TO:

FROM:

COMMISSION AGENDA:

~.S.t6 #-?o Commissioner Susan Latvala

Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners 315 Court Street

Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-3276 Tel (727) 464-3022 Fax

MEMORANDUM

Honorable Members, Board of County Commissioners

Susan Latvala, Chairman

Tourist Development Council

SUBJECT: Tourist Development Council Vacancy

DATE: May 15,2012

There is a vacancy on the Tourist Development Council. The following three

resumes are attached for your review and appointment of one individual. This item

is scheduled to come before the Board on June 5 Board Meeting. The applicants are

as follows:

1. Jody Armstrong

2. Michael Garrow

3. Bonnie Walters

Also attached are two memos from Dennis Long dated, April 30 and May 11, 2012

on the vacancies.

Attachments

cc: Loy Norman, Manager, Board Records

Paula Gonya, Agenda Coordinator

To ely Armstrong. Esq. 18012- 3rd Street East, Redington Shores, FL 33708 727.385.3818 jody]DMBA@yahoo.com http:/ jwww.linkedin.com/injjodyarmstrong

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

RECEIVED

APR 18 2012

l_f?Y:.====l

Experienced transactional attorney with strong operations management skills, having served successfully in senior management positions with a proven record of achievements elevating individual and organizational performance in a Fortune 500 company, municipal government, and non-profit environments. Created, developed, and implemented sound business solutions utilizing legal analysis and strategic business planning to improve operational processes, contain costs, and drive efficiencies. Collaborative and persuasive ability to interact with diverse work groups and to effectively manage relationships with clients and government ethically and with professional responsibility.

• Public, Community, and • Emergency j Contingency Plan Government Relations Creation & Development

• Civil Contract Drafting and Legal • Small Business Startup I Sufficiency Review Turnaround

• Dispute Resolution I • State, County, and Municipal Negotiations, Mediations Grants Acquisition

• Sunshine Law Application

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TREASURE ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Treasure Island, FL President

• Federal (OSHA), State (FEMA, FDOT), and Local Regulatory Compliance

• Management and Corporate Succession Planning

• Small Business Startup I Turnaround

2011-Present

• Represent members in promoting and creating commerce to advance business growth objectives and increase membership

• Represent members in governmental advocacy • Maintain and promote communication through printed, electronic, and social medias • Develop and oversee $lOOk annual budget • Fundraise and promote events within the community

JODY ARMSTRONG, P.A., Redington Shores, FL 2004-Present Attorney

• Managed all business functions of a law firm in compliance with IRS and Florida Bar rules and regulations • Demonstrated capacity to cooperate effectively with Federal, State, County, and loc::tf government agencies and clients

to negotiate, resolve, and commemorate complex legal matters • Reviewed for legal sufficiency and provided legal counsel and advice regarding various corporate business

transactions to ensure compliance with statutes, company policies and procedures • Negotiated, drafted, and reviewed contracts, complaints, demands, assignments; corporate creation, modification,

resolutions; real and personal property asset purchasejsaiejlease, while maintaining highest confidentiality • Prepared and reviewed Declaration of Condominium, Bylaws, Operating Agreements, Articles of Incorporation,

Corporate Resolutions, Real Property Contract for Sale & Addendums, Hold Harmless Agreements, Personal Guaranty, Letter of Intent; Issued Opinion Letters

• Performed title review, prepared and recorded real property deeds, closing documents

TOWN OF REDINGTON SHORES, FL Mayor I Commissioner

• Developed and oversaw $1.2m annual budget • Reduced FY2007 real estate property millage rate from 1.68 to 1.5229

2003-2009

• Awarded $150K FRDEP and Pinellas County Environmental grants for beach access and park improvements • Oversaw 12 month construction of $5m utility undergrounding capital improvement project completed on time and

within budget • Reduced cost of storm water drainage capital improvement by $25K by consolidating 2 phases of engineering and

construction in collaboration with SWFWMD grant.

