?Cameron Parish Tourist
Commission
P.O. Box 388, Cameron, LA 70631
Ph (337)775-5718
Fax (337)775-5567
www.visitcameronparish.org
MINUTES
The Cameron Parish Tourist Commission met in regular session on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at the Cameron Parish Police Jury Conference Room. The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. with Chairman, Stephanie Rodrigue, presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. LaBove and the Prayer was led by Ms. Miller.
Commissioners present were: Stephanie Rodrigue, Chairman; Carolyn Miller, Treasurer; Patty Boudreaux, Secretary; and JoeAnn LaBove.
Absent: Tunie Dunaway, Vice Chairman; Mary Johnson and JoAnn Nunez.
Guests: Kimberly Montie, Port Director, Cameron Parish Port Harbor and Terminal District.
Approval of Minutes: Upon motion by Ms. Miller, seconded by Ms. LaBove, and carried, the minutes of the May 12, 2022 meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Upon motion by Ms. Boudreaux, seconded by Ms. Miller, and carried, the combined financials of January – May 2022 were approved as presented, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part thereof, along with a detailed report of vendor activity.
Payment of Bills: Ms. Rodrigue presented an invoice from Dev Department in the amount of $774 for website and social media management. Upon motion by Ms. Boudreaux, seconded by Ms. LaBove, and carried, the Invoice was approved for payment.
Correspondence: Ms. Boudreaux presented a letter from the Louisiana Ornithological Society, dated May 5, 2022, thanking the Tourist Commission for the meal that was donated for their Friday meeting, in particular, thanking Ms. JoAnn Nunez for her coordination of such.
Old Business: Ms. Miller contacted Charlie Whitman of LTPA to discuss benefits of membership and an invitation was extended for him to visit with us at a future date. Members will plan to meet with him at the Annual Louisiana Travel Summit in August. Ms. Rodrigue volunteered to email Mr. Whitman with an update of information for the Louisiana Tour Guide.
Ms. Boudreaux agreed to contact Ms. Harrington to request a current report of occupancy tax collections, and to request an update on other targeted communities by letter, requesting compliance with existing state occupancy tax laws.
A discussion was held regarding processes for a local business to be included on the Tourist Commission website. Commissioners agreed that a business owner must provide their Occupational License Number, which would then be verified against a current report from the Sheriff’s office, collector of these licenses. It was also determined that any business without a valid occupational license would be denied inclusion.
Ms. Boudreaux mentioned that the website has numerous errors and needs to be cleaned-up. She volunteered to meet with Mr. Williams and report back to the commission at the next meeting.
The commission reviewed a reduced proposal by Kevin Ford of “Let’s Geaux Fishing” in the amount of $26,400 which would include 2 shows in Cameron Parish from July 2022 through June 2023; sponsor mentions; and #visitcameronparish in all generic and social media posts. After a review of the annual budget, upon motion by Ms. Boudreaux, seconded by Ms. LaBove, and carried, the commission agreed that a proposal between $7,500 and $10,000 would be requested then presented to the commission.
The tour of the SP Henry Home was cancelled due to inclement weather. The tour will be rescheduled at a later date.
The commission discussed funding the replacement of community signs that were damaged in the storms. Some communities have already replaced their signs. A decision was deferred until more information, such as costs, could be obtained.
The festival rack cards discussion was deferred and will be a standing item on the agenda until information can be gathered.
New Business: Ms. Miller presented an idea to solicit sponsorships on future brochures to help defray printing costs.
A discussion was held regarding the distribution of promotional items at various events, with a focus on visitors to the area and promoting website and social media attention. All commissioners have access to the items in storage and prior approval for distribution is not necessary, however, these distributions should be reported at the meeting following the event. Items for the July 4th Holiday weekend activities will be distributed by Ms. Boudreaux in Holly Beach and Ms. Miller at Rutherford Beach.
Ms. Rodrigue presented a request to sponsor a meal and table at the proposed “Lighthouse Bend” ribbon-cutting in the Fall, in conjunction with the Cameron Lions Club, to include a reveal of the time capsule that was delayed due to Covid-19 protocols, and a re-seal of a new capsule. Upon motion by Ms. Boudreaux, seconded by Ms. Miller, and carried, the request was approved as presented.
Ms. Rodrigue presented a request for a sponsorship of the Cameron Lions Club’s “Cameron Fishing Festival”, scheduled for August 5th and 6th in Grand Cheniere, at the same sponsorship level as 2021. Lions Stephanie Rodrigue and Patty Boudreaux recused themselves from the decision. Upon motion by Ms. Miller, seconded by Ms. LaBove, and carried, the request was approved as presented.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., at the Cameron Parish Police Jury conference room. Commissioners were invited to attend the Cameron Fishing Festival’s “Captain’s Night” in Grand Cheniere for a complimentary fish dinner and entertainment at 6:00 p.m., following the next scheduled meeting.
Upon motion by Ms. LaBove, seconded by Ms. Boudreaux, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 3:57 p.m.
APPROVED BY:
STEPHANIE RODRIGUE,
CHAIRMAN
ATTEST BY:
PATTY BOUDREAUX,
SECRETARY
RUN: Aug. 4 (Au 9)