Tag: Tourism

TDC Meeting Agenda – Beach Renourishment, PCB Fest and More.

Up for discussion and approval will be the funding for the Panama City Beach Renourishment Engineering and Modeling Report, Consider for Approval Panama City Beach Turtle Watch Program Description and Budget for 2009, and an update on the Panama City Beach Seafood, Music and Wine Festival.  I assume they’ll be talking about this year and what’s planned for next year.

The full agenda is below, or you can download the pdf.

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Monday, January 12, 2009                    1:00 p.m.        Council Room, PCB City Hall

I.    CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.    ROLL CALL

A.    Invocation
B.    Pledge of Allegiance
C.    Approve Minutes From the December 9, 2008 Meeting

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

IV.    UPDATE ON BED TAX COLLECTIONS, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist

V.    ELECTION OF OFFICERS

A.    Chairman of the Board
B.    Vice Chairman of the Board
C.    Secretary/Treasurer of the Board

VI.    BOARD ACTION ITEMS

A.    Discuss and Consider for Approval CVB/TDC Financial Statements Dated September 30, 2008, and October 31, 2008, Mr. Dan Rowe, President
B.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Scope of Work and Fee Proposal for Panama City Beach Renourishment Engineering and Modeling Report, Coastal Planning & Engineering, Mrs. Lisa Armbruster, Sustainable Beaches, LLC
C.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Panama City Beach Turtle Watch Program Description and Budget for 2009, St. Andrew Bay Resource Management Association, Mrs. Lisa Armbruster, Sustainable Beaches, LLC
D.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Coastal Planning & Engineering Invoice #81242 and Invoice #81243, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VII.    BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.    Update on the 2008 Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival, Mr. Jack Bishop, Eventertainment, LLC
B.    Update on Marketing Activities, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing

VIII.    PRESIDENT’S REPORT

IX.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

X.    ADJOURNMENT

Valentines Specials on Panama City Beach

Couples Can Enjoy Intimate Escapes to the Shore with Special Romance Packages

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 29, 2008) – Panama City Beach makes it easy to whisk away your loved one this Valentine’s Day with special savings on accommodations and a variety of romance packages.

Spend a romantic weekend on the award-winning beaches that have made this Northwest Florida destination famous.  Valentine’s Day packages include everything needed for a perfect evening of romance, from champagne and keepsake glasses to flowers, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more.

Couples will find a variety of heartfelt and fun activities to enjoy.  Visit ZooWorld to see celebrity power couple Tonda, the orangutan, and her feline friend, T.K. short for “Tonda’s Kitty.”  Recently featured on Animal Planet as one of the world’s oddest animal couples, this devoted duo is sure to melt your heart.  Adding to the fun, Panama City Beach’s annual Mardi-Gras Parade takes place, Feb. 14.  Couples can celebrate the glamour and pageantry of this age-old tradition.

Panama City Beach doesn’t fall short when it comes to classic romance.  With the destination’s 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches lapping clear emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, couples will have no trouble finding secluded stretches for tranquil strolls and amazing sunsets.  They also can spend their days at the spa, go kayaking, take nature hikes, enjoy sunset sails, and savor romantic dinners at a myriad of fine-dining venues.

From intimate beach cottages to luxurious high-rise condominiums, Panama City Beach offers a variety of accommodations with heartwarming deals like these below:

