The Town of Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority met on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. in a special meeting. Present were Chairperson Bernard Keele, Vice-Chair Kent Tarbutton, Authority members Lynn Drury, Keith Tester, and Phil Pickett, and Ex-officio members Scott Hildebran and Margaret Pierce.

Chairperson Keele called the meeting to order and welcomed the Authority members and Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Charles Hardin.

Chairperson Keele outlined the consensus of work sessions held on November 12 and November 18, 2004 between the TDA and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce regarding joint operations. He requested that the Authority formally adopt an Operations Agreement, which details the arrangement, to allow Chamber of Commerce consideration at their upcoming Chamber Board meeting.

After a brief discussion, motion by Member Drury and seconded by Member Pickett to adopt an Operations Agreement with the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce (Attachment #1). Motion unanimously approved.

Chamber President Michael Button arrived at the meeting at 8:15 a.m. Chairperson Keele at that point reviewed the actions of the meeting and the adopted Operations Agreement.

The Authority then discussed the need for developing a process for screening items that will be placed in the Visitor Center. It was the consensus that this process be developed once the new TDA Executive Director is on board.

Vice-Chair Tarbutton mentioned an email he received from an operator of the Hemlock Inn, which thanked the Authority for their efforts and shared concern about Visitor Center brochure placement. Mr. Tarbutton advised he would forward the comments to all members.

Chairperson Keele reminded the Authority that their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. Items to be discussed by the Authority include – regular monthly meeting agenda, branding concepts update with Crown Communications and the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors response to the Operations Agreement.

Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and seconded by Member Drury to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously approved. Chairperson Keele adjourned the meeting at 8:25 a.m.