Jan. 2, 2008
Marketing Committee
Fairfield Inn, Ukiah

The meeting was called to order by Richard Strom at 10:20 am. Present were, Jan Rodriguez, Cally Dym, Scott Schneider, Jo Bradley (11:15), Jeff Stanford (11:15), Kevin Gallagher (11:20), Mark Sejvar (guest). Phone: Mike Bradbrook, Penny Greenwood & James Bernard (guests), Larry Londer (guest).

Minutes to be approved – Jeff motions to approve. Cally seconds. Motion passes. Jeff motions to approve December minutes. Jan seconds. Motion passes.

Chairman’s Report:
• Richard reports we now have 11 committee members as Kathy Carpenito has resigned. Committee members should RSVP to meetings to get an idea of attendance and quorum.
• Cally Dym has set up a “Day of the Dead” meeting for February 7th at 11:30 at the Little River Inn. Committee attendance is encouraged.

Administration Report:
• Joint Marketing
o Marketing Survey & Plan – MCPA & MCLA will split the project financially. MWWC will participate by giving us our data and having their PR firm help with the process. Should it be a joint marketing initiative or an MCLA/MCPA initiative? Survey will determine who are target market is. Plan will help determine marketing directions for the 3-5 years.
o Gomendo.com sub-committee formed. Any gomendo issues, please send to Scott or Alydia/Robert at MCPA.
o Fulfillment piece – design and samples being discussed at next JMC meeting. We need to come up with a budget for the project.
• North Coast Tourism update – developing itineraries for website – Scott to fill in itinerary and then send out form to committee for feedback.
• Nature Tourism update – Penny Greenwood & James Bernard – present lists of deliverables from January – June 2008 as well as from July 2008 – June 2009. Coalition is requesting $1200 per month for funding. Committee is recommending $800 from now until June 2008.

Old Business:
• PR/Wine Relationship – Larry Londer called in to discuss how MCLA could partner with Anderson Valley Winegrower’s Association (AVWA). How can we partner? What can we do to promote most effectively? Can we develop packages? We should aim towards partnering on Pinot Noir Festival in May. AVWA will offer reduced tickets to Alsace & Pinot Noir festivals for possible packaging with lodging. AVWA would like to begin discussing joint marketing on an on-going basis. MCLA & AVWA would like to develop a program giving guests of both wineries and Inns a personalized experience at the wineries doing, “winemaker tours”.

New Business:
• Partnership Requests:
o Fort Bragg Blues & Folk Festival – no further information received.
o MAPA Request – requesting $6000 for a traveling art show to go throughout Mendocino County. Will this event bring people to the County? No budget was attached to the proposal. How can we use this event to promote the County? We need more information as to how this would bring visitors to the County. What do they need the money for?
• Presentation from HypeHouse Communications – What should we focus on in 2008? We should focus on experiences – all throughout the County. HypeHouse should try and put more focus on inland and South Coast to the extent possible. HypeHouse should prioritize county-wide stories first.
• New Airport Ad – current ad – bench is covering website and phone number and 60% of ad is “uncorked” which was the least effective ad on our campaign. Interior ad (which is free) is falling down and unattractive. Ozone has given a quote of $500 for a new ad. Part of the ad should have redwoods and, possibly, the town of Mendocino. Ad should have a call to action. Jeff motions we develop a new ad spending $1500 twice a year for the new ads. We will attempt to negotiate a longer lease for a lower monthly price. Jan seconds. Motion Passes. Idea to be physically present in the airport a few days a year passing out brochures.

Jan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:45pm. Kevin seconds the motion. It was approved.