Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

COLUMBUS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

900 FRONT AVENUE, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31901

JANUARY 18, 2012

Commissioners Present: John Shinkle, Chair, Elizabeth Barker, Vice Chair,

James Smith, Secretary/Treasurer, Dhan Parekh, and Felicia Hamilton

Commissioners Absent: Charlie Desai and Paul Pierce

Ex-Officios Present: Richard Bishop and Larry Campbell

Ex-Officios Absent: Cyndy Cerbin, Bill Bullock, Mike Gaymon, Herbert Greene,

Isaiah Hugley and Mayor Teresa Tomlinson

Staff Present: Peter Bowden, Shelby Guest, Kimberly Parker, Laura Walker and

Linda Olvera

Call to Order?????????????.Peter Bowden

Election of Officers------Peter Bowden presented the 2012 slate of officers to

the Board for a vote. The officers are Elizabeth Barker, Chair, Jim Smith,

Vice Chair, and Dhan Parekh Secretary/Treasurer. There were no additional

nominees from the floor and the vote was taken and passed. This part of the

meeting was adjourned.

Call to Order??????????????Elizabeth Barker, Chair

The January 2012 CCVB Board Meeting was called to order at 3:33 p.m.

Approval of Minutes & Treasurers Report: Dhan Parekh, Secretary/Treasurer,

presented the November Board minutes to the Board for approval. John Shinkle

made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Jim Smith seconded the

motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed. Linda Olvera presented the

November financials to the Board for their approval. Jim Smith made a motion

to approve the financials as presented. Felicia Hamilton seconded the motion,

a vote was taken and the motion passed. The financials for December were then

presented to the Board with Jim Smith making a motion to approve them as

presented. John Shinkle seconded the motion, a vote was taken and the motion

passed.

Chair?s Report????????????????.Elizabeth Barker

Funding Alliance---The Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Greater

Columbus Sports & Events Council and The Cultural Arts Alliance have developed

a Funding Alliance plan for the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port

Columbus. The Funding Alliance is designed to contribute $150,000.00 over a

five year period to the Museum. Mayor Teresa Tomlinson has reviewed the plan

and is in favor of it. Port Columbus has made the following changes to its

operation: increased admission fees and rental fee for events, change in

operating hours and additional holiday closings. John Shinkle made a motion

to accept the funding agreement on behalf of the CCVB. Jim Smith seconded the

motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed.

Branding Initiative & Update---The February 15th luncheon and meeting has been

postponed.

Board of Commissioners Agreement?Each Board member was given the 2012 agreement

for their review and signature. The agreement details the duties and

responsibilities of the Board members.

February & March Meeting Dates---Peter Bowden requested that the February

meeting be moved to Tuesday, February 14 due to a business travel commitment.

The FY 2013 Budget will be presented for Board approval at that time. The

March Board meeting has been cancelled due to Staff travel conflicts. The

Board was in agreement with both.

President?s Report????????????Peter Bowden

FY 2013 Budget Preparation---Staff is working on the 2013 budget to be

presented to the Board at the February meeting. According to policy, once the

Board votes on accepting the budget, it will be sent to the City Manager?s

Office for inclusion in the CCG?s budget.

Partnership with GDEcD & GA Welcome Center (Williams Road)---The GA. Department

of Economic Development?s Tourism Division has asked the Columbus CVB to enter

into a partnership to create a better ?community presence? at the Williams Road

State Welcome Center.

Unlock Columbus---A current media promotion, with 15 local merchants-retail,

attractions, restaurants-provides various discounts, by utilizing Foursquare

and smart phones. Preliminary analysis indicates a good and successful

launch. Phase two is being planned.

Tri-Columbus Partnership---The two 2011 triathlon events that took place last

summer attracted over 200 athletes. The CVB?s partnership provides out of

market promotion and advertising via custom Facebook pages and postcard

campaign.

GA Travel Guide---The CCVB has purchased the back cover of the State Travel

Guide along with the state map insert. This is part of the Bureau?s Whitewater

marketing strategy. The State Guide provides over 800,000 impressions with

national and international distribution.

Adjournment??.The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.

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