Okaloosa County BOCC — September 15, 2015 — Thom Gossom Jr. 081315

Jflj }x\/gfi; ij E y Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council { "\f.’\i 2015 Membership Application (Deadline: August 14) DESTIN | FT. WALTON BEACH RECEIVED AuG 1 2 2015 Thank you for expressing interest to be considered for appointment to the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council (“Council”). The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners appreciates your willingness to serve your fellow citizens in a volunteer capacity. Please complete this application to the best of your ability and include a resume. Name: %m bemmom TR crmar Les"/}u rL @ Cox. nesl Home Address: ODE T, TIDIZ S £ -:7&/5 FH 3oyl Phone Number W[4/ C): ¢S O ,}‘fy/?s'gsfixn. Phone Number@H/C): 3/ 2556778 Place of Employment: 32&4/ G uvf-/é,, INE ~ /[ Communfvwfi&v& fizm Are you a registered voter in Okaloosa County, Florida? YES _ L NO__ Voter ID# _ /@ 6O S &/D '7 Do you now serve, or have you ever served, on an Okaloosa County Board or Committee? YES MO - If YES, please list the board(s)/committee(s) and time period(s) served: T oue. ) devedopmens” Coumel /"Bc\ 2013 20/5~ I'am interested in serving in the following capacity (CHECK ONE): Owner or Operator of one of the following in Okaloosa County: Motels ____ Hotels Recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations (please list) Individual involved in the tourist industry who has demonstrated an interest in tourist development, but does not own or operate motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations in Okaloosa County. Please attach a summary of your demonstrated interest in tourist development. Include, statement as to why you are interested in serving on the Council: ee Ve M Mf') Include a stg ment about what your membership will add to the Council: wftncted chote All information provided will become a matter of public record and will be subject to public disclosure. | certify that the above information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. | understand that a volunteer position provides for no compensation except that as may be provided by Florida Statute. 5/‘// 3l 7/ s () Sign}éur = Date 2 i D= Z i ( Printed Name Please return completed application and resume to: Ed Schroeder Tourist Development Director Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 2015 TDC Membership Application Page 2 Why I am interested in the council? I currently serve on the council (2years) and would like to continue and complete many of the strategic directions we have instituted in the past two years. In association with the staff, the contracted firms, subcontractors, and under the authority of the County Commission, we have worked diligently to restore integrity and bring strategic direction to the council resulting in record numbers of tourists and bed tax dollars flowing into the county and strategic branding of “The Emerald Coast.” The record bed tax dollars have allowed for needed maintenance, upkeep and capital projects, strategic marketing in new markets across the United States, a branded focus on year-round tourism and reserve funds for unplanned weather or other emergencies. Our future is bright. We should continue with our strategic year round growth, tap new markets while reinforcing our base market. What my membership brings to the council? I am the only member of the council that is not a hotel, motel, condo, restaurant, or recreational park owner/operator. Therefore my votes are of no direct financial benefit to me. Instead as an independent consultant, I bring my years of experience in marketing, communications, entertainment and leadership to the council. Past tourism experience includes, The Birmingham International Airport, The Alabama Power Company, The Atlanta Olympic Committee, The Canadian Football League etc., Film Festivals. Over the past two years the council and staff have worked in accordance with the new and necessary county regulations. The first year was on