Tourism Council Meeting – October 31, 2007
The regular meeting was held at the Best Western.
Call to Order 8:00 AM
Introductions -20 Present
Harvest Moon Celebration -Larry Woods gave a review on the Harvest Moon Celebration that took place at the visitors center over the weekend. He commented that it was the best run, smoothest event he had seen. The attendance was beyond expectations, estimating well over 500 people. There were many people that had heard about it and come from out of town such as Corpus Christi, Austin, Georgetown, and Round Rock. Comments from visitors were very positive saying how wonderful the event was and asking if we would do it again next year. Larry said there would be a meeting soon to see what we can build on for next year.
Trolley – Larry Woods explained how Mayor Heckler has given us the task to get involved with the planning of the trolley route; look at the cost, how can the city offset some of the cost. The Merchants Association and the CVB will help as well as using some of the trolley stop signs for advertising. The trial run for the trolley to decide where the stops would be was postponed due to bad weather but will be rescheduled for next week.
Tami Kegley announced that The Cibolo Arts Council is also looking into purchasing a trolley so they can compete with the bid for the city.
Tourism Executive Committee – Larry Woods announced that he will form a quarterly rotating committee from the Tourism Council that will meet regularly to discuss hot topics and bring fresh ideas to put Boerne on the map.
Lanne Brehmer Award – Being proposed to the Chamber Board is the creation of a very special award that would honor Lanne and Patsy Brehmer, producers of the Key To The Hills Rod Run. The annual event has occurred for 22 consecutive years, and represents about $80,000 dollars in room revenue. The award would initially be given to Lanne and Patsy the first year and then presented to other events after that.
Lanne and Patsy may be retiring soon, consequently the City of Boerne is discussing plans to get involved with the event.
Texas Lodging .com – Robin Klinker with texaslodging.com will come to town to do a presentation to Tourism Council about getting Boerne a better spot on the tourism website. Larry wants to get on the page with San Antonio as well as a better position on the Hill Country page.
Questionnaire – Larry passed out a three question survey on pertaining to advertising that asked what people thought about when they envision Boerne. He stated that we need to do trackable advertising, co-op ads and send a consistent message.
Luxury Golfer – A travel show is being filmed in Boerne. The show is about women golfers, and the show will highlight, shopping, dining and lodging in Boerne. Larry will be escorting the show and the filming.
A Hill Country Christmas – Bob Caran gives an update on the progress of AHCC.
- Debi Lamb will do a feature on AHCC
- Rack cards are almost ready
- There will be a music festival on Main Street
- Wants to use the trolley, and will look into a banner for the trolley
- Poster will be ready for print by Saturday
Art & Music Festival – Tami Kegley said the festival was a success, the chili party went over much better than the sit down dinner and the Mr. McClure was more involved this year and probably be from now on.
Cibolo Nature Center Gala – Doris Perez gave a brief review on the gala.
Boerne Historical Preservation Society – Bettie Edmonds announced that the annual awards ceremony will be on November 14. Two people present at the meeting today will be awarded. Wendy Little will be receiving the President’s Award for outstanding service to the Historical Society. John and Karen Wolters will get an annual award for excellence in restoration for a historic building.
Meeting adjourned.
Regular meeting will be Wed. Oct. 28th at 8:00 a.m. (Best Western Conf Room)