Rutherford County

Tourism Development Authority

Board Report – April 2nd 2020

Woodrow Jones Building, Rutherfordton NC

TDA Board AgendaApril 2nd 2020, 12:00 Noon

Woodrow Jones Building, Rutherfordton NC

• Call to Order

• Public Comments

• Additions/Deletions to Current Agenda

• Prior Minutes Approval

• Finance Report

• 2020-2021 Budget

• Executive Director Report

• Welcome Center Updates

• Marketing Report

• Committee Updates

- Marketing

- Finance Committee

- Agri-tourism

- Relocate to Rutherford

- Tourism Strategic Plan

- Executive

• Announcements

• Adjourn

TDA Board Members

Executive Committee

Board Chair: Willard Whitson

1st Vice: Dave Long

2nd Vice: Richard Lundy

Other Members

Jim Masek (Secretary)

Jeff Geisler (Treasurer)

Kitty McCammon

Mary Jaeger-Gale

Brandon Higgins

Janet Mason

Rocky Gaurriello

David Hislop

Ex-Officios

Eddie Holland

Paula Roach

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Prior TDA Board Meeting Notes 2/20/20

To Be Approved 4/2/20

2

Call to Order: 12:08 p.m.

Members Present: Mary Jaeger-Gale, Dave Long, Willard Whitson, Brandon Higgins, Rocky Guarriello, Kitty McCammon, Jim Masek, Janet Mason, Jeff Geisler, and Richard Lundy

Members Absent: David Hislop

Ex-Officos Present: Eddie Holland

Ex-Officos Absent: Paula Roach

Others Present: Don Cason, Taylor Hardin, Emily Ostertag, Destination by Design (2), PMA Consulting (2), The Agency (2), Media (1)

Public Comments: ------

Additions / Deletions from Agenda: ------

Motion to approve Agenda:Approval: 1st: Dave Long

2nd: Kitty McCammonMotion Passed.

Prior Meeting Minutes (changes if necessary): Approval: 1st: Mary Jaeger-Gale

2nd: Dave LongMotion Passed.

Strategic Plan Update:Committee Update:Summarization of the Rutherford Bound Partnership and the kick-off meeting on February 3rd. Outlined each partners’ program of work, and introduced each partner for their presentations.

Rutherford Bound Partners Presentations:

Destination by DesignSummarized each partners’ role in the Rutherford Bound partnership

PMA Consulting – Strategy for larger sponsors and industry donationsThe Agency – Strategy for reaching the public (Rutherford County Citizens)

Reviewed total Rutherford Bound budget5 Capital Projects:

Chimney Rock Village Streetscape Construction documents have been submitted to NCDOT. One the documents are approved; the project will be ready to go out to bid

Rocky Broad RiverwalkThe village has signed a $30,000 contract with a surveyor, who committed 40 business days to produce the survey. The preliminary design will be completed once the survey is submitted

Spindale StreetscapeCouncil approve $750,000 contract for Phase I Just received new survey data

Reviewed layout of the street (ramps,landscaping, sidewalks, etc.)

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Prior TDA Board Meeting Notes 2/20/20

To Be Approved Cont’d 4/2/20

Thermal Belt Rail Trail / Purple Martin Connector

o The connector will go up Oak St. and across Highway 74

o The procedure for a safe crossing will be discussed with

NCDOT March 5th 2020, and may result in changing the

route

o DbD will be given a tour of the entire trail corridor to scope

out needed enhancements

Paddle Trail

o Work on the paddle trail is waiting on several grants

o DbD is prepared to being work on both the 221 and 221-A

access points

The Agency

o Asset Development is the current stage of The

Agency’s program of work

Working in the message that will reach the

public

o Video Production (testimonials, etc.)

o Rutherford Bound Promo Items (tents,

table top displays, stickers, t-shirts)

o Project Barometer for specific

donations

Reviewed program of work timeline

iHeart Media will be helping to promote events two-weeks out

WNCW campaigns for donations will begin in April

The ‘Round-Up’ partnership with Ingles will begin in April, as

well

o These campaigns will go through October, per the current

budget

Showed (3) videos produced by Destination by Design

PMA Consulting

o Meet with key stakeholders within each community

o Create and initiate relationships for a 20/10/5 concept

o Provide specific recommendations on the best course

of action for future successful campaign activity

o Maximize corporate investments (start with top 10

industries and top 5 foundations)

o Focus on individuals and families with high net worth

(20)

o Corporate Funders

o Identify key corporate funders that best align

with the campaign

o Build RCTDA’s progress to enhance existing

prospect list

o Promote three overall goals

Premier travel destination

Quality of life

Workforce attraction

o Create a specific sponsorship package for

corporations

o Foundation Relations and Grants

o Research local/state/national foundations for

grant funding

o Train and coach RCTDA board and staff on

solicitation strategies

o Refine/adjust

campaign collateral

for major gift

fundraising

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Prior TDA Board Meeting Notes 2/20/20

