Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council — Jun 27, 2013 — Minutes — reading text

position. The Director of Finance, Administration and Compliance position is still in the process of being filled. VII. Old Business a. Destination Advertising Update 2013 Fall Campaign (Peter Mayer Advertising) Ellen Kempner, of the Peter Mayer Advertising firm, reviewed the Fall Seasonal Savings Campaign and budget. This campaign is based on value driven offers and runs from Aug 26 through Nov 1. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 4 Regular Meeting Minutes JULY 25, 2013 Mr. Dixon questioned the $25K FaceBook Contest. Ms. Kempner responded there was a contest and additional advertising, which will also increase the audience. There will also be visits to the destination given away. Kristi Bucksbarg, Account Executive with Peter A. Mayer, spoke more about print advertising in Southern Living and Texas Monthly. Mr. Peterson asked about a co-op opportunity. Ms. Kempner said the budget did not allow for it currently, but they hoped to do it in the future. Expedia and Hotels.com merchandising placements will drive users to a custom Okaloosa page, as well as Travelzoo. Priceline will have a geo-targeted banner. Orbit and Cheaptickets will also have a custom Okaloosa landing page. Ms. Kempner shared that Visit Florida is the number one visited Florida site. Google will continue to have text ads targeted by keywords. Google has been a top site side action driver for the Spring and Summer campaigns. b. FY 2012/2013 Special Event & Sponsorship Update (Dan O’Byrne) Mr. O’Byrne reviewed the process of obtaining funding for special events and sponsorships. The committee was previously provided a copy of all current applications being reviewed or already granted. Mr. Guidry asked if all of these were listed on the TDC website. Mr. O’Byrne responded that they are or will be. Mr. O’Byrne went on to say that the recipients of these funds are required to drive traffic to EmeraldCoastFL.com in order to translate funding to the lodging industry to put heads in beds. Mr. Rigdon queried the Seafood Festival’s funding. Mr. O’Byrne responded that though they are requesting a certain amount of funding, they would not be approved for that amount. The funding is based on potential room nights. c. Convention Center/Veterans Park Master Plan Update (Dan O’Byrne) Mr. O’Byrne discussed Mr. Rigdon’s question from last month’s meeting about partnering and planning for a headquarters hotel. The Genesis Corporation has been asked to provide a sight plan to suggest how the project could work. Ms. Joyce queried if there was a denial process and if they are logging denials and the reason for them. Tisha Maraj, Sales and Marketing manager, responded there is software used, and the main reason is the lack of a co-located hotel, limited Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 5 Regular Meeting Minutes JULY 25, 2013 space, and lack of date availability. Ms. Joyce asked if the council was jumping the gun with seven new hotels scheduled to be built within the next two years. Mr. Rigdon countered he believed the addition of a headquarter hotel could ensure the longevity of the center. Ms. Hoshihara added to the conversation stating the 4th Penny could not be used for the development, but there are other ways to fund it if the council wishes to do so. Mr. Peterson commented that a headquarter hotel would not necessarily take away from surrounding business, but the overflow and difference in pricing could actually provide aid to the industry. Motion to Approve $26,000 in Funding to the Genesis Corporation for a Master Site Plan of the Specified Improvements and Additions RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Gossom SECONDER: Guidry AYES: Rice, Empson, Peterson, Joyce, Rigdon, Dixon VIII. New Business (Dan O’Byrne) a. Consider Budget Transfer Requests (Dan O’Byrne) Mr. O’Byrne requested the TDC approve funding for two new servers for the TDC and convention center, respectively. Motion to Approve up to $13,000 Each for the Purchase of Two Computer Servers, One Each for the Visitors Center and Convention Center, with combined Support Costs to be equally shared by the Visitors Center and Convention Center. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Guidry SECONDER: Ridgon AYES: Rice, Empson, Peterson, Joyce, Gossom, Dixon b. Development of Working Groups Three different working groups, made up of industry practitioners, to help staff, TDC, and other offices affected to expedite putting heads in beds with meaningful advice: - Condominium Operators - Hoteliers - Meetings, Conventions and Events The TDC members were all in agreement with the development of these groups. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 6 Regular Meeting Minutes JULY 25, 2013 IX. Schedule August TDC Meeting (Dan O’Byrne) a. Thursday August 29, 2013, 2:00 p.m. Emerald Coast Convention Center X. Public a. Ms. Charlene Greenwald of Fort Walton Beach b. Kathleen Houchins of ResortQuest Ms. Charlene Greenwald of Fort Walton Beach asked if the Peter A. Mayer Agency would look at advertising in Southern Living in the August edition next year. She also stated she was excited about the convention center additions and lifeguard extended hours. She added she was upset with the condition of the bathrooms and showers. She suggested said be shoveled from the showers so water could drain off. Ms. Greenwald commented that the maintenance schedule results in hours of the entry gates being locked. Kathleen Houchins commented that bed taxes are flat due to use of OTA’s to book rooms. She added that task orders should be approved by this council before they are approved by the County Commission. XI. Adjourn (Mr. Peterson) Motion to Adjourn at 4:38 p.m. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Guidry SECONDER: Rigdon AYES: Empson, Gossom, Rice, Peterson, Joyce, Dixon APPROVED: APPROVED: By:____________________________ By:________________________________ Name:_________________________ Name: Daniel O’Byrne Title:__________________________ Title: Director, Tourist Development Dept. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 7