Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutM041415 Tourism Coordinating Council Jefferson County Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Board of Directors April 14, 2015 (DRAFT) The April 14, 2015 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson CALL TO ORDER County, was called to order at 10:06am by Chair Bill Roney, noting a quorum present. Voting Members present were: Bill Roney, Allison Willing, Debbie Wardrop, Joy Baisch, Bonnie Story Members Excused: Mike Zimmerman, Marsha Massey TCC Friends in attendance: County Commissioner Kathleen Kler, County Administrator Philip Morley, Christina Pivarnik TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively Minutes from previous meeting were reviewed. On motion by Joy and seconded by APPROVAL OF Bonnie Story, TCC unanimously approved the corrected minutes from the meeting MINUTES conducted on March 10, 2015. Steve reviewed the year-to-date April 2015 financials with TCC. Noting the huge APPROVAL OF increase in lodging revenue (+21.4% over projection) in contrast to general sales tax TCC FINANCIALS (+6-7%). Considered rationale includes: low snow, higher advance deposit requirements by many lodgings, continuation of winter marketing efforts. No one specific cause to credit, but all agreed that results and trending is very good! On motion by Joy Baisch, seconded by Debbie Wardrop, the TCC financials through April, 2015 were accepted as received. Motion carried. COUNTY County Commissioner Kathleen Kler briefed TCC on a number of on-going activities COMMISSIONERS of interest to County tourism, including: REPORT Kathleen and Philip shared reports on tourism-related activities, including: supplemental budget of $6,000 to TCC. To be included in a general call for supplemental budget requests. (issue) Philip reviewed recent TCC and LTAC concerns regarding timely payment of LTAC funded marketing organizations such as TCC, with a detailed written report and review of new State Auditors requirements that caused a gap in Jeff. Co. continuity of contract and invoice processing. Philip acknowledges that st hotel/motel tax revenues are not in scarcity, and that the annual 1 quarter ebb of timely payments to approved tourism partners has been addressed within the County Auditor Treasurer system. TCC thanked Philip for his attendance and commitment to helping solve the problem. A motion that Jeff. County support a monthly payment system for purpose of maintaining tourism promotional efficiency was made by Debbie Wardrop, seconded by Allison Willing. Motion carried. Joy, Christina and Steve reported on the recent OPTC meeting in lieu of Marsha and OPVB / OPTC the OPVB office team busy moving to their new Port Angeles office location. REPORT Ongoing Spring Marketing campaign with theme directed to Victoria and Vancouver Island markets, lodging in conjunction with Olympic Peninsula Sunriver Travel & Words upcoming conference for travel writers. Development of Diane Schostack memorial account to support the new Hospitality Program at Peninsula College. An appropriate legacy on behalf of Diane. Continued Electric Vehicle recharging station progress with Port of PT and Jeff. Co. PUD - and installation options are continuing to be discussed.West-end prep on 10- #FindYourPark campaign to launch the National Park system centennial in 2016. Steve is part of OPTC workgroup developing RFQQ for new OlympicPeninsula.org website. Bill and Steve reported that productive meetings with County Administrator regarding TCC contracts and administration have resulted in successful signatures on all agreements. Bill discussed the draft application (attached) 501(c)6 incorporation filing process. TCC thanked Bill for his work. After tax season TCC CHAIRS Bill will meet with to continue the filing process REPORT ON 501(c)6 Steve reviewed the supplied Marketing Coordinators report, highlighting our participation with Visit Kitsap Tourism. Joint work with Paula Beck of Aramark, and Lorna Mann of PT Visitors Center, for Military Travel fair. Our EnjoyOlympicPeninisula site is maintaining a listing of known military discounts. TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS late April REPORTS Top- National Park polls. Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary application for alternative Economic and Tourism seat has been submitte-end by Steve. His application is under consideration by the group. The networking has already provided good contacts. Area Updates: a) Port Ludlow Debbie Reported sale of 2 nd nd Cottage Home. Opening Boating Day on the Bay May 2 AREA UPDATES Good group business increases. Longshadows Wine maker dinner expanded into th b) Quilcene Museum Bonnie Opening day Saturday the 18, along with rd turnout for docent training, plan ahead for May 23 PDF Plant Sale. c) North Hood Canal Chamber Joy shared that the elk herd is growing in size, and will be monitored by DFW for either relocating or culling. Hama Hama OysterRama and Shrimpfest both coming up. e) Marrowstone Allison AAUW Kitchen tour April 26. Mike to help jointly share Tractor Daze and other Marrowstone event news. f) Port Townsend WTA legislation in flux. PT Chamber moving the Visitor Information Center soft opening in time for Rhody. Festival season! Opening Day on Bay, Rhody Fest, Rhody Run, Artisan Food Fest, Steampunk, Fort Worden redesigned food service, Guard house Café to complement the Commons Café under the new Executive Chef Lou Bair ed Port Townsend one of the Best Small Towns to Visit in 2015 (ranked #6). NW Guardian news (military JBLM) full-length article. New Business: Award ceremony will be May 12th at NW Maritime Center. Congratulations! NEW BUSINESS Next meeting of TCC is scheduled for May12, 2015 10AM at the offices of Port Ludlow Associates. There being no further business, the TCC meeting was adjourned at 11:57 am. Adjourn