COLUMBUS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
900 FRONT AVENUE, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31901
OCTOBER 17, 2012
Commissioners Present: Elizabeth Barker, Chair, Jim Smith, Vice Chair, Dhan
Parekh, Secretary/Treasurer, Charlie Desai, Felicia Hamilton, Ken Johnson, Paul
Pierce, and Pino Wells-Davis
Commissioners Absent: John Shinkle, Immediate Past Chair
Ex-Officios Present: Bill Bullock and Isaiah Hugley
Ex-Officos Absent: Richard Bishop, David Bevins, Cyndy Cerbin, Mike Gaymon,
Herbert Greene, Ross Horner, and Mayor Teresa Tomlinson
Staff Present: Peter Bowden Shelby Guest, Kimberly Kaup, Laura Walker, and
Linda Olvera
Guests: Brian Rutledge and Rhonda Machalk with Robinson, Grimes CPA
Call to Order: Due to the absence of Elizabeth Barker, Chair, Jim Smith, Vice
Chair, called the
meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Note: Ms. Barker later joined the meeting.
Special Presentation Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus???.Ken Johnson,
Director National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus, Ken Johnston,
Executive Director, updated the Board on the Museum?s work as per the Funding
Alliance Agreement.
Approval of Minutes: Dhan Parekh, Secretary/Treasurer, presented the minutes
from the September meeting to the Board for approval. Ken Johnson made a
motion to accept the minutes as presented. Paul Pierce seconded the motion, a
vote was taken and the motion passed.
Treasurer?s Report: Dhan Parekh, Secretary/Treasurer, presented the financial
reports for the month of September to the Board for approval. Paul Pierce made
a motion to accept the financials as presented. Charlie Desai seconded the
motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed.
Annual Audit Report: Brian Rutledge and Rhonda Machalk presented the annual
audit for FY 2012 to the Board members.
Chair?s Report???????????????Jim Smith, Vice Chair
Arts Hotel Motel Tax Funding-------It?s brought to the Staff?s attention that
hotel motel tax is being considered as a possible revenue source in the
establishment of an Arts Authority. Peter Bowden, Paul Pierce, current Chair
of the Arts Alliance and Lucy Sheftall, the Assistant City Attorney, met to
discuss the concept of an Authority and clarification on how the tax funds can
be used. It was suggested that the City Attorney would recommend to Mayor
Tomlinson that the Arts Alliance and the CCVB pursue additional ideas and plans
before moving ahead to establish an Authority.
CCVB Building Lease------The CVB?s building lease is due for renewal in May
2013. The Staff seeking approval to conduct research and renegotiate a
better agreement with the CSU Foundation Properties; the Board asked the Staff
to proceed with its plan.
Master Tourism Plan Briefing-----A briefing will be held November 6, 2012 from
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. hosted by the CCVB to discuss the results of the SWOT
Analysis conducted in June, 2012. Board members were encouraged to attend.
Board Appointments-Terms-----Three Board members have terms which end December
31, 2012; Dhan Parekh, Ken Johnston, and John Shinkle. Mr. Parekh and Mr.
Johnson are eligible for reappointment for a 2nd term. They should notify
(letter given for notification) the CVB staff if they desire to continue
serving. John Shinkle is not eligible for reappointment. The Board expressed
its appreciation for Mr. Shinkle?s services and his leadership as Chair.
Tourism Grant Application Review-----Jim Smith has requested that Felicia
Hamilton and Ken Johnston meet with Staff immediately following the Board
meeting to review the application submitted by the Fountain City Classic.
President?s Report???????????..Peter Bowden
ColumbusGA Whitewater-----An update was presented by Shelby Guest and Kimberly
Kaup
Sales Report-----presented by Laura Walker (see attachment)
Recap & Adjournment-----Jim Smith adjourned the meeting at 4:35 p.m.
Attachments
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