COLUMBUS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETTING
900 FRONT AVENUE, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31901
JANUARY 28, 2009
Commissioners Present: Scott Ressmeyer, Chair, Bruce Smith,
Secretary/Treasurer, Brian Plemmons, Allen Woodall, James Smith, and Elizabeth
Barker.
Commissioners Absent: Teresa Tomlinson and John Shinkle.
Ex-Officio Members Present: Richard Bishop, Larry Campbell, Cyndy Cerbin,
Herbert Greene, Isaiah Hugley, and Enoch Morris.
Ex-Officio Members Absent: Mike Gaymon, Dale Hester, and Mayor Jim
Wetherington.
Staff Present: Peter Bowden, Shelby Guest, Laura Walker and Linda Olvera.
Call to Order: Scott Ressmeyer, Chair, called the meeting to order @ 3:31 p.m.
City Manager, Isaiah Hugley, asked to address the Board regarding a number of
issues:
The election and process of officers for the Columbus Convention & Visitors
Bureau. After discussion it was suggested that a new nominating committee be
assembled. Scott Ressmeyer asked Larry Campbell, Cyndy Cerbin, and past CVB
Chair, Susan Lawhorne to assist in the nominating process.
Bylaws were asked to be reviewed to clarify outstanding issues that will help
build continuity and strong leadership through the CVB?s Executive Committee.
Mr. Hugley urged that Board members should be concerned with the betterment of
the Bureau and its body of work and that the ?struggle and differences? between
the CVB and Sports Council be set aside in that the two organizations should
not be in competition with one another, but work together.
Budget and funding concerns were discussed.
The Board thanked the City Manager for his insight, comments and suggestions.
Approval of Minutes and Treasurer?s Report: Bruce Smith presented the minutes
from the November meeting (the Board did not hold a business meeting in
December) for approval. Brian Plemmons made a motion to accept the minutes as
presented, and Allen Woodall seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the
motion passed. Mr. Smith then presented the November and December financial
statements for approval. Jim Smith made a motion to accept the financial
statements as presented, and Brian Plemmons seconded the motion. A vote was
taken and the motion passed.
During the November 2008 Board meeting, it was suggested that Staff review the
FY 2009 budget in anticipation of an income shortfall due to travel being
affected by the growing recession. Bruce Smith reviewed the changes. A
mid-year budget adjustment totaling a decrease in expenses of $150,000.00 was
recommended.
President?s Report:
Hotel Motel Tax Update?Work continues on legislation to increase the
hotel-motel tax from 7% to 8%. Staff visited with the local state
legislators during Tourism Day at the Capitol. Additional work has been
done through the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia to help present
and manage the process and advise the Columbus Task Force. City Manager,
Isaiah Hugley, commented that he would be meeting with the legislators and
would continue the dialogue. Mr. Hugley invited the CVB?s President-CEO,
Peter Bowden, to join him in Atlanta to meet with the delegates.
Operation Recovery---A 12 month campaign has been developed by Staff to
track and Monitor visitation; the goal is to verify and/or adjust
advertising and marketing.
Mobile Marketing---The CVB has introduced a third call to action in its
advertising; visitors are encouraged to text ?columbusga? to a specific
number, which will in turn direct them to a mobile website offering
discounts that can be redeemed during their visit to Columbus.
Brac Quality of Life Task Force---the CCVB has chaired the Chamber?s
Quality of Life Task Force for the local BRAC initiative. In conjunction with
this work, Staff attended a consumer/orientation show in Fort Knox along
with other Columbus attractions to showcase attractions, cultural
experiences, etc.; Staff reported that attendance fell short of the
expected numbers and it has been discussed with the organization hoping to
avoid this during the April show; the CVB is not anticipating attending.
Mississippi Intercity Visit---the CVB partnered with the Consolidated
Government, Chamber, and other Columbus organizations to coordinate an
InterCity visit for a Leadership contingency from Columbus, Mississippi.
GDEcD Board Meeting?the CVB partnered with the Chamber to host the
Georgia Department of Economic Development during a Board meeting held in
Columbus. Staff worked to host dinner and a tour of the National Infantry
Museum.
Sales Report:
The December 2008 sales activity report was presented. Copies of the report
are attached. Jim Smith asked that additional details be included on the report
to include account names
and the CVB Staff working those accounts.
Communications Report:
Travel Writer Tour---the CVB will work with the GDECD to coordinate a
site visit for a Chinese television film crew for the China Cable Travel
Channel, February 12-13, 2009.
Visitors Guides ?the 2009 Guides were distributed to Board members;
140,000 issues are printed annually and are distributed to the 11 GA
Welcome Centers along with distribution in the Visitors Center; the Guide
is in the top 3 visitors resources used in planning travel to Columbus.
New to the 2009 Guide is a separate quarterly Calendar Events insert
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
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