HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-13-15 Revised MinutesST. LUCIE COUNTY
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, May 13, 2015 ◊ 12:30 P.M.
MINUTES
Members present: Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Chairman
Marilyn Minix, Roadrunner Travel Resort
Michelle MacNichol, Perfect Drive Golf Villas
Commissioner Rufus Alexander, City of Fort Pierce
Paul Taglieri, St. Lucie Mets
Members absent: Vice-Mayor Linda Bartz, City of Port St. Lucie
Terissa Arronson, St. Lucie Co. Chambers
Clive Daem, Dockside Inn
Chris Egan, Vistana’s Beach Club – Sheraton PGA
Staff present: Katherine Barbieri, St. Lucie County Attorney
Charlotte Bireley, St. Lucie County Tourism & Venues
Darius McPhall, St. Lucie County Tourism & Venues
Also present: Eric Liff, Lambert Advisory LLC
Dominic Rowe, Lambert Advisory
Rick Hatcher, TCSC
Raheem Hall, City of Fort Pierce
Cathy Gibson, Motorized Kayak Adventures
Natalie Neil, PSL Civic Center
Kelly Tiger, PSL Civic Center
Sandra Bogan, ERD and Oxbow
1. CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Dzadovsky called the meeting to order at 12:35
PM.
2. ROLL CALL: Darius McPhall called roll.
3. GUESTS INTRODUCED THEMSELVES:
Guests introduced themselves.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from April 08, 2015 were approved.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT:
No public comments.
6. FINANCIAL REPORT & WEB REPORT:
Tourist Development Council Meeting ◊ May 13, 2015
Charlotte Bireley reported that the tourist tax revenue for March 2015 was up 6%
compared to March of 2014. Year to date revenues are up 13%.
Charlotte reported an increase in website activity of the St. Lucie County Tourism
web site for the month of March. She also briefly described the Monthly Expenses vs.
Revenue Comp Report and the Revenue Comp Report.
7. Community Redevelopment Area – Port St. Lucie City Center Discussion:
Eric Liff briefly introduced himself and partner. Liff then gave background on
services and products that his company offered. He also gave examples of the types of
work that his company performed.
Liff explained that his firm had been contracted by the City of Port St. Lucie to do
a study on the use of the Port St. Lucie City Center area. He requested that all TDC
members provide him with their contact information so he could contact each of them
directly to gather their input for the study. Chairman Dzadovsky urged Liff to contact our
planning and development office to get a better sense of the restructuring of planning
and development in St. Lucie County.
.
8. Fiscal Year 2016 Projects & Initiatives:
Charlotte Bireley prefaced the presentation that information presented were
ideas that either the board had spoken about in the past or ideas she thought would
be most advantageous for the TDC to consider. Bireley passed out a handout that
consisted of 9 projects or initiatives that the board might consider.
• Visitor App
• Visitor Study
• Port St. Lucie FAM Tour
• Event Grant Program
• Digital Media Expansion
• Comprehensive Eco-Tourism Plan
• Port Saint Lucie Webcams
• Expand Travel Shows to Canada Markets
• Increase grant funding to Treasure Coast Sports Commission
Bireley gave a brief description of each of the initiatives and a projected cost for
each project. She also stated that these were just ideas and encouraged further input
from the board. Charlotte concluded the presentation stating the she would later
come back to the board with recommendations and a more detailed cost on each of
the initiatives.
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Tourist Development Council Meeting ◊ May 13, 2015
9. Other Business:
Charlotte give an announcement of the coming tourism events in the county.
Highlighting the Tourism Expo/Chamber Bash at the Fenn Center on May 27, 2015,
from 5:30pm-7:30 pm.
Bireley also stated that all of 3 of the webcams are scheduled to be running on
May 18, 2015 and she will send out a press release announcing where and how the
webcams can be accessed and viewed.
Charlotte also stated that a number of international writers will be touring the
Treasure Coast and surrounding areas on June 2nd. She further explained that Saint
Lucie and Indian River County will be collaborating to provide a Treasure Hunt
themed tour.
Lastly, she announced the Fort Pierce theme Fam Tour that will be taking place
the weekend after the international tour. Bireley stated that there will be fishing
events, dinners, guided tours all over Saint Lucie County promoting the tourist
attractions.
It was also announced that the St. Lucie County Tourism has its own Facebook
page. Charlotte asked everyone to go on and like the page. Charlotte stated that the
page is updated regularly and encouraged all TDC members to visit the page.
10. Adjournment:
Meeting adjourned at 1:20 PM.
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