Bowling Green Area Lodging Association
Meeting Minutes:  September 14, 2010

Attendees:
Derek Olive, Sharon Tabor, Dianna Fuda, Maggie Bell, Neil Paragh, Rich Patterson, Andy Vanmali, Shyam Patel, Tenille Tynes, Nathan Allen, Paul Patel, Cynthia Sprouse, Steve Wilson, Katie Frassinelli, Jana Sublett, Heather Sullins, Steve Garden, Gary Randolph, Tammy Kirby, Paula Holsapple, Vicki Fitch, Kim May, Kacie Hood, Charlotte Gonzalez, Steve Sasser, Melanie Wilson, Jenna Smith, Nanci Wagner

Call to Order:
Nicole Hehnen called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for attending.

Minutes:
Minutes from August’s meeting are available online at www.bglodging.com.

Treasurer’s Report:
Joy Jolly was not present at the meeting to give a report.

Attraction’s Reports:
National Corvette Museum
Katie Frassinelli reported that they have a Camaro event on the books for October as well as Lap of Kentucky which is being ran by Roc Linkov. They’re also in talks with Exxon-Mobil for a possible sponsorship for the new track. Katie also reported that they will have a full presence at the World Equestrian Games, and they also have the Vets & Vettes event planned for November. Aviation Heritage Park is also participating with them in the Vets & Vettes event.

Historic Rail Park & Museum
Sharon Tabor reported that the museum will be acquiring a rare hospital rail car—it’s the only one of four left in the country. They are going to hold a photo contest to raise money for the transport which will  cost an estimated $20k.

Beech Bend
Charlotte Gonzalez had a great announcement to make—they won a Golden Ticket which is like an Oscar but for theme parks.

CVB Report:
Vicki Fitch spoke on behalf of the CVB. Marissa is going to have several writers with her that are going to tour BG during the World Equestrian Games. Duncan has been working on getting military fam tours to visit Bowling Green, as well as more bids for the SMERF type market. Amy just signed a 10-year agreement with Leachman for the KHSAA Golf Tournament. Kapos Cheerleading Competition will be on February 19th, and a new tournament, the Adult Soccer Nationals for July 2011. Emily is designing a south-bound billboard for BG, and also working on a new meeting planner’s guide for BG. The CVB is also in the process of becoming reaccredited.

New Business:
Nicole Hehnen brought up for discussion possibly changing walk-rates for hotels. The issue had came up that some hotels, the walk-rate is higher than what they would charge for the room in the first place, and vice versa—it’s much too low for other hotels that are much nicer, and charge higher rates. The issue also came up that some hotels were not honoring the walk-rate. Jenna Smith proposed possibly having rate-tiers or a percentage off rather than having a simple flat rate for all properties. The issue was tabled for now since a decision was not made.

The next BGALA meeting will be held on October 12, 2010 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center. Food Drive next month.