HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes February 25, 2009_201402041407581915
Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Land Bank Conference Room
In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator,
Gene Mahon, Chairman, James Blunt, Diane Reis-Flaherty and Louise Swift.
Gene called the meeting to order at 3:03pm
David read the figures for January and noted that February’s numbers would be
strong. David cited that Travel and Lodging brochure mailings were up particularly to
those coming for weddings. Kate reported on the budget. She noted that the FY-10
budget was still up in the air which has put summer hirings on hold for now. Kate added
that she has been getting more calls this year from people wanting to work. There is a set
amount of money in the budget for seasonal staff.
Restaurants was the next item on the agenda. Kate explained to the committee that
David is the office contact for the restaurants. David reported the restaurants that were
open for Valentines Day/ Presidents’ Weekend had good business.
The fourth item on the agenda was One Call Press Releases. Kate reported that
the Kevin has been in contact with newspapers around New England and the Mid-
Atlantic and sending them “One call does it all.” press releases. This is based upon the
feedback for the Walk Inn and Win contest held over Christmas Stroll. Kate added that
the Inquirer and Mirror has printed this twice and she also noted that the new Cape Cod
newspaper, the Barnstable Patriot has included it as well. Kate noted that this press
release helps the wedding groups looking to place their guests along with people just
looking for rooms.
The Bathroom Update was next on the agenda. Kate reported to the committee
that on Wednesday, next week, bids will be opened. These bids are for renovating the
floors and walls at the 25 Federal Street restrooms. It is hoped that they will be done in
time for Daffodil Weekend.
Greenhound and Airport Updates were the sixth item on the agenda. Kate
reported to the committee that ReMain Nantucket which owns the Greenhound building
wants the building to open 7 days a week. Kate noted that we can only do 3 ½ days and
asked if Paula Leary could have someone from the NRTA staff the other part of the
week. Kate emphasized that the NRTA person would be crossed trained with Visitor
Services. Kate also noted that their will be public restrooms available this year. Diane
asked when does Greenhound open for the summer? Kate replied that she wasn’t sure. It
all depends on Mitchell’s Books returning to their original building around late May-
early June.
As for the Airport, Kate reported that she is working on the information desk
proposal to give to the Airport Commission sub-committee of David Gray and Sheila
Egan. Kate explained that she is looking at a part-time partnership and that Visitor
Services would pay for their own staff to be there 3 days a week this summer. In the
proposal, Kate has asked the airport to provide a desk, signage and a telephone line. In
case there is bad weather, Kate noted that the desk might stay open after hours to assist
with Airport passengers with lodging. Kate added that Sheila Egan seemed intrigued with
this idea as she had been on the Visitor Services Committee several years ago. Kate
further added that on a recent visit to the Mount Washington hotel in Bretton Woods,
New Hampshire, she was impressed with the customer service when the staff would
escort a guest towards what they were looking for. There is an opportunity this summer to
replicate that kind of service at the Airport.
Kate reminded the committee that this proposal has been a long time coming as
there have been many letters as well as meeting with architects regarding this visitor
desk. Diane asked when will we give them the proposal? Kate replied that Gene is
reviewing the proposal and then it will be submitted.
New Business was the last item on the agenda. Kate reported that she would like
to hire some new people to help staff this summer. Diane said that she saw Kate and
Kevin on TV-17 as Kevin was substituting for Jamey Ranney. Kate also noted that
former Nantucketer, Susan Fernauld has a column in the new Barnstable Enterprise
called “Schoozin’ with Susan.”
Gene adjourned the meeting at 3:40pm