HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-25 KCVB MinutesKenai Convention Visitors Bureau
Kenai, Alaska
Regular Meeting
October 25, 2004
The regular meeting of the Kenai Convention Visitors Bureau was called to order by President Fred
Braun at 5:20 p.m., October 25, 2004, in the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center Board Room. Roll call
was taken and the following members were present
Members Fred Braun Marion Nelson Ron Malston Sharon Brower
Jacquie Steckel Honorable Pat Porter David Edwards -Smith
Excused Robin West Sasha Lindgren Robert Fulton
Absent Jerry Dunn Sandra Vozar
Visitors Present: Mya Renken, KCVB Executive Director, and Dana Verrengia, Museum Services
Manager
Approval of Agenda:
Malston move to approve the agenda, Nelson seconded.
Discussion: Megan Gorman removed as Person Scheduled to be Heard. Personnel issues added to the
Executive Session.
VOTE: Unanimous
Executive Director's Report:
Discussion: Renken presented the KCVB Board of Directors with the plaque won in the Western
Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus Idea Faire for Best Tourism Promotion for
www.sportfishinq.com site. Renken updated the board on upcoming staffing changes. Braun stated he
liked having this report early on the agenda.
Financial Report
Discussion: The Board requested a rough draft of the FY05 budget by November's meeting but stated
that this could be a bit flexible. KCVB's first contact with the City of Kenai's budget process is around
February 1 Renken stated how staff has been working diligently to decrease costs for shipping and
printing expenses.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. 501(c)(3) Update:
Discussion: Verrengia updated the board on Bob Banghart's visit and some of the ideas for renovating
the museum area of the facility. She discussed the Rasmussen Foundation and the importance he
stressed on keeping track of volunteers, particularly for going after big grants, and looking for matching
grants over a five year period.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Board Seat Vacancy:
Discussion: The seat held by Dan Van Zee expires on December, 2005. Any names of potential
appointees should be forwarded to Braun or Renken. Vozar is not able to attend the meetings but her
seat is up for election in 2004. Board reviewed Board Attendance Record. Porter stated that Council
representative should not be included.
2. 2004 Board of Directors Elections:
Discussion: Elections will be held in January, 2005 to allow for by -law provision requiring three meetings
before election. There was a discussion about which Board member seats were up for election and
potential new board members. Maiston and Brower said they would run for re- election. There was
speculation that Lindgren would want to retain her seat; Braun would contact her and inquire. The floor
was opened for nominations.
Rona Martin; Lori Chase; Dr. Peter Hansen; and owner of Longmere Lake Lodge were nominated.
Nelson will contact owners at Longmere Lake Lodge to inquire whether they would run for the Board of
Directors Renken was directed to contact the others named.
3. Summer Art Show:
Discussion: Nelson suggested that Renken attend the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in
Anchorage later that week. It was suggested that Rita Smagge and Claire Swan be contacted for
assistance in raising sponsorships for the 2005 show. Sponsors and potential sponsors contacted for the
2004 show should receive a letter. Thank 2004 supporters and let them know we are looking for
commitments for the 2005 show. The board suggested including old programs, approximate number of
attendees, length of show and the number of visitors viewing the show in the Sponsorship packet. There
was a brief discussion of using www.ArtsKenalcom to help generate funds and to allow people to send
donations.
Nelson moved to proceed with fundraising as discussed; Brower seconded the motion. Motion passes
unanimously.
Board Comments:
Honorable Pat Porter informed the board that Letters of Intent are due at Noon on Friday, October 29,
2004 for the vacant Kenai City Council seat. She has added a new welcome letter on the City of Kenai
website and mentions the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center and the Chamber of Commerce. She said
that it is different sitting as the Mayor. There was discussion about her remaining as KCVB's liaison.
Mayor Porter stated it was important for KCVB to have a presence at Kenai City Council meetings. She
informed the board about DOT's plan to route traffic to Kenai while working on Soldotna's bridge and the
importance to having appropriate signage in place. The importance of getting tourists here to keep
businesses afloat was discussed.
Executive Session: For the purpose of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to discuss
personnel and liability issues.
Nelson moved to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:00 p.m.; Steckel seconded the motion.
Adjourn back into Regular Meeting at 7:32 p.m.
Board Comments (continued):
Nelson: Thanked Renken for work and the award. Offer to help with AFN visit.
Steckel: Great meeting
Edwards- Smith: Second. www.visitkenai.com website is antiquated. There are so many new tools that
could be added.
Brower: Renken has done well in short time here. Glad David is not resigning.
Maiston: Echo that.
Braun: Sasha's going to be a great board member. KCVB has been weak on Native
representation and needs help. Need to contact Rita to see who would like to be a
board member. Jim Butler might be a good board member. Will send Sasha an email.
Schedule Next Board Meeting:
November 22, 2004. Topics on the agenda include Summer Art Show Fundraising; health insurance and
www.visitkenai.com.
Adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Prepared by Mya Renken, Executive Director