TDC Minutes 05/08/2002 SMay 8, 2002
COLLIER COUNTY
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
M .inutes
Special Meeting. May 8, 2002
I. Call to Order
Chairman Jim Coletta cai/ed the meeting to order at 9:15 am. He asked Mr. Wallace to call the
roll. Mr. Wallace acknowledged that four members were present which did not constitute a
quorum.
ATTENDANCE:
Members: Commissioner Jim Coletta, V/ce-Mayor Gary Galleburg, Rhona Saunders, Gene
Vaccaro
Collier County: D.E. "Blue" Wallace, Director, CDES Operations Department, Jacqueline
Hubbard Robinson, County Attorney's Office, Tom Nohl
Others: Clark Hill, Vice President, Collier Hotel & Lodging Assn., Mary Holloran, Manpower
Secretarial Services
II. Proclamation for 19~h Annual National Tourism Week
Chairman Coletta explained that this is National Tourism Week and read a Proclamation stating
that the travel and tourist industry supports the vital interest of Collier County. It employs more
people than any other industry, contributes to the County's prosperity, and ranks as one of the
largest industries in terms of revenue generated. He said that it is fitting that we recognize the
importance of travel and tourism in celebrating the 19th annual National Tourism Week from
May 4 through May 12, 2002. The Tourism Development Council hereby proclaimed this week
to be designated as Collier County Tourism Week.
Mr. Clark Hill spoke on behalf of the Collier County Hotel and Lodging Association and
accepted the Proclamation. Mr. Hill thanked the Council for their support of the travel and
tourism industry. A photograph of Council members and those in attendance representing the
travel and tourism industry was taken.
III. INS No. 2176-01 Public Comment for B-l/B-2 Visa Issue
Chairman Coletta asked if there were any other issues to be discussed, noting that there was no
quorum. Mr. Wallace apprised the Council of the proposed INS rule change. He stated that the
International Task Force is asking all officials to send comments opposing the proposed INS rule
change by Email. The proposed rule change would allow the individual inspector to determine if
.a foreign traveler, at the time of admission, could stay in this country more than 30 days. The
inspector would make a determination on the period of stay to be granted at the point of entry.
Unless there is an objection, Mr. Wallace will send comments on behalf of the Council opposing
the rule change. When asked if a Proclamation from the Commissioners would be considered, he
said that the public comment period will end before the Board of Commissioners next meeting.
May 8, 2002
Chairman Coletta asked that a sample letter be provided to all members via Email to enable the
timely submission of comments.
IV. Council Members Discussion
It was noted that the by-laws do not restrict the Council to four meetings a year. The next
meeting will be held on June 18, 2002 from 9 am to 12:00 noon.
There was a discussion on what items would be included at the next meeting. Mr. Wallace will
ask the statistician to present the tourism numbers since the September 11th tragedy. Mr.
Galleberg asked for a report on the receipts compared to projections on a quarterly basis. Mr.
Vaccaro asked for information on how this Councils' performance compares to other counties
since the September 11 th tragedy by percentage of increases or decreases of tourism receipts. Ms.
Saunders requests an update from the account executive from the advertising agency. Mr.
Wallace agreed to incorporate these suggestions for the June meeting. He stated that the
Advertising and Marketing Plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners as well as the
additional $250,000 budget for advertising.
V. Adjourn
The Chairman asked if anyone in attendance wished to make any comments, there were none.
Having no further matters to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am.
Next Meeting: June 18, 2002, at 9:00 AM