TDC Agenda – Funding Sports Opportunities, Bed Tax Increase

On Wednesday September 24, the newly renamed Revenue Enhancement Committee will be meeting to discuss cooperative marketing opportunties, how to possibly fund sporting events privately and publicly, and possible Tourist Development Tax Increases. The Revenue Enhancement Committee was formaly known as the Bed Tax Committee.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, September 24 at 1pm in the Board Room at the Visitor Information Center.

Be sure to attend this public meeting. If you are unable to attend, be sure to subscribe to our Twitter page, as we’ll be providing live updates as to the decisions made.

AGENDA

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 1:00 p.m. Board Room, Visitor Information
Center

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV. CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME, Mr. Marty McDaniel, Chairman

V. REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VI. DISCUSSION OF KEY ELEMENTS OF PLAN REQUIRING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

VII. DISCUSSION OF OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE OR INCREASE REVENUES

A.    Cooperative Marketing Opportunities, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing
B.    Discussion of Collection Efforts, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist
C.    Discussion of Public/Private Funding Opportunities for Sporting Events/Venues, Mr. Richard Sanders, Director of Sports Marketing
D.    Discussion of Tourist Development Tax Increases, Mr. Doug Sale, Legal Counsel

VIII. DISCUSS NEXT STEPS

IX. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

X. ADJOURNMENT

Download the agenda.

Bike Week on Panama City Beach

Get your ears ready, because this weekend is going to be a loud one. Starting today, we’ll begin to see bikers from around the country roar in on a variety of types of motorcycles, but mostly Harleys. Some are quite, but most are very loud. At one point, I couldn’t stand the noise, or all the bikers swarming our little town, but having joined the ranks as a “rider”, it is a little easier for me to cope with. Of course, the huge impact it has on our tourism is a huge plus too!

I won’t mention the big name that is behind the event this weekend as they are threatening a lawsuit to everyone that uses their name without permission (if you know Kelly and The Healers, just ask Kelly), but I’m sure you will have no problem finding information about their venues as they’ve actually done a pretty good job circulating information and have a good web site.

I will say that I’m a part of a group that is running a promotion of the Bike Week called Tropic Thunder Events. We are working with venues and vendors that did not qualify to participate in the past with the other un-named promoter, and we are very proud to be part in this growing boost to our local tourism community.

There will be tons to do for locals and tourist, bikers and non-bikers alike. It will be a fun week and as usual, you can find updates as to what is happening here at pcbdaily all week long.

Don’t forget to join our Twitter page to get live updates as they happen!

Schooners Lobster Festival and Tournament

19th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament planned for Sept. 18, 19, 20 & 21st

Panama City Beach, FL – Schooners, The Last Local Beach Club, will host the 19th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament again this year! The event, which has grown to be the biggest 4 day Lobster Festival in Florida will be held on September 18, 19, 20 & 21. The first tournament was held in the fall of 1989; today, it draws divers and enthusiasts all over the country!

Divers will have the opportunity to compete in a variety of categories including Spiny Lobster, Big 6 and Shovelnose, with cash prizes totaling $5000.00. Weigh-ins will be from 3-8pm on Saturday and Noon-3pm on Sunday.

The Lobster Feast will begin at Noon on Sunday and spectators will get a chance to taste the catch for themselves! Fresh local lobster will be served grilled, fried, steamed, and chilled.
The final awards ceremony and the Huge Auction will begin Sunday at 4pm. Lobsters, incredible merchandise and unique packages donated by local businesses are up for bid.

Otherwise known as “Lobsterfest”, the Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament has experienced changes over the years. Ten years ago, a family oriented Sand Sculpting Contest was added to the menu. This year, Sand sculptors Suzanne Altmare and Meredith Corson of Sanding Ovations return to WOW the crowds with their spectacular sculptures. Between the two of them, they have won or placed in every major competition in the country. Troy Syfrett and the Nashville Mafia, The Eric Heatherly Band and Stainless Steel will entertain the crowds with their own special brand of great dance music.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Florida Aquatic & Marine Institute (FAMI) and the Children’s Home Society of Florida

“This event will provide much needed help to the Children’s Home Society, a program that works to develop, restore and strengthen families. They help loving people become parents through their adoption and foster care programs. They enable families to stay together through their child abuse prevention programs. Along with helping FAMI who’s three main purposes are: Habitat development, fisheries research and environmental education for elementary education for elementary age children.”

