Motion by Determan, Seconded by Benny to Approve 11-5-2012 Minutes. Motion Carried

The Luck Tourism Commission met at the Luck Village Hall at 5:30pm on Monday March 4th, 2013. Present: Elaine Ogilvie, Hassan Mian, Bob Determan, and Rich Benny. Meeting called to order by Ogilvie.

Motion by Determan, seconded by Benny to approve 11-5-2012 Minutes. Motion carried.

Ogilvie discussed the current financial status of the Tourism Commission Room Tax funds. A new spreadsheet needs to be created that will clearly itemize expenses and revenue for the year. Ogilvie stated that she would create the spreadsheet. Ogilvie mentioned that she needs to confirm with Kathy, treasurer that a separate account has been or will be created for the village’s 30% portion of the room tax revenue.

Ogilvie discussed possible scenarios of difficulty that may arise at the hotel’s tourism hub. Mian explained that he is concerned that his staff may not be able to answer tourism questions in a timely manner if they are checking in a large group of hotel customers. This may ultimately give a negative image of customer service. It was agreed that issues will be addressed as/or if they arise.

Mian discussed an idea to move the tourism information to the East wall of the lobby and enhance it with framed pictures of what Luck is and has to offer. The idea was well received by the other commissioners. There was discussion of how to get the photos required. Benny suggested a contest to get the public involved. Ogilvie suggested posting the solicitation on Facebook first to see what they get for response. Hassan will begin to price framework and accessories for the wall and will discuss at the next meeting.

Benny suggested that another way to get exposure would be to rent a booth at one of the sporting shows in the Twin Cities. Ogilvie will look into pricing for this.

Ogilvie discussed her intentions to start a “Go outside and Play” campaign. She will get guidance from the Regional Tourism Director next Monday when he is in Luck.

Mian discussed his concern that the Tourism Director’s position is not sustainable per the current and financial outlook of the commission. He suggested that we possible connect with the golf course to promote hosting wedding receptions to add additional revenue that could potentially make the position sustainable for an entire year. Ogilvie agreed to set up a meeting with the course director in the next week or two to discuss the idea.

Ogilvie discussed that she clearly sees improvement in the efficiency of the marketing strategies the commission has taken over the last 2 years. Moving forward she would like to see more target marketing instead of the blanket marketing they have done in the past. One proposal was to place ads on Facebook and Google. Mian continued the subject by explaining the details of where the ads are distributed and how we are charged for them. We will eliminate some of the blanket marketing in order to afford advertising to a more targeted audience.

Mian suggested that he be given the opportunity to pledge to the board ,prior to planning 2014 budget, the importance of the Tourism Director position and would like to suggest that the village set aside funds to support it. Determan agreed and confirmed that this request would be granted.

Next meeting will be at the Luck Country Inn on Thursday April 4th due to Benny not being available on the 1st.

Motion by Ogilvie, second by Mian to adjourn, motion carried. 7:20pm