06/28/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e additional action to confirm that the amendments outlined by staff at that meeting were included in the ordinance as it was passed. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to confirm that Ordinance #19623, concerning skateboard riding, was passed Monday, June 26, 1989, with amendments as outlined by staff at that meeting. Roll call vote; the motion carried, 6:0:1, with Mr. Holmer abstaining because he was absent from the June 26 meeting. III. EUGENE-SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU SEMIANNUAL REPORT Linda Weston, Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau Executive Director, introduced current board president Tom Cronkrite and incoming board president Pete Gribskov. Ms. Weston reviewed the past year's activity. Summer conventions include the just-concluded World Congress on Colored Sheep, the Bach Festival, Mobility International, and the World Veterans' Games. She reported that room tax revenues continue to grow and as of April, Eugene's were up 7.4 percent, with a 9-percent countywide increase. The national average is 3 percent. In the Visitor Services Department, May 1989 visitor requests were up 98 percent over those of May 1988, while the year-to-date requests have increased 66 percent. New direct-mail promotions and increased industry e involvement are being used to help increase convention business. Membership revenues are expected to exceed the FY89 goal. The Tourism Department is continuing its successful film and video work. Ms. Weston reported that the bureau continues to streamline its office and make its operation more efficient. Kay Bryant's move to the State Department of Economic Development requires the bureau to go through a transition period, but Ms. Weston was confident that it would be smooth. A five-year plan has been completed and adopted by the Board of Directors and Ms. Weston encouraged councilors to review it. She emphasized that the convention/ visitor business is a long-term industry that can contribute to the economic well-being of Eugene, and she expressed appreciation for the commitment the council has made to the relationship. Responding to a question from Mr. Bennett, Ms. Weston described Kay Bryant's position with the bureau as a key one and explained that recruitment outside the area had been unnecessary because Ms. Bryant's successor was identified a year ago and has been well-trained to effect a smooth transition. Mr. Boles requested a copy of the bureau's five-year plan and expressed interest in a common traveler's card similar to those used in Europe as an augmentation strategy when rooms are booked. He also encouraged the development of multi-lingual maps. Mr. Boles asked whether booking services for bed-and-breakfast establishments were being explored. Ms. Weston replied e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 28, 1989 Page 4