To Be Approved Cont’d 4/2/20

TAF / Aplos Update:

- Summarized relationship between the TDA and TAF, as

Rutherford Bound funds continue to be collected

- TAF has been hired to track all Capital Campaign funds

through an accounting software called Aplos

- Aplos’ functions were summarized, and how these functions

will meet our needs

- The Rutherford Bound online donation form is very close to

going live

Finance Report:

- Occupancy tax for December and January was almost $29,000

over last year

- Total funds for December and January are also over budget

- There have been a lot of new lodging destinations opening in

the county, which may be some of the reason why our

occupancy tax receipts are growing, as well as STR Monitoring

Program and Tourism Growth

o RFF Summary

Revenues are up

Budgeted expenses are on par with estimates, or

below

Roughly there will be a $500,000 increase in our

fund balance

There should be a $1.2 million fund balance at the

end of this year

Motion to approve Financial Report:

Approval: 1st: Jeff Geisler

2nd: Richard Lundy

Motion Passed.

Executive Director Report:

Highlights:

- The TDA participated in the Third Annual Isothermal

Legislative Breakfast. Our leaders discussed with

legislation the expansion of highway 74 to be designated

as a future interstate

- Lake Lure has officially hired three separate entities to

help with the work needed on the dam, and other

infrastructure

- The TDA produced videos that were submitted for the

HGTV whole-town makeover. The videos for

Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Chimney Rock/Lake Lure

were submitted Feb. 7th for the competition.

- The TDA and Mary Jaeger-Gale attended the

Southeastern Tourism Society Conference, which allowed

us to network with Jack Johnson from Destination

International. He presented on the involvement of TDA’s

within their communities as more than just a marketing

resource, and TDA’s need to become more of an added

value to their communities. That is exactly what we are

doing.

Welcome Center Update:

- Visitation is about as expected

for the winter months

- Karen Tegen, Welcome

Center Manager, is out for

the next 6 weeks for knee

surgery

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Prior TDA Board Meeting Notes 2/20/20

To Be Approved Cont’d 4/2/20

Marketing Report:

- Two ads. were placed this month, one in Visit NC’s Travel Guide and

the other was in Our State Magazine’s March edition

- The Agency presented their 2020 Marketing Plan to the committee,

which was approved

- The committee also approved a new logo for external marketing of the

TDA (Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills) and will be featured on

the cover of the 2020 County-Wide travel guide

- The 2020 Travel Guide will be printed and ready for distribution mid to

late March

- TDA staff and The Agency produced an instructional guide for

stakeholders to submit events and informational changes to the

website. This will be featured in the next stakeholder newsletter, and

discussed at the next Coffee Talk, March 18th.

- The Agency requested a budget increase of $22,150 to cover

television commercial, digital ad., and public radio ad. costs, as well as

video editing expenses for the TBRT

Budget Amendment:

Motion to move $22,150 from Fund Balance to the

Advertising and Marketing line item (70-6520-370-00-

000)

1st: Dave Long

2nd: Jim Masek

Motion approved.

.

Committee Updates:

Agri-Tourism:

o The committee met and discussed product development with local farms, and how

they will become destination assets

o The major focus of the committee meeting was how to bring locally produced food to

local restaurants

o TDA staff and board members attended the Agri-Tourism Conference in Asheville

Retire NC:

o The committee decided they would like to rethink the Retire NC effort to not just focus

of retirees, but also millennials, families, workforce recruitment, etc. The program will

change its name to Relocate Rutherford, unofficially, and Retire NC remain as part of

the program.

