Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the BCVB Advisory Board of the City of Brownsville, Texas, held on Tuesday March 11, at 12:00 pm. at the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau & Office ofSpace commerce, located at 1312 East Adams St., and via zoon meeting by logging on at: tps/msU/ehzpom.N/S1471667 Meeting ID: 881 4471 6669 The following Members were present: BCVB Mayra Cruz-Vice Chair Carmen Nordyke-Member Scott Fry-Member Linda Ufland-Member Claudia Lozano-Secretary Vilma Wolfe-Member Dorene Fourar-Member Joseph Modesto-Member CVB Malinalli Montesam-CVB&OSC Assistant Director Mario Gonzalez-Marketing and Brand Coordinator Eva Millan-Tourism Coordinator Evelyn De Leo-Admin Specialist Rita Garcia- Tourist Specialist Leadership Brownsville Rosio Tijerina 1.) CALL TO ORDER a) ROLL CALL A quorum being present, Malinalli Montesam read the call to order to consider the matters as posted and filed for the record. Vice Chair Mayra Cruz called meeting to order at 12:02 pm Vice Chair Mayra Cruz, Carmen Nordyke, Linda Ufland, Scott Fry, Claudia Lozano, Joseph Modesto, Vilma Wolfe, Dorene Fourar, attended the meeting in person. 2.) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No Public Comment 3.) DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO APROVE MINUTES FOR MEETING ON FEBRUARY 11TH > 2025 Vice Chair Mayra Cruz moved out of sequence for discussion and action for Minutes on meeting February 11th, 2025, to be approved, Vilma Wolfe motion first. The motion was seconded by Claudia Lozano and carried approved as follows: Ayes: Mayra Cruz, Claudia Lozano, Carmen Nordyke, Linda Ufland, Scott Fry, Dorene Fourar, Vilma Wolfe, Joseph Modesto. 4.) PRESENTATION ON BROWNSVILLE CONVENTION AND VISTORS BUREAU & OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE UPDATED OPERATIONS, EVENTS, MARKETING AND BUSINESS) Operations/Events Ms. Montesam presented data highlighting an increase in visitor spending in Brownsville. A report was shared detailing overnight stays and day trips, using information from Placer AI, a national data software that tracks visitor activity through cellphone data. The report showed that most top visits were from Arizona. Ms. Ufland commented on Arizona's strong interest in space-related events. Ms. Nordyke inquired whether Placer AI tracked data through credit card transactions; Ms. Montesam clarified it relies solely on cellphone tracking. Ms. Lozano asked whether government changes might lead to a decrease in hotel reservations. Ms. Nordyke raised concern about cities where visitors stay overnight but do not spend money within the city. Ms. Montesam informed the board about the acquisition of Granicus, a new software that will provide data on Airbnb and short-term rentals. The system will be implemented in May 2025. Ms. Cruz inquired about peak visitation trends during rocket launch announcements. Ms. Montesam noted that Brownsville's marketing efforts are focused on Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, and Saltillo, with support from Publirex, a billboard company in Monterrey. Mr. Modesto asked if more flights are opening from Brownsville Airport. Ms. Cruz followed up by asking whether there are flights to California via Avelo Airlines. Ms. Ufland inquired about the impact of Starbase on hotel demand in the area. Ms. Cruz suggested placing a billboard on the Boca Chica Beach highway to promote Visit Brownsville to SpaceX visitors. Mr. Fry asked for details regarding the Winter Texan Tour organized by the Tourism Office of Matamoros, including feedback and scheduling. CVB shared that the last tour occurred during the first weekend of March 2025. Marketing will resume at the start of the next Winter Texan season. Mr. Fry recommended offering similar tours to U.S. residents year-round. Mr. Modesto asked about CVB's marketing strategies and whether spending at local restaurants is being tracked separately. Ms. Montesam stated that CVB partnered with Texas Bucket List to promote Brownsville's most visited locations. Ms. Lozano asked for the number ofl hotel rooms booked during the recent soccer game. Ms. Montesam shared that the event had 4,200 attendees, according to Placer AI (which only tracks U.S. mobile devices). She noted the actual number may have been higher, as many children do not carry mobile devices. Business BSPL requested 200 room blocks TSC Mariachi Festival requested 60 rooms Mittie and Motion requested 14 rooms Ms. Montesam presented a list of events CVB is involved in or hosting, including: State of the City Birding Festival Space Fest 2025 Ms. Fourar recommended enhanced security measures at events, including bag checks at the entrance and the use of a single-entry point for safety. Ms. Montesam noted CVB will be attending INC-Monterrey to promote the city. Ms. Ufland supported the initiative, sharing her previous positive experience at the event. Ms. Montesam also mentioned that the MOU with Mitie Cultural District for the Visitor Center reopening is nearing final approval. Marketing & Social Media Ms. Millan presented performance statistics for CVB's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts during Charro Days and Sombrero Festival. She added that she and Mr. Mario Gonzalez will be managing the LinkedIn account's professional engagement. Taco Trail Branding Mr. Gonzalez introduced the Taco Trail Branding initiative to promote local taquerias. Ar new logo is under development, with active comparisons of font styles, colors, and typography. Mr. Modesto asked if there are plans to target the Asian audience, noting his involvement with the Philippines Association and interest in supporting both tourism and the Taco Trail program. Ms. Montesam asked for suggestions on outreach to the Asian market, adding there are plans for an International Food Festival. Ms. Ufland recommended setting up calendar invites when planning for the festival begins. Ms. Cruz suggested the City of Brownsville create a Proclamation for Taco Day. 5.) DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO. APPOINT OR RE-ELECT (1) BCVB ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR, (1) BCVB ADVISORY BOARD VICE CHAIR AND (20 BCVB ADVISORY BOARD SECRETARY Claudia Lozano motion to appoint Mayra Cruz for BCVB Advisory Board Chair The motion was seconded by Vilma Wolfe and carried approved as follows: Ayes: Mayra Cruz Carmen Nordyke, Linda Ufland, Claudia Lozano, Vilma Wolfe, Scott Fry, Dorene Fourar and Joseph Modesto Mayra Cruz motion to appoint Claudia Lozano for BCVB Advisory Board Vice-Chair The Motion was seconded by Dorene Fourar and carried approved as follows: Ayes: Mayra Cruz Carmen Nordyke, Linda Ufland, Claudia Lozano, Vilma Wolfe, Scott Fry, Dorene Fourar and Joseph Modesto Carmen motion to appoint Linda Ufland for BCVB Advisory Board Secretary The Motion was seconded by Scott Fry and carried approved as follows: Ayes: Mayra Cruz Carmen Nordyke, Linda Ufland, Claudia Lozano, Vilma Wolfe, Scott Fry, Dorene Fourar and Joseph Modesto. 6.) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the BCVB Board, upon daily motion the meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm Chair Mayra Cruz moved out of the session to adjourn. Dorene Fourar motion first. The motion was seconded by Claudia Lozano and carried approved as follows: Ayes: Mayra Cruz, Carmen Nordyke, Linda Ufland, Claudia Lozano, Dorene Fourar, Vilma Wolf, Scott Fry and Joseph Modesto h mo 4-8-25 Mayra Cruz- Chair Date