• Improved Disaster Response Plan by fostering relationships with State, County, and local response agencies and outlining detailed actions and tasks; implemented post disaster re-entry program to facilitate orderly reoccupation that was adopted by neighboring communities; championed a Crosswalk Safety campaign that improved public awareness

• Presided over Commission meetings and Town ceremonies, Appointed representatives to advisory committees and commissions; spokesperson for Town in all media and public relations

• Collaborated with town legal counsel in interpreting and review of current ordinances and ordinance modifications and drafting

• Successfully organized and ran 2004 & 2006 municipal and 2004 county election campaigns • Improved communication with constituents through updated website and semi-annual town newsletter, including

online access to municipal building codes, timely set and finalized meeting agendas • Reviewed and recommended updates of the goals, policies, and objectives of the town's Comprehensive Plan;

Complied with State mandates, including completion of Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) within required timeframe

• Represented Town and BIG-C interests on the Board of Directors of: Pinellas County Tourist Development Council, Clearwater, FL Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, Inc., Tallahassee, FL

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, Clearwater, FL 2004-2008 Chief Operating Officer I Director and Executive Committee Secretary

• Reported directly to CEO • Recognized by Tampa Bay Business journal as "Co-Non-Profit of the Year" in 2007 • Directed day-to-day business operations mentoring a staff of up to 30 and 500 volunteers • Coordinated $2M in facility construction and renovation projects; Solicited and awarded contract bids • Reinvigorated community outreach boosting attendance 24% and revenues 40% in 12 months; solicited and awarded

$225K grant from City of Clearwater • Represented organization in media events including "Good Morning America" • Established and implemented emergency I contingency plans, including operational adjustments during lightening

events

USAIRWAYS, Tampa International Airport, Tampa, FL 1984-2001 Administration Manager I Training Instructor

• Progressively earned greater management roles in highly regulated industry supervising, mentoring, and coaching up to 300 employees in union and nonunion environments; conducted and coordinated technical, developmental, and behavioral training;

• Researched, developed, and conducted a back safety program that reduced workers' compensation claims by 10% in 12 months

• Designed, developed, and implemented a successful incentive program that increased performance to consistent top 5 systemwide ranking, and promoted camaraderie within the station

• Maintained employee personnel and training records in accordance with FAA, OSHA (compliance reports), DOL (ADA. FMLA), and company guidelines

Stetson University, Gulfport, Florida Juris Doctor Master of Business Administration

University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida Bachelor of Science, Adult Education

EDUCATION

AFFILIATIONS I CERTIFICATIONS

• Member, Florida Bar #0713491 • National Incident Management System (NlMS) certified: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800

2003

1998

I A SALAMANDER"' GOlF & SPA RESORT

April17, 2012

Mr. DT Minich Visit St. Petersburg I Clearwater Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director 13805 58th Street North, Suite 2-200 Clearwater, FL 33760

Dear DT,

RECEIVED

APR I 7 2012

BY:

I am \Vfiting to you to express my interest in serving on the Tourism Development Council (TDC). As I understand it, there is currently a vacancy in the tourist related area.

After accepting the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at Innis brook Resort, my wife and I relocated to Pinellas County in July of last year from Williamsburg, Virginia. During my tenure as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Kingsmill Resort, I was very involved in tourism and economic development for the area as well as the state of Virginia. Following are some of the committees on which I served:

• Chair of the Conference Sales Committee with the Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance

• Member of the Williamsburg Area Golf Association with the primary responsibility of promoting the area golf courses and amenities to out of state guests

• Member of the Guest Services Committee of Virginia Tourism Corporation • President of the Hampton Roads Chapter of HSMAI

I have been involved with hospitality and tourism for 27 years and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the TDC in developing strategies for driving tourism to the beautiful St. Petersburg I Clearwater region.

Sincerely,

Michael Garrow, CMP Director of Sales and Marketing Innisbrook Resort

QUALIFICATIONS

Michael D. Garrow, CMP

4828 Kylemore Court

Palm Harbor, FL 34685

(727) 687-2940

• 27 years of experience in resorts, clubs and restaurants. 20 years experience in resort management.

• Proficient in forecasting of revenues, budgeting, scheduling, and P&L management.

• Proven track record of creating and executing marketing plans to drive overall revenues.

• Exceptional selling skills with proven ability to adapt and excel under pressure while maintaining attention to

standards and detail.

• Vast experience in training and developing a motivated staff through exceptional problem solving skills which

also includes written training manuals.

EXPERIENCE

INNISBROOK RESORT, Palm Harbor, FL

Director Sales and Marketing - July 2011 to current

Responsible for all aspects of Sales, Marketing, Catering, and Conference Services. Responsible for a total

staff of 20 full time employees and 16 Managers.

• Managed and motivated the Sales and Services teams to secure bookings and revenues for the

property in line with budgets.

