Nebraska Tourism Commission Meeting
March 1, 2023, at 10:00am CST at the following location:
Mac’s Creek Winery & Brewery
3315 Rd 757, Lexington, NE 68850
Commissioner Chair Robert Sabin called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.
Commissioners present: Roger Jasnoch, Kearney Visitors Bureau; Roger Kuhn, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Deb Loseke, Columbus/Platte County CVB; Barry McFarland, Mac’s Creek Vineyards and Winery; Robert Sabin, Hilton Omaha; Sarah Sortum, Calamus Outfitters; Jeanna Stavas, Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast; Starr Lehl
Commissioners absent: Darrin Barner, Heritage Homes of Nebraska; John Chapo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo; Ashley Olson, Willa Cather Foundation
Commission staff present: John Ricks, Schuylar Craig, Karen Kollars, Jenna Bartja, Jenn Gjerde, Shirley Wichman
- Approval of Meeting Agenda
Commission Chair Sabin introduced himself as new chair; welcomed the commissioners; introductions were made; and Sabin asked for motion to approve agenda.
Stavas motioned to approve the agenda. Lehl seconded the motion.
Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Jasnoch, Kuhn, Lehl, Loseke, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas. Absent: Barner, Chapo, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.
- Public Comment Period for items listed on the Agenda
Sabin opened the public comment period at 10:19 am.
With no members of the public coming forward, Sabin closed the public comment period at 10:20 am.
- Approval of January 26, 2023, Meeting Minutes
Sabin requested motion to approve the January 26, 2023 meeting minutes.
Stavas mentioned an edit to election of officers to include Roger Jasnoch as past chair commissioner. All commissioners in agreeance.
McFarland motioned to approve the meeting minutes from January 26, 2023. Sortum seconded the motion.
Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Jasnoch, Kuhn, Lehl, Loseke, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas. Absent: Barner, Chapo, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.
- Commission Chair Report - Commissioner Sabin – Gave report on how leisure tourism is increasing. Thanks were said to McFarland’s generous hospitality and to Jasnoch as Sabin steps into his chair position.
Committee update was addressed – reorganize members and talk to each member about committee changes.
Securing future meeting dates were decided. May 16, 2023 in Kearney at 3pm CT, located at the Holiday Inn. August 3, 2023 at 3pm CT in Omaha, at the Hilton Omaha. October 17, 2023 in Gering during the Tourism Conference – time approximately set at 2pm CT.
Sabin requested motion to approve securing future meeting dates and times.
Lehl motioned to approve the securing future meeting times and dates. Stavas seconded the motion.
Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Jasnoch, Kuhn, Lehl, Loseke, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas. Absent: Barner, Chapo, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.
- Financial Update and Finance Committee Report – Commissioner Stavas
Stavas went through spreadsheets that were previously distributed. Director Ricks spoke about the budget spreadsheets, budget narratives through a PowerPoint presentation pointing out various elements of financials and expenses. Discussion on good spending with media and mention the grant program progression is going well. Discussion on lodging tax record for the fiscal year, which bring excitement for 2023 tourism and international travel tourism.
Discussion on travel spending related jobs and tracking travel hospitality. Discussion included mentioning upticks in visitor numbers/projection was up from pre-pandemic levels. Mentioned employment growth after pandemic years.
Motion to accept status review and financials as presented by McFarland. Loseke seconded the motion.
Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Jasnoch, Kuhn, Lehl, Loseke, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas. Absent: Barner, Chapo, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.
- Director’s Report and NTC Project Updates – John Ricks and NTC staff
- Travel Counselor Update – Director Ricks went over material that was handed out regarding budget, number of counselors. Discussion on materials.
- Travel Conference RFPs – Director Ricks discussed future conference locations. Discussion and decision was made to appoint a Travel Conference Committee. Commissioner Chair Sabin will get with members.
Motion to approve travel counselor program by Stavas. McFarland seconded the motion.
Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Jasnoch, Kuhn, Lehl, Loseke, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas. Absent: Barner, Chapo, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.
- Commission Committee Reports
- Legislative Committee/NETA Legislative Update – Commissioner Lehl discussed NETA bills to watch.
- Marketing Committee - Commissioner Chapo was absent.
Deferred to John Ricks for marketing updates. Director Ricks discussed good work with marketing strategy. Discussion on increased attendance for crane season.
Motion made by Loseke to approve the media campaign budget as presented. Lehl seconded the motion.
Roll call vote – Commissioners in favor: Jasnoch, Kuhn, Lehl, Loseke, McFarland, Sabin, Sortum, Stavas. Absent: Barner, Chapo, Olson. Opposed: none. Abstain: none. Motion passed.
- New Business
- Shirley Wichman discussed new travel experience involving commissioners. Commissioners agreed on this being a good initiative for tourism.
- Adjourn
Commissioners adjourned at 12:03 pm.
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 February 28, 2023, 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.