Nebraska Tourism Commission Meeting

August 3, 2023 at 3:00pm CST

 

 

Hilton Omaha – Castle Room, 8th Floor

1001 Cass Street

Omaha, NE 68102

 

 

Commissioner Chair Robert Sabin called the meeting to order at 3:04 pm.

 

Commissioners present: Darrin Barner, Heritage Homes of Nebraska; John Chapo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo; Roger Jasnoch, Kearney Visitors Bureau; Deb Loseke, Columbus/Platte County CVB; Barry McFarland, Mac’s Creek Vineyards and Winery; Ashley Olson, Willa Cather Foundation; Robert Sabin, Hilton Omaha; Jeanna Stavas, Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast.

Commissioners absent; Roger Kuhn, Nebraska Game and Parks; Commission Starr Lehl, Scottsbluff; Sarah Sortum, Calamus Outfitters

 

Commission staff present: John Ricks, Schuylar Craig, Shirley Wichman, Jeannine Akamba

 

  1. Approval of Meeting Agenda

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

 

McFarland motioned to approve the agenda. Loseke seconded the motion.

 

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

 

  1. Public Comment Period for items listed on the Agenda

Sabin opened the public comment period at 3:08 pm.

With no members of the public coming forward, Sabin closed the public comment period at 3:09 pm.

 

  1. Approval of May 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes

 

Sabin requested motion to approve the May 16, 2023 meeting minutes.

 

Barner motioned to approve the meeting minutes from May 16, 2023.  Jasnoch seconded the motion.

 

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

 

 

  1. Financial Update and Finance Committee Report – Commissioner Stavas

Stavas deferred to Director Ricks. Ricks spoke about the May lodging tax delay due to a Department of Revenue error, Stavas and Ricks discussed budget narratives through a PowerPoint presentation pointing out various elements of financials and expenses. Discussion on overall growth, with mentions on the Cares Act money process and how it all works.

Motion to accept status review and financials as presented by Chapo. McFarland seconded the motion.

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

 

  1. Director’s Report and NTC Project Updates – John Ricks and NTC staff

 

    1. FY 2023-2024 Budget Review – Discussion on the 2023-2024/2024-2025 Spending Authority, promotional opportunity in international marketing and a minimal increase in PR budget.

Motion to accept FY 2023-2024 Budget Review as presented by Chapo. Jasnoch seconded the motion.

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

 

    1. Mid-Biennial Budget Request – discussion on the final request due in October, the appropriations committee, and a request for spending increase - will further discuss in October’s meeting.

 

Motion to accept Mid-Biennial Budget Request presented by Loseke. McFarland seconded the motion.

 

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

    1. FY 2023-2024 Grant Cycle Timeline – Discussion on the timeline of the grant cycle for 2023-2024.

 

Barner made a motion to approve FY 2023-2024 Grant Cycle Timeline. Stavas seconded the motion.

 

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

 

 

  1. Commission Committee Reports

 

    1. Legislative Committee/NETA Legislative Update – Commissioner Lehl absent. No comments.
    2. Marketing Committee - Commissioner Chapo

Chapo deferred to Director Ricks who discussed an increase and overall awareness, nationally. Mention of new ideas on commercials and print ideas for 2024.

 

  1. Commission Chair Report - Commissioner Sabin

Commission Chair Sabin thanked everyone for coming and attending the meeting. Chairman Sabin discussed Global Mind and Regina Mort coming in to help commissioners with the Director’s Review, mentions of strategic planning and what the goals are for the future.

 

  1. New Business
    1. Upcoming Meetings:  Tourism Conference in Gering, NE October 17th-19th.

October 17th – Gering Civic Center, time still being decided.

Snippet discussion of Tourism Unity Summit in February, the Agri-Tourism Workshop and the MarkeTech budget.

 

  1. Adjourn

 

At 4:30pm Sabin requested motion to adjourn meeting. Chapo motioned to adjourn. Second was made by McFarland.

 

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

 

Respectfully submitted by Schuylar Craig

 

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