February 2006 Minutes

Welcome by President Joyce Little.

Secretary Pat Allen read the January Minutes. A motion to approve was made by Bob Barbee; second was made by Ann Hopkins. The Minutes were accepted as read.

Treasurer Reggie Hinson reported that we have a (withheld) balance.

Annabelle Morgan introduced our first guest: Greta Lint, Tourism Development
Ms. Lint said that she first heard about Oakboro was when she was working on a project with the North Carolina Arts Council. She was building a web site named HomeGrownHandMade.com. Annabelle invited her to Oakboro to make a presentation about the HomeGrownHandMade.com project.

Since visiting Oakboro, Ms. Lint has dubbed it the “Can Do Town” because its citizens show an overwhelming support for its growth and development. She went on to point out our updated streets and increased retail tax base.

She sees Oakboro as an attractor, which is … “something that brings people to a site on a regular basis throughout the year.” Whereas, an attraction is typically a specific event. Adding the marketing mix of Oakboro’s varied events, as a community, Oakboro is becoming more widely known. For example, SNAP online has a story about the Oakboro’s Regional Museum’s display of hats.

When considering a tourism marketing mix, communities need to know (1) who the current customers are, and (2) who the new customers will be.

She said that one of the best ways to get this information would be by sending out Editorial News Releases statewide first then followed by a nationwide release. She specifically mentioned AAA Offices in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Research indicates that people in Ohio and Pennsylvania rely on AAA for Trip Ticks. For example, Oakboro volunteers could call AAA offices (about 50 offices) in these two states and then send each office a copy of the Welcome to Oakboro North Carolina magazine.

In the near future Ms. Lint will be returning to Oakboro especially to attend a Cruise In Burn Out, and she will be bring travel writers and photojournalists with her.

Bob Barbee said that Ms. Lint’s website has a comment, “Build it and they will come … but only if you tell them about it.” He believes in this concept so much that he has personally retained Ms. Lint for the next six months. She will be working with the Business Association and community leaders in developing a Marketing Strategy and Plan for the Town of Oakboro. His belief is that we will be so pleased with her work that we will want to continue her services for another six months.

Tom House of Cole House Publishing told of about the extraordinary results that he is witnessing as a result of the Welcome to Oakboro North Carolina magazine. Its contents, its format, and its impact on the community is impressive.

Jerry Crayton reported on Cruise-In activities: Most recently, he has been working with folks in Thomasville so they could start their own Cruise-In. He had previously worked with folks in Kannapolis for their Cruise-In.

Ann Hopkins reported on the Cruise-In Committee updates: Their committee structure has been settled, chairs have been appointed, and progress in being made on this year’s activities. This year the vendors will need to complete an application, and sign a statement agreeing to specific rules and regulations. These documents will be ready for review by the March GOBA meeting.

Old Business
The Gospel Singing suggestion is still under development. Joyce had called Todd Harris who said that he would be happy to help when ever requested.


New Business
Linda Sharp agrees that Spot Lighting Business would be a good idea.
Larry Branch reported on the following:
>The Railroad Museum is in process and hopefully the final bids for a general contractor will be finished by March.
>The Sidewalks are in process.
>The RPT grant is underway and the Part F was submitted on time. The award date is May 15th.
>Remember to vote for Kellie Pickler!
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Minutes by Pat Allen