COLUMBIA COUNTY TOURISM COMMITTEE (CCTC)/COLUMBIA COUNTY
VISITORS BUREAU (CCVB)
MEETING MINUTES
August 1, 2008
Meeting held at the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Room
The Columbia County Tourism Committee (CCTC)/Columbia County Visitor’s
Bureau (CCVB) met on August 1, 2008, at the Columbia County Economic
Development Corporation office meeting room in Portage, WI. The meeting
began at 9:00 am.
I.
II.
Present: Andy Nussbaum
Bob O’Brion
Charles James
Mary Rosin
Carolyn Roberts
Gil Meisgeier
Doug Steele
Capital Newspaper
Columbus Chamber
Village of Rio Trustee
Portage Canal Society
Staff:
CCEDC/CCTC Executive Director
CCEDC Administrative Assistant
Nancy Elsing
Carmen Griffith
Portage Canal Society
Magnum Radio Group
Budget 2009: A discussion was held in regard to funds needed for 2009,
2010 and 2011 for the budget request to the Columbia County Board of
Supervisors. Included in the discussion was the Columbia County Maps.
a. Motion by Mary Rosin, seconded by Bob O’Brion that the CCTC
request that the Columbia County Agricultural Committee and
Columbia County Board allow the control of changing, printing and
distribution of the Columbia County maps by the CCTC. Motion
unanimously carried
b. Motion by Bob O’Brion, seconded by Charles James, that the
allocated fund of $4,000.00 to UW-Extension’s budget for printing
and changes of the Columbia County maps allowed in the 2008
budget be added to the CCTC budget and request Columbia County
Comptroller Lois Schepp transfer funds to the Columbia County
Economic Development Corporation as fiscal agent of the CCTC for
the purpose of changing and producing Columbia County maps.
Motion unanimously carried.
CCVB/CCTC county issues:
a. Motion by Charles James, seconded by Mary Rosin that the
Columbia County Tourism Committee (CCTC) and the Columbia
County Visitor’s Bureau (CCVB) remain separate entities. That the
CCVB remain the marketing arm for tourism in Columbia County.
Motion unanimously carried.
b. Motion by Bob O’Brion, seconded by Charles James that the CCTC
not draft By-Laws as it is a committee under the Columbia County
Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) and that the By-Laws
of the CCEDC serve as the policy and procedures governing the
CCTC. Motion unanimously carried.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
Distribution of materials: Out of Columbia County maps. State map
distribution going well. Nearly out of 2008-2009 Columbia County Travel
Planner booklets. Continue to also distribute other organization’s
tourism materials.
Hwy 51 - visitor info/pubs: Hwy 51 committee is a partner at the
State Fair on Saturday. A discussion was held on the passport stamping
locations for Columbia County:
a. Motion by Bob O’Brion, seconded by Charles James that since the
Mercantile no longer has an Executive Director and is no longer
open at regular hours, that this stamping place be now located at
the Portage Lumber Do-It Center. The Portage Furniture Store
would remain as a stamping place. Motion carried.
Columbia County signage and billboard issues/regulations: Tabled
State Fair Plans: Andrew Nussbaum, Bob O’Brion, Carmen Griffith and
Donna Tabbutt will work at the state fair. CCVB is scheduled to work on
Monday and Saturday plus have a half-hour on the show stage. Bob has
excellent photographs of Johnny Depp in Columbus and these will be used
for those that correctly answer the trivia questions. Bob will be
reimbursed for the cost of his photos.
Portage Flea Market: Mary reported the attendance was very sparse. A
discussion was held on how this could be a more successful event.
Susie the Duck Day: As Donna was unable to attend the meeting, this
will be discussed at the September meeting.
August Car Cruise in Portage: Andrew distributed copies of the
advertisements promoting the cruise that will be held at the same time as
the Taste of Portage Portage Chamber of Commerce event. The vehicles
will leave from Market Square and travel 16 miles. The Portage Police
Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s Department are completely on
board but there may not be any “burn-out contests!”
Pardeeville Car Show: The show will be August 30. Drew and Carmen
will distribute literature.
New event in Portage – Carmen: Carmen is working on a “Concerts at
the Portage” program. Motion by Andrew, seconded by Mary that Carmen
Chair this Committee and continue with plans for this excellent program.
Recruitment for new board members: Mary brought both Gill and
Carolyn to the meeting and suggested Peggy Joyce also attend.
ANYTHING ELSE WE NEED TO ADDRESS: Andrew wrote a letter re
views of the CCVB on the Columbia County Sign Ordinance as directed by
CCVB members.
Adjourn: Motion by Bob, seconded by Mary that the meeting be
adjourned at 12:15 pm.
Next Meeting: September 5, 2008. Place to be announced.
Respectfully submitted
Nancy Elsing,
Secretary Pro Tem
APPROVED:
_______________________
Andrew Nussbaum, Chair