• Developed and executed marketing plan to grow local and tourist demographic.

• Handled the planning execution of all high profile groups at the property including high level

political groups and corporate executives.

KINGSMILL RESORT, Williamsburg, VA

Vice President Sales and Marketing­

Director of Sales and Conference Services -

Director of Catering

January 2008 to current

January 2006 to Jan 2008

April 2002- Jan 2006

Responsible for all aspects of Sales, Marketing, Catering, Conference Services, and an internal Destination

Management Company. Responsible for a total staff of 30 full time employees and 12 Managers.

Collective departmental revenue exceeds $25,000,000 annually.

• Managed and motivated the Sales and Services teams to secure bookings and revenues for the

property in line with budgets.

• Developed and executed marketing plan to grow local and tourist demographic.

• Handled the planning execution of all high profile groups at the property including high level

political groups and corporate executives.

• Responsible for Food & Beverage and Logistics planning and execution of Michelob ULTRA

Open, a high profile annuallPGA tour event.

• Chair of the Williamsburg CVB conference Hotel Sales Committee.

• President of Hampton Roads Chapter, HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing)

• Chair of the Williamsburg Area Golf Association

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG COMPANY, Williamsburg, VA

Catering Sales Manager - September 2001- April 2002

Responsible for all aspects of Catering Sales for a luxury resort in historic Williamsburg. Developed the

local and social market with a heavy emphasis in the wedding market. Successfully increased social

bookings 250% within the first 4 months. Partnered with the Marketing team to create new wedding

based collateral.

THE PEAKS RESORT, Telluride, CO

Director of Catering and Conference Services - May 2000 to September 2001

Responsible for all aspects of Catering, Conference Services and Destination Services for 3 properties in a Colorado resort area. Managed a staff of 3 catering/Conference Service managers, 2 Destination Service managers and 2 administrative assistants. Oversaw the Banquet department and assisted the Director of Food and Beverage with budgets, checkbook accounting, payroll and training. Sat on the Executive Committee to help improve the company's profits and service levels thru policy implementation. Total revenues from the departments exceeded 4 million dollars in 2001.

MEADOWOOD, Napa Valley, CA {4 Star-4 Diamond) Sales Manager· June 1999 to May 2000 Responsible for group sales for the Southwest region including Southern California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado and Sacramento. Utilized all sales skills to secure group bookings including cold calling, prospecting and professional follow up skills. Successfully developed the Southwest market to show a 50% increase in group bookings in the first year.

Catering and Conference Service Manager- May 1997 to June 1999 Managed and executed all details of hotel's corporate and social group programs which include creating unique food and wine menus, coordinating all guest recreation over the 250 acre property, handling guest transportation internally and externally of resort, and guest room management. Achieved annual revenues in excess of $1.8 million; $0.8 million in revenues came as a direct result of upselling of seasonal catering menus.

Banquet Manager· Grill Manager/Private Dining Manager (Room Service) Pool cafe Manager/Room Service Manager

BISTRO DON GIOVANNI, Napa Valley, CA Food Server /Bartender

August 1996 to May 1997 May 1995 to August 1996 September 1989 to December 1993

January 1994 to May 1995

Food server in a fast paced, popular Italian cuisine restaurant in the heart of Napa Valley.

EDUCATION 1988 -1990- Business Administration 1984 - 1988 - General Education

Additional Professional Training:

Napa Valley College Camarillo High School/Vintage High School

Secured Certified Meeting Professional (CMP} credentials in February 2003. Proficient in multiple computer programs All Microsoft Office programs, Hotel information Systems, Miracle, Micros POS Systems, Kronos Timekeeper, SAP and Delphi Completed PSS (Professional Selling Skills} course. Completed courses to obtain a Private Pilot's Certificate- General Aviation.

D.T. Minich Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater 13805 581

h St. N., Suite 2-200 Clearwater, FL 33760-3733

April IS, 2012

APR 19 2012

BY:

Please consider this letter to be my application for the vacant position on Pinellas County's Tourist Development Council. I have been a resident of Pinellas County for the last four years and have been a Florida resident since I graduated from Purdue University in 1984. I have recently completed a year's involvement with the Leadership Pinellas program, gaining valuable insight into what Pinellas County has to offer.

