I. Call to Order – Diane Bardhi called the meeting to order at 8:31 am. Members present were David Moody, Pete Scalco, Ralph Thomas, Sherrie Miller, Gail Gilman, Cypress Rudloe, Randy Esser, and Scott Taranto. Visitors present were Chuck Hess, Rafel Fortier, and Michael Corrigan. Staff present was Diane Bardhi.

II. Citizens to Be Heard – Michael Corrigan is a freelance outdoors’ writer and introduced himself.

He was referred to the Council by Fred Nichols. He supplied the Council with samples of his

articles and is a good source for future blogs. Rafel Fortier was also present to meet the Council.

Rafel is a local videographer who has provided footage for an ongoing scalloping brochure.

III. Approval of Minutes from 11-10-16 and 1-5-17 – Minutes approved

IV. Financial Reports

A. Clerk’s Office Financial Report (A) – Reviewed

B. Bed Tax Revenue Spreadsheet (A) – Reviewed

V. Committee Reports

A. Advertising Committee – S. Miller

1. The Connect Agency Status Report – D. Bardhi reviewed December’s report.

2. Bird Watcher’s Digest Ad Update – D. Bardhi presented Jan/Feb ad and updated on Mar/Apr ad.

3. Winter Birding Blog by Don Morrow – D. Bardhi updated.

4. WTXL TV Free Ad Update – D. Bardhi update. Ad running through January.

5. Digital Scalloping Brochure – D. Bardhi distributed information to be collected. D. Moody to help gather info.

6. Mini Grant Application/Project Learning Tree Event – D. Bardhi updated on event planned at Medart Elementary on April 7, 2017 as part of Project Learning Tree. Mini grant to be award on January 31st. More details to come first of February.

7. 2017 Grant Application for Visit Florida – D. Bardhi will write the grant geared toward enhancing photo and video libraries.

8. January FB Posts – D. Bardhi presented January posts.

VI. Council Members and Staff Discussion Items

A. Social Media Management RFP Contract & Vote – D. Bardhi presented recommendation for RFP 2017-05 contract to be awarded to The Connect Agency per committee. Motion and Second to approve The Connect Agency. Motion carried. The agenda item will go in front of the BOCC for approval on February 6, 2017.

B. Two LOS for Panacea Waterfronts’ presented – Motion and Second. Motion carried. D. Bardhi to write.

C LOS for Bo Lynn’s Grocery to be listed on National Register of Historic Places – Motion and Second. Motion carried. D. Bardhi to write.

D. TDC Grant Committee Meeting Update – D. Bardhi presented grant applicant recommendations. The following recommendations to receive grants for the 2017 cycle are as follows: St. Marks Stone Crab Festival, Panacea Blue Crab Festival, Sopchoppy 4th of July, 1st Annual Red Snapper Tournament, Gulf Specimen Sharks & Chablis, St. Marks Monarch Butterfly Festival, Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival, and the Rock the Dock Tournament. Motion and Second to approve grant recipients. Motion carried. D. Bardhi to send letters and meet with recipients.

E. Approval of Discretionary Funds for Timely Marketing – Discussed and no allowance made at this time.

F. Atlanta RV Show with Natural North Florida – D. Bardhi will attend the Atlanta RV Show with Visit Natural North Florida 1/26-1/30/17.

G. Visit Florida Tourism Day on March 14, 2017 – D. Bardhi will attend and either R. Thomas or S. Miller. D. Bardhi to ask Pam Portwood about partnering on the Oyster events on Tuesdays during Session.

VII. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 am. The next meeting will be held on February 9th at 8:30 am at the Wakulla Welcome Center.