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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-13 Tourism Business Improvement District Board MinutesDRAFT Tourism Business Improvement District Minutes of Meeting April 23, 2013 Chamber of Commerce Building, Bozeman, Montana Present: Daryl Schliem (Executive Director) TBID Board Members: Larry Lambert, Tom Stenzel, Andrew Ash, Tim Kuhlman Advisory Members: Melanie Stocks (MSU/Tournament Committee), Sandra Hodge (Homewood Suites/BALA) Public: Matt Sease (Super 8), Mary Paoli (Voices of Montana), Mike Scholz (Voices of Montana), Vicki Wyant (MyPlace), Darin Barbe (Lambert Hotels) Meeting was called to order at 12:05 Introductions There were no disclosures Motion to approve minutes from previous meeting was given by Tom, seconded by Andrew. Approved unanimously There was no public comment 2013/2014 Budget Discussion. All seemed in agreement that the budget put together in budgeting meeting accomplished the goal of going after proven ROI opportunities from the past, while allowing flexibility to take advantage of new opportunities that may arise. Motion to approve budget was given by Tom, seconded by Andrew. Approved unanimously. Matt Sease gave Events Committee Update. All-Class High School Football Championship is a major focus of the events committee, but was only touched on as it was to be discussed later in the meeting. They have lessened the priority of working with the Bozeman Marathon Organizers to see what they can do continue to grow the event, as the organizers have been unresponsive and does not seem to be a good use of time to pursue a group that does not appear interested in TBID funding. MSU seems to be moving forward with Ag Days. The event will coincide with the 5th home Bobcat football game of the season, as well as the All-Class Volleyball Tournament. There was discussion of the availability of hotel rooms at that time as having 3 large events in one weekend may be more demand than the existing market can handle. The Gay Pride parade in Bozeman is on the radar of the Events Committee, as it is and event that potentially draws thousands. Melanie gave Tournament Committee update. For the 2014-2015 school year Bozeman was awarded All Class Volleyball, and State A Boys Basketball. Belgrade was able to get State B & C Softball. The amount budgeted by the 2013-2014 TBID Bozeman events should be sufficient to cover the bids. The Convention Center feasibility study discussion was tabled until later, as the study had just gotten into the committee’s hands, so a proper discussion was not able to take place until time was taken for all board members to review. All-Class Football Championship was discussed. It is clearly an uphill battle due to many obstacles. Many schools would not want to sacrifice a potential homefield advantage; many would be concerned about playing on grass all year and switching to turf; most small communities would potentially be giving up thousands of dollars in revenue if the event were not in the community. As such, getting buy in from coaches, athletic directors, and communities would be very difficult, but clearly MHSA needs buy in from these groups for this to even become a possibility. The Events Committee will continue to work on this, and continue to keep the TBID updated on any progress. Daryl gave the financial report. Nothing had changed since last meeting. Mike Scholz and Mary Paoli gave a presentation on Voice of Montana. Voices of Montana is an organization that focuses on educating governmental bodies and other members of the Montana community on the benefits of tourism to Montana. The group provides a voice for the tourism community and stays in front of legislators and to emphasize the importance of tourism dollars. Motion to adjourn by Andrew, 2nd by Tom. Approved unanimously, meeting adjourned at 1:20pm