MINUTES TEMPLATE

COMMITTEE: Visitor Services Advisory Committee Time Meeting called to Order:__3:01pm______

MEETING DATE: __March 10, 2015______Time Meeting Adjourned: _____4:26pm______

MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Administrator, Diane Flaherty, Michelle Langlois, Gene Mahon, Peter Morrison, Henry Sanford and Louise Swift.

REMOTE: None

MEMBERS ABSENT: Phil Read, Chairman,

AGENDA ITEM DISCUSSION VOTES / ROLL CALL

1 Approval of Minutes The minutes from February 3 were unanimously approved. 6-0

2 Director’s Report Kate reported about the proposed state budget cuts for the regional tourism councils by Governor Baker. She pointed out the Cape Cod Times article and also discussed the proposed letter writing campaign by Chamber of Commerce director PJ Martin Smith. The committee also discussed their concerns about the tourism budget cuts in light of the upcoming release of the “In the Heart of the Sea” movie and the expected promotional activity surrounding it. Another concern was that other surrounding states including New York and Rhode Island could take advantage of the lack of advertising from Massachusetts. It was agreed that Peter Morrison will contact State Senator, Dan Wolf who also owns Cape Air. Gene Mahon noted that Gov. Baker also wants to cut the tax credits for films made in the state. It was agreed to continue the film tax credit discussion and possible financial figures at the September meeting. Kate also reported on the progress of the Cultural District. It is gaining ground and Kate will keep the committee informed. Kate played an audio recording the radio spot of the WACK FM radio interview with Neville Richen about the recent Food For Thought presentation at the Whaling Museum. Neville performed as black whaling Captain Absalom Boston on February 26. Kate added that Neville will continue to perform as Captain Boston off and on thru the year up to the release of the “In the Heart of the Sea” movie. Kate reported that Grucci won the bid for the July 4th Fireworks. Kate then discussed the planning for the 100th Anniversary of Children’s Beach. She asked the committee what day would be good to hold the event. The committee suggested Labor Day Weekend or sometime in early fall. Kate will consider and let them know.

3 Administrator’s Report David presented the February 2015 statistics. Peter Morrison reported that he reviewed the statistics for the last 20 years. He noted that people still like to make telephone calls despite the rise in internet research. Kate asked Henry Sanford about how he uses the internet when researching where to travel. Henry noted that he uses Trip Advisor and VRBO. Twitter and Facebook are not as reliable for research. Kate 1 noted that the department only uses Twitter to send out updates. She had asked about using Facebook a few years back and it was not allowed, but Kate will check again. Peter Morrison suggested that the WPI students could help set up a page.

Diane Flaherty left at 4:05pm

The committee continued to discuss Internet research. Search Engine Optimization is the upcoming way to have people be able to locate you on the internet. SEO focuses on keywords that can steer someone searching on Google or a similar browser to your website.

Louise Swift left at 4:22pm

Peter Morrison noted that people always want a human aspect and want to talk to someone on the phone.

It was agreed to table the University Without Walls discussion until the next meeting.

List of Documents or Exhibits used at the meeting: Minutes from February 3 February 2015 Stats Report VS Stats 1994-2014 Cape Cod Times funding cuts article, March 7, 2015 University Without Walls Proposal

Signature ______

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