July Minutes 2025
July 24, 2025
Board and Staff Member Attendance:
Present:
William Bisland – Chair
Margie Scoby – Vice Chair
Judy Smart
Joshua Ellender
Renee Murphy
Angela Portier
Bionca Carr
Celeste Landry
Cheri Blanchard
Staff:
Sondra Corbitt
Avril Duplantis
Meeting call to order: W. Bisland called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
Roll Call: Quorum was present.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: S Corbitt led the board in the Invocation, and C. Landry led the board in the Pledge.
Public to be Heard: No public to be heard.
Approval of June 2025 minutes: J. Ellender moved to approve the June 2025 minutes. Seconded by: C. Landry. Motion passed.
Approval of May 2025 Financials: The financial statements, including the budget to actual comparison for the general fund, for the month May 2025 Financials were presented by S. Corbitt. J. Smart moved to approve the May 2025 Financials. Second by: J. Ellender. Motion passed.
J. Ellender moved to add items to agenda for consequences and/or ramifications for grant applicants who do not submit their final documentation on time to amend the Houma Area Convention and Visitor Bureau grant applications. Seconded by: J. Smart. Motion Passed.
- J. Ellender moved to add verbiage to grant applications: If the completed final report is not submitted within the 30-day requirement, the final 25% of your awarded grant will be forfeited. Seconded by: J. Smart. Motion Passed.
- J. Ellender moved to add verbiage to grant applications: If the completed final report remains non-compliant for 60 days consecutive days after event, the applicant will be ineligible to apply for any of the Houma Area Convention and Visitors Bureau grant programs for a period of two years. Seconded by: C. Landry. Motion passed.
- J. Ellender motioned to put new grant amendments are effective August 1, 2025. Seconded by: C. Landry. Motion passed.
President/CEO’s Report: Maintenance Update, Louisiana Travel Advocacy, Regional Military Museum, The Bayou Pride Picnic, Rose Parade 2025, Sondra’s upcoming schedule, and Board Meeting Reminder.
Board Announcements:. J. Smart: Houma Fire Department set up a new museum. C. Landry: Starting in September Residence Plantation will host Murder Mystery Dinners. R. Murphy: Regional Museum will host open house August 9. C. Blanchard: Insurance commissioner will be at Ellendale on August 29th, Louisiana Shrimp Association has begun DNA testing on the authenticity of Louisiana seafood.
Adjournment: J. Ellender moved to end the meeting at 9:52 a.m. Seconded by: M. Scoby. Motion passed.
