MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Transcription

1 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OFFICIAL MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2015 The Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Commissioners met Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 1:30 p.m., at its office located at 2350 Beach Blvd, Suite A, Biloxi, Mississippi. Commissioners Present: Kim Fritz, president; Rich Westfall, vice president; Jimmie Ladner, treasurer; Jeff Descher (1), secretary; Richard Chenoweth; Danny Hansen (1); Bill Holmes (1); Jerry Levens (2); Duncan McKenzie (1); Pam Meinzinger; CeCe Shabazz (1); Carla Todd; Clay Wagner (2); Myron Webb (1) Staff Members Present: Renée Areng, executive director; Karen Conner, director, marketing; Traci Dauro; Lisa Jones, finance manager; Nicole Misita, public relations Others Present: Hugh Keating, legal counsel; Linda Hornsby, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn; Myrna Green, and Nikki Moon, HCTDB; Rhonda Roberts, and Liz Kessie, Attractions Assn; Marcia Crawford, HC Development Commission; Beverly Martin Burkholder and Danie Rodrigues, MS Hospitality & Rest Assn; Janice Jefferson, MS Coast Coliseum; Courtney Haggerty, Residence Inn; Avery Windham, Hilton Garden Inn; Lucy Bickham, MS Senior Games; Clay Williams, Airport Authority; Mayor Billy Hewes, Dr. John Kelly, and David D Aquilla, City of Gulfport; Malcolm White, MDA, Tourism Division Executive Director President Fritz called the meeting to Order. 1. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to accept the agenda as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Westfall, the president called the question, with the following results:. 2. Commissioner Hansen made the motion to accept the minutes from the January 27, 2015, meeting as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Westfall, the president called the question, with the following results:. 3. Renée Areng reported on the following items: NorthStar report Sense of Place will be held March 10, 2015 at the Convention Center BP final report to be submitted soon Marketing/PR report attached Vehicle previously approved by the Commission at the January 27, 2015 meeting item #4 has been cancelled, due to order date cut off. 1

2 4. Commissioner Wagner made the motion to approve the purchase of one Chevrolet Traverse from Rogers- Dabbs Chevrolet in the amount of $24,429. As per State contract # Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the president called the question, with the following results: 5. Linda Hornsby, MS Hotel & Lodging Assn reported on the January occupancy room report. Occupancy was down 8%, compared to the same time last year; ADR was $74.60 compared to $73.50; RevPAR is $30.47 compared to $ Mayor Billy Hewes, spoke on the growth of sporting events being held in the city. The Gulfport Sportsplex will has been approved for additional ball field, they plan to move the soccer fields to another area. With groups coming to the city for funding, they are asking for more information on what the CVB is providing to any cross-over groups. Dr. Kelly said the city s commitment to sports is growing and has great potential for more events. 7. Clay Williams, gave an update on the Air Service Legislative. The airport authority is pursuing a possible grant through USDOT for small airline services also. 8. President Fritz recognized members of the Advisory Board, and Malcolm White. 9. The Commission discussed changing the current meeting from the fourth Tuesday of every month to the fourth Thursday of every month. Due to conflicts, the meetings will continue to meet on Tuesdays, as scheduled. 10. President Fritz nominated the following Advisory Board members to the committees listed below: Liz Kessie Marketing Committee Danie Rodrigues Future Funding committee 11. Commissioner Descher made a motion to accept the nominations to the committees as listed: Liz Kessie Marketing Committee Danie Rodrigues Future Funding committee Seconded by Commissioner Chenoweth, the president called the question, with the following results: 12. Mr. Keating, reported on the following items: Status update - ares contract finalization, need approval to send to ares for changes. GOOGLE Trekker Partner Program contract review, no expense to the Bureau, videos taken will be owned by Google, the Bureau will be able to use. Status update - Personnel Handbook revisions working on Harrison County document, waiting for Jackson and Hancock counties. 2

3 13. Commissioner McKenzie made the motion authorizing legal counsel to work with the executive director to revise the proposed contract submitted by Google, and to authorize the executive director to execute the contract upon finalization of said changes. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the president called the question, with the following results: 14. Commissioner Ladner reported on the February 24, 2014 disbursements as follows: check disbursements for 2/24/15--$385,362.67; grand total disbursements--$385, Commissioner Westfall made the motion to approve the disbursements. Seconded by Commissioner Descher, the president called the question, with the following results: 15. Commissioner Ladner reported on the following items: Room sales tax revenue collections for February 24, % share being $154, for a 1.27% change in total collection, and total income of 8.99% year to year changes. World Choice Travel Revenue collections for the month of January 2015 being $193.04, with a total year to date $1, Commissioner Descher reported on the Marketing Committee recommendations as listed: 17. Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approve the request for Convention Incentive funds from Elevated Hoops, Gulf Coast Hoops Fest being held April 10 12, 2015 at the Coast Convention Center, in the amount of up to $15,000, as long as the contract is executed with the MS Coast Coliseum to hold the event. Seconded by Commissioner Shabazz, the president called the question, with the following results: Commissioner Hansen Voted ---- Yes Commissioner Holmes Voted ---- Abstain 18. The Enthusiast Network Hot Rod Power Tour - June 11, Centennial Plaza - additional information needed before being application can be considered, will bring back to the committee for consideration. 19. Commissioner Shabazz made a motion to approve the request for Marketing Assistance from the Ohr- O Keefe Museum of Art for Katrina +10 being held March 20 August 29, 2015 in the amount of $5,000 to 3

4 be used for Geo-Behavioral online targeting project. Seconded by Commissioner Levens, the president called the question, with the following results: 20. MS Gulf Resort Classic Presented by C Spire - March 23-29, Due to criteria set forth in the guidelines which require submission of applications at least 90 days before the event, the Committee is unable to consider the request for funding. 21. Youth Basketball of America YBOA MS Super Regional Championship - May 15 17, 2015 additional information needed before the application can be considered, will bring back to the committee for consideration. 22. Fear Fete LLC Fear Fete Con & Film Festival - October 16-19, Coast Convention Center - additional information needed before the application can be considered, will bring back before the committee at a later date. 23. Commissioner McKenzie reported that the Development & Government Relations Committee met with the Casino Operators Assn. Good dialog working together on several issues, will meet again in March Commissioner Holmes reported his commission is working on a headquarter hotel, nothing new on funding until possible Due to a previous appointment, Commissioner Holmes Absent & Excused here on in. 25. Commissioner Levens stated there is no formal report from the Governance Committee at this time. 26. Commissioner Levens stated there is no formal report from the Audit Committee at this time. 27. Myrna Green, HCTDB reported on the following items: Room tax revenue down last month, but up 13% for the year. Silver Slipper hotel opening in April 2015 Successful Mardi Gras season; Diamond Motorcoach tours kick off the first of March 28. Commissioner Westfall reported on meetings held with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors supporting a 2% room revenue tax. The BOS supports the proposed legislation, just need Resolutions from cities in Jackson County to support also. Meeting are set up with each city and Commissioners Westfall, Todd, Chenoweth, and Renee Areng will meet to discuss support. 29. Executive Session None 30. Reminders 1. MGCRCVB meeting March 24 1:30pm Hancock County 31. Commissioner Chenoweth made the motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Ladner, the president called the question, with the following results: 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9

10 10

11 11

12 12