NCVRMA WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES

Week of:

November 30th:

LEGISLATIVE News

Update on Home Energy Labeling Proposals (Source: NCAR Bi-Weekly Government Affairs Update)
The Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) approved climate change legislation (S. 1733) that does not include the real estate energy labeling opposed by NAR. Eleven of 12 Democrats — a majority of the panel's 19 members — voted to advance the bill without amendment and with no Republicans present. Republicans had requested full EPA economic impact analysis of the bill before participating in a markup.

The EPW vote represents another in a long series of steps that are required before the full Senate may take up omnibus energy legislation. Several other committees have or are expected to produce bills which Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will then combine into one measure and submit to EPA for several weeks of analysis. In addition, Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) have outlined a set of principles and are working with other senators to develop a bipartisan compromise that moves legislation forward. NAR will continue to monitor Senate energy legislation and work to maintain the real estate exclusions in the House bill (H.R. 2454) from energy labeling or other programs that would directly impact the real estate sector.

Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden recently announced a new "Recovery Through Retrofit" initiative that includes creation of "energy performance labels" and "national energy performance measures" for existing homes, despite the fact that the House Energy Bill (H.R. 2454) exempted those homes as well existing multi-family and commercial buildings from energy labeling under the bill. NAR President Charles McMillan wrote the White House and the heads of all Federal departments involved in the labeling initiative, requesting an immediate meeting to share our strong concerns about the stigmatizing effects of these labels on real estate at one of the most critical moments in the nation's economic recovery. President McMillan's letter is linked: Read President McMillan's Letter.

North Carolina News

Service Tax (Source: NCAR Bi-Weekly Government Affairs Update)
The NC House and Senate Finance Committees met again last week to consider how to restructure the state tax code and their meeting focused on taxing professional and consumption services. Speakers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University were of the same mindset – that more services needed to be taxed and the overall tax rates should be lowered. Dr. Smith from UNC-CH stressed the volatility of sales tax revenues during economic ups and downs. His projections were that the uses of certain services are not as volatile and would be better revenue constants. Dr. Sawyers from NC State maintained that the sales tax on goods was a regressive tax and that NC should consider taxing at least some services to be more “fair and equitable.” He did not say what services should be taxed but said that is ultimately a decision the General Assembly would have to make.

The next meeting will take place on December 1, 2009. At that meeting, the committees will hear from officials in states that have taxed services as part of their tax structure. NCAR Government Affairs staff will continue to attend the meetings and monitor the discussions surrounding taxing services.

NC Film Industry New (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

• N.C. Film Council Reauthorized - Assistant Sec. Lynn Minges and N.C. Film Office Director Aaron Syrett were on hand when Gov. Bev Perdue signed an executive order reauthorizing the N.C. Film Council. Perdue signed the order last Thursday at EUE Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington. The N.C. Film Council advises the governor on film industry matters and serves as a forum for film-making concerns and recommendations. In addition to reestablishing the council, the new executive order will add duties for council members:
• Assist in ongoing development and growth of the N.C. film industry.
• Support fiscal incentives that help North Carolina remain competitive in recruiting films.
• Assist in developing a marketing strategy for the N.C. Film Office.
• Monitor the North Carolina film industry and assist in developing protocol to measure filmmaking activities in North Carolina.

Click here to find out more.

• N.C. Film Industry Forecast - Two statements from EUE Screen Gems Executive Vice President Bill Vassar earned spontaneous applause during the Cucalorus Film Festival State of the State address last week in Wilmington. The first put into words what most of the 100 or so people there have been hoping for since the 25 percent film incentives bill was passed in the spring by the N.C. General Assembly. “We’re going to have a good year next year,” Vassar said. “We’ve had more inquiries in the last three months than we’ve had in the last five years.” Vassar was one of eight people speaking on the panel and participating in a Q&A after their introductions. The others were N.C. Film Office Director Aaron Syrett, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, N.C. Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover), “One Tree Hill” co-producer and Southern Gothic Productions co-founder Kelly Tenney, Wilmington Regional Film Commission Director Johnny Griffin, University of North Carolina Wilmington Film Studies Department Chairman Lou Buttino and actor David Andrews. Panelists answered questions that audience members had written before the meeting began. Click here to find out more.

