Tourism committee appointments made
Published: June 17, 2009
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Nearly one month after the terms of members lapsed, appointments were made to the county tourism committee at the June 10 county commissioners meeting.
At the June 24 meeting, the commissioners opted to table the reappointments after the lack of meeting attendance by some committee members was brought to light.
Following conversations with committee members about the proposed slate of members, the commissioners followed through with the presented appointments.
A new member, however, was added to the committee. Tom Follert, chocolatier of the Sweet Spot and organizer of the Chocolate and Wine Festival in Montrose, was appointed to serve on the committee.
Those reappointed to serve on the tourism committee are: Michele Suchnick, Colonial Brick Inn and Suites; Kim Ross, Stonebridge Inn and Restaurant; Sandy Conklin, Conklin Unique Country Shop and Barn Wood; Greg Confer, Elk Mountain Resort; and Andy Aulakh, Holiday Inn Express.
Al Aronowitz, former member of the tourism committee, spoke about the proposed state budget cuts in funding to the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.
The county contracts with EMVB for tourism related services. In exchange, EMVB receives nearly 70 percent of the room tax money collected in Susquehanna County and 30 percent is returned to the county in the form of tourism grant money.
Aronowitz told the commissioners EMVB was contemplating a reduction to the 30 percent available for the county’s own efforts.
Commissioner Chair Warren said the contract between the county and EMVB states that 30 percent comes back Susquehanna County.
The commissioners also signed a one-year lease agreement for space in the Shops Plaza, Susquehanna, utilized for Children and Youth programs. Charge for the space increased $50 from the prior terms to $600 per month.
A contribution agreement was also signed between the the Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Dept. of Agriculture for NRCS to pay half of office coordinator Marlene Bailey’s salary and benefits and pay travel and training costs completed for NRCS.
The temporary part-time clerk positions for mapping and readdressing in the 911 department were extended until the end of the year.
When questioned by meeting attendees about the progress of the county readdressing, Warren said readdressing would be completed when the Harrisburg post office releases all of the addresses.
