MARYLAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD
BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES
MDOT, HANOVER, MARYLAND
June 9, 2009
Call to Order/Roll Call
MTDB: Paul Bales, Connie Del Signore, Delegate Ann Marie Doory, Senator Jennie Forehand, Kelly Groff, Mike Haynie, Gary Jobson, Peggy Maher, Delegate James Mathias, Dave Meloy, Sam Parker, Khaled Said, Chris Schardt, Greg Shockley, Matt Taylor, Andy Vick, Deborah Dodson, Linda Westgate, Kathy Sher, Senator John Astle, Delegate Wendell Beitzel, Brian Shuy (for Nancy Jacobs). EDC: Kevin Atticks, Regina Reilly, MD Wineries; Joe Lespier, MD Bed &Breakfast Association. MDMO: John Fieseler, Matt Neitzey, Sandy Turner, Barb Siegert, Rachelina Bonacci, Tom Riford. DBED: Margot Amelia, Liz Fitzsimmons, Denise Reed, Marci Ross, Nathaniel Brugler. TBC: Krista Capurso, Tom Hollerbach. Media Works: Michele Selby.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the March 2, 2009 (conference call) meeting were approved unanimously.
Guest Speaker – Ms. Sylvia Ramsey, MDOT
Ms. Ramsey gave overview of MDOT’s focus in the future with the emphasis on “Sustainable Community” in support of the Governor’s “Smart Green and Growing” initiative. MDOT’s focus is on transportation alternatives. An example of this is their partnership with the National Park Service to work on connecting over 800 miles of trails statewide. The recently opened bike lane across the Potomac is an example of their efforts to move towards a “Sustainable Community”.
Chairman’s Report
Dave Meloy (and Margot) both expressed their appreciation for everyone’s efforts throughout the legislative session to maintain our budget funding. Dave also expressed appreciation to Kelly Groff for her service to the Board and welcomed John Fieseler whose term on the Board will begin on July 1, 2009.
Executive Director’s Report
Margot gave an update on the ongoing DBED realignment including the announcement that Bill Pencek has been named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tourism, Film and the Arts, replacing Andrea Vernot who has taken another position within DBED. DBED’s refocus and realignment will impact OTD’s FY10 Marketing Plan. Therefore, FY10 details will be reviewed at the next board meeting. She also indicated that Phase I of the Welcome Center Effectiveness and Efficiency Study has been completed and that a scope of work for Phase II is underway.
FY10 Budget Review: The tourism budget recently was impacted by mandated reductions totaling $440,000. A detailed spreadsheet reflecting the reductions was included in the Board folders.
Margot reviewed the successes from OTD’s marketing emphasis on year-round online advertising, press outreach and radio advertising. Margot gave an update on the Strategic Plan, which will be the topic of the next Board meeting.
Proposed Slate of MTDB Officers was approved as follows:
Greg Shockley, Chair
Dave Meloy, Secretary/Treasurer
Kathy Sher, Vice Chair- Attractions
Paul Bales, Vice Chair – Food Service
Mike Haynie, Vice Chair – Lodging
Christopher Schardt, Vice Chair – Retail
Peggy Maher, Vice Chair – Transportation
Margot introduced Tom Hollerbach (TBC) who gave a presentation summarizing the Longwoods Study findings (detailed document with study findings included in the Board folders).
Board Member Comments/Highlights (not all inclusive)
Senator Astle - prepared/submitted/bill passed, insuring a dedicated revenue stream for the CVB in the coming years. Delegate Beitzel - both Wisp and Adventure Sports Center doing well. Senator Forehand - working with SHA on highway signage for hotels in outer suburbs; encouraging municipalities to participate in the AAA Guide. Delegate Doory and Senator Forehand - upcoming National Conference of State Legislators in Philadelphia this year. Suggested possible marketing opportunity for MD tourism at conference, which routinely draws about 8,000 attendees (website address: NCSL.org).
Delegate Doory discussed some of the issues currently impacting downtown Baltimore and how they are being addressed. Chris Schardt indicated that Inner Harbor businesses have reported increased sales/traffic in the area; Kathy Sher reported that Aquarium visitation is up from last year; and Mike Haynie also reported a slight rise in demand for hotel rooms.
Peggy Maher - increased motorcoach business at Gaylord for visitors going into DC. New free shuttle service in Baltimore (circulator service to downtown attractions) will be coming on line soon. Khaled Said - opened new hotel property on Gay Street. Paul Bales - Southern Maryland broke ground on a $30,000 airport expansion located 14 miles from Washington Beltway. Connie DelSignore - marketing efforts through social media paying off.
Delegate Mathias expressed appreciation to Chairman Conway for his leadership in bringing money back to our budget. He reiterated urgency to prepare for next legislative session by supplying “fast facts” and preparing a formula demonstrating to the Governor the impact tourism dollars have on the General Fund. Ocean City EDC change: Dr. Berger stepped down, Michael James now leading efforts.
Greg Shockley - looking forward to the challenge of serving as Chairman of the Maryland Tourism Development Board. He commended and expressed appreciation to Dave Meloy for the great job he has done while serving as Board Chairman.
EDC/MADMO
Kevin Atticks - also mentioned their use of social media and announced recent hiring of marketing coordinator Regina Reilly, who was present with him at the meeting. There are currently 36 wineries and over 650 acres of vineyards in MD. Joe Lespier - reported that the Maryland B&B Association has launched a new website. Rachelina Bonacci – great year, revenue up, triathlon huge success. Matt Neitzey - announced that Maryland will be hosting three Army/Navy football games in the coming years.
Next Meeting
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Strategic Planning Session at World Trade Center
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 Roland E. Powell Convention Center
Ocean City, MD (during MTTS)
Adjournment
