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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Tourism Advisory Commission - 9/15/2025MINUTES ORO VALLEY TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION September 15, 2025 ORO VALLEY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE            REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 4:00 PM   CALL TO ORDER Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.   ROLL CALL Present: Tony D'Angelo, Chair Sasha Case, Vice Chair Christopher DeSimone, Commissioner Malarie Puggioni, Commissioner Mark Van Buren, Commissioner Staff Present: Paul Melcher, Community and Economic Development Director Crystal Franke, Tourism Marketing Manager Joe Andrews, Chief Civil Deputy Attorney Attendees: Mary Murphy, Town Council Liaison CALL TO AUDIENCE Oro Valley resident Philip Greim spoke about his business, Scotty Bikes. He also spoke about the new "Explore OV" app and provided his feedback on what improvements he would like to see.   COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS There were no council liaison updates at this time.   REGULAR SESSION AGENDA   1.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS    Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher introduced the Town staff. The commissioners each introduced themselves. Mr. Melcher introduced council member Joyce Jones-Ivey and Vice Mayor Barrett. Ms. Barrett spoke about the new commission and the valuable opportunities it will provide. She then introduced the council liaison for the commission, Mary Murphy. Ms. Murphy spoke about how this new Tourism Advisory Commission came to fruition and the importance of having residents involved. She then introduced Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Rex Scott for District 1. Mr. Scott spoke about representing all of Oro Valley and the importance of this commission.   September 15, 2025 Minutes, Tourism Advisory Commission 1 2.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ELECT THE TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON    Motion by Vice Chair Sasha Case, seconded by Commissioner Mark Van Buren to nominate Commissioner D'Angelo to serve as Chair.    Commissioner D'Angelo was accepted to serve as chair by acclamation.   3.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ELECT THE TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION VICE CHAIRPERSON    Motion by Commissioner Christopher DeSimone, seconded by Commissioner Mark Van Buren to nominate Commissioner Case to serve as Vice Chair.    Commissioner Case was accepted to serve as Vice Chair by acclamation.   4.DISCUSSION AND OVERVIEW OF COMMISSION, EXPECTATIONS, MEETINGS    Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher asked the Commission if they concurred with future meetings moving to the Town Council Chambers and keeping the 4:00 p.m. start time; the commission agreed. He also asked if they had any questions about their board and commission training, which they did not. Mr. Melcher provided an overview of the commission's purpose: staff will bring forth items and the commission will serve in an advisory capacity, with staff taking cues and advice from the commission. A future agenda item was requested that each member explain what their vision is for Oro Valley tourism.   5.PRESENTATION REGARDING THE TOWN OF THE ORO VALLEY DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY       Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher provided a presentation that included the following: - Why is the TOV its own DMO? - TOV proposed DMO Scope: first year - Local visitation collaboration: enhanced value proposition for OV - DMO budget - Current projects Discussion ensued among the commission and staff.   6.DISCUSSION REGARDING THE DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION'S CURRENT PROJECTS       Tourism Marketing Manager Crystal Franke provided an update on the development of Oro Valley's Leisure Travel management plan and how it relates to other projects, such as the Explore Oro Valley brand identity and website. Ms. Franke spoke about the results of the resident survey which received over a thousand responses, giving a strong picture of how people feel about Oro Valley as a place to both live and visit. She shared the takeaways from the survey. Ms. Franke then discussed the Situational Analysis, which pulled together the survey, the branding report, and the stakeholder feedback, which came up with short-term recommendations and big picture items for Oro Valley. The vendor chosen will be presenting in November a formal brand identity. She also highlighted the Town's September 15, 2025 Minutes, Tourism Advisory Commission 2 Explore Oro Valley website. Discussion ensued among the commission and staff.   7.DISCUSSION REGARDING EXPLORE OV LEISURE TRAVEL PLAN VISIONING SESSION HELD ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2025       Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher spoke about the Visioning Session held on September 10, 2025. Chair D'Angelo and Commissioner DeSimone attended the session and provided their feedback. Discussion ensued among staff and the commission. Mr. Melcher shared his takeaways from the session as well. It was also requested to have a study session discussion regarding relationships with the resorts.   STAFF LIAISON REPORT There was no staff report.   ADJOURNMENT Chair D'Angelo adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m.   I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special session of the Town of Oro Valley Tourism Advisory Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 10th day of September 2025. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. ______________________________________ Jeanna Ancona Senior Office Specialist September 15, 2025 Minutes, Tourism Advisory Commission 3