2010 Budget proposal TDC

[wrobert]

Okay I am finally starting to get in some budget information and will start posting on here for discussion. Remember we are looking for 7 million dollars. Now keeping in mind that the TDC is pretty much self sustaining, any dollars saved here can not go toward the 7 million but I think many will agree that moving as many dollars into area promotion would be a good thing.

I am going to do this in little bites to make it easier to discuss, I will try to post a PDF of the whole thing over the weekend. The first part is the admin section:

Consultants $217,000.00
Research $171,250.00
Advertising/Media $795,000.00
Production $173,065.00
PR Development $ 23,700.00
PR Trade Shows $ 1,250.00
PR FAMS $ 7,000.00
Travel Trade Missions $ 83,910.00
Sales FAMS $ 15,100.00
Trade Show Sponsor $ 31,650.00
Website $312,500.00
Regional Partnerships $ 5,000.00
Photo Production $269,420.00
Brochure Distribution $ 14,640.00
Promotional Merchandise $ 46,507.50
Promotions $ 8,500.00

 

[Busta Hustle]

Will of course be waiting for consultants to justify their existance but in all businesses I know they are the first to go in lean times. Course times aren't lean when you can add a tax. Other lines not directly associated to area promotion seems to be RESEARCH-staff can do that, PR Development-ax it
Photo Production-1/2 it, TRAVEL TRADE-1/2 it, Brochure Dist 1/2 it. By half it I mean half the allowed budget where and if possible.

 

[idlewind]

Will of course be waiting for consultants to justify their existance but in all businesses I know they are the first to go in lean times. Course times aren't lean when you can add a tax. Other lines not directly associated to area promotion seems to be RESEARCH-staff can do that, PR Development-ax it
Photo Production-1/2 it, TRAVEL TRADE-1/2 it, Brochure Dist 1/2 it.

TDC is not like regular government. It is funded by bed taxes and is supposed to spend money entirely to promote tourism. You promote by advertising. Advertising uses photos-can't cut photos. They should increase brochure distribution not cut it. etc.etc.etc.

TDC is supposed to be drawing tourists to the county so we ALL make more money. Two good qoutes: "You get what you pay for" and "You gotta spend money to make money."

 

[Bob Wells]

Idlewind, what are they taking pictures of and do they spend that much every year? Seems pictures can be reused.

 

[idlewind]

Idlewind, what are they taking pictures of and do they spend that much every year? Seems pictures can be reused.

Probably pretty girls frolicking on the beach, that was always a big draw for me.

You can never get too many pictures of pretty girls and sunsets.

 

[wrobert]

But do they really have to fly in pretty girls for this area?

 

[MinnDodd]

But do they really have to fly in pretty girls for this area?

Yes. :funn:

 

[ShallowsNole]

But do they really have to fly in pretty girls for this area?

:nono1:

Though I do remember a GQ photo shoot at Seaside in my younger thinner days...

 

[DuneLaker]

It would seem we would have enough pretty girls to at least garner 25% of that particular budget item. Likewise, there are a number of other consultants, photographers, and public relations experts, etc. in Walton County that would do as good a job, if not better, than out of state or county people. Hiring the best people is important, but overlooking the best and local talent is not a best practice.

While they are at it, for $312,000 for web development they should fix the Miramar Beach location. Most of the other beach categories are okay. But, go to the Beaches of South Walton, and then click on Miramar Beach. Look down to where it says Gulf front and gulf view accommodations. Click on that. You would think you would be directed to Walton County venues, rental properties, Sandestin etc.. But, no, it directs you to ANOTHER COUNTY!!! I'm sure the other county appreciates us highlighting their harbor, hotels and rental properties and name. I'd have to look again, if Beaches of South Walton is prominently displayed on that page or not. It certainly is overshadowed by the name of another place and county. The direction and place location information on that page is wrong and it needs to be corrected.

The tax money raised in Walton County should first be used to promote properties in Walton County, wouldn't you think? Is it even legal for them to promote another county?? There are companies that have multiple properties in various counties. And it would be reasonable at some point for them to mention those. But, NOT FIRST!!! Take a look at how that page is set up. There are any number of web experts here in Walton County that could design and manage a page better than that, imho.

 

[Interested Girl]

$300,000 for a website is rediculous and 20,000 amonth for photos is criminal.
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