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Loop Special Business District – Official St. Louis Visitors Guide – The Board asked Mr. Edwards to explain the use of funds for the Visitor’s Guide. Mr. Edwards informed the Board that the Visitors Guide is in every hotel room in St. Louis all year long. The Loop businesses pay a small fee join the Visitor and Convention Bureau and the LSBD uses the funds from EDRST to purchase an Ad that reads like editorial. The Visitors Guide brings in thousands of visitors every year, particularly in the summer months. One business owner contributed 50% of her summer sales to people finding the Loop through the Visitors Guide. The Board voted 6-1 to fund the Visitors Guide for $12,500 University City Chamber Marketing and Advertising – The Board supported the staff’s recommendation to combine advertising and regional tourism. The Board supports the work of the Chamber and values advertising for the entire City but given the limited funds, the Board voted 7-0 to fund marketing, advertising, and regional branding at $50,000. Loop Special Business District – Brochures – The Board acknowledged that the brochures provide visitors with great information about the Delmar Loop shops and restaurants. Board voted 4-2-1 (abstain) to fund the brochures ($14,000). City of University City Community Development Marketing – The Board supports marketing programs for the City and supports the staff’s recommendation to combine marketing and the Olive Link. Board voted 7-0 to fund both at $25,000. University City Chamber Taste – Board supports the Taste of U City event. The event brings together many restaurants to one location on Olive Blvd. The board voted 7-0 to fund the Taste of U City. Loop Special Business District – Welcome Sign - Mr. Kuhlman doesn’t support the welcome sign. He doesn’t think it will help attract new visitors to the Loop. Mr. Edwards indicated that the Loop is still fragile and still needs support. Mr. Lenard did indicate that the City cannot take the Loop for granted just because it is doing well now. Ms. Hendrix stated that she does not support this project and questioned the use of electricity for the sign and how that would be funded along with ongoing maintenance. The Board voted 2-5 not to fund the Welcome Sign. Following that vote, Ms. Riganti explained to the Board that another meeting was scheduled at 6:30pm and that the meeting had to end. She requested Board members to review calendars and determine a rd date to reconvene. The Board voted to reconvene on Thursday, March 23 at 4:00pm. The Board will rd continue to vote on projects on March 23 in order to submit recommendations to City Council prior to the th march 27 joint Study Session. Reports - NONE Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Board Respectfully submitted _____________________________________________________ Robert Kuhlman EDRSTB Secretary Prepared by: Jodie Lloyd, Manager of Economic Development 4