MERCER COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU BOARD MEETING MINUTES: FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Members Present

Kitt McCarthy, Jeff Disibbio, Kim Jones, Henry Jones, Grant Bennett, Bill Regas, Todd Boggess-Zoom, Phil Lane-Zoom

Members Absent

Ansel Ponder, Patrice Belcher, Greg Puckett, Candace Wilson, Sam Lusk, Jim Spencer

Guests

Lyndsay Fruchtl, Alexa Nagy, Jeremiah McKendree, Chris Mabe, Dee Puckett

Staff

Jamie Null, Karen Morris, Valerie Hendricks

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 2:08 PM. Welcome and introductions. New board members Bill Regas and Grant Bennett were introduced. The board reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. treasurer presented the financial report. Board approved the financials. The board discussed audit and financial review requirements. Further discussion was tabled.

Old Business

A. PR and Marketing updates

Lindsay Fruchtl, with Pineapple PR, presented a 2024 recap and previewed the 2025 strategy, highlighting 10 billion media impressions and $278.2 million in editorial value. Alexa Nagy, with Digital Relativity, provided a report on website performance and outlined upcoming conversion-focused marketing strategies.

B. Project Updates

Jeremiah McKendree, with Brush Creek Holler, delivered an update on the roller coaster development project. CVB staff shared plans to expand the reach of Huey, the mobile visitor center. Discussion followed on upcoming outdoor festivals and regional event participation.

C. Digital and Strategic Initiatives

The CEO/Director introduced and AI chatbot scheduled for implementation on the CVB website. Additional updates included: planning for the CVB’s 40th anniversary celebration in June, Leave No Trace school programming, Civil War Trails and ATV tourism research with Concord University, the 2025 Visitors Guide production timeline, trademark approval for sticker merchandise sales, and Legislative efforts in support of tourism-related bills.

New Business

A. Action Items

Executive Committee is to review and make a recommendation on the audit/review requirements

B. CEO/Director

The CVB staff will finalize the plans for the 40th anniversary event, resume Leave No Trace programming in the schools as weather allows, and the Director will attend a PR Forum in Atlanta to promote Mercer County to national travel media.

Next Meeting: TBD
Meeting Adjourned at 3:10 PM

Ansel Ponder, Secretary
Mercer County CVB Board

Last updated: April 28, 2026