MARYLAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD
BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES
November 10, 2008
AGENDA ITEM I - Call to Order/Roll Call
Board members present: Senator Astle, Paul Bales, Delegate Beitzel, Connie Del Signore, Debbi Dodson, Delegate Doory, Senator Forehand, Kelly Groff, Mike Haynie, Gary Jobson, Peggy Maher, Delegate Mathias, Dave Meloy, Sam Parker, Khaled Said, Christopher Schardt, Kathy Sher, Greg Shockley, Andy Vick.
Also in attendance: Executive Directors Council Representatives: Kevin Atticks, Paul Hartgen, Mary Jo McCulloch, Tom Saquella, Colleen West. MADMO Representatives: Barb Beverungen, Rachelina Bonacci, Lisa Challenger, Donna Dudley, John Fieseler, Dottie Freeman, Carolyn Laray, Sandy Turner with guest Della Lied, Barb Siegert with guest Bambi Legg Pilkerton, Kathleen Mackel, Matt Neitzey, Tom Riford, Wini Roche, Kim Shirer. DBED Representatives: Margot Amelia, Clarence Bishop, Terry Hasseltine, Denise Reed, Pete Chambliss, Liz Fitzsimmons, Bill Pencek, Andrea Vernot, Marci Ross. Other guests included Matthew Gaffney and Louis Fields.
AGENDA ITEM II - Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the June 10, 2008 meeting were approved unanimously as submitted.
AGENDA ITEM III – Guest Speaker
Dave Meloy introduced Guest Speaker (and future MTDB member), Samuel Parker, Jr., Vice Chairman of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board. The P.G. County Planning Board covers planning, parks and recreation for Prince George’s County and is one of the largest organizations in the country for planning, parks and recreation with a budget of $330 million and a staff of over 2000. P.G. County has many historic properties, 3 golf courses, many museums and extensive parks and trail systems.
AGENDA ITEM IV – Chairman’s Report
Strategic Planning and Marketing Committee – Margot Amelia referred to a handout resulting from the MTDB Strategic Planning Session at Rocky Gap entitled: Strategic Plan – 2010 through 2015. The handout detailed three goals: (1) Funding and Finance; (2) Destination Marketing and (3) Product Development and Infrastructure. As a result of recent budget reductions, the Executive Committee’s recommendation was that we should focus on “Funding and Finance” as our core objective.
Legislative Affairs – Dave Meloy referred to the handout detailing the MTDB revised budget resulting from the statewide budget reduction of $350 million currently being implemented. He noted that 80% of the State Budget is mandated funding. The remaining 20% of the budget will be affected by the proposed spending reductions. Referring to the budget
handout sheet, Dave indicated the revised FY2009 MTDB budget has been reduced close to 28%, from approximately $7.5 to $5.4 million dollars. He went on to indicate that the FY 2010 budget originally requested was approximately $7.6 million but as of right now, is anticipated to be $6.6 million. He reiterated that Board Members should do everything possible to support maintaining our tourism funding in order to market the State effectively.
Workforce Development – Bill Pencek gave a very brief update on the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board (GWIB). Due to lack of funding the MD Tourism Education Foundation (MTEF) will not be advancing some of the initiatives previously discussed relating to the GWIB. However the MTEF Scholarship Program will continue. In addition, the Taxi Host program (a mandated program), will also continue.
AGENDA ITEM V – Executive Director’s Report
Margot Amelia indicated that the tourism budget is at its lowest level since 1998,and OTD will need to review and possibly eliminate some of its programs. There may be further reductions and we will keep you apprised. We will also be economizing on all future Board meetings and holding the meetings at venues where meeting space is offered free of charge.
Margot then referred to the FY 2009 Tourism Development Annual Report included in the meeting folders. The annual report helps to underscore that the Tourism Industry is a revenue generator that has a positive effect on the economy. She indicated that we, along with the majority of other state tourism offices and the Travel Industry Association have moved to a new measurement system for tracking the importance of our industry entitled “Tourism Satellite Account” (TSA). Currently, only TSA provides measurements of tourism designed to be consistent with the system of national accounts, allowing us to compare the tourism industry to other industries. She also touched on Tourism Tax Codes, OTD Performance Measurements and the increased Public Relations activity detailed within the report. Margot went on to indicate that tourism impact measures are easily accessible online through the “Tourism Monitor” (a copy included in Board folder material) and our “Insights” publication. Further detailed information on Tourism tax codes can be found in the letter from the Comptroller of Maryland, also included in the Board meeting folders.
Senator Astle brought up the marketing of slots in Maryland and Clarence Bishop questioned how neighboring states promote slots through their tourism departments. Margot Amelia indicated that different states have different business models, and promised to report back on those models.
Senator Forehand indicated that up to $100 million from slots will be going to horse breeders, etc. and suggested the possibility of tourism going after a portion of those designated funds.
