Sandra Vincent

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the call to order, the pledge of allegiance, and verification of meeting requirements. The organizational session involves the swearing-in of 2026 BZA appointments and the election of 2026 officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary). Other agenda items include the approval of the agenda, review of specific Code Chapters and Sections (17.92.020, 17-04-17(B), and 17.108), discussion of training opportunities, review of assigned emails, a public comment session focused on Community Development Department operations, and comments from the Community Development Director, Staff, the BZA Chair, and Board Members.

The meeting included discussions on the chair report, old business regarding office and parking, and new business. Key takeaways from the Governor's Tourism Conference were shared, and the new parks director for the city was introduced. The Tourism Director will join the Chamber and Rotary, and the Tourism Board was invited to an upcoming Merchant Meet-up.

The McDonough Hospitality & Tourism Board meeting included discussions on reviewing financials, an employment contract draft, and preparing budget ideas for the FY 24-25 budget. The board discussed budget limits for Collaborative/Partnership Advertising and the need to reevaluate hotel nights for future partnerships. A new event request was reviewed for the 3rd Annual Georgia Gospel Music Festival, scheduled for November 8-9, 2024. The board also considered reevaluating requirements for hotel nights for partnership ad contributions and discussed options for sharing information with hotel guests.

The meeting included a review of financials, updates on hotel/motel tax payments, and progress on the Miss Georgia USA Pageant preparation. The board decided to move forward with hiring a full-time Tourism Director. There was also a discussion about hotel occupancy during the race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and announcements were made regarding the next board meeting, Main Street Merchant Meetup, and the upcoming sound system and lighting improvements on the square.

The meeting included a review of financials, a chair report on board members interviewing candidates for Tourism Director, and discussions regarding new billboards directing to "Historic Downtown". New business included updates on new Main Street pole banners installed in August 2024 and the Miss Universe TransContinental Pageant, which will have a "McDonough Day". The board also discussed the need to confirm hotel night stays to determine advertising partnership. Main Street is considering options for New Year's Eve Geranium Drop, possibly hiring an event consultant to put on the event. There was also a personnel discussion during the executive session.