NC Airline and Airport News (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

• US Airways Resumes Melbourne, Fla.-CLT. Service - US Airways will resume daily nonstop service between Melbourne, Fla., and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, starting Feb. 12. The three daily non-stop flights will be operated by US Airways Express carrier PSA Airlines. Click here to find out more.
• Midwest Airlines to Resurrect Milwaukee-RDU Service – Midwest Airlines will provide service between Milwaukee and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, starting April 1, with two daily flights. Click here to find out more.
• Google Launches Free Wi-Fi at CLT & GSO – As a special promotion, Google is now offering free Wi-Fi at 47 airports nationwide, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). The promotional service will run through Jan. 15. Click here to find out more.

Blue Ridge Parkway (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
When it was first built, the National Park Service was not adverse to tourism along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but was intent on preserving the scenic quality of the parkway, which meant no signs or billboards on the route and few turnoffs. The relationship between the parkway and local communities has improved as the park service has embarked on more partnerships, like the one they have with the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, and tourism has grown in the region. For rural towns and communities that lie on or near the parkway, the scenic road has become a major part of their identity and their economy. Click here to find out more.

NC’s Four and Five Star Awards (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
Forbes Travel Guide's 2010 Five and Four Star awards have been announced and several N.C. properties are among the recipients. Formerly the Mobil Travel Guide’s awards, Forbes Travel Guide’s ratings are based on objective evaluations of more than 500 attributes. Before the brand transfer last fall, the awards were given out under the Mobil brand for more than 50 years. Click here to find out more.

North Carolina properties recognized are:

• Forbes Five-Star Lodging
• The Fearrington House Country Inn, Pittsboro
• The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
• Forbes Four-Star Lodgings
• Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte
• Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville
• Old Edwards Inn, Highlands
• Richmond Hill Inn, Asheville
• The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst
• Forbes Four-Star Restaurants
• Carolina Crossroads, Chapel Hill
• Herons, Cary
• The Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro
• Gallery Restaurant, Charlotte
• Forbes Four-Star Spas
• Old Edwards Inn Spa, Highlands
• The Spa at Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte
• The Umstead Spa, The Umstead Resort and Spa, Cary
• The Spa at Pinehurst, The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst

November 2nd:

LEGISLATIVE News

Travel Promotion Act (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
The U.S. Senate is expected to reconsider the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) in the coming weeks because the legislation creates "revenue" for the federal government. The U.S. Constitution requires that revenue bills originate in the House. TPA, which would create a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier international travel destination and communicate U.S. security and entry policies, was approved in the U.S. House earlier this month by a vote of 358-66, after originally passing the U.S. Senate last month by a vote of 79-19. When the bill was before the Senate then, Sen. Kay Hagan voted for it; Sen. Richard Burr voted against it.

Now, the U.S. Travel Association is asking travel leaders once again to contact their senators to seek their support for the bill. According to U.S. Travel, Senate passage of TPA and its anticipated signing by President Obama cannot come at a better time. Last week the U.S. Department of Commerce released new numbers confirming that international travel to the United States continues to lag significantly: year-to-date visitation through July is down 10 percent from the same time period in 2008. Spending by international visitors is down nearly 17 percent as compared to the first seven months of 2008. Year-to-date Canadian visitation to the U.S. is down 9 percent. Visitation data is publicly released by the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. For more information, click here.

Since TPA is expected to become law, the U.S. Travel Association has appointed a Travel Promotion Act Implementation Task Force. Carolina Beteta (CA), Chris Thompson (FL) and George Zimmermann (MI) represent state tourism offices on the 10-person task force, which also includes representatives from Choice Hotels, Disney, Sabre Holdings, Allied T-Pro, NTA, CityPass and the Las Vegas CVA. The purpose of the task force is to facilitate the implementation process by offering draft guidelines and a timeline for the Corporation for Travel Promotion and identifying specific leadership qualifications for the Corporation's executive. Click here for the latest information on TPA.