OTD Staff updates: Liz Fitzsimmons referred to several new publication handouts included in folders and indicated that the Calendar of Events, once complete, will be available on our website. OTD is also running a year-round search campaign on Google. Bill Pencek referred to handout included in the folders entitled “War of 1812 Bicentennial Update” which includes updates on the War of 1812 Commission; the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail; The Star Spangled Banner Byway and all related events/upcoming meetings. The War of 1812 draft action document will now be available for downloading from our website. Ms. Kate Marks has joined our staff serving as the Outreach and Partnership Coordinator for the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. Marci Ross reported on current product development initiatives: map guides for the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad Network to Freedom; the MD/VA Civil War Trails; and the Star Spangled Banner map and guide. Working on federal nominations for 5 scenic byways throughout the State; finalizing grant agreements and guidelines and continuing to work with SHA on signage programs: the Tourism Area Corridor (TAC) Program and the Tourism Attraction Signs Program. Pete Chambliss reported on various upcoming trade shows and indicated that, so far, the economy has not affected International visitors to the area. There was also discussion on the positive impact the Inauguration Ceremony is having on businesses throughout the area. Terry Hasseltine reported on Sports Marketing and indicated that he attended the Travel Events and Meetings in Sports (TEAMS) Conference.
Board Member Update Highlights: Deborah Dodson indicated that they were expecting over 25,000 people to attend the Annual Waterfowl Festival at week’s end in Talbot County. They also have several holiday events planned throughout the County. Delegate Mathias commented that, thanks to the great weather, Ocean City had a good summer. Currently prepping for Winterfest and the hunting season. Connie Del Signore reported that the gate for the Sailboat Show in Annapolis was down 2%; Power Boat show was down 14%. September hotel occupancy in Anne Arundel County was also down. Delegate Beitzel reported that this year’s Autumn Glory Festival set an attendance record. He is focusing on workforce development in Garrett and Allegany Counties. Wisp Resort has suffered layoffs; however, they have plans to expand and are planning to add a new Alpine Coaster attraction at the facility. Adventure Sports is doing well. Canal Place has new hotel. Concerns have been raised regarding the visual impacts of installing windmills and wind turbines in Western MD. Kathy Sher announced that a Jellyfish exhibit will be featured at the Aquarium starting Memorial Day. Chris Schardt reported that the Inner Harbor has experienced great sales over the summer, September was slow. Peggy Maher is focusing on how the recent budget cuts are affecting some of their transportation services throughout the State. Mike Haynie indicated that lodging revenue in Baltimore was down significantly during September and October. Greg Shockley indicated that Ocean City is gearing up for the second annual Air Show. In addition to good weather, Greg credits the increased advertising budget with bringing in the visitors needed for an “even” year in Ocean City. Senator Forehand suggested that everyone take advantage of the “free media” by advertising in the AAA Guidebook. Sam Parker is focusing on efforts to transform the Equestrian Center and Showplace Arena into a regional “destination”. Khaled Said indicated
that they will be managing two new hotels in Baltimore City. Andy Vick is working on ways to incorporate arts into their overall tourism program. Also working to establish the City of Frostburg as the second Arts and Entertainment district in the County. Paul Bales indicated that Charles County has lots of activities. Signage program has helped.
AGENDA ITEM VI – Executive Directors Council/MDMO Reports
Kevin Atticks: 35 Wineries throughout the State. 10-15% increase in visitors over the summer. Result of Wine Industry’s Economic Impact Study indicated that 22 wineries brought in $50 million to the rural economy in 2006. They are focusing on the question: What is keeping wineries from growing?
Mary Jo McCulloch: Following the Governor’s Conference, she will be focusing on activities in relation to the upcoming legislative session; the Maryland Tourism Education Foundation, the Taxi Host Program, and a new program entitled “Maryland Smiles” which teaches students to be hospitable. Keep your eyes open for details relating to the MTC Annual Meeting during which a special announcement will be made regarding Tourism Day.
Paul Hartgen: Mary Jo introduced Mr. Paul Hartgen, the new CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
Colleen West: Quarterly meeting was recently held in Calvert County. Working closely with the Maryland Citizens for the Arts on Arts Day in Annapolis in February.
Connie Del Signore: Deborah Travers will be replacing Connie as next year’s Chair of MDMO.
Deborah Dodson: Thanked the Office of Tourism and Jack Gerbes and staff from the MD Film Office for their assistance with the First Annual Chesapeake Film Festival in Talbot County. Opening and closing events for the Festival were sold out and the Economic Impact of the Festival was approximately $1.5 million dollars.
Clarence Bishop: Clarence Bishop wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their service on behalf of Tourism and the State of Maryland.
AGENDA ITEM VII – Next Meeting(s)
Monday, March 2, 2009 Maryland Department of Transportation/Hanover, MD
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 Maryland Department of Transportation/Hanover, MD
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 Strategic Planning Session (Location TBD)
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 Ocean City, MD (during MTTS)
AGENDA ITEM VIII - Adjournment
