HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes April 22, 2010_201402041407559571Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Wednesday, April 22, 2010
Land Bank Conference Room
In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator,
Gene Mahon, Chairman, Charles Balas, Diane Reis-Flaherty and Louise Swift.
Kate called the meeting to order at 3:06pm
The first item on the agenda was the update. David read the monthly statistics for
March and noted that the numbers were down overall.
The Budget-Rooms Tax was next on the agenda. Kate reported that the figures for
next year’s budget are also down for next year.
The third item on the agenda was Daffodil Weekend. Kate reported that 3 inns are
sold out for the weekend with the rest with a room here and there. Kate noted that there
are mixed signals about having alcohol at the ‘Sconset picnic. Gene observed that
drinking is not allowed in public spaces.
Fireworks and T-shirts was another item on the agenda. Kate reported that one has
been designed to sell in order to raise money to help offset the cost of the fireworks. Each
shirt costs $6.50 to produce and she plans on ordering between 250 and 500. Kate also
reported that she will send a press release to draw attention. They will also be promoted
on Twitter.
PR was the fifth item on the agenda. Kate reported that the office now has a wide
list of contacts.
Bathrooms in ‘Sconset was the next item on the agenda. Kate reported that they
are nearly finished and look amazing. She plans to have them open on Saturday for the
Daffodil Festival picnic. Charles asked who the builder was. Kate explained that it was
Aaron Norton who was the second bidder after the first bidder could not come up with
the bond. Charles asked if a sign could be put up to inform people about the sensor
lighting.
Twitter was the seventh item on the agenda. Kate reported that the office is now
using Twitter to get info about the office out. It will also be used during the fireworks to
let people know the progress especially if weather is a factor. The address is
www.twitter.com/nantucketvisit.
The next item was Island-wide Tourism Campaign. Kate reported that James
Blunt had talked to her about some promotion ideas. Kate felt that it should wait to the
fall so that it can be properly executed with enough time.
Courtesy Vans was the ninth item on the agenda. Kate reported that the town will
be changing the signs outside the office. They will change form Hotel Van to Courtesy
Van pick up only.
New Business was the last item on the agenda. Kate reported The Egan Institute is
doing an exhibit on Sea Dogs.
Kate also noted that she is working on a project with ReMain Nantucket. The
project includes Transportation Coordinator Mike Burns and bike shop owner Harvey
Young. The intent is to upgrade the bike path signage, redesign the Wheels, Heels and
Pedals website and film a public service commercial. Kate has asked Tom McGlinn to
film as he is independent from any TV station.
Kate reported that Sustainable Nantucket will be offering the Farmer’s Market
again this year. Visitor Services has been offered a table. Kate will contact the Chamber
about partnering.
Gene noted that there will be 150 attendees to the Jeffries and Co. conference.
This conference replaced Wachovia but on a much smaller scale.
Charles reported that a new bakery is opening up next to the Glidden building on
Centre Street. ReMain bought the building from Judy Seinfeld.
Kate reported that the Visitor Services representative to the Chamber of
Commerce is up for reappointment. Charles nominated Gene and the committee seconded
it.
Charles asked when the office will be open in Sundays. Kate answered that it will
be open this weekend for Daffodil and then again for Wine Festival.
Gene noted that there are 3 Visitor Services Committee positions up for
reappointment; Gene Mahon, Charles Balas and Diane Reis-Flaherty. All three noted that
they will reapply.
Kate reported that Information Aide Jane Roche will take care of the lodging
details. Kate also noted that Kevin Dugan’s position won’t be filled until the fall.
Kate reported that Bay Fireworks won this year’s bid for the fireworks. They are
the company that produced the fireworks for the Boston Pops.
Gene reported that the Chamber completed an auction for a weekend stay on
Nantucket. It raised $3,500. The bidding for Mayor of Nantucket starts today.
The meeting adjourned at 3:52pm