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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes April 29, 2009_201402041407563165 Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Land Bank Conference Room In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator, Gene Mahon, Chairman, James Blunt, David Place, Diane Reis-Flaherty and Louise Swift Gene called the meeting to order at 3:04pm Kate discussed lodging availability. There was some availability over Daffodil Weekend, but it was a room here and there. There were 5 placements on Friday. There were 1,000 passing through the office over the three day weekend. Kate noted that the weather was great as well. David reported that the restaurants did very well over the weekend. James Blunt asked about the rental market. Kate reported that many people are asking for 3-4 day stays with some budget concerns. Eventually people will be back for longer stays when the economy improves. Kate also noted that she and the staff toured the new White Elephant Residences. They are beautiful, but expensive to stay. Nantucket Island Resorts has started to list all their properties with the office as they are not as full as in years past. The Wauwinet will be offering $150 overnight stay to locals when they open in a few weeks. Louise Swift asked if the White Elephant residences pay the room tax. Kate said yes. David reported on the statistics for March and most of April. Kate then discussed the budget. Everything is on track. She reported that the budget for FY10 is still unsettled and has been attending department meetings to finalize what we will receive. The Greenhound building was next on the agenda. Kate reported that ReMain Nantucket will again pay part of David’s salary, this year. He will be there several days a week and someone from NRTA will be there the rest of the week. The Travel and Lodging Update was another item on the agenda. Kate reported that David and Kevin are doing the deliveries saving $3,500 - $4,000 a year. Kate noted that the T&L is in high demand due to a delay in with the release of the Chamber of Commerce guide. David Place asked if there were any inquiries for Wine and Film Festivals. Kate reported that at this point, those inquiries are down as they are occurring on odd weekends and that people are also looking for deals. The Fireworks was next on the agenda. Kate reported that she will sending out press releases soon. It will be an important year as the Fourth of July will be on a Saturday night and the Wachovia Conference which has fireworks, the week before have been cancelled this year. So there is great expectations for this year’s event. The sixth item on the agenda is the Downtown Revitalization Committee. Kate reported that the DRC is wrapping up its business. They will be sending out a survey. The survey results could be helpful for the Visitor Services planning. The Bathroom Update was another item on the agenda. Kate reported that the restrooms at 25 Federal Street are now open after a successful renovation. Kate also reported that the Greenhound building will have bathrooms available to the public, this summer. Staffing was the ninth item on the agenda. Kate noted that she will be interviewing people next week and will hire 2-3 people for the season. New Business was the final item on the agenda. Kate reported that the Visitor Services representative to the Chamber needs to be reappointed. James nominated Gene. Louise seconded the motion. The Committee then voted 5-0 to reappoint Gene Mahon. Kate noted that Chamber Director, Tracy Bakalar is now on Maternity Leave awaiting the birth of her first child. Kate also noted that she has hired Jessie Gauvin to provide the flowers for the window boxes at 25 Federal Street. Gene adjourned the meeting at 3:50pm.