HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes September 16, 2010_201402041408040822Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Thursday, September 16, 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.
Gene called the meeting to order at 3:08pm
The first and second items on the agenda were the Update and Lodging
Placements. David read the statistics for June, July and August making note that
placements were nearly double over last year.
The next items on the agenda were the Budget, Room’s Tax and Fourth of July.
Kate reported that the rooms tax collection is down. The FY12 budget from the rooms tax
is estimated to be $334,000. Kate noted that she is not sure about the actual figures once
their release. She is also concerned about the Fourth of July Fireworks as the Town has
not committed to going out to bid yet as the license plate fund is depleted. Kate explained
that she can raise money from T-Shirt sales but cannot raise $60,000 on her own. If the
Town does not commit to fireworks, there needs to be a deadline to get the word out…
Linda Williams arrived at 3:20pm
…Gene asked about the FY12 timeline. Kate reported that her first meeting about FY12
will be next week and will know more by then. Gene asked if towns across the U.S. run
the fireworks or is it chambers of commerce. Kate answered that it was mostly towns.
Linda suggested that the committee come up with some creative ideas.
The ‘Sconset Bathrooms was 6th item on the agenda. Kate reported that aside
from some minor problems, the renovations came out very well.
The 7th item on the agenda was the Hurricane Update. Hurricane Earl threatened
Nantucket the Friday of Labor Day. The Town activated its Emergency Preparedness
Committee with Police Chief Bill Pittman in charge. Visitor Services was involved with
the meetings and updates. The storm weakened and the island only received a lot of rain
and 60 mph winds.
Hospitality Vans – Millie’s was the next item on the agenda. Kate reported that it
worked out well to have Millie’s run a shuttle to the restaurant in Madaket. They will
close on September 21. They were busy and Madaket residents eventually seemed happy
with the establishment.
The 10th item on the agenda was the Airport - Screen. Kate reported that Airport
Ambassadors made placements from the airport and it was helpful having a flat screen
TV nearby running information about Visitor Services when the desk was closed.
The next item on the agenda was the 2011 Travel and Lodging brochure. Kate
reported that the Chamber of Commerce has opted out in helping to pay for the printing
of the brochure. This was due to their budget being cut back. Kate noted that the booklet
will be redone for less money and that we will go down from 40 pages to 32.
Furthermore, Visitor Services will charge the non lodging listings including tour vans,
taxis and ferries a fee from $25 to $250. The Chamber will help administer the money
collected and use it for postage. Kate also reported that she is trying to get the Restaurant
Association back together which will help with the restaurant listings.
The last item on the agenda was new business. Kate reported that at the Lodging
Meeting yesterday, she suggested that someone from the Southeast Economic
Development Commission (SEED) hold a seminar with Lodging about Social Media
(Twitter, Facebook, Four Square) as there seems to be some confusion about how to use
it for business. Kate noted that Visitor Services uses Twitter as a wey to promote
information about the office.
Kate also reported that the Seafest will take place on Saturday, September 25
from 10am – 5 pm on Children’s Beach. Food will be served and activities will take place
on the lawn and in the water. There is not much publicity.
The Cranberry Festival will take place on Saturday, October 9 from 11am – 4pm
at the Milestone Cranberry bog. Kate noted that there is no direct public transportation.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:10pm.