April 2024 Board Meeting Minutes and Recordings

The audio recordings and the director's presentation of the April 2024 Board Meeting can be accessed here:

April 2024 Board Meeting Recording 1.mp3

April 2024 Board Meeting Recording 2.mp3

April 2024 Directors Report Presentation

SIR Presentation on Defining Priorities for Tourism Master Plan

Please find the meeting minutes below:
Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Board of Directors Meeting
April 22, 2024 – 2:00 p.m.
CitySpace Downtown

PRESENT: Cecil Banks, Russ Cronberg, Chris Engel, Emily Kilroy, Bea LaPisto-Kirtley, Jaruchan Palakawongs, Jay Pun, Danny Shea, Brad Uhl, John Wharton

ABSENT: Francois Abadie, Rebecca Ivins, Jennifer Lyon, Juandiego Wade

ALSO ATTENDING: Courtney Cacatian, Lauren Bohdan, Rachel Yost, Becky Chipman, Andre Xavier

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Bea LaPisto-Kirtley called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m.

a. Roll Call: Roll was conducted by the Destination Development Manager.

b. Industry Presentation: Bea invited Andre Xavier of Cville Travel and Cville Hop On Tours to speak on his business offerings and logistics of his operations. He noted how Route 231 has been received as well as the challenges of finding a qualified workforce.

c. Consent Agenda: Bea asked for input on the consent agenda including previous meeting's minutes, financial statement, and FY2025 Budget. A motion was made to approve. The motion was passed, all items were approved and the consent agenda was passed.

d. Director's Report and SIR Presentation on Defining Priorities: Courtney invited Rachel Yost from SIR to speak and present on defining priorities for the Tourism Master Plan. An example was provided of the Richmond Regional Tourism Master Plan highlighting areas of focus. Courtney laid out current and potential roles and definitions for the CACVB as well. Rachel proposed a questions for board members to discuss to further define the priorities as it pertains to the Tourism Master Plan. What are the overarching goals for tourism over the next 20 years? Board members embarked on a lengthy discussion to provide more input on this question.

e. Board Breakout Discussion on three specific categories: Transportation, Conference Center, and Midweek Business: The board members were broken up into groups to discuss these categories and what they saw the future of category consisting of. Members of the public in attendance were invited to join in on the discussion.

f. Report Outs: Single members from each group reported out on the discussions that had taken place. Bea spoke on Transportation, highlighting increased capacity at CHO, the local airport, to allow for more visitors to make their way to the area via air, as well as increase the appeal of the area as a destination for weddings. She also spoke on the possibility of a rail connection to Rivanna Station Futures as well as the expansion of MicroCat program. Chris spoke on the potential Conference Center, noting the importance on making a decision on whether to pursue or not. He highlighted the possibility of a partnership with a private hotelier, as well as the need for a dedicated source of funding. He also highlighted consequences of a new Conference Center including increased competition for existing stays. If this is to happen, this group would have to be the one leading the conversation. Russ spoke on Midweek Business and the attempt to determine new or underserved streams of business, as well as how to promote economic growth of tourism-related businesses that bring visitors to the area. Action items include updating the feasibility study, determining the funding strategy, increased intentional marking directed at midweek visitation, and the possible creation of incentives.

g. Public Comment: No Public Comment.

h. Board Announcements: Jaruchan (Jip) shared information on the Very Asian VA Celebration on May 3rd at the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative and on May 10th at Ting Pavilion. The events will be a community celebration centering around Asian American artists, wine enthusiasts, and more, and will also include live music at Fridays After Five from Afro Asia. More information can be found at the Very Asian VA website and social media platforms.

Chair Bea LaPisto-Kirtley adjourned the meeting at 3:56 p.m.