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Rebecca Rickey, Executive Director of the Heritage Center, said her organization is <br />working with the Chamber and that there is now a Heritage Tourism Committee. She believed <br />there would be a positive difference in the heritage history side of tourism with the collaboration <br />of local Historical Societies and Cultural Tourism. <br />Amy Selby, Director of Sales at Springhill Suites by Marriott in Vero Beach, mentioned <br />that her hotel was awarded the 2011 International Marriott of the Year, emphasized that Indian <br />River County is having a phenomenal year in tourism, and wanted to keep the momentum going <br />by giving the organizations the money they need. <br />Vice Chairman O'Bryan stressed that if a hurricane comes this year, the County will need <br />much more than $400,000, and reminded the Board that the funds are on a reimbursement basis. <br />He also reiterated that the County is having a strong year, and he wants to keep the momentum <br />going by moving this forward. He said he had voted on the TDC for the full funding; therefore, <br />would be opposing the current motion. <br />Commissioner Flescher wanted to maintain all the attractors to Indian River County <br />wanted to see more effort focused on marketing, and also to be more reliant upon the Chamber of <br />Commerce for the investment in the County's future. <br />The Chairman CALLED THE QUESTION and the <br />Motion carried by a 4-1 vote (Vice Chairman O'Bryan <br />opposed), the Board approved to fund the Tourist <br />Development Council $645,307, and disburse the funds <br />accordingly: (1) Indian River County Chamber of <br />Commerce and Sebastian Chamber of Commerce - <br />$410,607; (2) Treasure Coast Sports Commission - <br />$148,700; (3) Cultural Council - $60,000; (4) Vero <br />Heritage - $4,943; and (5) Historical Society - $0. Full <br />funding of the organizations would be contingent upon <br />June 5, 2012 13 <br />BK 142 PG 530 <br />