NOTICE OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Transcription

1 NOTICE OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS To: Board of Directors and Members PURSUANT to the call of a majority of the Board of Directors named in the Certificate of Formation of the Corporation, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors and the Members of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, a Texas non-profit corporation (the Corporation ), will meet at the principal office of the Corporation, at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381, on September 19, 2018, at 11:30 a.m., for the purpose of: 1. Pledge of Allegiance; 2. Call to order and adoption of Agenda; 3. Public Comment; 4. Receive, consider and approve Minutes from August 15, 2018 Regular Board Meeting: 5. Receive, consider and approve Financial Report through July 2018; 6. Receive, consider and act upon the 2019 Media Placement Plan; 7. Receive, consider and act upon any matters regarding Staff Initiative Reports; 8. Recess to Executive Session to discuss matters relating to real property pursuant to , Texas Government Code; deliberation of economic development negotiations pursuant to , Texas Government Code; discuss personnel matters pursuant to , Texas Government Code; and to consult with the Corporation's attorney pursuant to , Texas Government Code; 9. Reconvene in public session 10. Receive, consider and act upon the creation of a Cultural Arts District in The Woodlands; 11. Receive, consider and act upon matters regarding 2019 Visitor Services; 12. Receive, consider and act upon matters regarding Waterway Cruisers; 13. President s Report;

2 14. Board Announcements; 15. Agenda items for next meeting; 16. Adjournment. Dated at The Woodlands, Texas, the 14th day of September, President of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

3 CVB Special Board Meeting 4. Meeting Date: 09/19/2018 SUBJECT MATTER: Receive, consider and approve Minutes from August 15, 2018 Regular Board Meeting: BACKGROUND: See attached. RECOMMENDATION Approve as presented. August 15, 2018 CVB Board Meeting Minutes Attachments

4 August 15, :30 a.m. MINUTES OF MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU The Board of Directors for The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau (TWCVB) of Montgomery County, Texas held their Board Meeting on August 15, 2018 at The Woodlands Township located at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Montgomery County, Texas, at 11:30 a.m. The roll was called and those in attendance were: Present: Staff Present: Attendees: Bruce Rieser, Chairman John Anthony Brown, Vice Chairman Fred Domenick, Secretary/Treasurer Brian Boniface, Director J.J. Hollie, Director Don Norrell, Director Kevin Viteri, Director Nick Wolda, TWCVB President; Bret Strong, TWCVB Legal Counsel; Elizabeth Eddins, TWCVB Assistant Director; Ashley White, TWCVB Brand Development Manager; Josie Lewis, TWCVB Convention Development Manager; Sonia Guerrero, TWCVB Sr. Administrative Assistant; Mariana Almanza-Cook, TWCVB Sales and Servicing Specialist; Amber George, TWCVB Marketing Specialist; Monique Sharp, The Woodlands Township Assistant General Manager Finance & Administration Maria Luisa Rincon, The Villager; Emilie Grecula, woodlands.com 1. Pledge of Allegiance; Chairman Bruce Rieser led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge to the Texas flag. 2. Call to order and adoption of Agenda; Motion by Vice Chairman John Anthony Brown, seconded by Director Don Norrell to approve the agenda. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Agenda adopted. Vote: 7-0 Passed

