HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_CVB_10.05.2005EST.1848
GEORGETOWN
TEXAS
Convention & Visitors Bureau Board
Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2005
Present: Kent Huntsman, Martha Lawlor, Ellen Weimer, Holly Bresser, Randy Lesseps,
RC Lumpkin, Margie Ranc,
Absent: Bill Banks, Gaz Green, Linda Rainsdon, Betty Ann Sensabaugh
City Staff: Shelly Hargrove, Tourism Director
Guest: Larry McCormick
1. Ca11 to Order
The meeting was called to order by Kent Huntsman at 6:35 p.m.
2. Minutes
Minutes from the September 7, 2005, meeting were reviewed.
A MOTION was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented
(Lesseps/Lawlor) Motion carried.
3. Cooperative Advertising Application
No applications were presented this month.
4. Task Force Updates
Reports from the individual Task Force groups are as follows:
Tourism Events 1 Consumer Marketing l Tourism Packages
Margie reported that the website had been updated to include a package for the Taste of
Georgetown. It included the event, lodging at the Harper -Chesser House and tickets for the
Palace Theatre.
Margie suggested that follow-up with package buyers was needed to determine how the
process is working and to ask for suggestions. RC shared that he has had positive feedback
from visitors who have stayed at their property.
Conference Center / External Funding
Kent shared that the committee is trying to move ahead with a Needs Assessment Study.
The City (Paul Brandenburg) agreed that the CVB budget will cover the costs. The Task
Force is still looking to partner with the County on this project. The item was on the agenda
at the County Commissioner meeting earlier this week but was passed over and put on hold
for now
Website Review
Bill was not in attendance to give a report but Martha felt that Bill had set a meeting date
with Erin McDonald of the City staff.
Visitors Center / Volunteers
Betty Ann was not at the meeting but the following updates were given by others:
Randy Lesseps was able to attend the quarterly Volunteer Luncheon and represent
the CVB Board.
We are waiting for the cabinetry for the brochure rack to be installed in the new
Visitors at Wolf Ranch. That is expected to be complete by October 141h. The facility
will be open daily from 9-5:30 and will include local brochures, photos and local
maps will be posted. It will not be staffed.
Market Data / Information Services
Randy has preliminary findings based on the data collected from the local hotel/motel
operators. Of the overnight guests who completed the questionnaires, most were here for
leisure activities, (however, the LaQuinta had the greatest share of business guests), most
were from within Texas and many came from distances less than 100 miles.
Tourism Industry Partners/Communication
RC has worked very hard to get the hoteliers together and hopes to have them meet soon.
5. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Heritage Trolley Tour
Larry McCormick reported on the status of the Trolley and the Heritage Tour. The trolley is
alive but ailing.
While the City has agreed to contribute up to $56,000, the level of commitment from other local
entities (Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Georgetown Association, Wolf Ranch) is uncertain.
Wolf Ranch wants more detailed information. Paul Brandenburg also felt that including the
Heritage Tour at this time might be outside the boundaries of what Wolf Ranch is willing to
contribute toward; he is suggesting that the Trolley be promoted as a mode of transportation
only at this time.
Larry is asking the Board, along with other local organizations, for their support and
encouragement of a letter -writing campaign directed at Wolf Ranch asking them to strengthen
their participation in the Trolley program.
A MOTION was made and seconded that the CVB Board participate in a letter -writing
campaign as suggested by Larry McCormick, to encourage Wolf Ranch to strengthen
their participation for the Trolley program. (Lumpkin/Lesseps) Motion carried.
Larry also brought the Board up-to-date on the progress of Project 1900. The County property
on 8th and Rock was not available but several other sites have emerged. In his talks with the
County, Larry did find out that the County has Master Plan. He asked that this Board begin
thinking about what it would like to see on that 8th Street property (an Events Center or a
Performing Arts Center, for example) and to pay attention to what is happening at the County
level.
6. Staff Report
Highlights included:
x Grand Opening events at Wolf Ranch originally scheduled for November 5th have been
cancelled due to the unfinished construction along Highway 29
Dates to remember:
x TTIA Travel Summit — September 25-29 in Corpus Christi — staff will not be attending
due to budget constraints but let Shelly know if any Board members are interested
x TDA Annual Conference — November 1-4 in Laredo
Because of the TDA Annual Conference taking place when our next meeting is scheduled, the
date has been changed to Wednesday, November 9th.
At 8:08 p.m. a MOTION was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. (Weimer/Ranc)
Motion carried.
Approved and attested to by:
7Kerff Hun'tsmm / oard Chair
It- itp -0 5-
Date
Ellen Weimer J Board Secretary Date