Gasoline Prices Soar (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
Gasoline prices have risen 16 cents a gallon in the past month and will go a bit higher before leveling off, oil and gas analysts say. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.67 Tuesday vs. $2.69 a year ago, auto club AAA says. Expectations of a global economic recovery have helped drive the increase. The weak dollar is another big factor. Click here to find out more.

Facebook Becoming Big Friend Of Small Businesses (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
Firms are building fan bases on Facebook, the social networking Web site, and using it to connect with customers. Charles Nelson, president of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the Beverly Hills baker to the stars, doesn't have a Facebook profile. Nelson, who works seven days a week, has no time for chatting online with Facebook friends. But Nelson is logged on to Facebook all the time. That's because more than 70,000 people have declared themselves fans of Sprinkles’ Facebook page. Each day on the Web site, Sprinkles announces a secret word, such as "ganache" or "bunny," and the first 25 or 50 people to show up at any of its five stores and whisper that word get a free cupcake. Facebook is not just for friends anymore. The free social networking site -- blocked in many workplaces as a potential time-waster -- is increasingly becoming an inexpensive marketing tool for small businesses. Click here to find out more.

North Carolina News

Division Responds to Rock Slide Situation (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
The Division of Tourism continues to work to mitigate the impact of the rock slide that occurred near the Tennessee state line early this week. Efforts continue to work with the media, industry partners and potential visitors to promote the Division’s message that Western North Carolina is open and easily accessible for fall and holiday travel. The Division has implemented several strategies and will have more efforts as the situation unfolds.

IMPLEMENTED STRATEGIES:

VisitNC.com will be continually updated with the latest information on Interstate 40 and North Carolina’s other highways from the N.C. Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) and from regional partners. The Division maintains a travel advisory on the main page of its Web site to alert travelers about detours.

• Officials from the Division have worked with other state agencies including the Governor’s office to coordinate economic and marketing recovery assistance to Western North Carolina. Gov. Bev Perdue signed a declaration of a State of Emergency which is the first step in seeking federal funds to help clear debris and repair the road, as it enables the NCDOT to request funding assistance from the Federal Highway Administration. These federal funds will also be used to support the state’s advertising and communications efforts relating to the rock slide.
• The Division has worked with media ranging from the Weather Channel to local TV stations and newspapers throughout the state to explain the exact nature of the incident, and insist that they report an accurate and balanced account of the situation. The Division used this opportunity as a chance to further promote the fall color season, with fall color information appearing on outlets such at the Weather Channel and WRAL-TV in Raleigh.
• Welcome Center staff have contacted local destination marketing organizations, offering to replenish supplies of the Official North Carolina Travel Guide and state maps as needed, since normal traffic patterns have obviously shifted. The Division’s I-40 West Welcome Center at mile marker 10 is currently in an area that is not accessible to interstate traffic, so staff from I-40 West will work at the I-26 West Welcome Center in Madison County at peak times during the fall color season.

DEVELOPING STRATEGIES:

• The Division is working with regional partners to conduct preliminary research to test perceptions about what consumers think about the incident. This research will help guide the Division’s future response.
• Media relations and public information efforts continue in collaboration with NCDOT and mountain region partners to ensure the traveling public understands Western North Carolina’s appealing destinations and attractions remain accessible as the important holiday season approaches.
• A multi-media advertising campaign similar to the special advertising done during the 1997 rock slide is planned in key seasonal markets. The Division will leverage federal resources to assist in these efforts.

For more information from NCDOT about the rock slide and detours, click here or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

South Atlantic Alliance (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
Gov. Bev Perdue has signed a pact to protect coastal resources with her counterparts in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The South Atlantic Alliance will help each state react to disasters such as hurricanes. The four states would pool resources to help with economic development, environmental protection and disaster preparedness. To find out more, visit http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/governors_in_league_on_coast and http://www.charlotteobserver.com/233/story/1008699.html.