5 Chairman Bruce Rieser called the meeting to order at 12:07 a.m. and called for the Adoption of the Agenda for this meeting that was developed and duly posted as required by law. 3. Public Comment; None. 4. Receive, consider and approve Minutes from June 20, 2018 Regular Board Meeting; Motion by Vice Chairman John Anthony Brown, seconded by Director J.J. Hollie to approve the minutes from June 20, 2018 carried by unanimous vote. Vote: 7-0 Passed Chairman Bruce Rieser explained that the minutes from the June 20, 2018 Board Meeting are in the Board packet for all to evaluate. 5. Receive, consider and approve Financial Report through June 2018; Motion by Director J.J. Hollie, seconded by Director Don Norrell to approve the Financial Report through June Motion carried by unanimous vote. Vote: 7-0 Passed Chairman Bruce Rieser called Monique Sharp, The Woodlands Township Assistant General Manager Finance and Administration, to the podium to present the CVB Financial Report through June The total year to date budget is $1,479,744, that compares to the actual revenue of $1,261,571. There is an unfavorable variance of $218,173 due to The Township not having to transfer any budgeted funds due to a favorable Supplemental Hotel Tax revenue and favorable expenditure variance. In terms of expenditures, the year to date budget is $1,504,911 with actual expenditures being $1,307,962, with a favorable variance of $196,950. The CVB has an ending fund balance of $1,625, Receive, consider and act upon First Amendment to Advertising Agency Services Agreement with Adcetera Design Studio, Inc. for extension through December 31, 2019; Motion by Director Brian Boniface, seconded by Director Kevin Viteri to approve the First Amendment to Advertising Agency Services Agreement between Adcetera and Visit The Woodlands through December 31, 2019 destination marketing services, and authorize the President to execute the contract in connection therewith. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Vote: 7-0 Passed CVB President Nick Wolda explained that after an extensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process in August 2017, Adcetera was approved as 2018 Advertising Agency of Record with two (2), one (1) year renewal periods without RFP process needed in calendar year 2019 and 2020 by the CVB. CVB Brand Development Manager Ashley White approached the podium and explained that the CVB 2019 Destination Marketing plan will incorporate advertising, international marketing, digital marketing, group sales and cooperative advertising among other opportunities to continue attracting visitors and groups to The Woodlands. Staff recommended continuing the services of Adcetera as the official agency of record for 2019 and to exercise the second year of the agreement. 7. Receive, consider and act upon CVENT Supplier Partnership renewal;

6 Motion by Secretary/Treasurer Fred Domenick, seconded by Director Don Norrell to approve the CVENT Supplier Partnership renewal through Motion carried by unanimous vote. Vote: 7-0 Passed CVB Convention Development Manager Josie Lewis began by saying the Cvent Supplier Network allows suppliers to directly connect and establish relationships with more than 74,000+ meeting planners who research destinations and distribute RFP's. The CVB entered into a supplier partnership with Cvent in October of 2016, since then the department received a total of 130 RFP's in 2017 and a total of 112 RFP's in Staff recommended continuing to partner with Cvent database at the same 2 Diamond Package level for 2019 as previous years. 8. Receive, consider and act upon any matters regarding Staff Initiative Reports; Motion by Director J.J. Hollie, seconded by Director Kevin Viteri to approve the Staff Initiative Reports. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Vote: 7-0 Passed Chairman Bruce Rieser called on President Nick Wolda to introduce CVB Convention Development Manager Josie Lewis and CVB Brand Development Manager Ashley White. Mrs. Lewis began by saying that The Woodlands has been chosen as Rendezvous South 2019 Convention destination. TACVB was underway in Sugar Land and the department had the opportunity to present as one of the top bid proposals for the 2020 Annual Conference. Mrs. White approached the podium and explained that the department has had great success as host of several publications during June, July and August to promote several events in The Woodlands. These publications include Texas Highways, Texas Monthly, Austin American-Statesman, and Texas Meetings+Events. The department is moving forward with the photoshoot for the new creative campaign. 9. Recess to Executive Session to discuss matters relating to real property pursuant to , Texas Government Code; deliberation of economic development negotiations pursuant to , Texas Government Code; discuss personnel matters pursuant to , Texas Government Code; and to consult with the Corporation's attorney pursuant to , Texas Government Code; Recessed to Executive Session at 12:21 p.m. 10. Reconvene in public session; Reconvened in Public Session at 1:09 p.m. 11. Receive, consider and act upon matters regarding Visitor Services; The CVB Board of Directors took no action regarding Visitor Services. 12. Receive, consider and act upon matters regarding Waterway Cruisers; Motion by Vice Chairman John Anthony Brown, seconded by Director Brian Boniface to authorized the President, in consultation with legal counsel, to draft, negotiate and execute a contract with MGSIII Maritime pursuant to their proposal for removal and disposal of six (6) Waterway Cruisers from The Woodlands Waterway at a cost not to exceed $60,000. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Vote: 7-0 Passed

