Mendocino County Lodging Association
Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday March 3, 2010
Baechtel Creek Inn, Willits, CA
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by President Jan Rodriguez at 1:07PM

Present were: Jan Rodriguez, Jeff Stanford, Pauline Zamboni, Renata Dorn, Josie Perla, Mike Bradbrook, Christina Affinito, Pam Amante
Phone: Jason Hurst, Jamie Buckner, Cally Dym, Stuart Marcus, Kevin Gallagher
Visit Mendocino County Inc. Staff: Scott Schneider, Aimee Hanson
Privilege of the Floor
• Introductions were held
• Costeaux Bakery provided samples of product and presented overview of business
• Josie attended a travel agent show, invited by a guest, and handed out over 300 green bags
• Renata commented more meetings should be held on the South Coast and Anderson Valley

President’s Report
• None

Approval and Posting of Last Meeting’s Minutes -
Pauline motions to approve minutes from the January meeting. Mike seconds. Motion Passes with two abstentions.

Treasurer’s Report
Jo reported:
• Checking Account balance through April 30th: $108,312.00
• Savings Account balance through April 30th: $1002.48

Mike motions that we approve the Treasurers Report. Pam seconds. Motion Passes unanimously.

Administration Report VMC President’s Report –
• Update on Activities
o Crab & Wine Fest
o NY Media Trip
o Eye On the Bay – Jenner to Little River featured Feb. 25, 2010
o Hired Nicole Evans – p/t assistant in Fort Bragg office
o Received free 1/6 page ad in San Jose Visitor Guide for 2010 guide
o March 11 – Geotourism website launch in Scotia
o March 12 – NCTC workshop “Greening Your Business” in Scotia
o March 16 – presentation to BOS of 2010-2011 Annual Report – inviting key organizations/businesses from around the County showcasing how promotion benefits them and the County as a whole
o April 6 – Public Hearing for Lodging @ 9:30am in BOS Chambers
o MCLA Election process needs to get started. Christina, Jan & Pam volunteered to be nominating committee for this year. Nominations to close March 31 with ballots being mailed by April 7.


Old Business –
•

New Business –
• Including businesses South of Gualala in promotional efforts – representatives would like certain businesses be listed on the website. These would include events and attractions, but not lodging. Thought is to include in editorial of region on website
• Mike motions to explore the possibility of enhancing South Coast marketing efforts with reciprocal cross-county efforts with Sonoma County. Pauline seconds. Motion Passes Unanimously
• Sponsorships Requests
o Ruth Sparks/Heritage Days - $2,500
o Mendocino Coast Writer’s Conference $1,000
o Mendocino Film Festival - $1,000
o Mendocino Arts Showcase - $1,000
o MAPA Arts for the Parks - $2,500
o Presentations were heard for all requests. Board felt MCLA partnership funds were best spent expanding festivals and events to be Countywide and not funding events which occur each year
o Mike motions to approve funding of Heritage Days ($2,500). Josie seconds. Motion Passes Unanimously.
• VMC 2010-2011 Marketing Plan
o Plan was presented as the roadmap VMC will take in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Plan is fluid and can be edited throughout year to ensure maximum effectiveness and results. More Co-Op opportunities for partners. Shift focus from regional advertising to niche market advertising (LGBT, pets, families, etc). Budget is approximately 15% less than 2009-2010 fiscal year. Plan follows marketing study recommendations as well as analysis of results from 2009-2010 marketing plan activities to date.
o Pam motions to approve VMC 2010-2011 Marketing Plan and Budget. Christine seconds. Motion Passes Unanimously.
Ad-Hoc Committee
• Committee was formed to explore possibilities of picking MCLA Board representatives to VMC Board.
• Committee concluded keeping the representation as is (executive committee plus one more chosen by Board). Executive committee is voted in by the Board of Directors as leaders of MCLA and therefore should be the ones to represent MCLA on VMC.
Next Meeting -
Scheduled for May 5, 2010 on South Coast

Adjournment - Cally motioned to adjourn at 4:14pm