Greensburg Decatur County Tourism Board met for their January 18th meeting at noon. President Ryan Maddux called the meeting to order.
Meeting minutes from the previous meeting were not available to be voted on, this was postponed to once those were received. The board also approved the agenda for the meeting.
Philip Deiwert, Executive Director gave his Director’s report starting with the 2023 InnKeepers Tax Report, Philip added that he doesn’t have December’s ending numbers but that they are on pace for the 2023 InnKeepers Tax to be the best year since 2019. Philip provided the end-of-the-year balance of their account $419,000. Then he updated the board with end-of-the-year and beginning-of-the-year claims that were paid out.
Erica Gunn, Marketing Director provided a marketing update for 2024. This year she is working to utilize marketing in different markets to reach a variety of individuals. Some of those methods that are budgeted for 2024 are placing ads in the Reds and Pacers programs, utilizing Facebook ads, advertising with local radio stations and also with the 92.3 radio station, utilizing the Simple View website, and advertising in Indianapolis & Cincinnati in their Spring issue magazine on the Tourism insert. Erica is working to highlight the 2024 Solar Eclipse events within the county and is asking for any events to send that information to her so she can have a list. She is also working to promote and plan for the 2024 Summer Concert Series.
Philip provided an update on the Aquatic Center, stating that the Decatur County Council Members voted to table the Food & Beverage Tax, however did provide RL Turner Construction with a 5-6 million budget to look at what can be built. Philip spoke about the progress of the Bicentennial Alleyway Project. The Solar Eclipse was the next piece of discussion centered around marketing and public safety. The Tourism office is working with both the city and the county on events that are planned. They plan to market and promote those events and others within the county. It was also mentioned that all hotel rooms are currently full, but there is camping available in the county. Mayor Marsh was attending via Zoom and asked for an update on marketing strategy when marketing will be starting for the event and where the marketing will be targeted. Erica stated that they will begin marketing at the beginning of February and that they are going to target all over Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and even some of Pennsylvania.
Philip updated the board about the 2024 Summer Concert Series and stated that they have four bands that are locked into playing and that he and Erica are working to secure the fifth band. They are excited about partnering with Mainstreet Greensburg and will host one of five Summer Concert Series on the same night as the Friends of Fred Food Truck Event.
The meeting schedule will remain the third Thursday of each month not including July or December. The meeting time will be at noon at the Greensburg Decatur County Tourism Office. The 2024 Executive Committee was elected: President Ryan Maddux, Vice President Eric Rowles, Treasurer Daniel Fayette, and Secretary Hannah Rode.
The board approved two grants for 2024 which are $12,000 to Greensburg Decatur County Economic Development Corp, and the final $10,000 installment of the $50,000 grant awarded to the YMCA Capital Campaign.
Philip then asked the board for guidance on signing up for conferences and to see if anyone had preferences for which conference(s) he and Erica attended. The board agreed that they would leave that decision up to Philip as the Director to decide which conferences would be most beneficial for the Greensburg Decatur County Tourism. The meeting was adjourned.