7 CVB President Nick Wolda explained that with Board approval, the CVB issued two different Requests for Information (RFI): one for a new water vessel operation on The Woodlands Waterway and another for sale, removal, transportation and proper use, reuse, and/or disposal of Waterway Cruisers. No decision was made on RFI for a new water vessel operation on The Woodlands Waterway. Chairman Rieser reiterated the report that Lone Star Marine Surveyors determined the Waterway Cruisers have a negative terminal value and would be costly to renovate each boat. 13. President s Report; None. 14. Board Announcements; Secretary/Treasurer Fred Domenick announced that Phase I (one) of renovation for The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center is complete and will host The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Chairman s Ball this Saturday. Phase II (two) is expected to continue in November and Phase III (three) next summer. Chairman Bruce Rieser commended the Board of Directors and staff for the outstanding work. 15. Agenda items for next meeting; Chairman, Bruce Rieser, mentioned that next Special Board meeting is set for September 19, Adjournment. Motion by Director J.J. Hollie, seconded by Director Brian Boniface to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Adjourned at 1:15 p.m. Vote: 7-0 Passed Fred Domenick, Secretary/Treasurer The Woodlands CVB Board of Directors Date

8 CVB Special Board Meeting 5. Meeting Date: 09/19/2018 SUBJECT MATTER: Receive, consider and approve Financial Report through July 2018; BACKGROUND: See attached. RECOMMENDATION Approve Financial Report as presented. July 2018 CVB Financial Report Attachments

9 GENERAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS July 31, 2018 These financial statements are unaudited and intended for informational and internal discussion purposes only.

10 THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Balance Sheet As of July 31, 2018 Assets and Other Debits Cash 1,595,894 Other Receivables 5,123 Due from Other Funds 115,453 Prepaid Expenses - Total Assets 1,716,471 Liabilities and Fund Balance Current Liabilities A/P and Accrued Liabilities 3,078 Due to Other Funds 63,400 Fund Balance Undesignated - CVB 1,649,993 Total Liabilities and Fund Balance 1,716,471

11 THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Budget and Actual For the Seven Months Ended July 31, /31/2018 7/31/2018 Favorable/ YTD Budget YTD Actual (Unfavorable) REVENUE Operating Transfers 596, ,242 (397,557) Supplemental Hotel Occupancy Tax 1,106,590 1,200,848 94,258 Other Income Interest Income Sponsorships - 28,669 28,669 Subtotal 1,703,669 1,429,061 (274,608) (A) GENERAL EXPENSES CVB Township Staff 363, ,820 16,781 Trade Shows 105, ,906 (22,906) Travel - 38,535 (38,535) Meetings 3,750 6,591 (2,841) Facilities Expense 40,453 40,454 (1) Equipment Expense 7,515 4,381 3,134 Contracted Services 34,700 68,548 (33,848) Administrative 33,850 40,046 (6,196) Subtotal 588, ,280 (84,411) (B) ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS Other Festivals/Special Events 25,000 3,600 21,400 Inspire Film Festival 25,000 25,000 - Taste of the Town 11,000 11,000 - Wine Week 10,000 10,000 - Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival 20,000 20,000 - The Woodlands Film Commission 10,000 10,000 - Ironman Texas 30,000 30,000 - Subtotal 131, ,600 21,400 (C) DESTINATION MARKETING Media 361, , ,209 Public Relations 25,000 16,318 8,682 Production 82,500 77,503 4,997 International Marketing 15,000 19,000 (4,000) Cooperative Marketing 12,500 19,495 (6,995) Group Sales 187, ,593 9,907 Visitor Services 95, ,190 (6,690) Subtotal 779, , ,109 (D) PROMOTION Promotion 116,800 52,827 63,973 Information Distribution 72,500 25,874 46,626 Other Advertising 12,000 1,029 10,971 Business Development 3,000 5,203 (2,203) Subtotal 204,300 84, ,367 (E) Transfers Out 25,167 28,055 (2,888) (F) Waterway Cruisers - 25,206 (25,206) (G) TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1,728,836 1,450, ,371 REVENUE OVER/(UNDER) EXPENDITURES (25,167) (21,404) 3,763 BEGINNING FUND BALANCE - 1,671,396 1,671,396 ENDING FUND BALANCE (25,167) 1,649,993 1,675,160

