Local Government Tourist Development Council Agenda Results: June 8, 2015

BRADENTON — At Monday's Tourist Development Council meeting, members approved their FY2016 and 2017 Budget that include a sponsorship reimbursement of $200,000 for a repeat performance of the River Regatta, $50,000 for arts and cultural promotion and a $100,000 line item for airport promotions.

1.      Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance

2.     Approval of April 20, 2015 Meeting Minutes --  Approved, Unanimous

3.    Public Comment -- Glen Gibellina announced that Remote Area Medical -- "The Movie" is being presented by Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, on July 16. Gibellina said that it will demonstrate how they provide dentistry free of charge, and eye exams including eye glasses all free of charge to all of those who show-up at their events. The movie will be shown at Manatee Tech College on Thursday, July 16th. 2015, 5 -- 9 p.m.

4.    Public Relations & Social Media Update

           Presented by Kelly Clark, CVB -- Clark said that the county is a niche market that has been grow more popular with media outlets, and that the most popular markets that visitors are coming from are Orlando, Washington D.C., Boston and Dallas. Clark introduced Caitin Moore, and they announced their new Beach Madness Campaign for the coming year.   

5.    State of Tourism - Update

           Presented by Walter Klages, Data Research Services -- Klages said the average visitor to Manatee County makes $120,000. He said this year almost all of the numbers continue to climb moderately. Klages says that most of the international travelers come from Europe. He added 58.6 percent of those that vacation here come via airlines.   

6.    Regatta 2016 Sponsorship

          Recommendation Needed 

          Presented by Elliott Falcione, CVB  --  $200,000.  -- Falcione said both of the towns (Bradenton and the City of Palmetto) have signed on to the project. Falcione also said he wanted to increase the amount of reimbursement sponsorship, from last year's amount of $175,000, to $200,000. --  Approved, Unanimous  

7.    CVB 2-Year Budget FY2016 & FY2017

           Recommendation Needed

          Presented by Elliott Falcione, CVB -- Falcione requested $50,000 to engage the arts and cultural, plus, $100,000 in line item to support airport initiatives. -- The CVB's proposed FY2016 Marketing Budget is $5,342,935 and the 2017 Marketing Budget is, $7,382,445. -- Approved, Unanimous (full story)

8.    Nathaly Marin, CVB Intern Presentation -- 

9.    Public Comment --

10.  New / Old Business --

       Next meeting, August 17, 2015, at 9 a.m. in Holmes Beach City Hall

       Adjourn