NEW NFTTF EMAILER PROGRAM click here to use the emailer NFTTF MONTLY MEETING MINUTES: Month April Date 4/16/08 MEMBERS ATTENDING: Kevin Barwell, Pam Forge, Bill Kingsley, Mike McGuire, Diane Giliforte, Carl Burgwardt, Rick Manzone, Michele Frost, Mike Conboy, Lou Pinessa AGENDA MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 6:40 PM by President Barlow HOST FACILITY: Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls HOST: Diane Giliforte Diane welcomed everyone-stating the mall had a great year and it is the most successful mall in the Talisman family of malls. There is major construction with new stores and relocation of existing stores to larger locations and more effective grouping of stores. By July 1st, 42% of the mall will be renovated. Media plans for new openings were discussed. Treasurer’s Report- there is currently $3,453.27 in the account. Discussion on new Canadian attraction-Niagara Falls Experience Trade Shows- Galleria show-There was further discussion on the show regarding a fall off of attendance at both this show and the One Tank travel Show. Mike Conboy stated that rising costs are really beginning to affect travel plans-he had a tour from Indiana cancel due to a $1,200 increase in fuel costs. Another factor could have been the early Easter season this year. Kevin stated we need to be more aggressive in advertising next year. Diane stated that as long as a show drives membership, provides the exhibitors more exposure and does not lose money it is a good idea. Michele would like to consider other methods of “getting the word out” perhaps an e mail blitz. Carl pointed out not every show meets every exhibitors needs. Travel Expo- the discussion on the Galleria show led into a discussion on our participation at Travel Expo in Buffalo in August. The show is looking for sponsors for luncheon or the opening night cocktail party. It was hoped we could trade some sponsorship for booth space at the trade show. Carl will look into this. It also needs to be decided who can participate and what to charge, but these details should wait until after we find out what deal we can negotiate. After 50 Travel Show-The consensus was this was not a show we would participate in this year. It was also discussed that it is tour operators not group leaders that should be our target for marketing. . Commercial-Kevin could not bring the commercial but it is ready with information that has been received. If information was not supplied you are not in the commercial. Bill asked where do we go from here-Kevin stated he is meeting with Ch 7 and Cable to have them propose a broadcast schedule. Presentation- Rick Manzone gave a very informative presentation on optimizing your websites visibility on search engines-he will forward the information to members. Legislative: Mike Conboy-State Budget Budget increased but I love NY decreased by $1 million There are some capital improvements planned for State Parks There is still a chance to have the Niagara Experience Center and the Buffalo Cultural Heritage Programs reinstated in the Upstate revitalization package we should contact our representatives regarding approving this funding. A discussion followed regarding lobbying trips to Albany The state is considering a $.05 increase in gasoline tax-another reason to contact your representatives. Officers for 2008: It was moved by Pam seconded by Mike Conboy, that the secretary cast one ballot for Bill Kingsley to take over as Treasurer. Carried-Bill Kingsley is now the Treasurer effective immediately Kevin thanked Diane for hosting the meeting and for the opportunity for the NFTTF to exhibit at the Fashion Outlets Niagara Falls trade show in February. Meeting adjourned: 8:50 PM. Respectfully submitted: Mike McGuire, secretary

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