12 THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Operating Budget Variances For the Seven Months Ended July 31, 2018 A) Revenues Operating Transfers The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted transfers. Supplemental Hotel Occupancy Tax - The favorable variance is due to Supplemental HOT revenues being higher than budgeted. Sponsorships - The favorable variance is due to higher than budgeted contributions. B) General Expenses CVB Township Staff - The favorable variance is due to lower than budgeted salary and employee benefit expenses. Trade Shows - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Travel - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Meetings - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Equipment - The favorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Contracted Services - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Administrative - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. C) Attractions & Events Other Festivals/Special Events - The favorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. D) Destination Marketing Media - The favorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Public Relations - The favorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Production - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. International Marketing - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted Cooperative Marketing - The unfavorable variance is offset by the favorable variance in Cooperative Marketing contributions. Group Sales - The favorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Visitor Services - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. E) Promotion Promotion - The favorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Information Distribution - The favorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted expenses. Business Development - The unfavorable variance is due to a timing difference between actual and budgeted (F) Transfers Out Transfers Out - The unfavorable variance is due to a transfer out to the General Fund for the CVB Office Expansion.

13 THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Cash Report as of July 31, 2018 Investment Type Description/ Location Maturity Beginning Balance Monthly Activity Earnings Ending Balance Beginning Market Ending Market Avg. % Yield Choice IV Commercial Wells Fargo Open $ 2,075,833 $(640,811) $ 88 $1,435,111 $2,075,833 $1,435, % Checking with Checking Interest Account - Total $ 2,075,833 $(640,811) $ 88 $1,435,111 $2,075,833 $1,435, % YTD $ 302 2% Interest Rates Month Ending July 31, % % Interest Rate 1% 0% 0.00% 90 Day CD 90 Day T-Bill TexPool ** The 90 day CD rate is taken from the Federal Reserve website. "An average of dealer bid rates for CD's that are actively traded in the secondary market and are issued by top-tier banks. Bids are generally for CD's issued in denominations of $1,000,000 or greater. Responses are not reported when the number of respondents is too few to be representative."

14 CVB Special Board Meeting 6. Meeting Date: 09/19/2018 SUBJECT MATTER: Receive, consider and act upon the 2019 Media Placement Plan; BACKGROUND: Visit The Woodlands newly adopted mission statement states: To establish The Woodlands, Texas as a beautiful, lively, and welcoming destination recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for first-class business, convention and leisure travel. Marketing and advertising play a key role in fulfilling this mission as well as Visit The Woodlands goals. Visit The Woodlands works in conjunction with its Agency of Record, Adcetera Design Studio, Inc., to develop a Strategic Marketing Media Plan with an emphasis on peak planning times, market research, strategic media buys and trackable campaigns. At this time, Visit The Woodlands is seeking approval of the 2019 Media Plan which is addressed in five major components: Leisure, Meetings, International, Co-op & Promotional Materials. The Media Flow Chart provides a high-level overview of ongoing efforts throughout the year, which includes both print and digital campaigns targeting meeting planners and leisure travelers. New placements for 2019 include: weather-based engagement, airport advertising, high impact display and inclusion in major Texas print publications such as the Texas State Travel Guide, Texas Highways and AAA Texas Journey. To capitalize on the success of 2018 buys, Visit The Woodlands will continue partnerships with both Connect and Madden Media to target meeting planners through integrated marketing campaigns. In addition, the organization will continue partnerships with both AJR Media and TripAdvisor. Reporting will continue to be a key factor in 2019, focusing on increased return on investment and adjusting advertising efforts throughout the year as necessary. The plan also includes a small contingency fund that allows Visit The Woodlands to take advantage of unique media opportunities that arise throughout the year. The expenditures related to the media plan and media buys will be facilitated by Visit The Woodlands Agency of Record, Adcetera Design Studio, Inc. These expenditures were approved by the Board of Directors in the 2018 budget process. RECOMMENDATION Approve the 2019 Media Placement Plan for Visit The Woodlands as presented. No file(s) attached. Attachments