Now in my third year as publisher of Destination Tampa Bay magazine, I believe I would bring a unique perspective to tourism development for our area. My stated purpose when the magazine began was "to inspire the community from the inside out. .. by encouraging people to visit here and to patronize our businesses. We want to highlight the quality of life and civic price and to reinforce the core values and traditions" of the people who live here and to make this area a "Destination" where people will want to visit and to live. While the initial thrust of my magazine was to promote the City ofSatety Harbor, I soon realized that our community is more than just one or two small cities, it is the entire Tampa Bay area. If you have seen the magazine, you know that it presents the entire area in a positive light.

My education in media communication and business uniquely prepared me for my career. I was involved in advertising and marketing for a number of major real estate and tourism developments in Florida. gaining experience as Marketing Director for On Top of the World in Ocala, East Coast Marketing Director for WCI and as a Vice-President of Brandywine Corporation. I am heavily involved in community activities and economic development in the communities I serve. I believe I can bring all of this experience to the forefront as a member of the Tourist Development Council.

Since I came to this area. I have become involved in a number of community organizations and, through the magazine, have sponsored major philanthropic events, including the Clearwater Jazz Festival, Clearwater Super Boat Races, the Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week, the Safety Harbor Wine Fest, The Dunedin Wine and Blues Festival and Marti Gras to name just a few. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce and am a member of a number of other Chambers, including the Upper Tampa Bay, Clearwater Regional Chamber, Dunedin Chamber the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce(s). I am also a member of a few different downtown merchant associations in hopes to help promote local merchants. Right now I am working on a special editorial section for our upcoming Summer Issue, where we will promote the idea of"Staycations" for area residents to stay in the area at the many outstanding vacation venues that are available here. I believe that if you ask anyone who knows me and my magazine they will tell you that I am dedicated to promoting the future of Pinellas County and that I would be a good addition to the Tourist Development Council. If you require additional biographical details or names of people who have offered to recommend me for the position, I will gladly provide them.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

TO:

FROM:

The Honorable Susan Latvala, Chair Tourist Development Council

Dennis R. Long, Chief Assistant County Attome

SUBJECT: Tourist Development Council Vacancies

DISTRIBUTION: Moe Freaney, Assistant County Administrator D.T. Minich, Director, VSPC MAY 1- 2012

SUSt:.N l,f[nfAU\ ~Ot:NlY COf:AMiS~iONER DATE: April30, 2012

The membership of the Tourist Development Council ("TDC") is governed by Section 118-34, Pinellas County Code, which provides:

"(a) There is hereby established, pursuant to the provisions of F.S. § 125.0104, an advisory council to be known as the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council. The council shall be composed of 12 members who shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners. The chair of the board of county commissioners or any other county commissioner designated by the chair shall serve as the chair of the council. Four members of the council shall be elected municipal officials, one of whom shall be from the most populous municipality in Pinellas County, one of whom shall be from the municipality in which the greatest percentage of tourist development tax revenue is generated in Pinellas County, one of whom shall be from among the cities of Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, and Treasure Island, and one of whom shall be from a city in Pinellas County that is not specifically named in this section. Seven members of the council shall be persons who are involved in the tourist industry and who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development, of which not less than three nor more than four members shall be owners or operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the tax. All members of the council shall be electors of the county. The members of the council shall serve for staggered terms of four years.

There is currently one (1) vacant position on the TDC for a member that is involved in the tourist industry and has demonstrated an interest in tourist development, and is not an owner or operator of a tourist accommodation facility.

Based on a review of the applications provided by the VSPC to determine if the applicants meet the requirements of the ordinance:

A. The following applicants are electors of the County, and appear to meet the qualification to serve on the TDC:

1. Jody Armstrong (President, Treasure Island Chamber) 2. Michael Garrow (Director of Sales and Marketing, Innisbrook Resort) 3. Bonnie Walters (Publisher, Destination Tampa Bay magazine)

B. The following applicants are electors of the County, but do not appear to be involved in a tourist industry business, occupation or profession, and, if not, would not be eligible to serve on theTDC:

1. Roberta Cauthen (Owner, West Bay Laundry and Homestyle Laundry) 2. Cheryl Clinton (Director of Franchise Communications and Relationship

Management) 3. Robert Longenecker (Executive Director, Jolley Trolley Inc.) 4. Rudy Nardelli (cannot determine if currently involved in the tourist industry)

Before consideration of any of these applicants, each Board member should satisfy themselves that the applicant is involved in the tourism industry in Pinellas County. Please note that Mr. Longenecker may have an ongoing conflicting contractual relationship as defined in Section 112.313, Florida Statutes, because ofthe funding agreement with the Jolley Trolley, and further review of this issue would be necessary before appointment to the TDC could be confirmed.

