Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Attending Board Members: Karen Christilles, David Longhurst, David Johnston, Brad Kemp, Bob Schumm, Tim Van Leer & Michael Moore

City Liaison: Lisa Patterson

Attending Staff: Judy Billings, Bob Sanner, Susan Henderson, & Ashlee Roll-Gregory

Not attending: Doug Holiday, Constance Wolfe, Derek Felch, Maria Martin & Kate Kelly

The meeting was called to order by Judy Billings. Johnson moved, Christilles seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Financials

Billings reported that she was still trying to get CVB moving expenses locked down as well as beginning the budget for the CVB until the end of ’08. At this time Billings noted that the CVB was still in the process of reconciling the budget with the Chamber, and would probably be doing so after the move. However, after the move was complete the budgetary process would begin for ’08 and beyond.

Old Business

Billings updated the board on the CVB move from the Chamber of Commerce to its new location.

New Business

Billings reported that the CVB had been granted use of the Carnegie Library for its permanent home by the City, after the building has been brought up to ADA codes. Eventually, the CVB would occupy the daylight basement offices.

Discussion began on the comparison of Billboards vs. Rackcards. It was determined that a billboard would cost about $800 annually, which is more expensive that the placing the LURE Brochure in rackcards along I-70. At the annual TIAK conference, the LCVB won an auction item, which will allow the placement of the LURE Brochure in racks for a reasonable, cost-effective price. After the placement time has expired, the CVB will have to revisit the issue, to see if money is in the budget to continue the rackcards. Lawrence’s brochure placement along I-70 will begin in January

Discussion began regarding the KTA replacement bridges that will cause road closures. The Board raised the question of in-city signage to regarding the closures so that visitors would be informed about the changes.

Staff Updates

Bob Sanner

Sanner reported that his focus was currently on the Junior Olympic Cross Country Event in December at Rim Rock Farm. 3,000 athletes are expected to attend along with their families and coaches. Lawrence should expect an influx of about 7,000 people for the event. Sanner noted that at this time the majority of hotel rooms in Lawrence were booked and the overflow was going to Topeka and Kansas City. Sanner also announced that Billy Mills will be the keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony

Ashlee Roll-Gregory

Roll-Gregory reported that the Visitor Guide mailing was underway. The first mailing was for the LURE brochure which was sent out to 2,500 visitors in the surrounding area. Also completed was the New KU Parent & Season Ticket Holder portion of the Visitor Guide mailing.

Heritage Area

Billings reported that the November 15^th FFNHA meeting was at Fort Leavenworth and that public notices report was approved by the National Parks Service and the Secretary of the Interior. FFNHA is currently waiting for Congress to approve a budget with money for Freedom’s Frontier.

Meeting Adjourned

Future Meetings

No November Meeting. Next Meeting, December, 11^th at 4 p.m. at the new CVB Office, 947 New Hampshire St. Ste. 200C.