Information:

o Overview of Welcome Center status presented by Karen. This included an update on

renovations, (still undetermined date), the part-time information specialist is expecting,

but wishes to remain employed until and shortly after the birth, and there will be an

IPad set up as a digital guest book sign in.

o Discussion on the Welcome Center’s new outside Deep-cleaning person: services

seem to be going well and are beneficial

o Budget discussion: Approval by all members to allot the same amount as last year for

the Building Maintenance and Janitorial line items

Keep Rutherford County Beautiful:

o The committee is allocating some money for paid litter pick-ups, which cost $100 per

mile and include both sides of the road

o The refunded money from the surveillance camera project which will be used to pay

for the hired pick-ups

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Prior TDA Board Meeting Notes 2/20/20

To Be Approved Cont’d 4/2/20

Executive:

o Wayfinding Update – Installation to be complete by March

o Marketing Update – 2020-2021 Plan and Budget in

process

o Tourism Plan – Rutherford Bound Partners to present

program of work at 2/20 Board Meeting

o TAF – TAF/TDA training with Aplos complete

o Agri-Tourism – Committee to present program of work

o Retire NC – Committee to change program of work to

Relocate Rutherford

o Board Agenda – Reviewed Board Agenda

o Feb. RFF – Reviewed Feb. RFF

Announcements:

Willard Whitson gave an update of the Kid Senses Factory

construction

Mary Jaeger-Gale gave an update on the Chimney Rock

State Park construction

Don Cason summarized the updates on the potential school

calendar law changes

Motion to enter Closed Session:

1st: Kitty McCammon

2nd: Dave Long

Motion approved.

Motion to end Closed Session:

1st: Mary Jaeger-Gale

2nd: Dave Long

Motion approved.

Motion to resume Regular Session:

1st: Richard Lundy

2nd: Janet Mason

Motion approved.

Action discussed

Create new full-time position: Administrative Support, have Emily Ostertag fill the

position

Hire part-time or contractor (Program Assistant)

Motion to promote Emily Ostertag to full time position of Administrative Support

1st: Kitty McCammon

2nd: Dave Long

Motion approved.

Motion to hire a part time program assistant or contractor

1st: Janet Mason

2nd: Jim Masek

Motion approved.

Meeting Adjourned: 2:35 p.m.

Financial Report: By the NumbersOccupancy GrowthThe following spreadsheet shows the growth of occupancy tax collections for Rutherford County

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Month Collected

For Month

Of FY 06-07 FY 07-08 FY 08-09 FY 09-10 FY 10-11 FY 11-12 FY 12-13 FY 13-14 FY 14-15 FY 15-16 FY 16-17 FY 17-18 FY 18-19 FY 19-20

% of Year's Projected

Collections 19-20

% Growth last 12

mos

JULY JUNE 70,098 75,455 71,407 58,682 62,021 72,516 77,798 73,796 82,110 97,127 107,717 114,682 167,366 183,504 16% 9.64%

AUG JULY 99,586 101,420 96,055 88,743 99,712 115,068 105,814 106,739 116,455 138,516 160,862 165,514 216,671 231,777 20% 6.97%

SEPT AUG 69,790 86,186 85,967 66,194 74,964 79,463 87,210 87,642 101,880 111,133 116,960 122,892 186,325 186,559 16% 0.13%

OCT SEPT 46,361 52,675 40,435 44,737 50,817 54,132 53,022 53,118 58,060 69,238 86,691 101,963 254,178 148,855 13% -41.44%

NOV OCT 54,620 58,982 55,593 55,065 57,927 57,994 63,864 65,408 79,834 89,055 103,461 106,078 154,547 164,906 14% 6.70%

DEC NOV 37,091 35,914 30,330 28,571 33,724 35,610 35,033 36,190 45,775 49,564 46,388 65,072 99,273 111,052 9% 11.87%

JAN DEC 25,203 25,830 19,389 20,358 22,369 25,218 25,653 26,741 34,536 39,067 45,707 52,454 77,025 93,841 8% 21.83%

FEB JAN 18,058 16,414 15,467 15,266 16,422 14,874 18,452 19,026 23,188 29,752 30,507 49,465 61,815 80,396 7% 30.06%

MAR FEB 19,253 18,324 15,957 17,589 19,141 20,575 20,501 20,220 24,252 29,237 30,266 53,714 64,861 0%

APR MAR 28,762 26,357 21,953 22,681 25,130 30,169 30,921 32,183 35,871 49,376 46,777 78,947 91,515 0%

MAY APR 40,309 32,826 27,998 33,447 39,684 36,830 38,107 40,384 48,291 55,237 63,958 94,949 102,798 0%

JUN MAY 48,875 47,522 39,242 39,641 50,339 72,560 72,001 65,651 65,024 73,303 78,146 113,790 131,325 0%

Total for year 558,006 577,905 519,793 490,974 552,250 615,009 628,376 627,098 715,276 830,605 917,440 1,119,520 1,607,699 1,200,890 102.37% -1.34%

Budget for year

- - - - - -

584,218 591,018 568,000 683,000 853,000 1,000,000 1,400,000 1,173,144

Of Projected

CollectionsAverage Growth

Financial Report: By the NumbersOccupancy Growth: Reflection on February YTD

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• February Payment $16,853 over prior year or 27.19%

• February Year-to-Date Actual is up $16,602 from Last Year Actual or 1.36% (WEG Impact) Same as

last year without WEG.

