Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council — April 25, 2013 (meeting #1135) — reading text

meetings. Mr. O’Byrne spoke about the change in the Special Events and Sponsorships application process, which can be found in the operations manual. He said the new process defines very narrow uses for which the money is to be given. They are Pre-event, Required Host Fee and Offsets of convention center use. The new process put in place is an algorithm to decide who gets what funding. All funding was capped at $20K per event, with the requirement to apply at least 60 days prior to the event. Mr. Dixon asked about the three events that were pending. Mr. O’Byrne said Musical Echoes withdrew their application for this year. The volleyball tournament was granted for less than previously requested. The sailing event is currently in coordination with the organizer. Mr. Guidry mentioned the Council should be notified of special events and sponsorships, despite not being required in the approval process. Mr. O’Byrne agreed. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 8 Printed 4/17/2013 Regular Meeting Minutes January 23, 2013 MOTION TO ACCEPT REPORT OF TAX RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE DISTRIBUTIONS BY THE PENNY. RESULT: MOTION APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Charles Ridgon SECONDER: Tuffy Dixon AYES: Bass, Rice, Gossom, Windes, Guidry ABSENT: Empson, Peterson VIII. 2013 Stub Year Marketing Plan presentation & update (Peter A. Mayer Advertising Agency) Michelle Clarke and Katherine LeBlanc, with the Peter A. Mayer Advertising Agency, showed a PowerPoint of the current marketing plan, its progress so far and future goals. They started by showing the marketing plan budget of January through Sept. ’13 for $2,200,000. They stated an interim updated EmeraldCoastFL.com was launched that day, but there will be daily tweaks to improve the experience. The agency has also been working on new wedding guides. They are working to make Very Emerald Christmas a second season in December; with the main objective of getting back into the market. They are very active on social outlets and online marketing. Ms. Clark spoke about utilizing festivals and special events to spark trial and repeat visits. The agency plans to launch a completely new website in fall. One campaign that runs from March 29 through May 17 is EmeraldCoastOffers.com, to drive more consumers to “Book Now and Save” with 3.6 million impressions to date, an extremely high engagement. This has resulted in 1,000+ nights booked through the site, with potential for more booked elsewhere. The agency will provide more in June on campaign results. Councilman Dixon asked why the new website will cost $350,000. Ms. Clarke said the cost is within a fully comprehensive line item budget. By fall’s end the Emerald Coast will have a completely new website. Ms. LeBlanc reviewed the success of the Doolittle Raiders Final reunion campaign. The company was asked to promote the planes at the event and to further national media. In all, 342 media outlets picked up the story, and the story garnered more than 74.4 online impressions. The event was the big story on the Associated Press (AP) on April 18. USAToday.com and Fox News had two field new pieces on the event. In all, there was over $1M of media value and a 300+ million audience. IX. Consider 3rd Quarter TDC Meeting Schedule (Dan O’Byrne) a. 2:00 p.m. Emerald Coast Convention Center Thursday May 30, June 27 and July 25, 2013. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 9 Printed 4/17/2013 Regular Meeting Minutes January 23, 2013 Mr. O’Byrne asked for Council members’ common consensus on moving the meeting start time to 2 p.m. for those in the restaurant business. He also advised that meeting monthly during the upcoming season would be beneficial. All members agreed. (No motion taken) X. Public Comment a. Steve Czonstka – Okaloosa County Environmental Council & Viva Florida 500 b. Presentation – Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (Amanda Wilkerson, Executive Director) c. General (3 minutes each) Mr. Steve Czonstka, Environmental Council Chairman, updated the Council on the Earth Day Beach Clean-up efforts on April 20, with 400 volunteers removing over 1 ton of trash from beaches adjacent Beasley Park, the Beach Walkover next to SurfDweller and Henderson Beach State Park. -The City of FWB Earth Day at the Landing is April 27 from 10-4p. There will be environmental education booths available for participants. The Environmental Council will also sponsor a volunteer Post holiday clean up after Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. -The Viva Florida 500 anniversary celebrates the arrival of Ponce De Leon. All the counties have provided a time capsule to be opened in 2113. The time capsule will be displayed at the Aug 22 Destin Chamber After-Hours. The capsule will be sealed December 14. -Okaloosa County will celebrate its centennial in 2015. Ms. Amanda Wilkerson, with the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, briefed the group about ECWF programs and future plans. The refuge is responsible for rescues of wildlife, injured or abandoned; they also deal with marine animal stranding, alive and dead. The program conducts environmental education, a summer camp and wildlife rehabilitation. They are planning a charter school and education center. Charter school, grades 6-12 will be geared for students moving on to higher education in biology, zoology, ecology and pre-veterinarian sciences. After the wildlife presentation, the council went around the table and made public introductions. XI. Adjourn Motion to adjourn, Commissioner Windes. Meeting was adjourned at 3:24pm. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 10 Printed 4/17/2013 Regular Meeting Minutes January 23, 2013 APPROVED: APPROVED: By:____________________________ By:________________________________ Name:_________________________ Name: Daniel O’Byrne________________ Title:__________________________ Title: Director, Tourist Development Dept. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 11 Printed 4/17/2013