  • For Valentine’s Day, BY THE SEAS RESORTS introduces the Sea of Love package starting at $89 per couple per night.  Package provides gulf-front accommodations, free continental breakfast and a beaded wire basket filled with a bottle of champagne, souvenir champagne flutes, long-stemmed seashell rose and ocean mist-scented sea salts for the bath. Guests can choose from posh penthouse or Jacuzzi suites.
    • Located in the heart of Panama City Beach, BY THE SEA RESORTS offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms and one and two-bedroom suites with fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.  Amenities include heated gulf-front pools, free continental breakfasts, free airport shuttle service, game room and more.  Call toll-free 888-627-0625 or visit http://www.bythesearesorts.com
  • Shores of Panama presents a Valentine’s Weekend Package at just $500 per couple.  The package includes a two-night stay in a one-bedroom condo with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, couples Swedish massage at the property’s spa, $50 certificate for dinner at nearby Boatyard or Schooners restaurants, chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine.  Unlimited access to the indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center is included.  All applicable taxes are included in the package price. Couples can choose to upgrade to a Hot Stone Massage for just $25 per person. Valid Feb. 12 – 16.
    • Accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom suites. The 23-story Shores of Panama boasts a spectacular grand lagoon pool surrounded by a 13,900 square-foot deck in addition to a heated indoor pool. Guests enjoy health club with fitness equipment, spa and sauna; high-speed Internet access; and more.  For more information and reservations call 1-877-808-4323 or visit http://www.ShoresofPanamaCityBeach.com
  • The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort gives couples the opportunity to get away on Valentine’s Days or any day during the month of February. Starting at just $129 per night this offer includes gulf-front accommodations, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne, late checkout and breakfast for two on property at The View Restaurant. Additional nightly rates start at $89. Valid Feb. 1 – 28, 2009. The hotel offers a Tropical Lagoon Pool with cascading waterfall and hot tub, new SunSet martini lounge, three restaurants and a fitness center.  Call 1-800-633-0266 or visit http://www.hipcbeach.com for reservations and information.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites presents a Sweetheart Deal at just $269 per couple. This offer includes extended king room for two nights, a dozen roses, bottle of wine or champagne, gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries and complimentary movie. Taxes not included.
    • The La Quinta Inn & Suites is located in the heart of Panama City Beach’s shopping, dining, and recreation scene. Enjoy modern amenities such as free WiFi, a free Bright Side BreakfastTM, fitness center and heated outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi. For more information, call 1-800-531-5900 or visit http://www.laquintapcb.com
  • The Driftwood Lodge and Osprey on the Gulf are offering a Romance Package that includes a three-night stay and special champagne package with champagne, complimentary champagne glasses and chocolates for $225.00 based on double occupancy.  Taxes not included. Offer is valid throughout Feb. 2009.  Reference code “HART” when booking.
    • The Driftwood Lodge offers gulf-front accommodations, heated pool and sun deck, courtyard and picnic area. For more information call 1-800-442-6601 or visit http://www.driftwoodpcb.com.
    • Osprey on the Gulf offers spacious units and suites, full kitchens and private balconies with Gulf views.  Amenities include heated pool, sundeck, toddler playground and picnic area, as well as children’s activities, cookouts and sandcastle competitions. For more information, call 1-800-338-2659 or visit http://www.ospreyonthegulf.com
  • The Inn at St Thomas Square has special rates on accommodations for the Valentine’s Day Weekend starting at just $174 for two nights for an efficiency unit. Rates include all taxes and fees. Offer valid Feb. 13 and 14. Located along Grand Lagoon, The Inn at St. Thomas Square houses studio and efficiency rooms, as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and washer/dryer.  Visit http://www.basicmgt.com or call 800-874-8600 for reservations and information.
  • Top of The Gulf beckons with special rates on accommodations for the Valentine’s Day Weekend starting at just $159 for two nights for an efficiency unit. Rates include all taxes and fees. Offer valid Feb. 13 and 14. Guests enjoy easy beach access and central location with restaurants, entertainment, shopping and golf minutes away.  Each condominium is a spacious, 440 square feet with fully equipped kitchen, dining area, bath and walk-in closet.  Visit http://www.basicmgt.com or call 800-874-8600 for reservations and information.
  • Spend two nights at the Pinnacle Port, and receive a gift certificate for a romantic dinner for two. Valid for Valentine’s Weekend either Feb 13 – 15 or Feb. 14 – 16. Use code “VAL” when booking. The resort provides a secluded getaway with private beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations range from one-, two-, and three-bedroom town homes or mid-rise units.  Call 1-800-874-8823 or visit http://www.pinnacleportrentals.com for more information and reservations.
  • For Valentine’s Day, Vacation Resorts International invites with 25 percent off the regular room rate at each of its Panama City Beach properties.  Discounted rates start at $94 per night for a one-bedroom townhouse at the Landmark Holiday Beach Resort and $56 per night for an oceanfront efficiency at the Panama City Resort & Club. Minimum three-night stay required.  Taxes not included. Offer valid Feb. 13 – 16.
    • Centrally located to area attractions, Panama City Resort & Club offers quick beach access, outdoor pool and spa. The Landmark Holiday Beach Resort provides guests with gulf-front accommodations with full kitchens and washer/dryers. Facilities include indoor heated pool, sauna, tennis courts and more. Visit http://www.8664myvacation.com for more information.
  • Country Inn & Suites has a special Valentine’s Day rate of $69.99 per night for Jacuzzi Rooms and King Suites. The cozy, country-style property provides rooms with complimentary high-speed Internet access, 32-inch LCD TV, micro-fridge and more.  Facilities include pool, fitness center, sauna and on-site laundry.  There is also a Read it & Return® lending library.  Call 850-249-4747 for more information.

