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TIDA/MS BOD approved: 12/16/15 Page 1 of 3
TYBEE ISLAND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / MAIN STREET BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting Minutes: November 18, 2015
Vision: To improve the quality of life for those that live, work, and visit Tybee Island and enhance the cultural experience while preserving
the community's barrier island heritage.
The Mission of the Tybee Island Development Authority / Main Street Program is to:
- facilitate efforts to revitalize, redevelop, and enhance that which improves the quality of life;
- create a sense of place and improve the quality of life for residents, business owners, and visitors using the Main Street Four Point
Approach;
- encourage quality economic growth and development while preserving Tybee Island's unique architectural and community heritage;
- support and encourage the arts as a cultural endeavor and economic engine on the Island.
ATTENDANCE
(Present) Director: Angela Caldwell, Vicki Hammons, Diane Kaufman, Ted Lynch,
Brenda Marion
Ex-Officio Director: Sarah Bernzott, Melissa Turner, Melissa Memory
Staff: Chantel Morton
(Absent) Director: Bill Garbett, Steve Kellam
Ex-Officio Director: John Yarbrough
CALL TO ORDER
Ted called the meeting to order at 6:10pm. Chantel introduced Joe Marinelli, Director of Visit Savannah,
and Sara Lane, Director of Visit Tybee, whom were attending the meeting in order to address the
proposed advertising assistance letter that was submitted to the Mayor and City Council.
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / MAIN STREET BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
Motion was made by Brenda, which was seconded by Vicki, to approve the minutes of the Tybee Island
Development Authority / Main Street Board of Directors October 21, 2015 meeting. Motion carried.
ORGANIZATION
Local Advertising Assistance Plan
Vicki summarized the previous discussions regarding the request that local advertising assistance be
provided from the Tybee Island Tourism Council, which resulted in the letter that was submitted to the
Clerk of Council for the Mayor and City Council to consider. The need for traditional advertising that
reaches the local market and surrounding counties can assist local organizations that host large and small
events and activities. This advertising will serve to bring a greater awareness of the events and activities
for residents and visitors, which can have a positive economic impact overall. Directors discussed
opportunities and challenges organizations have with securing sponsorships.
Directors discussed the importance and strengths of Visit Tybee’s social media presence. They reviewed a
few events that would benefit from supplementing the social media efforts of Visit Tybee with traditional
advertising, which was previously offered by the Tourism Council. Joe commented that there were
challenges in the past with monies provided being spent on bands, restrooms, staging, etc., which is not
allowed by law.
Joe reviewed their strategy with advertising in drive markets to strengthen overnight visitation and their
use of social media, public relations, and website information that reaches the local market and
surrounding areas. He explained that they do not advertise on television, radio, or local billboards and
do not market smaller community events such as book festivals and the like. He explained that the
TIDA/MS BOD approved: 12/16/15 Page 2 of 3
recent tourism study conducted by Mike Toma shows an annual visitation of 1.44 million people and that
hotel/motel tax is up by 22% year-to-date, which supports the proposed 2016 one million dollar budget
for Visit Tybee.
Chantel confirmed an email was sent to involved parties from the City Manager’s Office, per the request
of the Mayor and City Council, regarding setting up a meeting at the beginning of December to discuss the
letter. Discussed ensued about the Program hosting a meeting, upon the outcome this meeting, that
focuses on advertising, social media, and collaboration efforts.
Joe commented that their Executive Committee has met to discuss the letter that was submitted to the
Mayor and City Council. They are meeting again to develop a plan. Joe and Sarah thanked the Directors
for their time and expressed their interest in coming to a suitable agreement.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Locals Appreciation Card
Chantel reported that seven residents have obtained new Locals Appreciation Cards and five residents
have renewed their cards since the last Board meeting.
November 10 Merchant Meetup Recap & Action Plan
Ted reviewed the Merchant Meetup meeting that was held on November 10. Overall, the meeting went
well and the merchants that attended provided good input about how better to recruit and retain
employees and resources that are available. Items the committee is pursuing are transportation
challenges, local housing challenges, and finding qualified employees. Diane inquired about parking
decals for employees. Vicki confirmed that was not an issue brought up at the meeting, but it may be an
opportunity the Board can explore at the next meeting. Ted also reviewed that having Chantel set up a
Facebook page for merchants to post job openings is another opportunity that received interest.
Diane asked about health insurance challenges for employers and employees. She will check with the
YMCA to see if there is interest in providing screenings or the like. She will report back to the Board at a
later meeting.
Business News
Vicki inquired about the work being done on the building occupied by Seaside Sweets and Subway.
Chantel confirmed the owners are redoing the façade and that the HPC reviewed the permit application.
Melissa T. reported that City is putting out a Request for Proposals for use of the AV equipment being
provided for the Tybee Post Theater. Melissa M. reported that the National Park Service is celebrating its
100th Anniversary next year. Their campaign is “Find Your Park”. Discussion ensued about utilizing vacant
commercial locations for scenic pictures of the Park in the windows and teasers that can be published in
the Tybee Main Street Talk newsletter.
DESIGN COMMITTEE
Public Mural Project Proposal
Vicki reviewed the proposal that the Design Committee is recommending for the Public Mural Project.
The murals will be painted on marine plywood and attached to the wall facing Tybrisa between Beach
Bites and the Roundabout, which is owned by Tybrisa at The Beach. Sarah confirmed the Arts Association
is excited about the project. Vicki noted that the lifespan for this first installment could be from two years
to five years depending on the upkeep and interest. The labor and materials could be donated with
possible credits listed in the acknowledgement portion of each panel, in accordance with the Mural
Guidelines. Sarah requested that Chantel send her the Mural Guidelines.
Vicki and Sarah shared that a possibility to recoup expenses if materials are not donated would be to
partner with stores in selling postcards of the murals and receiving a portion of the proceeds. Motion was
made by Brenda, which was seconded by Diane, to proceed with presenting the proposal to the Mayor
and City Council once Chantel confirms with the manager at Tybrisa at The Beach that it is still possible to
use the wall for this project. Motion carried.
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PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE
Updates for Tybee for the Holidays
Brenda reported that everything is coming together nicely for the December 4 Lights on for Tybee
Celebration and the Tybee Island Christmas Parade on December 5. She, Chantel, and Michael at TS Chus
Department Store are in the process of distributing the supplies for Small Business Saturday and
Community of Caring. Chantel confirmed ads have been placed with Savannah Magazine, Connect
Savannah, WRHQ, Alpha Media, Chatham Isles Living, and Lamar Outdoor. Diane inquired about having
two new residents take over Tybee for the Holidays. They are interested in getting a 30’ tree and doing all
the activities. Directors discussed and agreed it would be nice to have the two individuals assist, but that
what the committee and board do for the holidays with partners should remain a collaborative effort for
the community and the businesses.
2016 Third Thursdays on Tybee Review
Directors discussed the possibilities of doing something different in 2016 to replace Third Thursdays on
Tybee since the theater is now open and attendance has dwindled this past year. Brenda proposed the
possibility of hosting a Historic Tour of Tybee by bicycle, foot, or golf cart. She will present more ideas at
the next meeting for consideration.
OTHER BUSINESS
N/A
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:25pm.