HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-03-2016 Mintues Tourism Board Regular MeetingPage 1 of 4
TOURISM BOARD
October 3, 2016
Town Barn
6:30pm
MINUTES
Present: Chair Erik Myers, Vice Chair Mary Catherine McKee, Sean Garrett, Kate Carroll,
Kathleen Ferguson, Carolyn Twesten, Kim Tesoro, Matt Hughes
Staff: Shannan Campbell (Town of Hillsborough)
I. Call Meeting to Order
Vice Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
II. Agenda Adoption
Motion: Member Tesoro moved to adopt the agenda as it stands.
Second: Member Myers seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
III. Consideration of Minutes of September 6, 2016, Regular Meeting
Motion: Member Ferguson moved to approve the minutes as presented.
Second: Member McKee seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
IV. General Public Comment
There were none.
V. Monthly Reports
a. Alliance Director’s Report
Ms. Campbell indicated that Sarah DeGennaro was absent and asked for any
questions on the report.
Member Ferguson asked why the number of August visitors was down compared
with previous years.
Ms. Campbell guessed that an event happened in the past that did not happen this
year. She said that she would pose the question to Sarah DeGennaro and follow-up.
She summarized the report including that the Fourth of July event and Negro Baseball
League event were well attended. An ad was run in the Indy Beer Guide highlighting
Hillsborough food and beverage.
Member Ferguson suggested tying the Farm Fare in to the ad next year.
It was noted that the Visitor’s Center is participating in the Art Walk.
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b. Visitor’s Center Communications Report
Ms. Campbell reported that general promotions on Facebook are proving to be a low
cost, high return option as they are reaching many people. There’s been a lot of
movement on the Handmade Parade Facebook ads. Ms. Campbell added that the
Visitors Center is using SnapChat, a photo sharing social media app, and that they are
working on trying to get an additional Hillsborough filter for that app.
Ms. Campbell reported that Hog Day and Hillsborough Half Marathon/5K had good
turnouts.
Several members reported that the Sunday afternoon following the Half Martahon
was quiet downtown perhaps because the race was so early and ended before
businesses opened up. There was some discussion on lost opportunity with the event
on Sunday as well as the fact that visitors may decide to return on another day after
being enticed to see the town for an outdoor recreation event.
c. Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor’s Bureau Update
Ms. Campbell reported that the Bureau met on Sept. 21 in Hillsborough at the Public
Library. She said that she was grateful to member Libbie Hough who helped to make
that happen. She said that the room that the library has to rent is very spacious and
nice. She indicated that Mayor Tom attended the meeting and gave an introduction
and overview on the Town and Hillsborough tourism.
d. Tourism Development Authority Update
Ms. Campbell reported that the TDA met on Sept. 21 also. She said that member
Anjan Desai has resigned. The TDA is seeking candidates who remit the occupancy
tax so these can be owners, operators, or employees of any lodging option in Town.
The TDA allocated the $2,500 matching funds for the logo project. Additionally, the
TDA voted to allocate up to $15,000 for the guide map and visitor’s guide. That
larger expenditure has to go the Town Board for approval.
VI. New Business Items
a. Quarterly Reports- Contracted Organizations:
Hillsborough Arts Council- Last Fridays
The board reviewed a PowerPoint report by Neil Stutzer, Chairman of the
Hillsborough Arts Council. Commissioner Ferguson said the bands were better than
ever this year. There were no weather cancellations. The new map helped with vendor
set-ups. About 500 people come into the gallery each month during Last Fridays.
HAC is using the sound equipment that belongs to the sound person they’ve hired, as
well as lighting. Mr. Stutzer said there were efforts underway to connect different
parts of town by possibly trying to have music in various locations. It was noted that
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the drum circle is appreciated as part of Last Fridays because it draws youth and lets
you know something’s happening downtown. There was acknowledgment that checks
from the Tourism Board were not issued until late August but going forward they will
be on time. He would feel the report was more complete if they’d had a week or two
to close out the books, Mr. Stutzer said. The Council has been talking with businesses
and is asking them to start keeping track of numbers of visitors during Last Fridays.
There was a conversation about the cost and quality of the bands.
Burwell School Operations/Visitor Services
Kate Faherty, director of the historic site, addressed the board. She explained that
some of the financials haven’t closed out, so the written report would follow at the
end of the week. She presented a summary. She reviewed that they’ve had about 680
visitors in the first quarter. A lot of school groups visitors. She highlighted some of
the special groups who visited. She reviewed the ongoing work of maintaining the
buildings and grounds. Ms. Faherty reviewed how events are marketed. She also
shared that the Burwell School keeps a database about the Burwell family and the
girls who attended the school. It is updated when descendants provide additional
information. The Burwell School has reached out to Orange High School to gain
volunteers, in addition to recruiting volunteers of all ages. She reviewed the play on
Oct. 29, authors are coming, reunion of the good old girls (gala event and major
fundraiser). She reviewed activities to come including enhancing the Elizabeth
Keckley exhibit for the 200th anniversary of her birth in 2018. Before that, the
Burwell School plans to: add lighting, restore and repair 64 shutters, and paint the
exterior. The Burwell School is also continuously working to increase visits from
school groups.
Orange County Museum Operations/Visitor Services
Ms. Campbell shared that Candace Midgett was unable to attend the meeting due to
illness.
Ms. Campbell reviewed that the museum has been closed since July 8 with some
building issues but with hopes of reopening in October. They’ve been extremely
resourceful in finding other locations in order to continue their programming.
Questions were asked regarding Constitution Day, with members wondering whether
it was good or bad that it was simultaneous with Hog Day.
Chair Myers suggested moving the quarterly reports a month later since all of the
organizations expressed frustration with having to report on top of the close of the
quarter.
Ms. Campbell said it may suffice for her to send email reminders 3 weeks ahead of
time.
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Mr. Stutzer said the extra month would be helpful.
Ms. Campbell was reserved about changing the month because it’s written in the
contract.
Vice Chair McKee said she liked hearing about the events while they were still fresh.
b. Board Vacancy – Restaurant Seat
Ms. Campbell indicated that the board was still seeking applicants and to get the word
out.
VII. Old Business Items
a. Tourism Plan Kick-off: Proposed Meeting Dates
Ms. Campbell said the stakeholders list includes 60 or 70 people. She is considering
formats such as a brainstorming exercise and a group exercise involving a mini-
SWOT analysis to get people thinking and talking about Tourism. She indicated that
she was planning for 6:30 to 8:30 on October 26 or 27.
Several board members said November 3 would be better.
Ms. Campbell said that she would try to get a meeting room with at least a 60 person
capacity for the evening of November 3. She said she would send out the meeting
invitation and draft agenda.
VIII. Staff/Board Comments and Discussion Items
Member Ferguson shared that she had attended the recent intergovernmental trip to
Boulder, Colorado. She shared all the brochures she had picked up and commented on
how much information was available there.
Members discussed highlights of Hog Day noting that it seemed to be a very good event.
IX. Adjourn
Motion: Chair Myers moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
Second: Member Tesoro seconded.
Vote: Unanimous.