Okaloosa County BOCC — June 2, 2015 — VisitFlorida Destination Marketing Organization Partnership — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: June 2, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Ed Schroeder SUBJECT: VisitFlorida Destination Marketing Organization Partnership DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: 2,4,5 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval for payment in advance for VisitFlorida Destination Marketing Organization Partnership in the amount of $4,518.96. BACKGROUND: The Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with VisitFlorida, the State’s official tourism marketing corporation, for many years to attract more visitors and boost revenue through unique marketing programs that reach a large travel audience. The Destination Marketing Organization Partnership program is an annual pay to play opportunity and payment must be made in advance in order to participate. The annual renewal period is July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 and the cost is $4,518.96. Per County policy, Board approval for advance payment may be requested if the payment results in savings equal to or greater than the amount earned by investing the funds and paying later or if the payment is essential to the operations of the agency and the goods or services are available only if advance payment is made. In this particular case, partnership with VisitFlorida is essential to the operations of the department and available only if advance payment is made. OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove RECOMMENDATION: Approve payment in advance for VisitFlorida Destination Marketing Organization Partnership in the amount of $4,518.96 (invoice 00024140). RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator