Board of County Commissioners

Tourist Development Council

Gadsden County, Florida

AGENDA & NOTES

(HAPPY NEW YEAR)

Marketing Meeting

January 27, 2014

3:00 p.m.

Present:

Matt Thro, Vice – Chair TDC

Keith Dowdell (absent)

Jeff DuBree

David Knight (absent)

Brenda Holt

Terry Kelly

Mary Kelly

Allara Gutcher, Planning Director

Call to Order:

Matt Thro called the Marketing Meeting to order.

Mr. DuBree said he did research on what other counties are doing on grant cycle. Leon does it once year, Jackson anytime, etc.  He said one county that was interesting was Sumter County that held their grant cycle once a year, but if you had certified bed nights you qualified more. They made an allowance on events that didn’t produce bed nights. Most of the counties had 50% matching fund, scoring system, looking for consistency. He said the scoring system would be the only way to have even shot at funding. Funding should be reduced by the 3^rd year. Does this require Strategic Plan change?

Mrs. Gutcher said she thinks it’s twice per year.

He discussed grant funding versus marketing funds. If strategic plan needs to be changed, eliminate marketing funds. He mentioned

Mrs. Gutcher stated it looked like grant funds are given if they go through process, marketing funds you fill out application to receive.

Mr. Thro said that we need to get ball rolling. It would be easier to look at regimented educated applications. Clarify application itself, put timeline in place, at next meeting start working on mold that would fit next year. Funds need to benefit hotel industry, to help tourism.

Mr. DuBree said they spent most of the funds budgeted.

Mr. Thro said they should set up workshops, dates and put procedure in place.

  Applications go to Sonya, properly completed before it comes to council meeting.

Ms. Holt asked where the application online and suggested if not it should be.

Mrs. Gutcher said she believes it would be online, but would check and try to ensure it would be.

Mr. DuBree suggested a webinar, instead of website or both to educate.

Consensus:    Oct 1 – March 30 (May 15, Workshop June 1; deadline July 1; recommend to TDC by August meeting. Monies available in Sept.)

April 1–Sept. 30(Nov. 15 Workshop; Dec. 1; Application Jan 2; Review by Feb Meeting and disperse Monies.

60/40 cycle (They can apply for either period during that window.)

  50/50

Mr. DuBree said how soon they can implement.

Mrs. Gutcher said they need to create procedural language.

This is just procedural language.

Mrs. Gutcher said they would contact the attorney concerning questions posed.

She said on the application you can fill out on line during time frame otherwise it could be pdf.

Sonya suggested putting schedule out there.

Mr. Thro suggested a shorter schedule.

Advertise Jan. and Feb. deadline to have application in is March.

Mrs. Holt said there is 6 towns invite and it might motivate them to suggest ideas and come before the Board.

Mrs. Gutcher suggested contact the people and get them to come to the meeting.

Abbreviated applications,

 Consensus of the meeting. Ad in paper to run Feb 6 & 13 to accept applications, workshop Feb. 27 Workshop and application hearings on March 13. Special Meeting in April.

Meeting Adjourned: 4:26pm