• February Payment $22,903 over plan or 41.01%

• February Year-to-Date Actual is over Plan by $298,569 or 33%

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Executive Director ReportActivity Summary 2019-2020 Priority Projects

1. Promote Tourism Master Plan Success and

Collaboration

2. Tourism Plan Implementation and Funding

3. Maximize Tourism Occupancy Tax Receipts

4. Continue to Grow and Develop Relationships

with County, Town, State Representatives,

and Stakeholders

5. Implement TDA Marketing Plan

6. Hospitality Program for Rutherford County

7. Implement Trails and Itinerary Program

8. Grow Community Program / Events

9. Retire NC

10.County-Wide Wayfinding Monitoring

Program

11.Research and Develop Rutherford County

Agri-Tourism Program

12.Enhance and Develop Welcome Center

Presence in Lake Lure and Rutherfordton

13.Rutherford County – Keep Rutherford

County Beautiful

14.Provide TDA Staff with Education

Opportunities

15.Strive to Develop RCTDA to be one of the

Leading Rural Tourism Development

Organizations in the

State of North Carolina

• Worked with County and HR on staff positions• Met with all TDA Committees• Met with iHeart Media – Ingles• TRAC / Visit NC Meeting – Polk County• Met with McDowell County TDA Director• Met with Cleveland County TDA Director• Met with McDowell County TDA Board of Directors• Presented KRCB Highlights to County Commissioners• Met with Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber regarding

Relocate to Rutherford• Met with TIEC Marketing• Attended the TTC Quarterly Board Meeting• Attended NC Main Street Conference• Attended Growing Greenways Conference• Marketing Committee Meeting with Walter Dalton• Coordinated KRCB Admin. Meeting• Attended County Department Head Meeting regarding COVID-19• Attended Lake Lure Dam and Sewer Workshop via Go To Meeting• Attended Health Department Meeting regarding COVID-19• Rutherford Bound Partnership Conference Call• Revised RFF and 2020-2021 Budget• TDA Staff participated in Litter Pick-Ups for KRCB• Attended County COVID-19 Update Meetings• Met with The Agency to revise Marketing Plan and Rutherford Bound

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Executive Director Report DetailActivity Summary

– TRAC / Visit NC Meeting – Polk CountyTake-away: Visit NC provides a tour around the state for stakeholders and TDA’s to come and meet with various tourism departments. We attended the meeting and spent time with the various departments and gave a Rutherford County Tourism and Rutherford Bound update. The state is excited and pleased with the progress of Rutherford County.

– Cleveland County TDA DirectorTake-away: Cleveland County TDA Director and Rutherford County TDA met to get to know each other and discuss future networking and marketing opportunities. Both communities agreed to organize a site visit in each county to educate the tourism assets of each community.

– Met with McDowell County TDA Board of DirectorsTake-away: McDowell County TDA invited RCTDA to come speak with their Board of Directors and share the Rutherford Bound Program. The McDowell TDA Board is in the process of Planning for their future direction and they wanted the input and timeline of Rutherford County and Rutherford Bound.

– KRCB Executive Board Presented to County Commissioners Take-away: KRCB provided RC Commissioners a Semi-Annual update that included Marketing and Communications, Litter Pick-Up (Volunteer & Funded) and introduced the mascot addition of Rocky.

– Met with the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber / Town of Lake Lure regarding Relocate to Rutherford CountyTake-away: The Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber and the Town of Lake Lure was not able to attend the meeting of Retire NC / Relocate to Rutherford, therefore we had a meeting to bring everyone up to speed to garner support for the new expanded vision. Both entities were in full support and willing to partner as we move the program forward.

-- Met with the TIEC MarketingTake Away: The TDA met with TIEC Marketing to provide updates in all levels from marketing, programs, from both entities. TIEC has a new TDA program they are offering the Regional TDA’s. RCTDA Marketing Committee will review the program and participate in the coming season.

