Board
Minutes
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council,
Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
November 16, 2007 @ Council Conference Room
Roll Call
Attendees:
David Balfour, Chairman
David Richards, Member
John Lefrancois, Member
Len Clingham, Member
Paul Eno, Member
Robert Cahill, Member
Helen Moroney, Member
Robert Billington, President
Natalie Carter, Director of Operations
Absent:
Louise Boulanger, Member
Sam Butera, Vice-Chairman
Robert Conway, Member
Anthony Capuano, Member
David DePetrillo, Member
Louis Yip, Member
Richard Murphy, Member
Sue Tessier-Mackenzie, Secretary
Jackie Boudreau, Treasurer
2. Minutes
On a MOTION by Robert Cahill seconded by Paul Eno,
the Minutes of the September 21st 2007 meeting were approved as
submitted. Unanimously approved. (Copies attached)
3. Treasurer’s Report
David Balfour explained that the Treasurer was at a
conference out of state. On behalf of the Treasurer the following
reports were presented. The Profit and Loss statement dated 11/13/07
for the BVTC for the period from July 2007 through September 2007
was presented. The Transaction Detail for the Annual Meeting dated
11/13/07 was presented. On a MOTION by Robert Cahill seconded by
Paul Eno, the Treasurer’s Reports above were approved as submitted.
It was suggested that a thank you letter be sent to
Sue Tessier Mackenzie for her success with the Tourism Council
Annual Auction.
4. President’s Report and
Old Business
Mr. Billington updated the Board on the following:
a. The Place Making Conference staged by the
Tourism Council’s Sustainable Tourism Development Laboratory. The
Conference attracted 80 people
b. Boat Operations
The Explorer attracted 500 more people than last year. Several news
articles were submitted that drew additional attention to the
operations
We are still waiting for a meeting regarding Water
Cruises of Rhode Island LLC and Peter Conway of Conway Tours and
Navigant Credit Union. The Credit Union would like to help the BVTC
financial situation regarding the debt on the boats.
c. Billington updated the Board on an upcoming
training of our Volunteers and Dunkin Donut staff at the 295 Visitor
Center.
d. A discussion of the Point Counter Point boat
coming to the Blackstone Valley was discussed.
5. New Business
a. John Lefrancios and David Balfour suggested that
a Committee be formed for next year’s Annual Meeting. He suggested
we move the meeting to a new location that would suit the Tourism
Council better.
John Lefrancois suggested that we accept
advertising for the Auction Booklet next year to raise more funds.
Billington spoke about the Civic Tourism Conference
that we are hosting in
October of 2008. The Board was then given a presentation on what the
Civic Tourism is.
Dave Balfour was concerned about the fact that many
of BVTC’s initiations are taken over by others and that they then
forget that BVTC should be credited. Geo Tourism is an example.
Dave Richards suggested we continue to do our good
work. Other organizations will continue to take the good ideas and
we should be prepared to generate even more good ideas.
Paul Eno noted that he met with Len Ladarro of URI
recently and Paul raised the question about what we should be doing
to hedge ourselves against severe budget cuts. Billington spoke
about being prepared for the potential loss of a $9,000 grant from
the state legislature.
6. Adjournment
With no further business before the board, the
board adjourned at 1:15 PM upon a motion by Paul Eno and a Second by
Dave Richards.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Tessier-Mackenzie
Recording Secretary