TDC Agenda – Marketing Committee Meeting

Well, this will be the first meeting for the new marketing committee, and it’s sure to be a fun one! Looks like they’ll be talking about Responsibilities and Procedures, and The Sunshine Law. Can’t wait.

We’ll also be going over the marketing plan and hear from the YPartnership team. See ya there!

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AGENDA

MARKETING COMMITTEE MEETING
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 1:00 p.m. Board Room, Visitor Information
Center

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV. CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME, Mr. Buddy Wilkes, Chairman

V. EXPLANATION OF MARKETING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLITIES AND PROPER PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO THE SUNSHINE LAW, Mr. Doug Sale, Legal Counsel, and Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VI. INTRODUCTIONS, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing

VII. OVERVIEW OF MARKETING PLAN, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing, Mr. Dan Rowe, President, and YPartnership Team

VIII. PROMOTIONS/MIXED MEDIA/INTERACTIVE STRATEGIES, YPartnership Team

IX. DEVELOP TACTICS FOR SPECIFIC CAMPAIGNS

X. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Click here to download the agenda.

TDC Needs New Formula for Special Events

Special events at the beach are wonderful for Bay County. The biggest events, Spring Break and Thunder Beach, drive huge amounts of tourists to Panama City Beach.

Smaller events bring in good revenue for the bed tax collectors (and beneficiaries), such as the Ironman and Gulf Coast Triathlons, Emerald Coast Cruizin’ car show, and hopefully, the new Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine, & Music Festival.

There are a few other small events, but we need many more small and large in order for the tourism economy to thrive year-round. It is — and should be — a top priority for the TDC/CVB to enable and promote special events.

But with special events come special interests, and special interests have no place in our government spending decisions.

Therefore, in order for the TDC to be fair to all event planners, promoters, the bed tax collectors (and beneficiaries), and the citizens of Bay County, they must avoid any conflict of special interests.

Here are a few ways to make this happen:

1. Put bed tax dollars into infrastructure that holds special events, such as stages, fairgrounds, parking lots, ball fields and other outdoor venues. Make it a great place for a promoter to put on an event and succeed.

2. Provide additional support for safety and trash-control during events.

3. Maintain infrastructure.

4. Instead of paying to promote events to tourists, promote Panama City Beach to potential event promoters.

5. Provide marketing research staff to survey event attendees. This tells the individual businesses which events bring what tourists, and helps them do their own marketing/advertising/event sponsorships accordingly.

6. Provide Public Relations support and website exposure for all events.

There! Good! No complaints from anyone.

Hopefully bed tax collectors will agree there needs to be a new policy. But whether you do or not, here are some clear examples of what has happened recently to prove why it is unwise for the TDC to put funding into promoters’ pockets.

1. There is a process in place that a promoter must go through to be considered for TDC event funding. As pointed out in recent PCBDaily.com articles, that policy has not been followed. Therefore, it’s unfair to some, very fair to others and no fair to the rest of us.

2. The promoters are sometimes more shifty than thrifty. Some claim they don’t need TDC money, then get it anyway. Some disappear. Some make promises they have no intention of keeping. It’s no fun watching – or participating in – a government body that must make spending decisions on people / events that really do not have to be accountable.

3. Events can fail. The Circus by the Sea proposal was unique in that they approached the TDC for a $100K “loan” that would be paid back upon success. Most everyone on the TDC and in the business community, including myself, was certain the circus would be a success. Unfortunately it was not. That money is gone, unless the Circus by the Sea miraculously figures out how to market its event and fill its tent. We would have been better off buying 100,000 Lotto tickets.

Hey… Lotto Tickets with Bed Tax Dollars! Not a bad idea compared to the way Special Event money has been handed out lately.

Powerboats to Shred Panama City Beach

We asked for cool events, and we’re getting them. Actually, this has been here before, and I (for some reason) was unable to make it. I’ll be there this year, giving you as much coverage as possible. This is one of the things that makes our area SWEET! Who doesn’t like ridiculous power mated with lightweight boats that sometimes fly out of the water traveling 200 mph? Press release below:

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (September 16, 2008) – The tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico make way for high-speed adventure for the nation’s largest powerboat race. Catch the 2008 Super Boat National and Florida Championship Race, Fri., Oct. 3 – Sun., Oct. 5, in Panama City Beach, Fla. You’ll see the biggest, fastest powerboats and top drivers in the U.S. race to claim the National Championship title.

