November Minutes 2024
Board and Staff Member Attendance
Present:
Josh Ellender – Chair via phone
William Bisland -Vice Chair
Margie Scoby- Secretary/Treasurer
Celeste Landry
Renee Murphy
Julie Falgout
Angela Portier
Judy Smart
Bionca Carr
Cheri Blanchard
Staff:
Sondra Corbitt
Meeting call to order: W. Bisland called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
Roll Call: Quorum was present.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: C. Landry led the board in the Invocation, and J. Smart led the board in the Pledge.
Public to be Heard: No public to be heard.
Welcome and Introductions of new board members: A. Portier and B. Carr.
Approval of the October 2024 Minutes: C. Landry moved to approve the October 2024 minutes. Seconded by: J. Smart. Motion passed.
Approval of the September 2024 Financials: The financial statements, including the budget to actual comparison for the general fund, for the month of September 2024 were presented by S. Corbitt. C. Blanchard moved to approve the September 2024 Financials. Seconded by J. Smart. Motion passed. Discussion: hotel updates, funding revenues, 2024 final budget, financial reporting, and orientation.
2025 Proposed Budget Message Approval: S. Corbitt provided an overview of the 2025 budget message. J. Falgout moved to approve the 2025 Budget Message. Seconded by: R. Murphy. Motion passed.
2025 Proposed Budget: S. Corbitt provided an overview of the 2025 budget. C. Landry moved to approve the 2025 proposed budget. Seconded by: A. Portier. Motion passed. Discussion: State CEA Dedication funding, cash on hand, digital internet advertising, future advertising initiatives, and calendar vs fiscal accounting year.
Sponsorship Application: 2025 Cast Iron Cookoff: S. Corbitt provided an overview of the application. Discussion: remaining sponsorship budget funding, Datafy, entrance fees, surveying guests, projected budget vs expenses, out-of-town guest ranges, volunteer efforts, and marketing initiatives. C. Landry made a motion to approve the application in the amount of $ 5,000.00. Seconded by: J. Falgout. M. Scoby offered a substitute motion to approve the application in the amount of $ 7,500.00. Discussion: Club fees such as food, drinks, supplies, etc. Substitute motion failed. The original motion of $ 5,000.00 passed. Abstained: W. Bisland. Against: M. Bisland.
Product Development Application: Finding our Roots. Corbitt provided an overview of the application. M. Scoby provided an overview of the project and wrapping of the tour bus. C. Blanchard made a motion to approve the application of $ 7,500.00. Seconded by: C. Landry. Motion passed. Abstained: M. Scoby. Discussion: tours, potential routes, passenger capacity, and potential start-up date.
2025 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule: Corbitt presented the 2025 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule. J. Smart moved to approve the 2025 meeting schedule. Seconded by: M. Scoby. Motion passed.
President/CEO Report: FEMA update, Tourism Award Luncheon, Staff Updates, AIANTA updates, and Sondra’s upcoming schedule.
Board Announcements: Regional Military Museum Open House Dec. 7th.
Adjournment: J. Smart moved to adjourn. Seconded by R. Murphy. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 a.m.
