HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/30/2002 - JointI HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Joint
Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of April 30, 2002, which were approved by the City
Council on May 14, 2002.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 14th day of May 2002.
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Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
CORPUS CHRISTI CITY COUNCIL AND
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS
April 30, 2002 - 12:05 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Kelly
Brent Chesney
Javier Colmenero
Henry Garrett
Rex Kinnison
John Longoria*
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott*
City Staff Present
City Manager David R. Garcia
Deputy City Manager George Noe
City Secretary Armando Chapa
City Attorney James R. Bray Jr.
Recording Secretary Rachelle Parry
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Bert Quintanilla, Vice Chairman
Cristina Garza
Bill Morgan
Jody Patel
Dave Prewitt
Linda Routh
Tom Schmid
Berney Seal
Dan Viola
Lillian Riojas (Ex -Officio)
ABSENT
Brad Lomax, Board Chairman
Vangie Chapa
Bill Goin
Victor Gonzalez
Govind Nadkarni
John Trice
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Sixth Floor Conference Room of City Hall.
City Secretary Chapa checked the roll and verified that there were quorums of both the Council and
the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Mr. Quintanilla thanked the Council for the opportunity
to have these quarterly joint meetings.
Mr. Wayne Bennett, CEO of the CVB, stated that Mr. Lomax was called out of town. Mr.
Bennett said that many positive things have happened over the last several months, including
working with other entities such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He said they have been
increasing regional tourism efforts and focusing more on measurable results.
*Council Members Longoria and Scott arrived at approximately 12:08 p.m.
Mr. Kevin Latone, General Manager of the Omni Hotels in Corpus Christi and chairman of
the Hotel/Motel/Condominium Association, discussed how concrete information about the impact
of tourism can serve as a major economic development tool for Corpus Christi. He introduced Dr.
Jim Lee, associate professor of economics at Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC).
Dr. Lee explained that he, Dr. Patrick Crowley (also of TAMU-CC) and retired professor Dr.
Jim Jones are collaborating on a study about the economic impact of tourism in Corpus Christi. He
said the project is currently underway and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2002. Dr. Lee said
the tourism industry is closely tied to current developments in the downtown area, including the
Minutes - Joint Meeting
April 30, 2002 - Page 2
convention center expansion, new arena, and the marina bayfront area. He said the findings of the
study will provide a benchmark for city and community leaders to assess the potential impact of
those construction projects on tourism and the Corpus Christi economy.
Dr. Lee said they believe that each tourist dollar spent in Corpus Christi generates at least 80
cents in total regional output and at least 60 cents in household earnings. In addition, one job in the
tourism industry is expected to help create another half of one job in other industries. Responding
to Mayor Neal, Dr. Lee said the study focuses on Nueces and San Patricio counties, which
incorporates the important areas of Portland and Padre Island as well as the rest of those counties.
Mr. Bill Pettus, of Pettus Advertising, then discussed the CVB's marketing and advertising
efforts. He said they have fine-tuned the promotional video, which is being sent to travel writers and
tour operators to illustrate the many recreational activities available in the Corpus Christi area. Mr.
Pettus pointed out that Texas Monthly magazine featured a 10 -page article on this community and
an eight -page circular was sent out to 500,000 households. In addition, other collateral material is
planned, including information about the Beach to Bay event and a meeting planner guide, at no cost
to the CVB because of advertising sales. He also showed mock-ups of tourism posters that will be
produced. Mayor Neal suggested that the CVB get the Sister City Committee involved.
Mr. Bennett said CVB staff have met with the Air Service Task Force to discuss improved
air service to Corpus Christi, and Mr. Pettus said there are opportunities to place ads promoting this
city in other airports. Mr. Bennett noted that some of their marketing involves other destinations,
such as Port Aransas, which allows them to better leverage their advertising dollars.
Ms. Carol Dunton, CVB Public Relations Manager, described in detail improvements to the
CVB's web site, including changing the site's host and address (to www.corpuschristicvb.com) and
rebuilding the site engine. She said those and other changes have garnered exceptional results, such
as a 50% increase in visitors to the web site. Ms. Dunton also discussed the CVB's promotion of
ecotourism, specifically birding activities in the area.
Mayor Neal thanked the CVB staff and board members for their efforts. He also asked if they
have tried to capture the military reunions market, and Mr. Bennett replied that there is a CVB staff
member who concentrates on those events.
There being no other business, the Mayor adjourned the joint meeting at 1:00 p.m. on April
30, 2002.
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