Mendocino County Lodging Association
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Super 8 Motel, Willits, CA

The meeting was called to order by President Jo Bradley at 1:35pm. Present were Deny Shah, Scott Schneider (ED), Renata Dorn, Pam Amante, Kevin Gallagher, Chris Knoerdel, Stuart Marcus, Jeff Stanford, Josie Perla, Mike Bradbrook. Phone: Steven Musser. Guest: Jennifer Jones

Privilege of the Floor
• Josie reported receiving a letter from Mendocino Theater Company (MTC) stating they did not have funds to continue past May 2008. Josie asks if MCLA could help.
o Jeff motions to fund MTC $1,000 as long as they can raise the $15K they need to continue. Jeff to contact MTC with regards of the intention of the $15K. Press release also to be written regarding MCLA funding MTC. Chris seconds. Motion Passes.
o MTC to fill out partnership application prior to receiving funding
• Jo Bradley appoints Cally Dym as Little River representative on the Board of Directors

Approval of Last Meeting’s Minutes
Jeff makes a motion to approve April minutes. Steven seconds. Motion passes.

Treasurer’s Report
Savings Account - $575.28
Checking Account - $8639.35
Accounts Receivable to be budgeted on a quarterly
Jeff motions to approve treasurer’s report. Steven seconds. Motion Passes.


MCPA Report
Update:
• Appointed representative of Anderson Valley Chamber as an “At Large” seat
• Committed $25K to upcoming marketing project
• Designated gomendo oversight to Joint Marketing Committee
• Hosting booth at upcoming Boonville Beer Fest and Pinot Noir Festival
• Funded up to $10K for National Heritage Area
• Board will hold annual retreat in May
• Funded $5K “emergency funds” to Nature Tourism Coalition
• Approved letter to County CEO’s office suggesting the Film Office go under auspices of MCPA
Festivals:
• WOW! presenting at June MCPA meeting to establish inland event for 2009
• Developing MOU with Coast Clinics regarding Crab & Wine Days’ events
• Discussion of coordination of Mushroom & Wine Festival
• Developing a partnership fund for festivals and events in FY 2008/2009 (up to $40K)
• Jeff motions a full-time event coordinator be hired by the Joint Marketing Committee to coordinate County-wide Festivals. Pam Seconds. Motion Passes.




Marketing Committee Report
• Joint Marketing:
• Randall Travel Marketing hired to complete marketing project. MWWC funding $18K, MCPA $25K. Request is for $20K from MCLA ($10K for 2007/2008FY & $10K for 2008/2009FY)
• GoMendo search results go to 25 instead of 50 to increase load time and listings rotate on each page refresh
• Approved Arts Council partnership renewal for 2008/2009 fiscal year at $800/month
• Approved Nature Tourism partnership renewal for 2008/2009 fiscal year at $800/month
• Approved additional $500 from website budget be devoted to developing “Great Drives”
• Jeff Motions to approve marketing committee report. Pam seconds. Motion Passes.
• Pam discusses possible advertising in AAA Southern California Book. Thought is to wait until our “Destination Master Plan” prior to committing funds.
• Stuart attended CTTC media event in San Francisco, with Mark, on April 22. Felt the event was a huge success.

Administration Report
• Need to collect information for marketing project
• Seeking content for newsletter coming out next week – do a recap of past two years in relation to CTTC awards submissions
• Visitor/Discovery Center in Village of Mendocino – possibility of sharing space with artists in old “Lark in the Morning” building in the village for possible visitor center/artist studio/office space. Feedback is to keep as possible visitor center and not office space
• Member Showcase planned – Hype House to collect information
• Fulfillment Piece Update – Fulfillment Piece currently in production with shipment on Monday.
• Election Update – received nominations today – OK to put on ballot as seats are open
• Create an annual specials calendar for HypeHouse to promote so lodging has a “heads up” and can plan accordingly



Old Business
• Green Bag Policy – Jeff motions to approve policy. Kevin seconds. Motion Passes.

• National Heritage Area – Pam motions to fund the NHA $5000 for implementation. A letter in support of the initiative will also be written. Jeff seconds. Motion Passes.

New Business
• Ozone Summer Contract – Jeff motions we wait to enter a new contract until Destination Master Plan is complete in October. Scott is authorized to contract out any projects that may come up until the completion. Renata seconds. Motion Passes.
• Jeff moves that Scott & Kevin come up with a proposal for a SEM & SEO Plan that may include on-line banners and to continue to improve the go-mendo site during the Summer Monthes. Pam seconds. Motion passes.

Next Meeting
Scheduled for June 4th, in Ukiah or Hopland

Adjournment - Jeff motions to adjourn. Stuart seconds. 4:41pm