HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-08-2008
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY ? October 8, 2008 ? 12:30 P.M.
MINUTES
Members present:
Commissioner Doug Coward, Chairman
Marilyn Minix, Road Runner Travel Resort
Diann McDonough, The PGA Golf Club
Paul Taglieri, St. Lucie Mets
Pam Haney, Holiday Inn Express
Dr. Chris Taylor, St. Lucie County School Board
Members absent:
Michelle Berger, City of Port St. Lucie
Christopher Egan, Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort
Commissioner Christine Coke, City of Fort Pierce
Staff present:
Larry Daum, Economic Development Manager
Faye Outlaw, Assistant County Administrator
Heather Lueke, Assistant County Attorney
Erick Gill, Public Information Officer
Ja’ Net Pentz, Recording Secretary
Also present:
George Byfield, Blair Advertising
Laura Diederick, Smithsonian Marine Center
Jose Garofalo, St. Lucie Film Society
Robert Roldan, St. Lucie Film Society
Sandra Welch, Port St. Lucie Civic Center
Joe Holiday, St. Lucie Professional Arts League
Kelly Holiday, St. Lucie Professional Arts League
Jeanne Johansen
Odaly Victorio, Sage P.R. Firm, LLC
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Commissioner Coward called the meeting to order at 12:36 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Ja’ Net Pentz called roll.
3. SELF INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:
Attending guests identified themselves.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from August 13, 2008 were approved unanimously.
5. UPDATE ON OPEN POSITION
Tourist Development Council Meeting ? October 8, 2008
Ms. Faye Outlaw, Assistant County Administrator, gave an update on the open
position. The position has been advertised for one month and 68 applications have
been received. The applications were narrowed down to five applicants. Interviews
will start on October 20. There is a panel set up to interview the five applicants to
narrow it down to three finalists. There will be another panel set up to interview the
three finalists.
6. DETAILS OF THE LAUNCH EVENT/BAHAMAS
Mr.Larry Daum gave an update on the Tourism Campaign Launch scheduled for
October 30.
Commissioner Coward asked for input from the TDC members on sending staff to
meet with individuals from the Bahamas.
Mr. Jack Connolly asked Commissioner Coward what he would bring back to the
Board of County Commissioners form this trip.
Commissioner Coward stated that he would bring back specific strategies on
working with the Bahamas.
Mr. George Byfield stated that this would be an opportunity to tap into untapped
revenues.
Ms. Diann McDonough asked if we had money in the TDC budget to cover the costs
of this trip.
Mr. Larry Daum stated that the TDC came to a consensus to add an additional
$10,000 to the travel budget. He stated that there is $14,000 allocated in the travel
budget.
Mr. George Byfield introduced Carol Archebelle, the new Marketing Vice-President
for Blair Advertising.
Ms. Carol Archebelle gave an update on the St. Lucie Guide. She stated that the St.
Lucie Guide will go to print in January 2009. She stated that advertising would be
sold through the month of November.
Commissioner Coward stated that he would like to see tourism marketing strategy
more diverse.
7. 07-08 FINANCIAL DISCUSSION
Mr. Larry Daum, Economic Development Manager, gave a brief overview of the
07/08 Budget. He also gave a brief overview of the Smith Travel Report.
8. BUDGET DISCUSSION FOR 08-09
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Tourist Development Council Meeting ? October 8, 2008
Mr. Larry Daum, Economic Development Manager, gave a brief overview of the
08/09 Budget.
9. DISCUSSION ON NEW GRANT PROGRAM
There was a request by Commissioner Coward to schedule a Joint TDC Meeting
with the Cultural Affairs Council, Environmental Advisory Committee and the Land
Acquisition Committee to discuss how we can do a better job on marketing. There
was a consensus from the TDC Members to schedule for November 12.
Staff was asked to come back with a specific strategy for the Mini-Grant Program.
Commissioner Coward recommended that lunch be provided.
10. OTHER BUSINESS/PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:01 p.m.
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