15 CVB Special Board Meeting 7. Meeting Date: 09/19/2018 SUBJECT MATTER: Receive, consider and act upon any matters regarding Staff Initiative Reports; BACKGROUND: RECOMMENDATION Approve as presented. No file(s) attached. Attachments

16 CVB Special Board Meeting 10. Meeting Date: 09/19/2018 SUBJECT MATTER: Receive, consider and act upon the creation of a Cultural Arts District in The Woodlands; BACKGROUND: After its September 5, 2018 meeting, The Woodlands Township s Economic Development Committee (EDC) approached Visit The Woodlands Chairman and staff in regards to the importance of cultural arts in The Woodlands and how the arts have economic benefit for the residents and visitors to The Woodlands. Numerous arts groups, organizations and facilities attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with creative, artistic programming. Some examples include The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Glade Cultural Center, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, Inspire Film Festival among others. An exploratory meeting was held to discuss the options to determine if and how Visit The Woodlands could be involved in the creation of a cultural arts district. Visit The Woodlands is a marketing organization whose primary mission is to promote The Woodlands for tourism, both leisure travel and convention / corporate meetings. The EDC has been looking at a designation of a cultural arts district and had reviewed the State of Texas official application to become a "Texas Cultural Arts District. Upon further review and discussion in the meeting, it was determined that the State application was too labor intensive to be handled at this time, given Visit The Woodlands workload. After further discussion, an alternative idea was suggested by Visit The Woodlands Chairman Bruce Rieser. This idea recommends discussion by the Township Economic Development Committee to develop a plan and location of the district for a recommendation to the Township Board of Directors. Visit The Woodlands Board of Directors will consider this idea at its Wednesday, September 19, 2018 meeting. RECOMMENDATION Visit The Woodlands offers its support of the creation of a Cultural Arts District if recommended by the Township Economic Development Committee to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. No file(s) attached. Attachments

17 CVB Special Board Meeting 11. Meeting Date: 09/19/2018 SUBJECT MATTER: Receive, consider and act upon matters regarding 2019 Visitor Services; BACKGROUND: In 2007, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau (TWCVB) entered into an agreement with the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce to provide visitor services at Market Street, The Woodlands Mall, and the Chamber offices. Visitor Services provides the human element to greeting visitors at Market Street, The Woodlands Mall and at special events and festivals. The CVB allotted $65,500 in 2018 to support these efforts and has budgeted the same amount for This is a great service that reaches tens of thousands of visitors with the message of The Woodlands as a great place to visit, what's happening in our community, and bringing future stays. RECOMMENDATION To be determined by Visit The Woodlands Board of Directors. Market Street Visitor Services Presentation Q2 Visitor Services Stats Attachments

18 September 12, 2018

19 Visit The Woodlands Visitor s Concierge In partnership with Market Street, the Visitor s Concierge center will be located on the north side of the property and will be available to assist with various tasks and welcome visitors to The Woodlands. This complimentary resource will offer guests the ultimate in convenience, from shopping assistance, meal reservations, community news, coordinating activities and event information all while projecting an appealing image on behalf of The Woodlands. 2

