The Bulletin -- September 2, 2009 (#1006)

MICHELLE POWERS, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AT THE CLINTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, DISCUSSES THE “BED TAX” WITH CLUB MEMBER ROGER VANGUILDER.

Program: Michelle Powers, Bed Tax Effect on Clinton County

When Michelle began four years ago with the Chamber, they faced several challenges; the two biggest of which were staffing (it was just her) and a budget (there was none). At the time they had a little county money, but she was forced to look at the gaps and begin filling them to the best of her ability.
“With the I love NY funding slowing drying up, we had to figure out what to do to keep some of the great tourism attractions like the fishing tournaments alive in the North Country,” said Powers. Tourism’s economic impact needs to be managed carefully in a way that helps sustain the vibrancy of our communities.

The Occupancy Tax, or “bed tax,” was an idea brought to the table a few years ago. It applies to non-residents when they come to our area and spend time in local hotels/motels. The tax ranges from 1%-7% and the funds received lessens dependence on the county and state. “We need to row our own boat,” Powers said. “We need to make our own future and tourism is huge in this county.” With help from the Occupancy Tax, tourism is expected to continue to grow.

Powers and the Occupancy Tax Committee drafted a local law which went through the County and was passed to the State. Included in the law are requirements that the revenues from the Bed Tax be earmarked for tourism, meaning marketing efforts would have to be done outside of Clinton County in order to draw tourism to the area.

2009 is expected to see roughly $300,000 in revenue from the Bed Tax. Essex County gets well over a million dollars each year so Clinton County got a way to go, but the Chamber is moving forward and motivated by the progress made thus far.
Powers explained some of the ways the revenue has been spent. From upcoming high definition television commercials and trade shows, to “Twittering” and advertising on Facebook, the Chamber is coming up with innovative ways to attract people to the area.

Guests: Doug Bouchard (Past Pres. Steve Frederick); Michelle Powers (Colin Read). The following Rotarians brought guests: Bob Parks and Ellen Bouchard.

This Week:

• District Conference: For those interested in volunteering to attend the District Conference on 9/17, if you register within the next ten days you may win free accommodation. See Bonnie for more information and a brochure.

Announcements:

• Kristen Shives is leaving her position here with the Boy Scouts and is heading back to Alabama where she will attend graduate school.
• T-Shirts: Jody Carpenter fronted the money for the shirt order. If you haven’t yet paid for your shirt, please pay Jody directly.
• Roducky Derby Committee—Ellen Bouchard: The weekend was very successful for duck sales outside of Wal-Mart as volunteers sold $902 worth of ducks. Wal-Mart’s matching grant will take a while to come but as they say, “the check’s in the mail.” Sam’s Club approached the committee and said they’d like to see duck sales outside their store front as well. If everyone could buy a duck and sell a duck we’ll sell more ducks than ever before. A note on Corporate ducks: They are sold for $25 each and businesses become a sponsor of the Derby. Their ducks race separately and the winning duck gets to be displayed at their place of business for the year. Ellen thanked the volunteers who helped with those sales and with the coloring contest. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for duck sales on the day of the Derby and 10 people are needed to help put together the track the morning of the event. Thank you to Ellen’s daughter who painted a terrific Roducky Derby sign that can be used in the future.
• Rotary Bike Day (9/23) - Sara Rowden: There are two rides scheduled. The longer of the two starts at 9am and the shorter more leisurely ride begins at 10am. Both start and finish at the Station Café in Chazy. Sign up on the sheet being passed. It’s not a competitive race—come and join the fun.
• Coin Box Collection: The club is embarking on a new challenge to raise funds for Polio Plus. The boxes are available for you to collect spare change at your places of business throughout the week. The club has committed to collecting $2,000 this year and it will take some creativity to meet the goal. Take as many boxes as you like.

New Member Induction: The club welcomed two new members to the club. Terianne Pavone (Sponsor– Kit Booth) and Jack Helfgott (Sponsor— Bob Parks) - the club welcomes you.

Induction Ceremony for New Members Terianne Pavone and Jack Helfgott

Auction Items: Jack Dee auctioned a bottle of John Zurlo’s fine wine made to commemorate the quadricentennial for $50 to Rosemary Souza-Botten. Five Battle of Plattsburgh buttons were auction to a member for $20. Another five buttons were auction to Bill Rowe for $25.

Makeup's: Roducky Volunteers (8/29 and/or 30th): E. Bouchard, S. Long, E. Murray, A. Kretser, C. Forrence, M. Cook, J. Kerley. D. Moore, P. Cadieux, P. Sands, R. Leibowitz.

Another Candle Burning For: Barbara Straw (9/9)

50/50: The pot is worth $500. Drawing for the two of hearts, Eric Eaglefeather picked the 5 of hearts.

 

Rotary Fun Fact:

The first head of state to address a Rotary convention was U.S. President Warren G. Harding in 1923 at St. Louis.

Jack Dee remembered some facts about the club he gathered over the years. The club has supported many projects and organizations; some of which include the Boy Scouts, Fresh Air Kids, the Cumberland Head Beach, the Crippled Children’s Clinic, the Community Chest, Polio Plus, March of Dimes, Adopt a Highway and much more. Two controversial issues cropped up in the 80’s: no more smoking and women in Rotary. The 80’s also saw the start of the Fishing Tournament and the “Welcome Back Norm Golf Tournament.” Looking ahead—the future is in our hands. Jack said, “He who profits most serves best.” Jack has been a Rotarian for 26 years and will be missed. Good luck in your many new endeavors.

Upcoming Programs: Go to Membership Duties List