor inquiry process, web site and the 800-toll-free number.
Web Site –
Member Drury stated that the TDA focus this year was on increasing the hits to the web site and search engine priority rank. She then introduced Nancy Santay (Cabin Fever), a member of website sub-committee, to discuss recommendations for the TDA web site. Ms. Santay discussed the following recommendations:
-
Refine unique key words to improve hits
-
Refine text on the page with key words
-
Recommend utilizing optimization search engine assistance (Submitnet
60-day trial
period free)
-
Recommend utilizing an email marketing newsletter (Constant Contact)
-
Link to more sites
-
Encourage more activity to improve rankings
-
Recommend merge of web sites to www.blowingrock.com
(TDA, Chamber and Merchants Association)
Member Drury advised that
all the recommendations were within the $7,000 appropriated in the FY 2005-06
budget for web site enhancements. The Authority thanked Ms. Santay for her
efforts so far on this project.
Video - Tom Santay/Jim Smith
Member Drury introduced Jim
Smith (Village Inns of Blowing Rock), a member of sub-marketing committee, to
discuss a video opportunity for the Authority.
Mr. Smith stated that the
Village Inns (Village Inn, Hillwinds Inn, and Ridgeway Inn) had a video
produced by Tom Santay on Blowing Rock and the area. He advised that the
Village Inns have agreed to share the video with the TDA to utilize in
marketing Blowing Rock. He stated the video could be modified and placed on the
TDA web site, placed in the
The Authority then viewed the
video. (CD Video Attachment #4) Tom
Santay, a local resident and film student at
Authority members praised
the video and the potential of the video in the TDA marketing efforts. All
members thanked the Village Inns for their generosity in sharing the video with
the TDA.
Chairperson Keele requested
that the Member Drury and Vice-Chair Tarbutton explore the potential use of the
video and report back to the Authority in the near future.
Master Signage Plan
Ex-officio Member Hildebran
reviewed with the Authority the proposed Phase II signage plan. (Attachment #5) Phase II proposes new
directional and downtown welcome signage for the Town of
Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and seconded Member Pickett to endorse Phase II of the signage plan and to request the Town Council approve the plan. Motion unanimously approved.
Mr. Hildebran advised that he would forward the Phase II plan to the Town Council for final review and approval.
Discussion of
Ex-officio
Member Hildebran reviewed with the Authority the feasibility of out-of-town
hoteliers that are located in close proximity to the town to be included in
Blowing Rock tourism efforts. He stated that the N.C. General Assembly had
approved legislation that allows
At the time this issue was
initially brought up, the Town expressed an interest to the County that the
lodging establishments located just outside of the corporate limits of Blowing
Rock would probably prefer inclusion in the Blowing Rock TDA efforts.
TDA Vice-Chairperson Kent
Tarbutton stated he has had preliminary discussions with the four-(4) close-by
lodging establishments to seek their interest in becoming affiliated with the
Blowing Rock TDA. Alpine Acres Motel, Blowing Rock Lodge, Roaring River Chalets
and the
Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and seconded Member
Pickett to approve to the request, and recommend that the Town Council pursue
this matter with the Watauga County Board of Commissioners and request
Report – Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce
Chairperson Keele welcomed Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Charles Hardin to provide an update on Chamber of Commerce activities.
Mr. Hardin stated that the
Chamber was developing a customer service educational program with the High
Country Host and Appalachian State University for next spring. He discussed the
ongoing struggles of the Delta Connection airline service from
Mr. Hardin reminded the Authority of upcoming Chamber events – a Gallery Stroll (9/20), Art in the Park (9/10), Cruise-in/Jam-in (10/7), and a Concert in the Park (9/11 and 9/24). He also distributed a brief report on the demographics/economic impact of the August 19, 2004 Cruise-in/Jam-in Event. (Attachment #6)
Chairperson Keele thanked Mr. Hardin for his attendance.
Report - TDA
Executive Director
Chairman Keele stated the next
item on the agenda was a report from the TDA Executive Director. Interim
Executive Director Galvin provided a TDA Executive Director Monthly Report for
Board review (Attachment #7). Ms. Galvin discussed the daily and
monthly
She announced that the
Other
Member Drury informed the Authority that the TDA placed advertisement in the Charlotte Observer Art Activity guide this past weekend.
Vice-Chair Tarbutton stated that the Authority had received an invoice for $1,401 from the Blowing Rock Merchant’s Association for collateral maps ordered by the former TDA director in the spring. Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and seconded by Member Pickett to make payment to the Merchant’s Association for the maps. Motion unanimously approved
Vice-Chair Tarbutton advised the Authority that he would be out of town for the October meeting.
Jim Smith expressed concern about a television interview with a Town Council member over the Labor Day weekend that discouraged travel to Blowing Rock. The Authority reiterated that TDA should be the primary media representative for tourism in Blowing Rock.
Adjournment
With no further business, motion by Member Pickett and seconded by Member Drury to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously approved. Chairperson Keele adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.
______________________________
Scott E. Hildebran, Secretary
Attachments
#1 - TDA Possible
Co-op Plan
#2 - TDA Cooperative
Marketing Survey
#3 -
#4 - Village Inns
Video
#5 - Master Sign Plan
Phase II
#6 - Cruise-in/Jam-in
Report - August 19, 2005 Event
#7 - TDA Executive
Director Monthly Report