HomeMy WebLinkAboutLRC2Tourism Business Improvement District
Management Subcommittee
Meeting Minutes
January 26, 2016 – 3:00 pm
City Hall
PRESENT: Pearce; Harris; Wilkins
STAFF PRESENT: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Helium Launch Update
The committee reviewed the initial feedback on the status of Helium post launch from staff and
StudioGood. Staff presented the functionality issues due to server crashes, lack of inventory and rates
in the system, and the compatibility and customizability of the system to serve our needs. The
committee gave direction to staff and StudioGood to continue moving forward with the system on the
site and to continue to encourage properties to load their inventory and rates in the system.
2. Visit SLO County Research Project Buy-In
The committee reviewed and discussed the opportunity for co-op buy-in on the Visit SLO County
research projects to more clearly define existing and potential visitors of the area. Based on the
recommendation from the agencies the committee directed the staff and agency to move forward with
on research project.
Action: To participate in the “Assignment 1” research project directed at the demographic and
psychographic profile of current and potential visitors to SLO. The funding for this research project
would come from the existing marketing budget, specifically the funds earmarked for Visit SLO
County co-op program.
3. Tourism Program Considerations
The committee revisited the discussion on the considerations for the future tourism programs
including the long term support plan. The committee specially discussed the need to establish a
support position for the program, similar to other tourism program staffing structures in other
competing destinations throughout the region. This position would support the efforts of the Tourism
Manager and the committee noted that creating this position was timely based on their needs and
future projects.
Action: The committee directed staff to create a scope of the position, perform fiscal research to
anticipate budget impacts, and explore various funding options.
4. New Business Items
The next Management Committee meeting is scheduled for March 1 at 3:00 pm.