12/19/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

that will allow the City to professionally step into the regional and national tourism industry market. With the convention facilities . development currently underway in Eugene, it seems mandatory to coordinate e and unify the efforts. He said they have discussed the concept with government agencies and many retail businesses in town, as well. They have also discussed it with private touring companies and cultural and artistic groups. He read a letter from the Arts Alliance Council, which is composed of 25 non-profit arts organizations. At their October 25 meeting, they unanimously endorsed a joint convention bureau. Mr. Radcl iffe said the Springfield City Council has formally endorsed the proposal and have committed themselves to working with the Chamber. He comme nted, finally, that he has no problems conceptually with the Manager's propo~I.J amendments, although he does feel that the Board has a generous portion of public officials and would not want this representation to get too large. He added that he was particularly concerned with adding a representative from the County on the Executive Committee, since they have not given a formal funding commitment. Ms. Miller wondered about the wording in Section 4.2. She did not under- stand whether Eugene and Springfield would have one representative each, or simply one representative. Mr. Radcliffe said the bylaws indicate one director each is designated. Mr. Obie said he does not favor expansion of the Executive Committee. That committee is probably better represented on an ongoing basis from someone in the industry, rather than from someone on the City Council. Ms. Smith expressed concern that the City should be represented, since its room tax funds basically support the Bureau. Manager agreed that perhaps designation of a Lane County representative should not be included in the amendment. Ms. Miller said she basically _. agrees with Ms. Smith that the City's financial contribution mandates a responsibility to keep pretty close tabs on how that money is spent. When I private funding becomes the major portion of the budget, she would be in favor of less supervisory control. Ms. Schue said that the suggested public representation is certainly not a majority rule. Mayor Keller said he felt it was highly appropriate to have some public representation. He also agrees that government representation could lessen after its financial commitment diminishes. He added that it is important to keep moving aggressively in this area and complimented the Chamber on its fine work to date. Tom Hoyt, newly elected Chamber president, said both the Springfield and Eugene Chambers have worked long and hard. The mission is to work together for the betterment of the metropolitan community. He fe lt th at the Council's concerns about the Executive Committee can be worked out. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Ms. Miller, to approve the byl aws for the Eugene/Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Smith felt it important that the Council go on record in support of the concept. e 12/19/79--4 &,75