VCB forms advisory committee for Visitor Center

Richard Goldman, President & Chief Executive Officer of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau, informed Historic City News last week that the VCB will provide staff support to a newly organized VIC Advisory Committee.

In a letter to the ten-member panel, Goldman announced that the organizational meeting is set for May 14th at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

“At that meeting you will select a chair and vice-chair, set future meetings, and agree on a framework of what information you will need to make your recommendations,” Goldman wrote.

Armed with that information, Goldman and Carey Cramer say they will solicit presentations and seek resources for the group’s subsequent meetings.

Volunteer members of the VIC Advisory Committee

David Chatterton	Old Town Trolley Tours
Pat Dobosz	The Kenwood Inn
John Fraser	Fountain of Youth
Kim Kiff	Ripley’s sightseeing trains
Cindy Stavely	Pirate & Treasure Museum
Lorna MacDonald	Raintree Restaurant
Joan Whittemore	Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Kathy Fleming	Visitors and Convention Bureau
Cyndi Humphrey	Cedar House Inn
Mollie Malloy	St. Augustine Attractions Association

At a recent VCB meeting, Mayor Shaver mentioned several improvements at the Visitor Information Center after the 450th Commemoration in September. Goldman credited Shavers suggestions for starting the process, and the committee was soon formed.

St. Johns County commissioner Bill McClure, St. Augustine Beach City Commissioner Undine George, and St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Shaver, are government liaisons to the Visitor and Convention Bureau.  However, Shaver says that she will allow the VIC Advisory Committee to come up with suggestions on its own, then look at them when they are presented to the city.