Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order
RC called meeting to order at 11:31 a.m.
2. Minutes & Board Action
Minutes from the June 2007 meeting reviewed. A MOTION was made and seconded (Benold/Dyer) to approve the minutes. Motion passed.

3. HOT Grant Report
Penny Pleuckahn presented HOT grant follow-up report related to the funds given to the GSS by City Council. No HOT Grant request was made to the CVB so this entire action was not taken according to CVB bylaws or action and was determined entirely by City Council. Ms. Pleuckahn commented that she was told that no HOT grant request was necessary and she did not have to apply to the CVB

The report was deficient regarding true numbers of heads in beds and total attendees. No survey was taken of attendees, only exhibitors. No City of Georgetown branding or www.visitgeorgetown.com was included in the publicity or mail outs as per CVB requirements for funds. Data was presented for the number of room nights taken by vendors and performers showing a total of 52 room nights utilized. Using $85 as the average room rate this event generated $309.40 HOT revenues. The City provided $15,000 and $309.40 was returned via HOT revenues. The event will receive any future funding from the Arts & Culture Board.

4. Discussion of CVB Bylaws
Board reviewed necessary changes to bylaws ad accepted as made. Motion made and carried (Gould/Benold).

5. Update from Board Task Forces
a) Marketing and Awareness – group and reviewed the 3 bids received for the High Def Video, selecting Lucas Adams as the preferred vendor (lowest cost and best prepared vis-à-vis video already on file). Recommendation was made to the CVB Board. Motion to accept Lucas Adams proposal was made, seconded and passed (Benold/Sensabaugh). Chris will provide draft outline to CVB Board for comment. Work is in process and will be funded in next fiscal budget. Lucas will be invited to next marketing task force meeting.
b) Visitor Info Centers – Several volunteers have expressed concern about the plans to move the visitor center off the square. Those volunteers will be asked to put their concerns in writing for the City Council to be aware of the concerns. Letter will also include an invitation for Council Members to visit the center to review the activity and purpose of the center.
c) New Markets – Met and discussed group tour providers and how to gain tourism business from the bus groups.

6. Staff Report
o Shelly reported that the Shopping Guide website has had over 9,000 hits in June alone. Guides are in circulation and will be offered to Sun City for their use in mail outs.
o 2008 version of the visitor guide is in design progress.
o Review of Calendar Dates to Remember
7. Meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.