Readers’ Favorites include NC Sites (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
In its November issue, Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of its 2009 Readers Choice Awards, which included several N.C. sites. The Swag in Waynesville tied for #72 among the Top 100 Properties. Among the Top U.S. Hotels, the Inn on Biltmore in Asheville ranked #11. Among U.S. Small Hotels, The Swag ranked #2, Fearrington House Country Inn in Pittsboro was #9 and Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands ranked #21. Among Mainland U.S. Small Resorts, the Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway was #16. In addition, the Outer Banks was #10 among the Readers Choice Awards for Top Islands in North America. Click here to find out more.

Airline News (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

• Southwest to Add Additional RDU Flights – Beginning March 14, Southwest Airlines plans to add one additional flight between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). This will give the carrier four daily round trips between the locations. Click here to find out more. Southwest Airlines announced last week it plans to start daily nonstop service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and St. Louis in May 2010. The announcement comes a month after American Airlines announced that it would end its flight between RDU and St. Louis by April 2010. http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2009/10/19/daily43.html?ed=2009-10-21&ana=e_du_pap.
• United to Start Service from Chicago to Asheville – Starting Dec. 17, United Airlines will offer twice-daily non-stop service from Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). Click here to find out more.
• US Airways Cutting 1,000 Jobs, Reducing Flying -- US Airways said on Wednesday (today) it will cut some 1,000 jobs next year, shift nearly all of its flying to its three hubs, which includes Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and Washington, D.C., and suspend several international routes. US Airways said the job cuts will happen in the first half 2010 and will include 600 passenger and ramp service workers, 200 pilots and about 150 flight attendants. Click here to find out more.

Lodging Indicator Trend Report (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
Occupancy in North Carolina through September is down 10.6 percent, according to recent lodging data from Smith Travel Research. Nationwide, year-to-date occupancy is down 9.9 percent and in the South Atlantic states, occupancy is down 8.0 percent. Average daily rates (ADR) in North Carolina are down 5.5 percent year-to-date, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) in North Carolina has dropped 15.5 percent from $49.45 to $41.79 year-to-date. Room rates are down 9.1 percent nationally and down 7.3 percent in the South Atlantic states.

Although the data show some improvements in a handful of cities, industry experts say the hotel industry will not begin to rebound until 2011 or 2012. Still, the numbers represent the first sign of improvements in more than a year. The complete North Carolina report is available at www.nccommerce.com/tourism/research. For more information, contact Marlise Taylor at (919) 733-7278 or via mtaylor@nccommerce.com.

September 21ST:

LEGISLATIVE News

Homebuyer Tax Credit
The NC Association of REALTORS® and NAR are pushing hard to assure that the first-time homebuyer tax credit is extended beyond its current December 1 expiration. Under current law, homebuyers will be eligible for the credit only if they are able to complete their purchase (i.e., go to closing) before December 1, 2009. This requirement intensifies pressure on purchasers, Realtors and lenders as that deadline approaches. NAR is deeply concerned that prospective purchasers, even those with binding contracts, could be denied the credit through no fault of their own. Senior members of the tax-writing committees are aware of these concerns and have noted the dangers of delay.

Informal NAR informal surveys suggest that, depending on the market, transactions are taking anywhere from 30 to 100 days to get to closing; short sales take even longer. Accordingly, NAR has begun an intense campaign that will have major grassroots components to secure an extension of the credit as soon as possible to avert a slowdown in the market. More information can be found at the following links: NAR's FHA and the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Flyer and In Depth: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

To participate in the Call for Action, click here.

North Carolina News

NC REALTORS®, Partners Launch Campaign to Fight NC Foreclosure
NC REALTORS®, along with Attorney General Roy Cooper, the NC Commissioner of Banks and other partners, officially launched the Fight NC Foreclosure campaign at a press conference in Raleigh on Tuesday. NC REALTORS® stepped up as the first sponsors for the program and provided $50,000 which was awarded through NAR's Foreclosure Prevention and Response Program.

"North Carolina REALTORS were the first sponsor of the Fight NC Foreclosure campaign and we are proud to be part of this collaboration to address this growing problem in our state," NC REALTORS® 2009 President Sandra L. O'Connor stated at today's press conference. "As REALTORS®, we help people to achieve the American dream of homeownership. We want to make sure they are able to hold onto that dream, even during this economic downturn."

