Meeting Minutes 01/24/24

Nebraska Tourism Commission Videoconference Meeting Minutes

January 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM CST

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84407012467?pwd=UW51NmNyWDl1NmZJTW4wUHFmVndnUT09

Commissioner Chair Robert Sabin called the meeting to order at 1:02 pm.

Commissioners present: Darrin Barner, Heritage Homes of Nebraska; John Chapo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo; Roger Kuhn, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Barry McFarland, Mac’s Creek Vineyard & Winery Robert Sabin, Hilton Omaha; Sarah Sortum, Calamus Outfitters; Jeanna Stavas, Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast; Starr Lehl

Commissioners absent: Roger Jasnoch, Kearney Visitors Bureau; Deb Loseke, Columbus/Platte County CVB; Ashley Olson, Willa Cather Foundation

Commission staff present: John Ricks, Schuylar Craig, Shirley Wichman, Heather Hogue, Jenna Bartja, Alisha Simonson, Jenn Gjerde

1. Approval of Meeting Agenda

Commission Chair Sabin welcomed the commissioners; introductions were made; and Sabin asked for motion to approve agenda.

Chapo motioned to approve the agenda. Kuhn seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: Lehl. Motion passed.

2. Public Comment Period for items listed on the Agenda

Sabin opened the public comment period at 1:10 pm.

Brad Mellema, Grand Island Tourism, came forward to comment on the Grant Program. Kirsten Parker, Golden Spike Tower – grant program comments. Brenda Leisy, Scottsbluff County Tourism – comments on Grant Program.

With no other members of the public coming forward, Sabin closed the public comment period at 1:23 pm.

3. Approval of October 17, 2023, Meeting Minutes

Sabin requested motion to approve the October 17, 2023, meeting minutes.

Stavas motioned to approve the meeting minutes from October 17, 2023.  Barner seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, Lehl, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.

4. Financial Update and Finance Committee Report – Commissioner Stavas

Stavas went through spreadsheets that were previously distributed. Stavas discussed cash reserve, mentioned budget and cash flow in a positive light. Lodging tax has been meeting expectations – surplus and spending authority.

Motion to accept status review and financials as presented, including waiving required board cushion for this fiscal, by McFarland.  Chapo seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, Lehl, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.

5. Director’s Report and NTC Project Updates – John Ricks and NTC staff
   
   1. Advertising Effectiveness Study Report - Paul Soldera/Jennifer Simmons – discussed the 2023 campaign, movement in media awareness – the tagline was well received by out-of-state travelers. Primary and New markets showed increase in likelihood to visit Nebraska. Discussion of diagnostics showing that Nebraska is a credible, unique and interesting place to visit.

1. 2. FY 23-24 Grant Program – Heather Hogue referenced grant review committee recommendations and scoring, benefits for new grant applicants & discussed briefly good expectations with the program for the projected year ahead.

Motion to approve FY 2023-2024 Grant funding recommendations, and allow for additional flexibility in future grant program cycle as presented by Kuhn. Sortum seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, Lehl, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: McFarland. Motion passed.

6. Commission Committee Reports
   
   1. Legislative Committee– Commissioner Lehl – discussed Denver Stockshow reviews of Nebraska ads and advertising
   2. Marketing Committee - Commissioner Chapo discussed deferred to Ricks – mentioned Huddle Up Group – SportsNebraska and smaller communities brought together by partnering. Commissioner Kuhn requested this item to be tabled for discussion at future commission meetings.

7. Commission Chair Report - Commissioner Sabin

Thanked everyone for attending and for their hard work. Received thanks from the other commissioners for his hard work as Chairman.

Director Performance Review - Kuhn motioned to enter Closed Session for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Barner seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, Lehl, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.

              Closed session entered at 3:17 pm.

Stavas motioned to come out of closed session at 3:48 pm. Chapo seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, Lehl, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.

Chapo motioned to approve 3% salary increase for Executive Director, John Ricks. Kuhn seconded the motion.

Barner motioned to approve upcoming goals for Executive Director to accomplish. Kuhn seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, Lehl, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.

8. New Business
   
   1. Upcoming Board Meeting Dates: May 14-15^th in Kearney with brochure swap, August 22^nd or 23^rd – tentative in Red Cloud, October 10-11^th or 17-18^th in Burwell.
   2. February 6 -7^th, 2024 – Unity Summit – Shirley Wichman – reviewed activities and attendance, future dates for 2024 and 2025 are secured.

9. Election of Officers

Commissioner Kuhn voted to table Election of Officers until May meeting.

10. Adjourn

At 4:11 pm Stavas requested motion to adjourn meeting. Sortum seconded the motion.

Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Barner, Chapo, Kuhn, Lehl, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas, Absent: Jasnoch, Loseke, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted by Schuylar Craig

*Denotes Action Item

Open Meetings Law of the State of Nebraska will be available in the meeting room. Proposed agenda posted January 22, 2024 kept current and available for inspection on the Commission’s website, visitnebraska.com.  Items of an emergency nature may be added to the agenda by the Commission at the meeting.  The Commission reserves the right to enter into closed session, should a closed session be necessary.