Town of Blowing Rock
Tourism
Development Authority
Minutes – October
7, 2008
Call to Order
Chairperson Keele called the meeting to order and welcomed the members.
Approval of Minutes – July 1 and September 8, 2008
Chairperson Keele
entertained the approval of the July 1 and September 8, 2008 meeting minutes. Motion by Member Pickett and
seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton to approve the July 1 and September 8, meeting
minutes. Unanimously approved.
Chairperson
Keele introduced Ex-officio member
Ms. Norman reviewed the monthly financial statements and the FY 2008-09 Occupancy Tax collections year-to-date through August 2008. Overall, the first two (2) months of fiscal year 2008-09 were down $9,685.72 compared to the same period last year. She stated that one lodging entity had failed to make their monthly tax payment but had filed the corresponding report. Ms. Norman then went through the financial statement with the Authority and advised that expenses were in-line with expectations at this point in the fiscal year.
Executive Director Brown stated that based on comments received from hoteliers the September occupancy tax collections were also down compared to September 2007. He shared several reasons for the decline – no 2008 Mitford Days event, the bulk of the Labor Day weekend falling in August, lack of and cost of gas, and the general economic downturn.
Budget Amendment
Ex-officio Member Norman then reviewed a proposed budget amendment which finalizes year-end FY 2007-08 revenue to the town ($7,530) based on auditor review for Authority consideration (Attachment #1). He stated the additional monies would be applied to parking infrastructure.
Upon motion of Member Pickett and seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton, the Authority approved the budget amendment as presented. Motion unanimously approved.
Hayes Performing
Chairperson Keele introduced Ginny Stevens to provide an update on the Hayes Performing Arts Center.
Mrs. Stevens thanked the
Authority for the opportunity to provide an update on the Hayes Performing Arts
Center (HPAC). She stated that the
Chip Williamson then discussed
the previous funding support provided by the Town and the need for local matches
to grants, etc. He informed the TDA that the HPAC spends around $85,000 a year
on marketing and had booked over 1,200 room nights for performers, etc. He
requested suggestions on ways the TDA and
Member Tester responded that
the TDA might assist with co-advertising and marketing support, but the TDA had
made the commitment not to provide lump sum grants.
Executive Director Brown
mentioned that a recent article in the Atlanta
Journal Constitution was worth $10,000-$15,000 if purchased and as earned
media was worth much more than an advertisement. He advised that the article
included info on the theater and was a result of TDA efforts. He also reminded
the Authority that the theater is included in a great deal of TDA sponsored
marketing.
Member Pickett asked where
the HPAC advertised and where their visitors come from? Mrs. Stevens responded
that visitors come from over 40 states and magazines such as Our State. Mr. Williamson stated the
HPAC produced direct ads, outdoor ads, print ads as well as radio/tv.
Chairperson Keele asked what
percentage of visitors come from outside of the NC/SC/TN area? Mrs. Stevens
responded that 25% come from outside of the NC/SC/TN area.
Vice-Chair Tarbutton stated
that surveys show that the length of stay (nights) increase with theater
activities which matches up with the TDA goal. He advised that he was supportive
but wanted to hear the retail study results and how the HPAC request blends
with the TDA.
Mrs. Stevens stated that
HPAC needs TDA help and advice and wants more dialogue.
Mr. Williamson stated that
they received funding from
Chair Keele responded that
it was the consensus of the TDA to look at the big picture with marketing
support and not direct grants.
Member Tester agreed and
stated that as a Town Councilmember the $50,000 provided by the Town Council was
a one-time grant paid $10,000 over 5 years and was not a guaranteed source of
annual funding. He followed up by saying that the grant program was terminated
once the occupancy transferred to the TDA and that any town funding would come
from property taxes.