The campaign will publicize a free, reliable counseling service that's available statewide to people in danger of foreclosure. Attorney General Cooper, who also spoke at the press conference, strongly encouraged consumers to rely on this assistance because there are many other "assistance programs" out there who "prey on people's hope."

"Homeownership is what drives economies and strengthens our society," O'Connor said. "Homeownership brings financial benefits, and homeownership improves the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. North Carolina REALTORS® look forward to this partnership making a difference for people in danger of foreclosure."

The campaign highlights a toll-free number, 1-866-234-4857 (8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sat.) for homeowners to get immediate foreclosure assistance at no cost. The campaign also includes a website and television ads that help educate homeowners about foreclosure prevention and inform them about the free resources available. They are also available online along with foreclosure prevention information for consumers at www.fightncforeclosure.org.

Discounts Help Keep Tourist Areas Afloat
North Carolina's beaches and mountain towns bid a bittersweet goodbye this past weekend to the summer tourism season as vacationers sought one last warm-weather getaway before fall.But despite the weekend's gloomy conditions on the coast and on the bankrolls, most destinations expect declines from this summer to be less drastic than in 2008 due to aggressive marketing campaigns aimed at frugal travelers.To find out more, click here.

Tourism Development Assignments Announced
As the result of a legislative mandate to reduce human and financial resources in the Tourism Development Program, the program has been reorganized into three regions. The mission of the program is to support sustainable efforts to protect, preserve and promote the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources. Development Officers serve as liaisons with local communities to develop tourism across the state. Each region is assigned one development officer, all of whom are managed by a director in the Division office. Also as the result of the legislative mandate, one additional officer is assigned to the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary commemoration.

Kaye Myers is assigned to the Mountain region, with responsibility for the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Buncombe, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey. Kaye can be reached at (828) 687-7234, ext. 114 or via kmyers@nccommerce.com.

Frankie McWhorter is assigned to the Piedmont region, with responsibility for the following counties: Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Cleveland, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Orange, Person, Polk, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance, and Wake. Frankie can be reached at (828) 245-1494 or via fmcwhorter@nccommerce.com.

Julie Thomas is assigned to the Coastal region, with responsibility for the following counties: Bertie, Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pasquotank, Pamlico, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Warren, Washington, Wayne, and Wilson. Julie can be reached at (252) 794-3140 or via jthomas@nccommerce.com.

Leesa Brandon is assigned to the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary commemoration. Leesa can be reached at (828) 271-4779, ext. 224 or via lbrandon@nccommerce.com.

In addition to management and other duties, the Division’s Tourism Development Director, Russ Haddad, will assist the development officers directly with Carteret, Chatham, Dare, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Greene, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Mecklenburg, Nash, New Hanover, Orange, Rowan, Sampson, Vance, Wake, Wayne and Wilson counties. Russ can be reached at (919) 733-7502 or via rhaddad@nccommerce.com.

Five North Carolina Events Recognized By ABA
Five North Carolina events have been recognized by the American Bus Association (ABA) among its annual “Top 100 Events In North America.” They include the Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of Scottish Clans, July in Linville; the Billy Graham Library’s “Christmas at the Library,” December in Charlotte; the Carolina Renaissance Festival, October-November in Huntersville; the N.C. Azalea Festival, April in Wilmington; and Christmas at Biltmore Estate, November-December in Asheville. Christmas at Biltmore Estate was further recognized as an “Internationally Known Annual Event.”

While the Top 100 Events are not ranked, ABA does highlight both the Top U.S. and Top Canadian Events for each year. Studies from the ABA Foundation indicate a single motorcoach group of 55 travelers spending just one night at a destination can infuse that local economy with up to $11,660 in tourism dollars spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services & local taxes. And, of course, events drawing large groups can create jobs.

The 28th annual ABA Top 100 Events in North America is a key guide for professional travel planners and the general public. The list highlights the top fairs, festivals, parades, exhibits, theater and shows across North America. The list is chosen from more than 500 events nominated by state and provincial tourism officials, convention and visitors bureaus and destination marketing organizations from across North America. A 17-member selection committee of tour operators bases its selections on the events' broad appeal, their accessibility to large groups arriving by motorcoach and a variety of other criteria. To find out more, click here.

