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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes August 20, 2009_201402041407567071Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee Thursday August 20, 2009 Land Bank Conference Room The meeting was called to order at 3:00pm by Gene Mahon. In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator, Kevin Dugan, Assistant Administrator, Charles Balas, Diane Reis-Flaherty, Gene Mahon, Kristin Chambers- O’Reilly, Louise Swift and Linda Williams. Kevin gave the lodging update and reported that June and July were not that busy primarily due to poor weather. Thus far August has proven to be an excellent month with large numbers of rooms filled. Charles noted that he has heard that most high end establishments have been doing fairly well this entire season. Kevin also stated that several people have called this summer inquiring about the availability of discount coupons confirming the fact that people are looking for value this year much more than before. He also noted that people are calling as late as Wednesday and Thursday looking for availability for the upcoming weekend. Gene stated that the restaurant business was just starting to kick into high gear at the beginning of August and prior to that many of the restaurant establishments were not all that busy. David then reviewed the statistics. He mentioned that June and July were down by about 20% in most categories with the exception of placements which were pretty much on par with last year. Visitors and placements for Boston Pops weekend were very high and right on par with previous years. Kate then spoke about the budget and that she is waiting for the room’s tax amount which she estimates will be down by about 10%. She also discussed the T & L brochure and the fact that David and Kevin are now delivering them rather than an outside vendor which has saved a lot of money. Distribution has been high partly because of the late arrival of the Chamber of Commerce guidebook. Kate also stated that she is thinking about printing 40,000 brochures again this year and that she has begun the bidding process. Kate also noted that she may consider charging some groups (taxi, restaurants etc.) for insertion similar to what was done with the Nantucket Realtors Association last year. It was also noted that we have saved approximately $4,000 by doing our own delivery of the T & L’s. Kate then discussed the fireworks and the fact that the Town has paid for the fireworks as well as the barge. She has not heard anything from the Town regarding next years fireworks display. Gene mentioned that some people have suggested that we should consider having some kind of music program added to the evening festivities. Kate said it all comes down to a money issue. Kristin and Kate will meet to consider a possible raffle to help support the fireworks fund. Charles then brought up the proposed increase in the room’s tax. He feels that at this time the proposed increase should not be adopted and that he is suggesting a “no” vote on the subject. Kate noted how well the Airport Ambassador program is doing and that they have finally moved into their designated space after some construction related delays. She also mentioned that she had written Sheila O’Brien Egan requesting a letter stating how much of a success the program has been. Kate said that any suggestions regarding improving the program for next year are welcome. She also stated that she thinks that this will be the last year that we will be associated with the Greenhound building as everything that we set out to accomplish there has been completed including the installation of public bathrooms. While on the subject of bathrooms Kate feels that we will have money available to refurbish the Sconset restrooms which are in tough shape and desperately in need of repair and updating. Kate also mentioned that the Straight Wharf kiosk has been very busy this summer and this could be attributed to the large increase of day trippers. Kate informed the Committee that David Sharpe is now on the Taxi Committee. Diane stated that she hopes that meters will end up being installed as she feels that the cabs will make more money as a result and that there will also be fewer complaints. Kate then brought up Restaurant Week and the fact that we will be ready to handle lodging inquiries which will hopefully result in an influx of business during this event. She further stated that we will be sending out press releases to the Cape newspapers and that she had been assured of placement. Charles asked what price point we would like to see during the week for this event and the amount of $99.00 was discussed. Kate also noted that she met with Jean Grimmer and Bill Tramposch regarding signage. Charles stated that he would like to see a “You Are Here” sign installed somewhere in the downtown area. Linda noted that there are many new regulations regarding signs that would have to be followed before any installations could be done. Kate then brought up the hotel vans and the fact that the Summer House has inquired about parking in front of the building at 25 Federal Street. She will be working with the Town to come up with some kind of policy regarding the usage of the parking spots currently used by the Wauwinet and the Nantucket Inn. Kate also stated that the wedding business for 2010 looks to be very busy with large increases over this year. Kristin agrees as she is in that business and has seen an increase in wedding plans for next year already. Before the meeting ended Charles repeated his idea that he would like to see Visitor Services involved in some kind of a promotion such as selling t-shirts at the office. The meeting was adjourned at 4:05pm.