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Executive Director Report DetailActivity Summary

– Attended NC Main Street ConferenceTake-away: The TDA attended the North Carolina Main Street Conference in New Bern earlier this month. The conference, and Main Street Program, focus on renewing interest, energy and prosperity in the central business districts of small and large communities across the state.

– Attended the Greenways and Trails WorkshopTake-away: The TDA attended the Greenways and Trails Workshop in Morganton, NC, earlier this month. The workshop was part of the Growing Greenways series to bring timely and relevant information to parks professionals and recreation planners. Several keynote speakers presented on relevant topics, including walkability and cycling programs.

– Marketing Committee Meeting with Walter Dalton of ICCTake-away: The Marketing Committee met with Walter Dalton of Isothermal Community College to discuss a number of topics that included the Earl Scruggs event, ICC Hospitality, TDA / ICC future partnerships, and Rutherford Bound. Good meeting, and ICC and TDA agree to work together in areas of Marketing, Communication, Events, Agri-Tourism and Hospitality.

– Attended County Department Head Special-Called Meeting regarding COVID-19Take-away: The County Manager brought the County Department Heads together to educate, inform and gain input in the early stages and impact of COVID-19. We also conferenced into the Governor’s Press Conference regarding the partial shutdowns of the restaurants and large group meetings. This COVID-19 will have a terrible impact on Tourism and our Tourism Stakeholders. Continues to pray for our county and our nation as we work together to get through this storm.

– Attended the Lake Lure Utility board Meeting (via Go To Meeting)Take-away: The Town of Lake Lure continues to navigate through the issues they have to address the infrastructure issues of the future. They are evaluating the best alternatives that will be best for the community. We continue to support and are optimistic for the future.

-- Rutherford Bound Partner Conference CallTake Away: The Rutherford Bound Partners meet weekly via conference call. The COVID-19 has created a new program of work for the partners. The partners have agreed to limited work in late March and April and agreed to a minimum 2 monthbreak. Further evaluation at that time.

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Executive Director Report DetailActivity Summary

– TDA Staff Litter Pick-ups for KRCBTake-away: Different staff members are filling some of their time during the COVID-19 and social distancing with participating in litter pick-ups. KRCB plans to hold the annual pick-up on April 18th – 23rd as scheduled.

– Met with The Agency to revise Marketing Plan and Rutherford BoundTake-away: TDA staff will continue to work with The Agency to develop timely messaging for future promotions of Rutherford County. Forever changing messages and timelines with COVID-19

Welcome Center UpdatesWelcome Center Traffic and Online Visitor Traffic

This graph shows the number of visitors in The Welcome Center in Lake Lure during the month of February

(blue is 2019 numbers; grey is 2018 numbers)

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FY 19-20 FY 18-19 FY 17-18

June 7,581 5,161 7,968

July 9,253 8,159 8,621

Aug. 7,262 7,769 7,551

Sept. 7,840 5,838 6,315

Oct. 6,329 6 ,411 6,452

Nov. 4,036 3,687 3,188

Dec. 1,779 1,353 1,087

Jan. 1,404 1,553 856

Feb. 609 2,005 1,209

Mar. 3,638 2,678

Apr. 5,514 4,540

May 6,505 5,146

Visitor Traffic

Travel Guides

The number of guide orders mailed from The Welcome Center or ordered from the TDA

website. (Does not include the high volume of guides given out at the Welcome Center)

Guides Mailed:

- Individual: 113- Cases Mailed: 8

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Welcome Center UpdatesSurvey Results

WELCOME CENTER SURVEY RESULTS

# of participants=4

February 2020

City/State/Country

Kodak, TN

Rose Hill, NC

South Carolina (city not provided)

Asheville, NC

How did you hear about Rutherford County?

Word of Mouth

Digital Ad

Magazine or other publication 1

Social Media

Blog

Other* 3

*RC1, NC native from our travels, live in Buncombe Co.

IN WHICH ACTIVITIES DID YOU PARTICIPATE

Sightseeing 4

Meeting/Convention

Events/Fairs/Festivals

Historic Sites/Museums/Galleries 2

Hiking/Walking/Biking 2

Shopping 3

Boating

Wildlife Watching 1

Lake/River Activities

Sporting Event

Flowering Bridge 3

State Park 1

Golfing

Scenic Drives 3

Bouldering

Dining

HOW MANY DAYS DID YOU SPEND IN THE AREA?