August 24TH:

LEGISLATIVE News

State Budget (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

Gov. Bev Perdue signed into law the 2009-2011 budget last week, which largely spares the Division from deep cuts. The budget does, however, mandate that the Tourism Development Program (Heritage Tourism Program) be reorganized, eliminating eight positions. The program will be organized into three regions, each with one development officer, managed by Russ Haddad in the Division office. One additional officer is assigned to coordinate the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary. Tourism development officers support sustainable efforts to protect, preserve and promote the state's natural, historic and cultural resources and serve as liaisons with local communities to develop tourism across the state. The budget also eliminates positions that were vacant as of October 1, 2008, including one in the Division office and a custodian's position at the I-77 South Welcome Center in Mecklenburg County. For more information about the Tourism Development Program, contact Director of Tourism Development Russ Haddad at (919) 733-7502 or via rhaddad@nccommerce.com.

North Carolina News

Governor Perdue Announces 2008 Visitor Spending Increase (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)
Gov. Bev Perdue announced that 62 of the state's 100 counties saw increases in visitor spending in 2008, including 16 counties that had increases of more than five percent, according to statistics released today. Visitor spending for 2008 increased 2.1 percent across North Carolina's 100 counties.

Domestic visitors to and within North Carolina spent a record $16.9 billion in 2008, an increase of 2.1 percent from 2007. Visitor expenditures directly generated 190,500 jobs and nearly $4.2 billion in payroll income within North Carolina in 2008. Payroll increased 3.9 percent from 2007. Visitor spending in the state also directly generated close to $2.7 billion in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments in 2008, up 3.6 percent from 2007.

"While we recognize that current economic conditions are impacting businesses all across the state -- including those in the tourism industry -- this continued economic growth, and especially growth in tax revenues, is encouraging," Gov. Perdue said.

The visitor spending figures are the results of an annual study commissioned by the Division and conducted by the U.S. Travel Association. The study uses sales and tax revenue data plus employment figures to determine the overall impact of visitor spending in North Carolina. Highlights include:

• Mecklenburg County received more than $3.6 billion in domestic travelers' expenditures to lead all of North Carolina's 100 counties. Wake County ranked second with over $1.5 billion, followed by Guilford County with close to $1.1 billion.
• Thirty-five of North Carolina's 100 counties each received more than $100 million in domestic travelers' expenditures in 2008.
• Thirty-three counties in North Carolina had 1,000 or more jobs directly supported by domestic travelers during 2008.
• Onslow County showed the largest percentage increase in visitor spending with an 8.3 percent increase. Of the state's large tourism destinations, Forsyth County showed the greatest increase, gaining 5.9 percent.

Click here to view the 2008 county-by-county numbers and then click on one of the four pdf files.

This research was gathered using the Travel Economic Impact Model (TEIM). Click here to view the research.

N.C. Wine Industry Thrives (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

Like a fine chardonnay or merlot, experts predict that North Carolina's wine industry, particularly in the western part of the state, is only going to get better with age. North Carolina is home to more than 80 wineries, which has tripled since 2001. The state ranks 10th for grape and wine production in the United States. Western N.C. is home to about 10 wineries. Among the biggest challenges mountain grape growers face include cold weather, high humidity and plant disease. Finding a grape that's also resistant to disease is a challenge, too, and the traditional vinifera-style grapes don't grow well in North America naturally. To find out more, click here.

Media Stories (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

Since the release by the Division of the "2008 Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties," several news outlets have spotlighted their local areas. Some of the counties who received media attention were:

July 15TH:

LEGISLATIVE News

Beach Plan (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)
The House Finance Committee met three times last Thursday to debate and vote on the proposed changes to the Beach Plan in HB 1305 (Beach Plan Changes), introduced by Rep. Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson). These changes that are aimed at helping the plan survive a catastrophic storm.

