INBTA
General Membership Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2015
Oxford Suites Downtown Spokane
11:30 a.m.
Welcome and Call to Order: President Gerri Vance called the meeting to order at 11:40 a.m. and welcomed
everyone.
Members introduced themselves, and Wes Davidson introduced new member, Sue Cronk.
Michael Reyes thanked members for coming and invited those interested to take a tour following the meeting.
Announcements/Committee Reports/Updates:
Membership Dues Deadline – It was noted January 31 is the deadline to pay 2015 dues.
Meeting Registration – Gerri reminded members to sign up for membership meetings and events at
www.inbta.org. The system can then generate name tags and provide longer term history.
GBTA Chapter Leadership Summit – Board members will be attending the Leadership Summit on January 2830 in San Diego.
GBTA Convention Scholarships – The 2015 Convention will be held in Orlando, FL, on July 25-29.
Scholarships are available for both Direct and Allied members. In order to take advantage of an early
registration discount, applications must be turned in to Gerri at gvance@purcellsystems.com by January 16.
Legislative
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Legislative Committee Chair - Gerri noted that a chairperson is needed for the Legislative Committee.
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PAC Contribution – This year, in order to raise PAC funds, INBTA will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt
at the March meeting. Eggs will be $5 or $10 and will be filled with gift cards, candy, inspirational
notes, hotel nights, etc. The proceeds from the “Hunt” will go toward the PAC. Only members can
contribute to the PAC, though anyone can take part in the Hunt. If you would like to donate items for
the eggs, please get them to Gerri by February 27.
Membership – Wes Davidson plans to do another membership blitz; let him know if you would like to help.
Marketing – Sandy Kates noted a press release announcing the new Board officers was published on Ed
Clark’s How’s Business; another release will be printed in the February 12 Journal of Business.
Hospitality/Programs – Jean Berg thanked those who helped her get the 2015 Calendar of Events together.
She is currently soliciting help on the Program Committee; contact her or Gerri if interested.
Technology – Jason Haws encouraged members to renew their dues on the website. If any issues come up or
you have questions, send an email to technology@inbta.org.
Trade Show – Kay Riplinger noted RFPs were sent out for the Trade Show. She encouraged people to attend
and asked for volunteers to help on the committee.
Special Guest Speaker: Gerri Vance introduced Cheryl Kilday, President and CEO, of Visit Spokane.
Cheryl’s presentation, “The Advantages to Working with your DMO” addressed the advantages of working with
our local destination marketing organization when planning a meeting or convention. She shared some easy
tips for planners to help them discover how working with Visit Spokane can save time and money. Key points
included:
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Tourism Matters
Travel Spending in Spokane and in WA State
Visitors to Spokane
Reasons Planners work with DMOs
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Role and Mission of Visit Spokane
How to Save Time & Money
Convention Services
Cheryl responded to questions from the membership. A copy of her slide presentation is available on the
INBTA website.
Next Membership Meeting: The next meeting will be at the DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center on
February10.
Door Prize Drawings: Names were drawn for door prizes.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Susan Barnes
Secretary