SOUTH LAKE TAHOE LODGING ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
October 9, 2003 @ 9:30am
Camp Richardson Resort & Marina

MINUTES

Welcome and Introduction of Members of the Board, Members and Guests

• The first reading of the definition of rent as it pertains to the TOT was on Tuesday, October 21st. The SLTLA feels that the definition, as it stands now, works for both the city and the lodging properties.
  
  
• TAP (Tahoe Arts Project) – Peggy Aguilar-Thompson, Executive Director and Barbara Ruberto, Vice President, presented plaques to SLTLA properties that had donated lodging for the different groups during the year. If any of our members are willing to donate rooms, it would be greatly appreciate. The Tahoe Arts Project presents performing arts in our schools and the community. The project has been in existence since 1987. In the past they have received financial backing from the California Arts Council, but with the financial difficulties that state is having, that funding has been cut. They are planning a series of benefits, and if members wish to help they can call 530-542-3632. The Board of the SLTLA made a motion to donate $500 to the project. The membership passed the motion.
  
  
• Virginia Boyer, Director of Vocational Education at Lake Tahoe Community College reminded that the college offers great, affordable training for front line employees:
  - Fundamentals of Guest Service. Class begins 11-18-03 ends 11-20-03, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 hours.
  - Service Recovery. Class begins 12-03-03 ends 12-10-03, Two Wednesdays, 6 hours.
  - Attitude & Motivation. Class begins 12-9-03 ends 12-11-03, Tuesday and Thursday 6 hours total.
  There is a scholarship through the Lodging Association, for more information check out on line at www.ltcconline.net/gsa.
  
  
• Gordon Show – LSC: Doing a study for TRPA into transportation through the casino corridor. There will be a series of public workshops regarding the different alternatives that have been developed to better direct the flow of traffic through the redevelopment area. It is important for members of the community to have input into the different possibilities. For more info contact Gordon Show, LSC Consultants, 530-583-4053 or e-mail at info@lsctahoe.com.
  
  
• South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, Ken Daley:
  - Housing Fair – at South Tahoe Middle School, October 29th, 2003 – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Presented by the South Tahoe Association of realtors, Latino Commission & Home Committee and the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. Learn about: Affordable Housing; City of SLT First Time Home Buyers Program; City of SLT Home Improvement Program; C of C Emergency Rental Deposit Program; Purchasing a home; Loan Opportunities and more. For information contact STAR at 541-7007.
  - Joint Chamber Luncheon will be held at Horizon on November 13th featuring Miles Radamon, who will discuss the 2014 Olympics. The SLTLA board made a motion to donate $500 to help pay for Mr. Radamon’s fee. The membership passed the motion.
  
  
• LTVA – Cathy Colbert represented the LTVA.
  - The new 2004 Travel Planner is out, and continues the theme of “Welcome to the Blue World”. It is, for the first time, a lake wide publication. If you would like to get one, contact Sue at LTVA.
  - Mering & Associates presented data regarding the Blue Campaign, and it’s “recall” numbers are very good. People understand the message that Lake Tahoe has the lake, recreation and beauty.
  - The LTVA is also running a coop ad during September, October and November to drive business, along with Harvey’s, Harrahs, Horizon, Caesars, Inn by the Lake and Camp Richardson.
  - The Skiers and Boarders Guide is also available – contact the LTVA.
  
  
• City of South Lake Tahoe – Tom Davis:
  - TOT update, they are continuing with collection, compliance is getting better as well.
  - Heavenly Village is having locals week. Let your staff know about all the specials, 2 for 1 Gondola Rides, 3 hours of free parking, 2 for 1’s at other businesses in the center. Also there will be a raffle for a $100 shopping spree.
  
  
• El Dorado County – Dave Solaro:
  - The work on Juvenile Hall continues, it will result in new jobs for the community in the $12 to $15 range.
  - The budget for the country has been worked out – with some cuts.
  - Indian Gaming – The lawsuit against Cal Trans regarding the overpass in Shingle Springs looks good. The other suits are still pending. The Governor-elect is not as favorable to the Indian Casinos as the current administration.
  
  
• Consolidated Transit System: Ken Daily:
  - All contracts with the casinos have been signed. CTS has taken possession of the Caesars busses – the rest will happen very soon.
  - Feed back on the Kiosks is that they are too complicated, and they are working on that – they will attempt to have an express button to bypass everything, and go directly to getting a ride. As soon as there is an update, it will be e-mailed out to lodging members. Still call 541-7149 for a ride.
  
  
• Nominating Committee for elections, SLTLA: If you are interested in becoming a member of the board of directors of the SLTLA, please contact Jerry Birdwell at president@sltla.org.
  
  
• Rich Hodge – Tahoe Winter Expo – Snowed In! November 20th, 5-9 at Caesars, cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door, free tickets for lodging properties.
  
  
• Cathy Colbert asked Tom Davis for some clarification on the TOT occupancy reports. Room nights are down, in fact the worst since 93-94. Also need clarification on Exempt employees. When the TOT information is finalized, will get out to lodging members.

Meeting Adjourned – next meeting CHANGE will be Tuesday, November 18th, 1-3 p.m., ADA information meeting and Lodging Meeting.

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