Mr. Tester also stated that
the only year-round vehicle at this time was for marketing support and that he
believed that this was totally appropriate. He stated that it took the TDA 3
years to come to the conclusion that lump sum grants would limit coordinated
marketing. He suggested that the TDA could help in funding the marketing gaps
and encouraged creative thinking where in-kind ads/marketing could count for a grants
match. He stated that the HPAC discussion was very timely as the budgeting
process will begin soon and we all need to work together to find the gaps where
the TDA can help.
Vice Chair Tarbutton agreed
and advised that Member Lynn Drury heads up the TDA marketing committee. He
also suggested that the TDA may fund a direct theater ad if coordinated
appropriately.
Chairperson Keele stated
that he concurred, especially if the marketing was tied to room packaging.
Mr. Tarbutton reminded
everyone of the upcoming regional tourism summit which will focus on the
benefits of consolidated marketing and its overall impact..
Mr. Williamson stated that
HPAC would be happy to work with Executive Director Tracy Brown on the issue.
Chairperson Keele again
stated room packaging could be a perfect Blowing Rock entertainment fit. Mr. Tarbutton
closed the comments by stating that coordination of marketing by both entities was
a great goal.
Mrs. Stevens and Mr.
Williamson thanked the TDA for their willingness to work together. Chairperson
Keele thanked the
Operations Activity Report
The Authority briefly
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
advised that he provided an Operations Activity Report to the Authority during
his last bi-weekly report and that the report summarized most of the current
Mr. Brown then discussed –
·
·
The State of
·
Town Council approved the Oasis Shriners Ceremonial for June 5-7, 2009
which should bring many visitors for three days.
·
Town was the focus of an Atlanta
Constitution tourism article, which has resulted in increased info
requests.
·
Web site update almost complete which modernizes many elements and
includes more interactive features. (Mr. Brown provided a web site demonstration
to the Authority.)
·
The
·
Interactive online training being considered by both the TDA and
Chamber of Commerce with a focus on customer service. The Authority suggested
that Mr. Brown obtain additional information on the training, especially the
need for a vibrant/exciting interactive technology to prevent boredom. (Mr.
Brown provided an on-line simulation for the Authority to review.)
·
·
MTN TV is running a video piece prepared by Tom Santay on Blowing Rock.
Chairperson Keele thanked
Mr. Brown for his report.
Downtown Retail Strategy
Chairperson Keele then began discussion of the Downtown Blowing Rock Retail Strategy 2009. The Authority briefly reviewed the highlights of the strategy and implementation steps.
Upon a motion by Chairperson Keele and second by
Vice-Chair Tarbutton, the Authority adopted the Downtown Blowing Rock Retail
Strategy 2009 and recommended that the Blowing Rock Town Council accept the
report and integrate the strategy into the Blowing Rock Comprehensive Plan.
Motion unanimously approved. (Attachment #3)
Vice-Chair Tarbutton stated that once Town Council formally adopts the Strategy, the next step would be for the TDA to commission a Downtown Partnership.
Member Tester concurred stating
that the TDA would provide guidance only and the Partnership would be charged
with implementation of the Strategy. Due to numerous recommendations, many
different groups will have roles to play to make the strategy successful – Town
Council, Planning Board, TDA, Chamber of Commerce, BRAHM,
The Authority agreed that a non-biased chairperson of the Partnership was critical for community buy-in. It was the consensus that the Authority would continue the discussion on the Partnership and chairperson selection at their next meeting.
Other
Chairperson Keele requested that the Authority consider changing the meeting date of the January 6, 2009 TDA meeting, due to member scheduling conflicts. After a short discussion, the Authority agreed to reschedule the January 6, 2009 TDA meeting to November 24, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. and at the same time hold their annual strategic planning retreat at Chetola Resort.
Executive Director Brown then informed the Authority of an upcoming
High Country Tourism Summit to be held at the
Adjournment
With no further business, motion by Member Pickett and seconded by Vice-Chair Tarbutton to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously approved. Chairperson Keele adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
______________________________
Scott E. Hildebran, Secretary
Attachments
#1 – Budget Amendment
#2 – Operations Activity Report
#3 – Downtown Retail Strategy 2009