More details on tourism director opening given

City Manager Tim Patek explained the next steps in the tourism director hiring process to the Gonzales Convention and Visitor Bureau board at its meeting Thursday, July 18. Patek made note that the posting has been advertised in multiple locations and the job description remained the same as the original listing from 2017.

“In order for a job description to change it has to go to city council for approval,” Patek said. “That’s why it didn’t change.”

The job description lists the salary for the position as between $50,000-60,000 dependent on experience. Some of the listed goals on the position description are to increase overnight lodging in the city, better utilize the J.B. Wells Expo Center and combine current one-day events into two-day events.

Patek said the hiring committee will be five people: himself, two city staff members, GCVB board president Dawn O’Donnell and another GCVB board member to be determined at a later date.

The job advertisements will remain live until the position is filled.  

Other news from the meeting:

• Minutes from the June 20, 2019 meeting were approved with minor corrections.
• B. Wells and Main Street staff reports were read.
• Liz Reiley-DuBose, admin and tour coordinator at Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, read an abbreviated report on her experience at the Texas Travel Industry Association Travel and Tourism College 2019 conference.
• GCVB is looking to secure a grant to be able to fund painting more murals like the one featured on the building off the corner of St. Francis and St. Paul Streets.
• A hotel occupancy tax funding application from the Historic Homes Association was approved by the board. The additional money would be used to promote a conference on the preservation of old homes in the area. The conference is to take during Winterfest.
• At the request of GVCB board member Barbara Crozier, a committee for the promotion of a festival in March was established. Ken Morrow, Clint Hille, Don Page, a representative from the Chamber and Barbara Crozier were listed as members of the committee.
• The board decided to move forward with becoming involved in an October 12 Texas Revolution event at the Alamo.
• The board opted to move forward with purchasing advertisement in the Texas State Travel Guide.
• Next GCVB meeting is scheduled for August 15 at 1 p.m.