COLUMBIA COUNTY TOURISM COMMITTEE (CCTC)/COLUMBIA COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU (CCVB)
MEETING MINUTES
August 1, 2008
Meeting held at the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation Meeting Room
The Columbia County Tourism Committee (CCTC)/Columbia County Visitor’s Bureau (CCVB) met on August 1, 2008, at the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation office meeting room in Portage, WI. The meeting began at 9:00 am.
Present: Andy Nussbaum Capital Newspaper
Bob O’Brion Columbus Chamber
Charles James Village of Rio Trustee
Mary Rosin Portage Canal Society
Carolyn Roberts
Gil Meisgeier Portage Canal Society
Doug Steele Magnum Radio Group
Staff: Nancy Elsing CCEDC/CCTC Executive Director
Carmen Griffith CCEDC Administrative Assistant
I. Budget 2009: A discussion was held in regard to funds needed for 2009, 2010 and 2011 for the budget request to the Columbia County Board of Supervisors. Included in the discussion was the Columbia County Maps.
a. Motion by Mary Rosin, seconded by Bob O’Brion that the CCTC request that the Columbia County Agricultural Committee and Columbia County Board allow the control of changing, printing and distribution of the Columbia County maps by the CCTC. Motion unanimously carried
b. Motion by Bob O’Brion, seconded by Charles James, that the allocated fund of $4,000.00 to UW-Extension’s budget for printing and changes of the Columbia County maps allowed in the 2008 budget be added to the CCTC budget and request Columbia County Comptroller Lois Schepp transfer funds to the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation as fiscal agent of the CCTC for the purpose of changing and producing Columbia County maps. Motion unanimously carried.
II. CCVB/CCTCcounty issues:
a. Motion by Charles James, seconded by Mary Rosin that the Columbia County Tourism Committee (CCTC) and the Columbia County Visitor’s Bureau (CCVB) remain separate entities. That the CCVB remain the marketing arm for tourism in Columbia County. Motion unanimously carried.
b. Motion by Bob O’Brion, seconded by Charles James that the CCTC not draft By-Laws as it is a committee under the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) and that the By-Laws of the CCEDC serve as the policy and procedures governing the CCTC. Motion unanimously carried.
III. Distribution of materials: Out of Columbia County maps. State map distribution going well. Nearly out of 2008-2009 Columbia County Travel Planner booklets. Continue to also distribute other organization’s tourismmaterials.
IV. Hwy 51 - visitor info/pubs: Hwy 51 committee is a partner at the State Fair on Saturday. A discussion was held on the passport stamping locations for Columbia County:
a. Motion by Bob O’Brion, seconded by Charles James that since the Mercantile no longer has an Executive Director and is no longer open at regular hours, that this stamping place be now located at the Portage Lumber Do-It Center. The Portage Furniture Store would remain as a stamping place. Motion carried.
V. Columbia County signage and billboard issues/regulations: Tabled
VI. StateFair Plans: Andrew Nussbaum, Bob O’Brion, Carmen Griffith and Donna Tabbutt will work at the state fair. CCVB is scheduled to work on Monday and Saturday plus have a half-hour on the show stage. Bob has excellent photographs of Johnny Depp in Columbus and these will be used for those that correctly answer the trivia questions. Bob will be reimbursed for the cost of his photos.
VII. Portage Flea Market: Mary reported the attendance was very sparse. A discussion was held on how this could be a more successful event.
VIII. Susie the Duck Day: As Donna was unable to attend the meeting, this will be discussed at the September meeting.
IX. AugustCarCruise in Portage: Andrew distributed copies of the advertisements promoting the cruise that will be held at the same time as the Taste of Portage Portage Chamber of Commerce event. The vehicles will leave from Market Square and travel 16 miles. The Portage Police Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s Department are completely on board but there may not be any “burn-out contests!”
X. Pardeeville Car Show: The show will be August 30. Drew and Carmen will distribute literature.
XI. New event in Portage – Carmen: Carmen is working on a “Concerts at the Portage” program. Motion by Andrew, seconded by Mary that Carmen Chair this Committee and continue with plans for this excellent program.
XII. Recruitment for new board members: Mary brought both Gill and Carolyn to the meeting and suggested Peggy Joyce also attend.
XIII. ANYTHING ELSE WE NEED TO ADDRESS: Andrew wrote a letter re views of the CCVB on the Columbia County Sign Ordinance as directed by CCVB members.
XIV. Adjourn: Motion by Bob, seconded by Mary that the meeting be adjourned at 12:15 pm.
XV. Next Meeting: September 5, 2008. Place to be announced.
Respectfully submitted
Nancy Elsing,
Secretary Pro Tem
APPROVED:
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Andrew Nussbaum, Chair