BREAKING NEWS: Walton TDC wants advertising money released (PHOTO GALLERIES)
SANTA ROSA BEACH — The Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council will hold an emergency meeting today to discuss the release of $500,000 for advertising.
According to a release from the TDC, the funding will come from the council’s reserves and will go toward marketing and advertising initiatives for the 2010 tourist season. The meeting will be at 9 a.m. at 25777 U.S. Highway 331.
“Tourist season is upon us and with Memorial Day weekend coming up we wanted to make sure we had approval in place to go forward with marketing, advertising and (public relations),” said Dawn Moliterno, executive director and CEO of the TDC.
“We want to combat any perception that there is some effect from the oil spill on our beaches. That’s the reason why we have to do it so quickly.”
The request will go before both the tourist development advisory board and the Board of County Commissioners for approval today at 4 p.m. at the Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs.
Moliterno said that plans have already been put in place so that once approval is granted the TDC can begin working immediately.
Some plans set in place include collaboration with other TDCs along the Gulf Coast, an ad in USA Today and various online and public relations initiatives.
Moliterno added that while advertisements are already prepared, in the event that the oil spill makes its way to the Emerald Coast the TDC can modify the ads.
Before requesting the funding, Moliterno said the TDC researched for several weeks.
“We’ve done some tangible research and we’re working on building messaging, marketing and advertising strategies,” she said. “It’s truly a community project.
“We’re just excited to add this additional support to our partners and bed tax collectors at a time when it’s critical for the TDC to step up.”
View Monday's oil spill photos. »