This premier super boat event draws the 23 leading teams across the country for a six-mile race through emerald-green seas at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. With boat parades, awards, parties and more, it’s an action-packed weekend for the entire family.

The Super Boat National and Florida Championship Race is the culmination of the Super Boat Grand Prix national series. Winning teams will compete for the international title in the Super Boat World Championships, Nov. 2 – 9, 2008, in Key West, Fla.

The Super Boat Grand Prix is sanctioned by Super Boat International Productions, Inc., as the leading series in the extreme sport of professional powerboat racing. Now in its 18th year, the Grand Prix attracts top-ranking competitors and enthusiasts across the country for 10 events along America’s East Coast, from Miami Beach to the Hudson River.

In Panama City Beach, the National and Florida Championship Race promises to get the heart pumping during three days of high-speed fun (see schedule below for days, times and locations). Land lovers will enjoy plenty of onshore action. Take an up-close look at some of the world’s fastest and largest powerboats, and meet their owners and racing teams in the Dry Pit Area of the Race Village, located in Pier Park on Front Beach Road in the center of town. The Mayor’s Welcome Party kicks off the event festivities, Fri. 7:00 p.m. On Sunday, all competition boats will begin the entry into the water starting at 11:00 a.m. from the marina at Marina Landing Condominiums on the northwest side of St. Andrews Bay and cruises out to the Gulf of Mexico.

On Sunday, spectators line the pristine shoreline of Panama City Beach for prime viewing of the main racing events, starting at 12:00 noon. Competitors will maneuver the six-mile rectangular Official Offshore Race Course between the Dan Russell City Pier and the M.B. Miller County Pier. During the event, the 50-foot Super Boats slice across the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, propelled by up to four engines that allow them to reach speeds upwards of 200 miles per hour in less than a minute. The winners of each race will go on to compete for the international title in the world’s largest powerboat race, the 2007 World Championship Race.

The 2008 Super Boat National and Florida Championship Race event is presented by the Bay Area Sports Association, Inc. (BASA). A collaboration of local community and corporate partnerships, the not-for-profit organization was established to encourage, support and promote recreational, amateur, Olympic and professional sports activities within the Greater Panama City area. BASA also supports charitable initiatives through local events to raise funds for youth sports in Bay County. In line with this mission, participating Panama City Beach restaurants will donate ten percent of all food and beverage sales on Sunday’s Race Day to the association.

A full schedule of Super Boat National and Florida Championship Race activities can be found online at http://www.superboat.com and as listed below:

Panama City Beach Event Schedule
Friday, October 3, 2008
• 9:00am – 5:00pm – Registration/Information at Race Village, Pier Park East
• 7:00pm – Mayor’s Welcome Party at Sharky’s Seafood Restaurant, Front Beach Road

Saturday, October 4, 2008
• 9:00am – Mandatory Drivers’ Meeting at Pier Park East
• 10:00am – 5:00pm – Registration/Information at Race Village, Pier Park East
• 9:00am – 5:00pm – Dry Pits at Pier Park East
• 10:00am – 5:00pm – Testing & Launching, location TBA
• 10:00am – 5:00pm – Practice runs on official offshore course, Front Beach Road between County Pier and City Pier
• 7:00pm – 9:00pm – Racers’ Party at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant, Pier Park

Sunday, October 5, 2008
• 7:30am – 8:30am – Physicals: Pier Park East
• 8:00am – 5:00pm – Launching/ Recovery, location TBA
• 9:00am – Mandatory Drivers’ Meeting at Pier Park East
• 10:00am – Pilots Briefing at Panama City – Bay County International Airport
• 11:00am – Wet Pits. All boats will enter the water at Marina Landing Condominiums on Northwest side of Hathaway Bridge/U.S. Hwy 98, St. Andrews Bay.
• 12:00pm – Start of Race, start and finish line at Sharky’s Seafood Restaurant, Front Beach Road
• 5:00pm – Awards Ceremony at Sharky’s Seafood Restaurant, Front Beach Road

Grand Lagoon National Cancelled for this year

Well, I hope this is not a sign for times to come for Bill Spann and his new fishing tournament, the Grand Lagoon National. The first year out of the hole the competition was postponed, postponed again, and now totally cancelled all together.

