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Among the first items of business for the January 18 Dare County Tourism Board meeting was the introduction of new members and election of the 2024 Steering Committee.

Joining the board this year are Southern Shores councilman Mark Batenic, Kill Devil Hills commissioner Terry Gray, Outer Banks Association of Realtors representative John Head, Dare County commissioner Wally Overman and at large member Tess Judge.

With all regular board members seated, unanimous votes were cast for Tourism Board Steering Committee members. Monica Thibodeau was selected as chair, David Hines as vice chair, Tonia Cohen secretary, Tod Clissold treasurer and Dennis Robinson the assistant treasurer.

A budget and finance review shows there was a small dip in occupancy during November and what appears to be a large drop in meals. A closer look, however, shows that the drop is actually due to some October 2022 meals being reported late giving an inaccurate November picture in 2022. With that adjustment the numbers show a stronger growth in meals for this past November.

A tentative schedule for the event site has several calendar dates booked:
■ OBX Rod and Custom Festival – Friday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
■ OBX Jeep Invasion – Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
■ Soundside Fun Fair – Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, June 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, July 3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, June 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, July 3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, July 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, July 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, July 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, July 31, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, August 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Soundside Market – Wednesday, August 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
■ Outer Banks Sailing Association – Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
■ Sumospeed Beach Bash – Saturday, September 14, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
■ Garage Band Charities Cruise – Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
■ Outer Banks Seafood Festival – Saturday, October 19, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
■ OBX Brewtag – Saturday, October 26, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

At the end of the meeting there were several board member tribute comments for former board member and Manteo Mayor Bobby Owens.

With business completed, the board scheduled its next meeting for February 15. Although subject to be changes, other 2024 meeting dates include:
● March 21
● April 18
● May 16
● June 20
● July 18
● August 15
● September 19
● October 17
● November 21
● December 19

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