HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2014 TBID MinutesTourism Business Improvement District
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
10 am
City Hall
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Nipool Patel
PRESENT: Wilkins, Adams, Patel, Hutton, Conner
STAFF PRESENT: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager; Lee Johnson, Economic Development Manager
Call to Order at 10:02 am
No Public Comment
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Conner/Hutton to approve the consent agenda.
Motion carried 4:0
Commissioner Hutton arrived.
PRESENTATIONS
1. CAL POLY EVENTS CENTER FEASIBILITY STUDY
Dr. Doug Cerf, Cal Poly's Interim Executive Director of Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation &
Entrepreneurship presented the University’s recent Events Center Complex Feasibility Study. He shared
with the Board initiative for the hospitality program and center. The center would follow Cal Poly’s learn
by doing philosophy. The site has not been selected. The analysis will be a part of the 2016 Cal Poly
Master Plan. There will be an external advisory group and if anyone is interested in being a part of that
group, contact Dr. Cerf.
2. MARKETING AGENCY MONTHLY UPDATE
Representatives from BCA + StudioGood presented an update to the Board on the marketing activities
during the month of October. Highlights included: placement of the new ads and advertising campaign
including Sunset.com, LATimes.com, TripAdvisor, Weekend Sherpa, etc. SG presented the updates to the
SLOVacations & ShareSLO websites along with the status of the performance metrics.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. VISIT SLO COUNTY QUARTER REPORT & COUNTYWIDE TMD UPDATE
Chuck Davison from Visit SLO County presented the quarterly activity report from Visit San Luis Obispo
County. Highlights included: the update on the countywide TMD initiative including the approval from
SLO City Council. The website updates included the work on the SEO through SimpleView as the
contractor to optimize the site. The 2015 Visitors Guide will be in a new format focusing on custom
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content. Davison also presented brief stats on SAVOR but mentioned a full recap would be presented in
a few months once the figures were final and presented to the VSLOC Board. Other highlights included
upcoming tradeshows, press coverage, and FAM trips.
2. 2015-17 GOAL SETTING
The Board finalized their suggested goals for City Council. They directed staff to add the following goal:
“Recognize tourism as an integral aspect of the City’s economic development efforts and support the
tourism promotion activities of the TBID and PCC.” With that addition, they directed staff to submit the
goals for Council’s consideration.
3. TRADESHOW DELEGATION
The Board discussed the selection process for the delegates representing the TBID at the upcoming
tradeshows. They directed staff to distribute the request for participation to all member properties for
selection via lottery process during the December meeting. Board members interested in participating
may submit their properties into the lottery as well.
4. MARKETING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Board discussed the Marketing Committee’s recommendation for event funding support for Cal Poly
Orientation Programs and the SLO Regional Airports bid for the annual SIXEL Conference.
ACTION: Moved by Conner/ Hutton to support the airport’s bid for the SIXEL conference:
participate in the site visit with funding in needed and support the conference in San
Luis Obispo with funding amount to be determined for either a special event or general
hosting support.
Motion carried 5:0
ACTION: Moved by Hutton/Adams to support the Cal Poly Orientation program for 2015 through
sponsorship funding for $9000 to assist in the transportation expenses and the map and
brochure printing as recommended by the marketing committee.
Motion carried 5:0
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATION
HOTELIER UPDATE
Hutton- reached out to all of the properties on his liaison list.
Connor- reached out to all the hotels on his liaison list.
Adams- has been in contact with Hampton Inn and contacted all properties on his liaison list regarding
the TMD.
Wilkins- Reached out to Lexington In and Best Western Sommerset
Patel- Visited the Avenue Inn & Travelodge.
PCC UPDATE
Staff reviewed the PCC minutes with the Board.
TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE
Molly Cano presented the Tourism Program update:
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- Council provided Consent for TMD approved 5-0 at Council on Tuesday night
- Participating in the Wine Tourism Conference tomorrow and Friday
- CCTC updates: (Marketing Committee Chair)
o Candian Traveller sweeps
o CCTC 2015 Map
o Hired a PR contractor
o Website focus
- Holiday Promotion – specials due by the end of the week
- Outreach for package updates on site
Meeting adjourned at 11:44 am