Regardless of what some told me, I truly thought it was to be a good addition to this years Panama City Beach festivities. With Spann’s experience, and after a couple of conversations with him, it was very apparent that this was not his first rodeo. He has been doing this very type of event for years, and has always put on a good show.

This year, so far, has certainly not been without peril, with regards to the weather. With 6 tropical storms and/or hurricanes to have come into our Gulf waters this hurricane season, planning anything for our area is challenging at best. Jack Bishop remarked at the last TDC meeting that it is always risky planning event during this time of year. The last couple years have been very calm, but this year has been very active. We can only speculate what is to come next year.

So at this point, what comes of the $50,000 the TDC gave The Grand Lagoon National to help it “get off the ground”? That money was to be an “investment” that had some promise of return with a potential of profit. I’m sure that money has been spent as some festivities did take place, but no revenue was generated through registration fees. Does the TDC stand to recover that money next year? Will the Grand Lagoon National receive $50,000 next year as allocated in the FY2008-2009 budget?

Pier Park Gearing up for Winter

Talking with Felecia Cook, Pier Park’s marketing director, a few weeks ago, I had inquired as to what they were doing to keep ‘the park’ active during the off-season. “We have tons of stuff planned, we will be very active all winter.”

Below is the schedule of events so far planned.

2008- 2009 COMMUNITY EVENT PLAN:

September

Sept. 20th- Tiles in the Park- Over 300 tiles will be installed in the C building area from local children who painted them with the Visual Arts Center and the Boys and Girls Club
Sept. 20th – Fire Flies and Kites in the Park- an art activity creating Fire Flies and kites for children with the Visual Arts Center
Sept. 24th through 28th- Thunder Beach- Pier Park to host bike show on property
All Month- Comcast Presents On-stage at Pier Park- Local singing, acting, instrumentals, dancing groups to perform at Pier Park

October

All Month- Oktoberfest at Pier Park – A fall celebration for families, hosted by Hofbrau Beer Garden
Oct. 3rd- Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Hanging- Ribbon Celebration in combination with Vera Bradley and Irene & Co. we will be hanging large pink bows on the palm trees in the promo area and Irene & Co. will add ribbons purchased by those donating to the fund.
Breast Cancer Awareness to be celebrated all month
Oct. 3rd, 4th & 5th- Super Boat National Championship Boat Show- Power boats parked for display on our property
Oct. 4th- Bay Medical Sweeny Todd Blood Drive- Mobile blood center set up for donations in front of Blender Clothing/ Radio remote from Wave 100
Oct. 4th- Jelly Bean Mobile- Candymaker to host the Jelly Bean Mobile on property for kids
Oct. 10th, 11th, & 12th- Seafood, Wine and Jazz Festival at Frank Brown Park- A highlight of the fall season, showcasing arts, crafts, local restaurants, and regionally and nationally renowned musicians performing on two stages during three days, 28th Annual.
Oct. 11th – Emerald Coast Triathlon- Pier Park property will be involved.
Oct. 17th- Heart Walk- Charity walk through Pier Park for the American Heart Association
Oct. 18th- Girls Inc. Half Marathon- Charity marathon beginning and ending at Pier Park
Oct. 25th – Kids Festival- Stories, crafts and games for children
Oct. 31st- Malloween – Pier Park fall activities such as, costume competitions, crafts, and more.

November

Nov. 1st- Ironman Florida Triathlon- Pier Park Property will be involved
Nov. 3rd through 8th- Emerald Coast Cruzin – Classic Cars and the 35th Anniversary of American Graffiti. America Graffiti cast members, parade of cars, car competitions, “50’s Dress Up night, and more. Parade to be held through Pier Park on Wednesday Nov. 5th
Nov. 7th- Taste of the Beach – A multi-regional initiative spear-headed by Coastal Vision 3000 to promote this region and brand it as “The Beach”. Pier Park will represent Bay County by hosting one of the four “Taste of the Beach” events planned to promote this new initiative.
Nov. 14th, 15th & 16th- Madonnari – Italian street painting festival hosted by the Visual Arts Center
Nov. 28- Black Friday– Stores open at 5am for the busiest shopping day of the year
All Month- Food Drive- this will be done to benefit a local food bank