20 Visit The Woodlands Visitor s Concierge Concierge Services to be offered FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND TOURISM ASSISTANCE In addition to ensuring their visit to Market Street is as enjoyable as possible, we look forward to helping enhance visitors overall stay in The Woodlands. The team of knowledgeable and friendly experts will be able to book hotels, make dinner reservations, recommend nearby attractions, and more. For guests requiring foreign language assistance, the multilingual team will provide translation services in Spanish (depending upon availability). RESTAURANT AND TRAVEL RESERVATIONS The concierge will be able to secure dining reservations for meals at Market Street or elsewhere in The Woodlands, as well as arrange transportation. WELCOME PACKETS, LOCAL EVENTS AND AMENITY INFORMATION The concierge will offer complimentary welcome packets, information on local events, directions, and amenities in the area Parks, Swan Boats, Trolley, Clubs, etc. UMBRELLA AND CELL PHONE CHARGER RENTALS Concierge will provide complimentary umbrellas and cell phone chargers. 3

21 Visit The Woodlands Visitor s Concierge What we propose: A partnership between Market Street and The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau to implement the Visit The Woodlands Concierge Center. Market Street would be responsible for staffing and managing of the concierge center, train staff accordingly and track all monthly visitors and reporting. In return the CVB would agree to a one year trial run with a proposed investment of $60k. Our goal is to help visitors save time and energy in looking for tourism opportunities in The Woodlands and Greater Houston area by providing visitor services. 4

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24 CVB Special Board Meeting 12. Meeting Date: 09/19/2018 SUBJECT MATTER: Receive, consider and act upon matters regarding Waterway Cruisers; BACKGROUND: Six Waterway Cruisers were in operation on The Woodlands Waterway in The Woodlands, Texas for the past 15 years until the excessive amount of rain from Hurricane Harvey shut down the operations. Visit The Woodlands Board of Directors have declined to put additional monies into the 15-year old boats, and rather opted to search for a new and innovative approach to providing transportation by water for the public, combined with catering and event opportunities. The Waterway Cruisers have operated out of a marina located at the corner of Lake Robbins Drive and the southbound feeder road of Interstate I-45 in The Woodlands Texas, which is owned by Brazos Transit District. In March 2018, the Board of Directors approved staff to issue a Request for Interest (RFI) for a new water vessel operation on The Woodlands Waterway, based on the current condition of six (6) Waterway Cruisers. Visit The Woodlands is seeking a new and innovative boat service on its signature feature - The Woodlands Waterway. The RFI was open through July 31, At its April 18, 2018 meeting, The Visit The Woodlands Board of Directors authorized President Nick Wolda to contract with a third party contractor to assess, investigate and/or provide recommendation regarding the current value of the assets for the purpose of the possible liquidation or disposal of six Waterway Cruisers. Lone Star Marine Surveyors, located in Kemah area was chosen from two submitted proposals. Lone Star Marine Surveyors conducted an inspection of the six cruisers on May 1, 2018 and reported to the Board at the May meeting that all six (6) vessels may still be useable but will need significant renovation to be placed back in service. At the May 2018 meeting, Lone Star Marine Surveyors reported the original manufacturer of the boats was interested in receiving the boats and would remove the boats at their cost. The Board authorized staff to enter into such agreement; however, the original contractor told Visit The Woodlands staff these costs would be borne from the CVB. At the June 2018 meeting, the Board of Directors approved staff to issue a Request for Interest (RFI) for interest on sale, removal, transportation and proper use, reuse, and/or disposal of Waterway Cruisers. The RFI was open through July 31, Staff researched national publications that would attract interested candidates. TWCVB advertised in a digital national publication for several weeks (The Waterways Journal), promoted through website and news releases, and mailed 58 packages to prospective boat companies. Eleven inquiries where received and information was provided through and phone meetings. Staff received two (2) proposals regarding RFI a new water vessel operation on The Woodlands Waterway and sale, removal, transportation and proper use, reuse, and/or disposal of Waterway Cruisers. MGSIII Maritime LLC of West Palm Beach, Florida visited The Woodlands and toured the area to assess the boats in August MGSIII Maritime LLC was chosen has the vendor to remove the vessels from Waterway. A planning and logistics meeting with participating partners and agencies has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at The Woodlands Township. Information from the meeting will be discussed with the Board of Directors at the September 19, 2018 meeting.

25 RECOMMENDATION To be determined by the Visit The Woodlands Board of Directors. No file(s) attached. Attachments