Strategic Planning Session for new Panama City Beach web site

The Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Tourist Development Council has retained the services of Jennifer Barbee Inc. to build the new VisitPanamaCityBeach.com web site.  Thursday, January 8th from 1 to 3 pm a public meeting will be held at the Bay Point Marriott with representatives from JB Inc. and YPartnership to solicit public input.

I’ve added this to the calendar in the sidebar.

You can be sure I’ll be there.

TDC to Discuss Bed Tax Increase on Wednesday – Agenda

Wednesday, the Tourist Development Council will discuss the possible bed tax increase.  

The TDC will hear a presentation from Marty McDaniel, the chairman of the Revenue Enhancement Committee and Peter Yesawich from YPartnerhship. 

Related articles: 

You can download the agenda here, or view it below:

 

Special Called Meeting

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING

Bay County Tourist Development Council

Panama City Beach Convention &Visitors Bureau, Inc.

Panama City Beach

Wednesday, December 17, 2008                         1:00 p.m.               Council Room, PCB City Hall

I.               CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.              ROLL CALL

A.    Invocation

B.    Pledge of Allegiance

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

IV.            PRESENTATIONS

 

A.    Presentation of the Recommendations from the Revenue Enhancement Committee, Mr. Marty McDaniel, Chairman, Revenue Enhancement Committee

1.     Presentation of the Trends and Status of Destination Marketing, Mr. Peter Yesawich, YPartnership

2.     Presentation of Capital Projects, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

B.    Presentation by Mexico Beach Community Development Council, Mrs. Lynn Marshall, President

V.             BOARD DISCUSSION

VI.            AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

VII.          BOARD ACTION

VIII.         ADJOURNMENT

TDC Meeting – Klages, Sea Oats, JBInc, New Board

Bed tax numbers were reported to be up for October, but no percentages or numbers were provided.

Lisa Armbruster presented the preliminary plans for the Sea Oat Planting and Sand Fencing project and encouraged public comment.  The goal is to implement this plan next year after turtle nesting season, and Lisa advised that the funding is already in place.

After a presentation from Walter Klages that emphasized a need to increase international visibility, the board voted to follow staff’s recomendation and approve the contract for the current year including the extra money to start doing occupancy and rate studies.

The board voted to approve the Memo of Understanding with Jennifer Barbee Inc. under the assumption that they could renogotiate the stipulation requiring 1/3 of the budget to be deposited in advance with her firm.  The board agreed they would like no more than 1/6 of the budget to be deposited in advance with JBInc.  It was discussed that Jennifer Barbee Inc has been working on the new spring break site even without a contract.  Andy expressed his concern that $95k was too much for a web site, but the board seemed to disagree.

New officers will be chosen in January and another 6 months was added to all the board member’s term.  Originally, the 2 year appointments were to end in June 2009, but now they will end in January 2010.  I though this was a decision to be made by the County Commission/PCB City Council. ??

The New Year’s Even Ball Drop being held at Pier Park is sponsored by the CVB and will include an 8 foot ball dropped 145 feet from a crane.  Board members are unsure whether, at this point, it will be allowed to smash into the ground on top of a car.

Oh, and don’t forget the special meeting called on the Bed Tax issue on the 17th of December.  I’ll add it to the calendar on the side.

The Fall is Over, so how did the White Sale go?

I suppose it has been quite some time since I’ve shared a highly opinionated piece on how we market our area.  Maybe too much criticism, or maybe I’ve been really busy, but nevertheless here we go.

Right to the point.

The Extended White Sale, as it has been dubbed was an extension of the “Wildly Successful” Summer White Sale.  It was decided that the Summer White Sale had gone so amazingly well, that it was prudent to extend the promotions into the fall, so people could download coupons to Shipwreck Island Waterpark that actually closed first week in September.  Please note the sarcasm.

The numbers.

It total, the entire campaign saw 95,780 visits on http://www.pcbwhitesale.com (now forwarded to visitpanamacitybeach.com) and 23,890 total coupon downloads.  The entire cost rang in at a whopping $575,000.  That’s right, the comma IS in the right place.  Looking at previously reported numbers, that would leave 15,718 visits and 3,945 coupon downloads for the Extended White Sale.  The extension cost $80,000.

