TOURISM COMMITTEE – Meeting Minutes

May 13, 2008

2:00 p.m., Commissioners’ Board Room – County Building

 

The Tourism Committee of the Comprehensive Plan met on April 15, 2008. Those in attendance included: Ron Aldom, Chamber of Commerce; Kerri Burtner, CP Coordinator; Charlie Fox, Somerset Historical Center; Brett Hollern, Somerset County/G.A.P.; Michael Knecht, Laurel Arts; Teresa Marafino, Green Gables/Mountain Playhouse; Jim Marker, County Commissioner; Geoff Miller, Woodland Communications; Gary & Page Wetterburg, Residents; John Vatavuk, County Commissioner; Brad Zearfoss, Planning Commission.

 

1.       Hotel Tax – Jim Marker reported on the Hotel Tax Grants. He said approximately 140 applicants requested $1.2 million with a total of 42 funded at approximately $270,000. Since the start of the program there has been a steady increase in the revenue the committee has to give out. A discussion was had on the measurements in place for realizing the impact of the grants. It is easy to track a capitol project but a marketing project is more difficult to quantify the results. All grantees are obligated to fill out a follow-up form when they are requesting their last payment from LHVB.

 

2.       Tourism DVD – Ron Aldom announced the Tourism/Quality of Life DVD is available to businesses and the public. There are three versions – one for the public, a training version for hospitality workers, and a looping version for continuous play. He is also working on a compressed version that can be placed on web sites. The Chamber, the County, and the Daily American have all agreed to have the video. Any other County business may also have it. Please contact the Chamber to make arrangements.

 

3.       Billboard on Turnpike – The contract has been signed for the billboard and is ready for it’s first message! Ron is getting pricing on the production of the billboard and is still looking for people to serve on a sub-committee to draft regulations for the billboard and develop concepts for the seasonal designs and messages. If you are interested in assisting with this, please contact Ron at the Chamber.

 

4.       Laurel Highlands Initiative – Ron reported on the meeting of May 12, that was held with DCNR, DCED, and the PA Environmental Council. This project is a way to prioritize ideas and determine the funding needed for projects that build around the natural resources the region has to offer. The point was made that this is a new way for DCNR to look at the area since they are looking outside the boundaries of state parks within the county and considering the mutual impact of the two entities.

 

5.       Broadband – The Technology Council of Pennsylvania held a meeting on May 9, to explain the next phase of their project. They are asking the public to visit www.techquestpa.com and fill out the form found at the link “Tech Quest Broadband.” The results of this survey will be used to quantify a demand for aggregation and used to develop an RFP for bringing broadband to the area. Through this process they will also be taking a look at cell coverage throughout the county.

 

John Vatavuk shared that the Commissioners recently visited Cambria County to learn more about the broadband system they recently installed. Modeled after Allegany County, MD, it beams the signal from high locations throughout the county. Church steeples, towers, silos, etc.

 

6.       Golf Tournament – Chamber of Commerce and SCEDC – Annual golf tournament to support these two organizations will be held June 5. For more information contact Ron Aldom or Jeff Silka.

 

7.       America’s County BBQ – This annual bbq will be held July 24 in Meyersdale. The honorees will be the people who envisioned, inspired, and built the Great Allegheny Passage. Additional special guests are currently being invited. More information is available through the Chamber.

 

8.       Somerfest – Michael Knecht announced that 1100 tickets for the July 12 performance of the Clarks have been sold. Just 400 remain so get yours now! He also announced that Laurel Arts is looking to hire an Assistant Director to oversee dance, education programming, and summer camps.

 

9.       Chamber Night and Mountain Playhouse – This event will be held June 17th. More information is available through the Chamber.

 

10.   Upcoming Meetings: all meetings will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the RTC on the 1st Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise noted. PLEASE NOTE: AS WE APPROACH SUMMER THESE DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO VACATION SCHEDULES. I will give you ample notice for any changes.

 

a.       June 3

b.       July 1

c.       August 5

d.       September 2

e.       October 7

f.        November 4* (please note – we will meet at another location, TBD)

g.       December 2