December (Dates to be determined)

Holiday Concert Series – All public and private schools, child centers, and churches will be invited to come to Pier Park to sing/ play their holiday cheer.
Tree Lighting Ceremony- Pier Park will become the “downtown” of PCB and all holiday activities.
Christmas at the Beach Parade- Pier Park Drive will be the focal point of the Holiday Season.
Santa at the Beach Photos- Family tradition restored to the beach by inviting Santa and his reindeer to join us at Pier Park.
Santa at the Beach Pet Photos- Family tradition restored to the beach by inviting Santa and his reindeer to join us at Pier Park and introduce him to your special family members.
Toy Drive- this will be done to benefit a local charity group for bay county.
New Year’s Eve Beach Bash- This will be the first of an annual tradition here at Pier Park.

Bike Week on Panama City Beach

Many of you know already, but some friends of mine started a full-fledged events planning company and invited me along. Tropic Thunder Events consists of experts from many fields combined with one love – to boost tourism in Panama City Beach by providing awesome things to do.

With myriad events in the works including a classic car show, classic car auction, BBQ Cook-Off and a motorcycle event that will happen in 2 short weeks, we are looking forward to doing our part to boost tourism on Panama City Beach.

Ok, so about the Bike Week. Others in the area have done a phenomenal job in the past of bringing tens of thousands of people to the beach during some of the slowest weekends of the season. Tropic Thunder Events’ goal is to help encourage even more people to come to the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches on some of these slow weekends by hosting events that will attract people to our area. Bike Week has traditionally been one of those events. This year, Tropic Thunder Events introduces its own Bike Week during the week of September 25-28. With the addition of five Unofficial Tropic Thunder Events Venues including Club La Vela, Mellow Mushroom, Dirty Dicks Crab House, and all of the Ms. Newby’s locations, the biker party is sure to be enormous. With our increased marketing efforts, this year’s Bike Week will be the biggest Panama City Beach has ever seen.

Click here for a schedule of events at all our venues!

In October, Tropic Thunder will host the Southeastern BBQ Fest Cook-Off Competition. This will be a professionally sanctioned and judged event of the Florida Barbecue Association. This event is one of only 18 annual competitions sanctioned by the Florida Barbeque Association in the USA. The event will take place at Frank Brown Park on October 24-26, 2008.

Tropic Thunder Events has teamed up with the Emerald Coast Cruizin group to bring the second annual Big Boys Toys Classic Car Auction at Frank Brown Park. The auction will be the same weekend as the colossal Emerald Coast Cruizin Classic Car Show, that Tropic Thunder, of course, will also be promoting. The 2007 Car Auction was a huge success with hundreds of cars sold and thousands in attendance.

Emerald Coast Cruizin’s Classic Car Show, to take place at Frank Brown Park, will feature thousands of classic hot rods from all over the US and Canada. With over 100 top-name vendors, there is sure to be plenty to see and buy. Scheduled is a 30 mile “Beach Cruise”, events ranging from live music to a parade, and much, much more. For details, visit www.EmeraldCoastCruizin.com.

For more information about Tropic Thunder Events, visit www.TropicThunderEvents.com. Also, if you are a vendor, we still have vendor positions available, give us a call at 877-448-7674 to secure your position!

Oh yea, and the legalese, in case you haven’t figured this out yet:

Tropic Thunder Events, Inc. is not affiliated in any way with Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally.

Dude, a Bay County Poker Run

Bay County to host Poker Run

Bay County employees will host a Poker Run Saturday, Sept. 13 to benefit the county’s Habitat for Humanity project.

While a healthy turnout of motorcyclists is anticipated, all vehicles are welcome in an event that will lead participants on a trek to sites throughout the county. At each site, the rider collects a card until a five-card hand is gathered.

Registration for the Poker Run starts at 9 a.m. at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stops along the way include Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grille in Panama City, Ruby Rumrunners at Mexico Beach, Granny’s Hideaway in Wewahitchka, and the event ends with live music, games, food and prizes at H.G. Harders Recreation Complex.

The cost is $10 per rider and additional hands cost $5. Players can purchase a redraw for $5.

For more information, please call Valerie Lovett at 784-6198.