N.C. Association of REALTORS® staff were successful in having two amendments adopted. The first, introduced by Rep. Bill Owens (D-Pasquotank), provides that the 1% deductible for Beach Plan policies will only be charged after a named storm event. The second, introduced by Rep. Danny McComas (R-New Hanover), removed the requirement that all properties in the Beach Plan carry flood insurance irrespective of whether the property is located in a flood hazard area. An amendment to keep the per property exposure cap at $1.5 million for residential policies introduced by Rep. Dewey Hill (D-Brunswick) failed, as did an amendment offered by Rep. Owens to reduce the surcharges on wind only and full homeowners policies from 10 to 5 percent and from 20 to 15 percent respectively.

Additionally, Rep. Van Braxton (D-Lenior) introduced a successful amendment to require an annual audit of the Beach Plan. An amendment to move the cap amount on the recoupable assessment in the event of a catastrophic storm event from 10 percent to 5 percent was introduced by Rep. Jennifer Weiss (D-Wake) but failed.

N.C. Association of REALTORS® staff will continue to work to address our members’ concerns as the bill moves through the House and to the Senate.

North Carolina News

Tourists Pay Price as States Jack Up Taxes to Balance Budgets (Source: Smith Anderson Government Affairs Weekly Report)
Auction Supports Affordable Housing Grants Help others and help your business by donating an item to Homes4NC’s American Dream Auction. Proceeds will be used to help hardworking families across the state find quality, affordable housing close to where they work. Planned for Sept. 28 during the NC REALTORS Convention, item donors can expect to receive extensive recognition at the event and on our special Auction Web site, which opens for bidding on Aug. 3, 2009. http://www.homes4nc.org/09auctioninfo.doc

Taxes on travel are soaring as states and cities target the wallets of tourists and business travelers for new revenue. Hotel taxes, car rental fees and other charges were jacked up in many states in an effort to balance budgets by last week, when the fiscal year started in 46 states. Popular tourist destinations were hit especially hard at areas including Hawaii, New York City, Nevada and Massachusetts. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/2009-07-05-traveltax_N.htm.

Appointments (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)
In recent weeks, the following appointments have been made to various State Boards and Commissions:

1. Wanda Proffitt has been appointed to the North Carolina Transportation Board. Unfortunately, this means Mrs. Proffitt has had to resign from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. However, we thank her for her 15 years of service on the Commission and wish her well in her new appointment.
2. John Hamrick has resigned from the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board after 14 years of service. Mr. Hamrick was one of the initial Board members and his knowledge and expertise will be missed.
3. Tony Jarrett was appointed to replace Mr. Hamrick on the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board and attended his first meeting July 10, 2009. We are excited to have Mr. Jarrett representing our interests and look forward to working with him on this Board.
4. Tom Barton has been appointed to the North Carolina Appraisal Board by Governor Perdue. His first meeting will be August 11, 2009. We are thrilled to have Mr. Barton serving on this Board.

May 29TH:

LEGISLATIVE News

House Budget Update (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)

The NC House is still in the process of developing its budget.

The Senate has already passed its version of the budget and its Finance Committee is evaluating a finance package which includes some significant changes to our state tax structure and would raise over $1.2 billion over the next two fiscal years.

House Democrats appear to have a different idea - spending cuts rather than tax increases. House leaders are working on a budget that would spend less money than the Senate's plan or the Governor's proposed budget. Draft proposals by the House are reducing state agency and department budgets by 10-20 percent annually for each of the next two years. Additionally, they are considering proposals to reduce education costs, including cutting the number of school days and increasing classroom size.

Some skeptical analysts are opining that the House's strategy may be to adopt significant cuts in government services and then determine whether the groundswell of opposition to the cuts is enough to bolster support for tax increases.

North Carolina News

North Carolina #17 In Overseas Visitors In 2008 (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

North Carolina ranks 17th in overseas visitors to the United States, drawing 355,000 overseas visitors in 2008, according to a recent report from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. This represents a market share of 1.4 percent of overseas visitors. The ranking is down 1 percent from last year when North Carolina ranked 15th, with a market share of 1.5 percent of overseas visitors to the U.S. The study shows that North Carolina was the third most visited southeastern state in the analysis (behind Florida and Georgia).

