Minutes of a Regular Meeting oft the BCVB Advisory Board oft the City of Brownsville, Texas, held on Tuesday April 8, at 12:00 pm. at the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau & Office of Space commerce, located at 1312 East Adams St., and via zoon meeting by logging on at: htrsy/atnch.oom.aP9PTnlZkCOpm3SIXKbPNTaSI Meeting ID: 884 2698 9091 - I Passcode: 991432 The following Members were present: BCVB Mayra Cruz-Chair Claudia Lozano-Vice-Chair Carmen Nordyke-Member Roman Portes-Member Vilma Wolfe-Member Dorene Fourar-Member Joseph Modesto-Member CVB Manuel Chacon-Communiceations and Marketing Director and CVB&OSC Interim Director Malinalli Montesam-CVB&OSC Assistant Director Mario Gonzalez-Marketing and Brand Coordinator Eva Millan-Tourism Coordinator Evelyn De Leo-Admin Specialist 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. Chair Mayra Cruz called meeting to order at 12:02 pm Chair Mayra Cruz, Carmen Nordyke, Roman Portes, 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 MARCH 11, 2025 Chair Mayra Cruz moved out of sequence for discussion and action for Minutes on meeting March 11th, > 2025, to be approved, Claudia Lozano motion first. The motion was seconded by Carmen Nordyke and carried approved as follows: Ayes: Mayra Cruz, Claudia Lozano, Carmen Nordyke, Roman Portes, Dorene Fourar, Vilma Wolfe, Joseph Modesto. 4.) PRESENTATION ON BROWNSVILLE CONVENTION AND VISTORS BUREAU & OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE UPDATES (OPERATIONS DETAILS, PAID ADVERTISING, BRANDING AND UPCOMING EVENTS) Operations/Events Ms. Montesam introduced Mr. Manuel Chacon to the Board as the new Communications and Marketing Director, and Interim Director ofthe CVB & OSC. She began her presentation by outlining the mission and primary focus oft the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). She also provided a detailed explanation of operational procedures, the utilization of funds, and the management and allocation of HOT (Hotel Occupancy Tax) funds. Additionally, she clarified the guidelines organizations must follow when applying for and using these funds. Ms. Montesam emphasized that the CVB department invests in paid advertising. She distributed a spreadsheet listing all current advertising partners, including the various magazines in which Brownsville is featured. In response to a question from Ms. Fourar, Ms. Montesam confirmed that both the Gladys Porter Zoo and the Mitte Cultural District are recipients of HOT funds. Ms. Nordyke inquired about the return on investment in advertising expenditure. Ms. Montesam responded that the department tracks engagement through metrics such as new subscribers and newsletter signups. Ms. Fourar suggested employing a copywriter and editor to review and ensure quality in all advertisements placed in magazines and through advertising agencies. Ms. Montesam shared that the Marketing and Brand Coordinator is actively working on developing and implementing new advertising strategies. Ms. Nordyke inquired whether there were plans to advertise in Guadalajara and Cancun, noting that these cities serve as major flight hubs. She emphasized that such locations could offer significant exposure. Ms. Montesam responded that those cross-promotional opportunities have been analyzed and are under consideration. Ms. Vilma highlighted that the Texas Association of College Mission Counselors is bringing a significant number of high school students to an event tentatively scheduled at the McAllen Convention Center. She suggested that this could be an excellent opportunity to promote Brownsville. Ms. Montesam agreed and noted that promotional items could be provided to support outreach efforts. Upcoming Events Ms. Montesam provided a preview of upcoming events in April 2025, including Agave Fest and Mitte in Motion. She highlighted the importance of the Events Calendar, which tracks all events happening in Brownsville. Other upcoming events include Stringphonic, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Mariachi Festival, which is supported by HOT funds. Additionally, she mentioned the Farmers Games, hosted by the Brownsville Wellness Coalition, where the CVB will have an informational booth and distribute promotional items to children at Linear Park. She also noted that the long-awaited Cannery is expected to be launched this year. Ms. Cruz asked about attendance for the First Friday event featuring The Spazmatics. Mr. Chacon congratulated Mr. Mario Gonzalez on his video production of the event, which was successfully shared on social media. Marketing and Social Media Update Ms. Eva Millan reported a noticeable increase in Facebook followers and discussed the ongoing success of the Taco Trail program and March events. She also referenced marketing strategies employed by other CVBs. She mentioned efforts to improve the visual presentation of the social media feed, aiming to create a more attractive and cohesive grid layout. Ms. Fourar suggested reactivating the CVB's Twitter account to expand digital outreach. Ms. Montesam acknowledged the suggestion and stated she would look into the possibility of reactivating the account. Ms. Millan highlighted strong community engagement and growing follower numbers on Instagram. Ms. Fourar also asked whether the department creates event recap videos for YouTube. Ms. Montesam noted that content creators are currently engaged in events and agreed that producing recap videos would be a valuable addition. 5.) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the BCVB Board, upon daily motion the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm Chair Mayra Cruz moved out of the session to adjourn. Vilma Wolfe motion first. The motion was seconded by Claudia Lozano and carried approved as follows: Ayes: Mayra Cruz, Carmen Nordyke, Claudia Lozano, Dorene Fourar, Vilma Wolfe, Roman Portes and Joseph Modesto. Amoig 5-12-25 Mayra Cruz- Chair Date