July 2, 2008
Marketing Committee
Little River Inn, Little River, Ca

The meeting was called to order by Jeff Stanford at 10:15 am. Present were Josie Perla, Cally Dym, Richard Strom, Renata Dorn, Jeff Stanford, Jan Rodriguez, Scott Schneider (ED), Pam Amante, Stuart Marcus, Louis Bohannan (guest), David McGraine (guest). Phone: Alydia Atkins (guest)

Minutes to be approved –Josie motions to approve. Cally seconds. Motion passes.

Chairman’s Report:
• Jeff reported meeting with Randall Travel Marketing and is excited about the outcome of the project and has confidence the report will be able to help our marketing program.
• Discussed importance of having a high quality fulfillment piece.
• Discussed putting “Coast is Clear” on relevant websites and mentioned the banner that was put up on gomendo.com featuring this saying, but also stating “Mendocino County is Open and Ready for business”.
• Met with Kendall Smith and Tom Mitchell and they are happy with the BID and how it is being run as well as MCPA’s current abilities. Discussed MCLA/MCPA doing some part of economic development for the County.
• Cally motions to develop the theme “Mendocino – the Cool Wine Country”. Richard seconds. Motion Passes.
• Jan motions to create an associate membership category and investigate how to do it. Pam seconds. Motion Passes.

Administration Report:
• Marketing Project Update – project is on schedule. Firm had a very successful trip here in June and is excited about the prospects.
• Purchased www.escapethebay.com and www.escapethevalley.com to be used for future opportunities.
• Scott looking into ARES reservation system for members to use to be able to be booked by the State websites, Welcome Centers, outdoor kiosks, etc.
• Scott would like to buy pens as give-a-ways and would like committee input.
• Richard motions to work with Sherri Dobay on the 2 month SEM Campaign and to begin as soon possible.
• Scott presented fulfillment opportunities through SFCVB to have our fulfillment included.
• Scott discussed the UK Fam Tour going through the County in September. Will provide details as the tour gets closer.
• Scott presented Sacramento Magazine’s new travel section starting in September and requests input if he should research this opportunity more. Scott will research once marketing plan is complete.
• Cally would like to work on developing lodging/winery packages for potential media and then visitors. Scott to set up meeting with committee members and AVWA.
Old Business:
• Marketing Budget Breakdown - Jan motions to approve the marketing budget. Josie seconds. Motion Passes.
• Advertising in AAA Tourbook and VIA/Westways magazines – Richard motions to put a ½ page ad in the AAA Tourbook. Stuart seconds. Motion Passes. Committee decided to wait on any VIA/Westways advertising until the Marketing Plan is complete.
• Skunk Train brochure rack – Richard motions we turn management of racks over to MCPA in exchange for lodging receiving a free space if they advertise on gomendo.com. Charge will be $100 per year. Josie seconds. Motion Passes.

New Business:
• Partnership Requests:
o California Welcome Center – tabled to the Board meeting
• 2009 CA Visitor’s Guide – Cally motions we place a full page ad in the 2009 Visitor’s Guide. Jan seconds. Motion Passes.
• CTTC Co-Op Opportunity – Pam motions we participate in the Co-Op opportunity for $4,500. Motion Passes.
• Writer’s Conference Co-Op Marketing – Stuart Marcus – Stuart has been working with the organizers of the Conference on possible marketing opportunities.
• SEM Report – David McGrane of Ozone – David discussed overall SEM campaign. We pay $1.56 per click and received 27,114 clicks during the 2007-2008 campaign. They use an aggregator to get better rates and placement.
• Jan motions we be pro-active with the wildfires in the County and request a proposal from Ozone for banner ads, etc. Spend up to $10,000. Pam seconds. Motion Passes.

Privilege of the Floor:
• None

Jan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:10pm. Josie seconds the motion. Motion Passes.