Warrensburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

Warrensburg Convention & Visitors Bureau Minutes Via Zoom 10 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2020 A meeting of the Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau was held via Zoom on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10:03 a.m. with Secretary Diane Whitworth presiding. Roll was called as follows: Present: Kelly Brooks, Ginny McTighe, Dana Phelps and Diane Whitworth; and Scott Holmberg, Warrensburg Councilman Absent: Tom Koeingsfeld, Scott Thomason and Mason Wirsig; and exofficio members Danielle Fesler, Bryan Jacobs and Harold Stewart The adoption of the agenda was considered. Brooks made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Whitworth. Motion passed. Minutes of the September 10, 2020 WCVB Board meeting were considered. McTighe made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Phelps. Motion passed. Financial report was provided by the WCVB director. As of October 5, 2020, 66% of budgeted expenses have been incurred. The director noted September personnel expenses had not been posted as of the date of the meeting. The lodging tax for September 2020 was down 39% from collections in September 2019. Total lodging tax collected in 2020 is $230,039. The director provided a year end summary report on fiscal year 2019-2020 with pre-audited numbers. The 19-20 budget was revised August 13, 2020 due to the Show Me Strong Grant. The audit will occur in late 2020. A report will be provided to the board in spring 2021. As per our contract the City, the City includes the WCVB with their audit. Revenue came in one percent higher than budgeted. This does not include the reimbursement from the Show Me Grant submitted on September 29. Expenses allocated were 66 percent of the budget. There are a few invoices that will be posted to fiscal year 19-20. Once all the invoices are posted, the expenses allocated will be approximately 72-75 percent. The director provided an update on the Visitor Center. A brochure rack and a hook with free face masks has been added to the vestibule. This will be available to guests who visit when the Center is closed Monday-Friday. The vestibule is locked over the weekend and at night. Offering the free face masks was a requirement for the Show Me Strong Grant. A table is placed at the Center’s interior door with face masks and hand sanitizer. The director presented an update on the Show Me Strong Funds. The Board was presented the Google video and ads placed on Facebook and Instagram. One ad has had numerous negative comments posted to it. The ad features individuals wearing facial coverings. Most comments have been in opposition to the County order requiring facial coverings be worn. The grant only allows one reimbursement to be submitted per month. The last reimbursement will be submitted before November 20, 2020. The September reimbursement was submitted September 29, 2020 for payroll expenses (March 1-Sepember 15) in the amount of $39,688. There is no timeline available as to when the reimbursement will be distributed to WCVB as three groups must review for approval. The director provided a report on the Rolling Piano Project. The project is sponsored by the City of Warrensburg and the Warrensburg Arts Commission. The WCVB was asked by the City to assist with finding locations for the pianos. Nine pianos were distributed throughout Warrensburg. The WCVB created a flier with pictures of each piano along with a map identifying their location. Numerous posts have been posted on the WCVB’s social media bringing awareness to the project. There is a piano located at the Visitor Center. Youth from Twisters Sports afterschool program came and painted the piano. The director provided her director’s report. Items highlighted were an update on the face mask donation program, UCM partnership, 2020 community grant program recap, and upcoming meeting dates. The Center will be closed November 23-27 due to the director being out of the office and the Thanksgiving holiday. There were no appearances by the public. Board members provided updates regarding upcoming events/happenings from various organizations. Meeting adjourned.