Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, March. 22, 2023 424 W. Main St., Commerce Building Board Attendance (A) James Howard, Baked Bear, Chair (P) Scott Kovalick, Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Vice Chair (A) Amish Zaver, Comfort Inn, Past Chair (P) Angelia Green, The Chickasaw Nation, Treasurer (A) Kyle Allison, Sharkey's Cuts for Kids (P) Cameron Brewer, The Standard (A) Carol Dillingham, private attorney (P) Caitlin Fornier, OU Athletics Community Relations (A) Steve Gillis, Norman Youth Soccer Association (P) Helen Green, OU Public Affairs (P) Jerry M. Hatter, Balfour of Norman (P) Mandy Haws, Sooner Bowling Center (P) Amy Million, Norman Arts Council designee (A} Wes Moody, Norman Public Schools (A) Jeff Stewart, O'Connell's Irish Pub and Grille (P) Helen Grant, City Council designee, ex-officio (P) Brenda Hall, City of Norman, ex-officio (P) Scott Martin, Chamber of Commerce, ex-officio (A) Lawrence McKinney, Norman Economic Development Coalition, ex-officio Dan Schemm called the meeting to order at 11:38 a.m. Minutes Brewer motioned that the minutes from the February meeting be approved which was seconded by Hatter. Financial report Schemm reports on Nov, Dec, and January+ February financials. November: Schemm mentions special event fall fest expenses around lk. Personnel BCBS expenses. December: Operations admin 20k versus Skin year prior, reason higher rent costs around 4k, and 9k for audit. January: Relationship Marketing 3k invoice, SEC site visits, personnel 31k lower than previous year. February: Cash in bank 20k, low change in staff, we didn't receive guest tax remittance, it has since been corrected. 10k research for DG Consultant, weather museum study, consumer advertising, sponsored by weather museum one to one. Operations admins increase in camera equipment for Ryan Smith. Green motioned to approve financials for Nov, Dec, January & February seconded by Hatter. Budget Schemm said it will go in front of city council end of June vote for July 1 st funding. May 9 th will be the vote for sports commission, if approved, we will send in an amendment to the budget in May to be approved. Guest Tax Schemm mentioned Kyle & Carol are heading up the fundraiser to fund a campaign in favor of the sports commission, currently they have raised close to 10k, with a goal of 15k. The campaign will begin the first part of April and run for a month leading up to the vote. Annual Tourism Luncheon Schemm sa1d it will be on the same date as the vote for the sports commission. Former CEO of Visit Tulsa, and currently the director of BMX, Ray Hoyt, will be our speaker. It will also mark our 30-year anniversary as an organization. Strategic Planning Discussion Schemm said the community vision process is looking for committee members, encouraging those interested to sign up. SEC will bring ~n Bill Geist to conduct our next 5-year plan. He will be in town May 17 th meeting with community stake holders. We will have half day board retreat on the 17th. Destination Development Schemm mentioned NEDC, Chamber, and VisitN orman are looking at ways to fund a National Weather Science Museum. There are former Disney imagineers drafting conceptual plans for an Exploratorium type experience for visitors. The 2 nd project they are looking at is an equestrian facility, Schemm presented to Cleveland County fairgrounds, they have approved to do a feasibility study. 3 rd project includes Mountain bike trails surrounding Lake Thunderbird, 20-30 miles, possibly using a million dollars in ARPA funds with a match from Walton family. Lastly Lake Thunderbird project, proposing OTRD use more funds towards the lake. Ecotourism to enhance what we already have. We will be partnering with the city & county on the study. Staff Reports VisitNorman staff presented Sales Reports, Communications, and Digital Media reports to the board. Meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m