I would really love to see a breakdown of what cost what – I’m wondering how the bill got up to almost $600k.

So, with the total coupon downloads being at 23,890 and a total cost of $575,000, the TDC paid $24 per coupon download.  The TDC paid 24 dollars per coupon downloaded.

I have an interesting question:  How far would the businesses get if THEY were given $24 for every coupon of theirs downloaded?  Just curious how you think they would have fared had they been given that money, instead of a creative agency.  They could do with it whatever they please – keep it on the books, use it for advertising, use it to subsidize lower rates for everyone that comes in their doors, whatever.

I mean, what if Shipwreck Island was to use that money to subsidize entrance fees giving the first random/unannounced number of people each day Monday – Wednesday (or whatever notoriously slow part of the week during the summer) 50% off all summer long.  Imagine the lines of people that would be at the front gates in the morning and all the people that would stay and pay full price because they were already there with the kids.

What if Captain Jacks used their share to have Buy One Get One Free Tuesday Nights all summer long.  How many more people would eat there when they were in town.

The ideas are only limited by your creativity (I have little, I know).

Look, I think we all learned a hard lesson this year.  With that huge sucking noise we hear coming out of Washington as the economy falls more and more into a recession is effecting all of us – we are all scurrying to keep money in our pockets to pay the bills.

I believe rash decisions were made that turned out to be bad decisions, and hopefully next season, we will have a greater understanding as to how we need to move forward with all marketing campaigns.

Revenue Enhancement Committee Meeting

Download the agenda here.

AGENDA

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach
Wednesday, December 3, 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.    UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT COSTS FROM STRATEGIC PLAN, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

V.    UPDATE ON DESTINATION MARKETING, Mr. Peter Yesawich, YPartnership

VI.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

VII.    ADJOURNMENT

TDC Bed Tax Committee Meeting Agenda for Wednesday

I know, I know, they changed the name to Revenue Enhancement Committee.

Wednesday December 3, 2008, the Revenue Enhancement Committee will meet to further discuss development costs from the strategic plan and get an update on destination marketing from Peter Yesawich from Y partnership.

If you remember from the last Revenue Enhancement Committee, 4 major points were discussed, TDC Marketing and Awareness, Special Events Marketing, Sports Marketing, and Destination Marketing.  The estimated costs tagged with everything proposed totaled more than $52 million.

This meeting, I believe we should see a greater explanation into these costs and some greater detail as to what is feasible and what is not.

Download the agenda here.

AGENDA

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach
Wednesday, December 3, 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.    UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT COSTS FROM STRATEGIC PLAN, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

V.    UPDATE ON DESTINATION MARKETING, Mr. Peter Yesawich, YPartnership

VI.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

VII.    ADJOURNMENT

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2008-11-18

 

New President at Beaches Chamber

Panama City Beach, FL (November 12, 2008) — As of November 12, 2008 the Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce has named a new President/CEO, Beth Oltman.

“The role of  President & CEO of the Beaches Chamber is key related to the coordination of communication and efforts required to ensure this region’s continued success,” states Chairman Al McCambry.  “With close to one thousand members, Beth will have the challenge of both continued growth and relationship building with key leaders throughout not only Bay County, but also NWFL.  She has demonstrated that she has the ability to accomplish what is needed.  We received many resumes from all over the country but in the end, felt our most qualified person was right here.  The Board of Directors and staff are very enthusiastic about Beth’s new role.”

Beth C. Oltman joined the Beaches Chamber as Executive Assistant / Office Manager in January 2007.  She was later promoted to the position of Director of Operations and Human Resources, and has acted as Interim Director since July 2008.  Beth relocated to Bay County in 2006 from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina with her husband Brett Oltman, Account Manager of White Cap Construction Supply, and two young daughters Mary Grace 7, and Sadie 3.  Beth graduated from University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism, and graduated from Marriott’s Corporate training program in Convention Sales Management.  Her career in the Resort Hospitality industry has covered Convention Services, Catering Sales, Bed and Breakfast Management and working in the Golf Industry.

“I feel we have a very energetic, innovative chamber of commerce, and such a strong, creative team that believes in this community.  It is the people and the membership that are the treasures of this chamber,” she says.  “I look forward to strengthening these relationships, and working closely with our neighboring chambers of commerce, TDC/CVB and community organizations.”

Beth can be reached via email at Beth@PCBeach.org.  For more information please contact the Beaches Chamber at (850) 235-1159.