South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association

I. Welcome & Introduction of Members of the Board, Members & Guests

II. Vacant Board of Director’s Seat

Daniel Slaughter, Marriott's Grand Residence Club & Timber Lodge has accepted a position out of the area. That left the Board seat for Timeshare Properties or Property Management open. In our recent elections, Renee Miller, of Tahoe Keys Resort, was also nominated for that position. It was proposed that Renee be appointed to fill that position until the next election, and the members voted “yes” unanimously.

III. Measure L

Jerry Birdwell invited both those for and against Measure L to speak to the group. There was no one there to speak for the Measure. Ed McCarthy explained the reasons he was against the Measure, including the inequality of how the tax was accessed, as well as the ongoing problems in the School District. Pat Ronan also spoke against the Measure, presenting the members a handout showing “Cost Containment with Parcel Tax” and “Cost Containment without Parcel Tax”. (If you wish a copy of this handout, please e-mail Missy Springer your fax number.) Pat felt the School Districted needed a long term plan to fix their financial problems, rather than Measure L which he called a “band aid”. Jerry Birdwell asked for an advisory vote from the members to give the board a direction as to it’s stand on Measure L. The members indicated they felt a “NO” vote was appropriate.

IV. Inntopia

Trevor Crist of Inntopia presented the new Inntopia 4.0, and the new features it offers. Some of the upgrades included new flexibility, including added rate flexibility, a simpler online administration, extensive reporting capabilities, highly-customizable booking screens, enhanced security options, flexible business rules and more. As well Inntopia is offering “InntopiaP2P (Peer-to-Peer) a unique dynamic packaging solution for lodging, resort services, activities, recreational equipment rentals, events and much more! With Inntopia P2P, Travel Suppliers can 'pre-bundle' packages OR let guests build their own! And, Travel Supplier's can earn commissions by cross-selling their Peers!” For information on the Peer-to-Peer program, you can go online to www.inntopia.com.

V. Marketing Funding

Duane Wallace, of the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce explained to the members the history of TOT in South Lake Tahoe (that history will be e-mailed to all members). Because of the budgetary problems with the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City Council recently voted to reduce the funds to both LTVA and the Chamber of Commerce. In effect they will put both LTVA and the Chamber out of business. Marketing for South Lake Tahoe basically end in 2005-2006. If the City Council of South Lake Tahoe does not allocate funds to LTVA, the current advertising partners will also pull their funding, and concentrate on their back yard, Nevada. Several members spoke about the necessity of advertising our area, and the impact the loss of marketing would have on ALL businesses, not just lodging. Everyone in Tahoe are basically “tourism” related. If we don’t advertise, business drops, and TOT revenue drops, ultimately hurting the city even more. Duane presented the two alternatives we currently have to deal with this crisis.

A BID (Business Improvement District): A business improvement district is a sell assessing district that levies a tax on businesses in the district for certain purposes (marketing in this case.) The Chamber has engaged a company, Rosenthal & Associates, Inc. of Park City, Utah, to determine the scope of a BID, and come up with the best alternative for our needs. The plus of a BID is that it does not come to a vote of the general electorate but only a vote by those who it effects. As well, it will pass unless a majority of 51% say NO. The monies are collected by the city, and put in the BID fund, which is controlled by a Board of Directors. The vote must be take once a year, and can be voted out at any time.
An Initiative on the Ballot: This is the more permanent way to finance marketing, once voted in by the General electorate, it can only be changed by another vote. However, it takes a 2/3rds yes vote.

Pat Ronan said he felt we should pursue both options, and come up with a sub-committee to explore the initiative process even as we move forward with a BID process. There was a motion to commit $5,000 to the Chamber to help fund the consultant on the BID issue, and it was passed by the members. A sub-committee will be formed along with the Chamber to investigate the initiative process. Pat Ronan, Cathy Colberg and Missy Springer volunteered to be on that committee.

Pat Ronan also voiced his concern that the SLTLA is allowing the City to take away TOT funds that had been promised to us for many years. Cathy Colberg suggested that our members contact their City Council to let them know how they feel on this issue. (An e-mail will be sent with the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all City Council members.) Missy Springer reminded the members that with our combined businesses, and our combined employees, we are a huge force in the community, and suggested that we let our employees know that the loss of marketing will result in a downturn of business, and could possibly cause layoffs.

Jerry Birdwell reminded the members that at the May 13th meeting, at Forest Suites, Bill Chernock of the LTVA will be speaking about the challenges facing the organization, and what we can do to help.

Pete Mac Roberts said that all the members needed to go to the City Council meeting and let them know that we are against the loss of funds.

Updates on this very important issue will be e-mailed to members as they unfold.

VI. Kathay Lovell – Airport Visitors Center

Kathay Lovell and Hal Cole are on a City Council sub-committee for the airport. She presented to the members their idea to have a Visitors Center at the Airport during the winter months. If members are interested in being a part of the visitors center they may contact Kathay Lovell or Hal Cole.

VII. Updates

Blue Go – Many of the ski shuttles are finished, because the Ski Season is cutting back. Guests who want to ski Heavenly should go to the Gondola.
Lake Tahoe Central Reservations – February 2004 Reservations and Call Volume Report is available. If you wish to receive a copy, please e-mail Missy Springer with your fax number.
Tahoe Douglas Chamber – on the 22nd, joint Mixer at Harrah’s Reflection Spa and Pool Center.

IV. Adjournment

Next meeting will be May 13, Sierra Room, Forest Suites Resort, 9:30 a.m.

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