1 Day

2 Days 1

3 days 1

4 days

5 days

6 days

7 days 2

8 days

10 or more

an hour or so

Other: 20 days

WHICH OF THESE TOWNS DID/WILL YOU VISIT?

Lake Lure 4

Chimney Rock Village 4

Rutherfordton 3

Forest City 2

Spindale

Bostic 1

Ruth

Ellenboro

COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE AREA

I love my native home!!! Dirty Dancing favorite movie (Brings back a time)

Marketing Update

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Travel Guide Update

• Printing Complete as of March 6th

• Copies and cases will be available first week of April

Jenna Bailey at Travel Guide production/printing

TDA Everywhere!

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NCTTC Board Meeting

Greenways and Trails Workshop in Morganton

KRCB Litter Pick-up

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

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Committee ReportsMarketing Committee Report

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Committee Members

Jim Masek

Kitty McCammon

Mary Jaeger-Gale

Richard Lundy

Staff Member Contact: Taylor Hardin

Committee: Marketing Date: 03/19/20 Time: 12:00 am Location: Woodrow Jones Building

Members Present: Richard Lundy, Kitty McCammon, Mary Jaeger-Gale, and Jim Masek

Others Present: Don Cason, Taylor Hardin, Walter Dalton

Topics Discussed/Brief Overview:

• Met with Walter Dalton

• Discussed Budget

Next Meeting:

To be determined

Committee ReportsFinance Committee Report

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Committee MembersJeff Geisler

Janet Mason

Mary Jaeger-Gale

Staff Member Contact: Taylor Hardin

Committee: Finance Date: 03/26/20 Time: 10:00 am Location: Go To Meeting

Member present via Go To Meeting: Jeff Geisler, Janet Mason, and Mary Jaeger-Gale

Topics Discussed:

• Reviewed / Update on STR / Host Compliance

• Reviewed TDA March RFF (Discussed COVID-19 Impact)

• Approved 2020-2021 proposed budget – Board to approve on May 14

Committee ReportsAgritourism Committee Report

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Committee MembersKitty McCammon

Brandon Higgins

David Hislop

Staff Member Contact: Taylor Hardin

Committee: Agri-tourism Date: 03/31/20 Time: 9:00 am Location: Go To Meeting

Members in Attendance: Brandon Higgins, David Hislop, Kitty McCammon, Don Cason, Taylor Hardin

Topics Discussed:* Extended Committee Discussion

Discuss/Develop Program of Work

* Agritourism Product AvailabilityCo-op Extension

Committee ReportsRelocate to Rutherford Committee Report

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Committee delayed until further notice

Committee ReportsStrategic Plan Committee Report

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Committee Members

Jim Masek

Kitty McCammon

Mary Jaeger-Gale

Richard Lundy

Staff Member Contact: Taylor Hardin

(No Meeting)

Tourism Plan Committee - Scheduled Presentation of Rutherford Bound Partners to Tourism Advisory Committee for

April 8th

Committee ReportsExecutive Committee Report

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Committee Members

Willard Whitson

Dave Long

Richard Lundy

Staff Member Contact: Don Cason

Committee: Executive Date: 3/24/20 Time: 11:00am Location: Woodrow Jones Building

Members Present: Willard Whitson, Dave Long, and Richard Lundy

Members Absent:

Others Present: Don Cason

Topics Discussed/Brief Overview:

• Wayfinding Update – Installation to be complete by April

• Marketing Update – 2020-2021 Plan and Budget in process (COVID-19)

• Tourism Plan – Rutherford Bound Partners (COVID-19)

• TAF – TAF/TDA - New contract July 1st

• Agri-Tourism – Committee to present program of work

• Retire NC – Committee to change program of work to Relocate to Rutherford

• Reviewed March RFF (COVID-19)

• Reviewed 2020-2021 Proposed Budget (COVID-19)

Date, Time, and Location of next meeting: TBD

Rutherford County TDA Staff

Executive Director: Don Cason

Marketing and Administrative Coordinator: Taylor Hardin

Administrative Assistant: Emily Ostertag

Welcome Center Manager/Project Manager: Karen Tegen

Information Specialist: Kayley Hargett

Information Specialist: Natalie Bell

Contact Us:

tourisminfo@rutherfordcountync.gov

Main Line at TDA Office: 828-287-6013

Rutherford County Tourism Website

www.VisitNCSmallTowns.com

Rutherford County TDA Website

www.rutherfordcountync.gov/tourism

developmentauthority

Rutherford County TDA Tourism

Master Plan Website

www.rutherfordbound.com

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