C. The following applicants do not appear to be involved in a tourist industry business, occupation or profession, and could not be confirmed as electors of Pinellas County:

1. Jason Gibertoni (Co-founder and Development Director, Florida Free Rides) 2. Susan Bridges Hutton (Owner/Operator, Sawgrass Tiki Bar)

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n1ECEIVED TO: The Honorable Susan Latvala, Chair MAY 14 2012

Tourist Development Council

FROM: r~o ~ ·~n,. pt, .. !'~sr•~ANCD

Dennis R. Lon& Chief Assistant Co\Dlty Att~ (~""""':.v""''-"'"' " ""k ' 11U ~:IV ~t

SUBJEcr: Tourist Development Council Vacancies

DISTRIBUTION: Moe Freaney, Assistant County Administrator D.T. Minich, Director, VSPC

DATE: May 11,2012 (Revised from April30, 2012)

The manbership of the Tourist Development Council (''TDC") is governed by Section 118-34, Pinellas CoWity Code, which provides:

"(a) There is hereby established, pursuant to the provisions ofF.S. § 125.0104, an advisory co\Dlci1 to be known as the Pinellas Co\Dlty Tourist Development Co\Dlcil. The coWlcil shall be composed of 12 members who shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners. The chair of the board of county commissioners or any other county commissioner designated by the chair shall serve as the chair of the council. Four members of the council shall be elected municipal officials, one of whom shall be from the most populous municipality in Pinellas COWlty, one of whom shall be from the municipality in which the geatest percentage of tourist development tax revenue is generated in Pinellas County, one of whom shall be from among the cities of Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, St Pde Beach, and Treasme Island, and one of whom shall be ftom a city in Pinellas County that is not specifically named in this section. Seven members of the council shall be persons who are involved in the tourist industry and who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development, of which not less than three nor more than four members shall be owners or operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the tax. All members of the comtcil shall be electors of the county. The members of the council shall serve for staggered terms of fom years."

There is currently one ( 1) vacant position on the TDC for a member that ia involved in the tourist industry and has demonstrated an interest in tourist development, and is not an owner or operator of a tourist accommodation facility.

Based on a review of the applications provided by the VSPC to determine if the applicants meet the requirements of the ordinance:

A. The following applicants are electors of the County, and appear to meet the qualification to serve on the TDC:

1. Jody Annstrong (President, Treasure Island Chamber) 2. Michael Garrow (Director of Sales and Marketing, Innisbrook Resort) 3. Bonnie Walters (Publisher, Destination Tampa Bay magazine)

Please note that the CVB provides tourism program funding to Chambers of Commerce, and while there is currently no funding agreement in place with the Treasure Island Chamber, that Chamber would not be eligible for future funding if Ms. Annstrong was serving on the TDC because there would be a conflicting contractual relationship, and would constitute doing business with one's age~cy, as defined in Section 112.313, Florida Statutes.

B. The following applicants are electors of the County, but do not appear to be involved in a tourist industry business, occupation or profession, and, if not, would not be eligible to serve on theTDC:

1. Roberta Cauthen (Owner, West Bay Laundry and Homcstyle Laundry) 2. Cheryl Clinton (Director of Franchise Communications and Relationship

Management) 3. Robert Longenecker (Executive Director, Jolley Trolley Inc.) 4. Rudy Nardelli (cannot determine if currently involved in the tourist industry)

Before consideration of any of these applicants, each Board member should satisfy themselves that the applicant is involved in the tourism industry in Pinellas County. Please note that Mr. Longenecker may have an ongoing conflicting contractual relationship and may constitute doing business with one's agency as defined in Section 112.313, Florida Statutes, because ofthe funding agreement with the Jolley Trolley, and further review of this issue would be necessary before appoinbnent to the me could be confinned.

C. The f~llowing applicants do not appear to be involved in a tourist industry business, occupation or profession, and could not be confinned as electors of Pinellas County:

1. Jason Gibertoni (Co-founder and Development Director, Florida Free Rides) 2. Susan Bridges Hutton (Owner/Operator, Sawgrass Tiki Bar)

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