Tourism Development Authority Special Meeting

Town of Swansboro Tourism Development Authority April 27, 2023 In attendance: Chairman Randy Swanson, Sherri Handcock, Dusty Rhodes, Scott Chadwick, Jack Hark and Linda Thornley. ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer The meeting was called to order at 2:26 pm with a quorum present. Reports Finance Director Sonia Johnson reviewed the Financial Summary Analysis, which reflected a balance of $191,433.38 on 3/31/23. Specific inquiries from the Board included: Chadwick wanted to clarify the financial balance. New Business a. Funding Requests Swansboro Baseball/Softball League, Inc. sought funding for the Cal Ripken Tournament scheduled for June 24-28, 2023. Total event cost estimates were $40,250. Thirty+ teams are expected to participate from all over eastern NC. The Swansboro Baseball & Softball League, Inc. was approached to host the event because of the significant improvements made at the park. Players/coaches are estimated at 450, spectators estimated at 1080. And support staff such as umpires, league presidents and other officials estimated at 54. Spectators, local and from out of town estimated at 1396. Swansboro Baseball & Softball League, Inc will approach the Hampton Inn for a group rate for teams and visitors and will guarantee 4 rooms for 5 nights paid by the league for the umpire in charge and Cal Ripken officials. Other economic impacts will include restaurants, activities, extended stay, and future return visits. On a motion by Linda Thornley, seconded by Scott Chadwick the funding request of $40,250 though granted $5,000.00 for construction and maintenance of score boards. Unanimously approved for the SBSL, Inc. Cap Ripken Tournament. Seaside Arts Council sought $3,000 in funding for their Swans by The Sea Project. Sculpted molds of swans will be available in two sizes. The project will provide a Page 1 of 4  tangible artistic draw to visit the Swansboro area. Like the Bears in New Bern, the intent is to add to the list of things to do and see in Swansboro and the Swansboro area. The large outdoor freestanding sculpted swan 59” x 31” x 36” was $3,000 and the small 18” x 7” x 9” tabletop sculpture swan $1200. On a motion by Linda Thornley, seconded by Chadwick the funding request of $3,000 was unanimously approved for the SSA Swans By the Sea Project. Budget Amendment 2023-3 provides the funding approved for the SBSL, Inc. $5,000 and SSA $3000. Budget Amendment #2023-3 of $8,000 was unanimously approved. Marketing and Advertising Quarterly Update/Additional Opportunities Anne Marie Bass of Front Row Communications reviewed quarterly status report for 3/17/2023. Content included details on the Swansboro Visitors Brochure, Facebook Ad Reports, Print Ad Placements & Earned Media, and Social Media Stats. Specific inquiries from the Board included: The Board asked where brochures are distributed. Ann Marie advised that they will be at the Visitors Centers. Board advised to have rainy day dates of Festival…etc., noted in the brochures. The board suggested having local people and local companies, send in pictures they have taken put in brochure. Proposed FY 23/24 Budget Page 2 of 4 The FY 23/24 Budget Proposal and Budget Message was submitted by Finance Director Sonia Johnson. Total revenues and expenditures matched at $110,700, herein attached as Exhibit A. A public hearing was set for May 18th, 2023, at 2:30PM National Tourism Day The I-95 North Welcome Center in Pleasant Hill (on the VA/NC State Line) will be having their Annual Tourism Day event on Thursday, May 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This day offers an opportunity to talk with tourists about attractions, events hotel/motels, restaurants, and other North Carolina Products. An invitation was extended to all board members. Board Comments Board members requested to see if Jacksonville is going. Could be get a Town member to go hand out brochures. If a town member could go, they could request reimbursement at the next meeting in May. Adjournment On a motion by Randy Swanson, seconded by Dusty Rhodes, the meeting adjourned at 3:50pm. Page 3 of 4  Town of Swansboro Tourism Development Authority April 27, 2023 Exhibit A Page 4 of 4