Guests: Marjorie Beenders-TBMG, Dale Amick-TBMG, Steve Kappler-TBMG, Robert Smith-Missouri Division of Tourism, John Robinson-Chief of Staff-Lt. Governors Office, Gary Figgins-MTC, Donna Costellia-St. Charles CVB, Renee Graham-Columbia CVB, Myung-Ja Cho, Teresa Gilliam-Joplin CVB, Kim Thompson-St. Joseph CVB, Shari Thomas-Branson CVB, Diane Gillespie-Springfield CVB, Bill Patterson-MMG, Rob O'Keefe-MMG, Kim Helwig-MMG, Angela Lower-MMG, Susan Gowens-MMG, Scott Reeter-Mizzou Magazine, Ronda Mertens-Preprint Publishing and Benny Shepack-Baymont Inn, St. Charles.

Steve Powell called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m. The December 6, 2001, Board minutes were reviewed. Tracy Kimberlin moved for approval of the minutes with a second from Wayne Chappell. Motion carried.

Treasurers Report - Tracy Kimberlin distributed the current Treasurers Report. It was requested that the Treasurers Report be mailed with the minutes for those members unable to attend. Marci noted that the Treasurers Report as well as Minutes will be posted on the MACVB web site. Funding for the T.I.M.E. campaign was discussed. MACVB and MTC are sharing the cost of the campaign. Additional funding requests will be going to other organizations shortly including the Restaurant Association and individual MACVB members to help offset the cost of the campaign. After further discussion, Steve Powell moved to approve the Treasurers Report. Sam Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried.

It was suggested that New Business be discussed first for those members who needed to leave early. The group then discussed the progress our combined legislative initiative in order to get the Missouri Tourism budget restored.

Legislative Update with Marjorie Beenders - Beenders Marketing Group reported on the activities of the last two weeks. Lobbyists from Tri-County, the Attractions Association, the Missouri Travel Council and individual communities are working together to address the funding issue for the Division of Tourism. The meeting with the Governor was reviewed.

Many different strategies were suggested. It was agreed that major focus should be to secure the integrity of the Statute RSMo 620.467 which secures the funding for the Tourism Division. The following tactics were emphasized:

1) It was strongly emphasized that each CVB and Allied member should make individual legislative contacts immediately. Utilize your own attractions, sites, Chambers and other appropriate associates to encourage contact. We should always refer to the funding provided in Statute RSMo 620.467, and not House Bill 188. Forward information regarding your personal contact to the Beenders Marketing Group.

2) We should gain the opinion of the Attorney Generals' Office lawyers as to the legality of the Governor's actions ASAP. E.g. The right to withhold vs. the right to spend.

3) Contact should be made with the State Treasurer.

4) Information should be obtained as to other funds secured by State Statute that have been affected by unauthorized withholdings to pursue a combined effort in considering legal action.

5) Work should be concentrated on making impact with the Senate. The House is attempting to pass the budget to them, and gains are primarily possible in the Senate.

6) Groundwork should be completed for legal action but that appropriate timing is vital. Approval to actually file a suit could be attained through a specifically called Board meeting or through a conference call.

7) Work is going forward to file new legislation to change the wording in the Statute from "shall transfer" to "shall deposit".

Joel Pottinger made a motion for MACVB to formally pursue legal action against the governor for the budget cuts, noting that if the organization did not take a very firm move on this issue there is no reason for us to be working on it. Wayne Chappel was prepared to second the motion. Tracy suggested that we wait and find out what the informal attorney general's opinion is, request a formal opinion and then move forward. Randy Fiveash commented that there are many member organizations working on their own political issues at the state level and the filing of a lawsuit may hamper those efforts. Sherry Thomas noted that MACVB should be careful coming out as the first organization to challenge the governor's authority to make this type of cut. The motion did not receive a second, but will be revisited in the very near future.

Old Business:

Comparative CVB Financial Survey Status - CVB's not responding were listed. Their results must be returned to Marci within a week for us to be able to proceed.

MACVB Web Site - MACVB.net is nearly up and active. Members are encouraged to review the site and forward any changes or recommendations.

Annual Meeting, CDME Update - The Annual Meeting and CDME class will be combined. An elective course on Product Development will be held June 8th and 9th at a cost of $750. MACVB will be providing a $250 scholarship, per member bureau, for this course. This will be followed by the Annual Meeting beginning Sunday evening, June 9th through June 11th. Ronda Meertens with Pre-Print Publishing and Joe Donnelly will put together an Allied Member Committee. More information will follow.

Strategic Plan - Steve Powell moved to approve. Tracy Kimberlin seconded the motion. Lorah Steiner noted a concern about the MACVB serving as a clearing house for event funding applications to the Division of Tourism. She abstained from the vote. Motion Carried.

Director's Search - Applications are being accepted through March 1, 2002 and there has been no communication from the Chairman's office to the selection committee.

Governor's Conference - Discussion followed about the Governor's Conference on Tourism. With the proposed budget cuts, Bob Smith reported that the State would not have the staff or funds to develop the conference. Steve Powell made a motion that the MACVB take on the responsibility for the conference with a task force and rename it (e.g. Missouri Summit on Tourism). Sam Allen seconded the motion. Randy Fiveash will appoint a committee to begin the process and a meeting planner will need to be hired. There were a number of volunteers for the committee. Motion carried.

Other Business:

In looking at inevitable budget reductions, Tracy Kimberlin moved that MACVB submit a formal request to the Chairman of the Tourism Commission, Lou Hamilton, that MACVB have adequate representation on the budget adjustments committee, including changes to the Marketing Coop. Joel Pottinger seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Joel Pottinger reported that Terry Triplett with the Joplin CVB is retiring in April. Joel made a motion that MACVB provide a plaque for Terry in recognition of her significance to the organization and to the industry. Marci noted that Terry was one of the founders of our organization and has been instrumental in the growth of the industry over the past decade. The plaque is to be presented at the Annual Meeting. Beth Carmichael seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Faye Bleigh moved that the meeting be adjourned. Beth Carmichael seconded the motion. Motion carried. Adjournment at 12:30 p.m.