In 2008, overseas arrivals to the United States as a whole posted a 6 percent growth rate. This research data from the U.S.

Dept. of Commerce is obtained through in-flight surveys given to overseas passengers flying into the United States, as well as US passengers flying out of the country. For the sixth straight year, New York was the top state destination visited by overseas travelers and California held the second position. Florida remained in the third position while Nevada, Hawaii, Illinois, and Massachusetts followed the top three states visited.

The Division actively markets North Carolina in the United Kingdom and German-speaking Europe. There are five international flight arrivals in North Carolina daily, two from London and one from Frankfurt, Munich and Paris.

To view the top states and cities visited by overseas travelers, visit: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/2008_States_and_Cities.pdf .

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May 22nd:

LEGISLATIVE News

Texting and Driving (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)

A bill that will ban motorists from driving and texting was approved by the Senate Judiciary II Committee this week. HB 9 (No Texting While Driving), http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H9v3.pdf , introduced by Reps. Garland Pierce (D-Scotland), Pricey Harrison(D-Guilford) and Larry Hall (D-Durham), would fine motorists who are caught sending a text message on their cell phone while driving $100 plus court costs. A school bus driver could face a misdemeanor punishable by at least a $100 fine. Ten states and the District of Columbia currently have a text messaging ban for all drivers, according to the national Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety agencies. The bill would make exceptions for emergency responders, as well as people who use voice-activated technology or access global navigation systems.

North Carolina News

New Format for N.C. Travel Tracker (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

The Division has debuted a new, improved North Carolina Travel Tracker on NCCommerce.com. The new Travel Tracker provides many charts, graphs and new variables to help industry partners track the most important tourism indicators on a monthly basis. Some of the new items offered are a four-year trend analysis for statewide lodging indicators, park visitation and attraction attendance; statewide gasoline price index, statewide average temperature and precipitation data; and a national travel price index (TPI).

Since 2001, the Division has worked with North Carolina State University to produce the N.C. Travel Tracker. Its purpose is to provide up-to-date and relevant tourism indicators for state and its three geographical regions. With data from the Travel Tracker, industry partners can strategically plan, implement and evaluate processes and programs.

The January 2009 and February 2009 N.C. Travel Trackers are now online at www.nccommerce.com/tourism/research/traveltracker; the March N.C. Travel Tracker will be online soon. For more information, contact Marlise Taylor at (919) 733-7278 or via mtaylor@nccommerce.com.

Travel Promotion Act of 2009 Introduced in Congress (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

The United States needs to wage a charm offensive to woo overseas tourists seduced by rivals like France and Italy, U.S. senators and industry experts said last week as the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 was introduced in the U.S. Senate. The bill is considered landmark legislation to stimulate U.S. economic growth, create thousands of new American jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue for communities across the country. The U.S. Travel Association says the law is especially necessary given that the U.S. dollar is strengthening, the global economy is slowing and America continues to welcome fewer overseas visitors than prior to September 11, 2001.

The Travel Promotion Act would establish a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier international travel destination and communicate U.S. security and entry policies. The legislation specifies that travel promotion would be paid for by private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers from countries that do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. Similar legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, but did not receive a vote before the Senate adjourned. For more information on the introduction of the bill, visit

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.1eb625e36e305c62ccc14e75288e023d.9c1&show_article=1 or http://www.ustravel.org/pressmedia/pressrec.asp?Item=966 .

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May 8TH:

NCVRMA News

May 12th is NC Travel and Tourism Day (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

Next week brings North Carolina's celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week with events scheduled in Raleigh on Tuesday, May 12, and throughout the week with celebrations at the Division's nine Welcome Centers across the state.

National Travel and Tourism Week, May 9-17, is a collective effort to promote the power of travel through customized events in communities nationwide. In 2009, the first-ever U.S. Travel Rally Day will be in cities and towns across America on May 12, with convention and visitors bureau leaders uniting with state and local government and business leaders to promote the message that "Travel Matters." The goal is to create better awareness of the industry's contribution to the state's economy and to recognize the cultural and social benefits created by travel and tourism.

The N.C. Travel Industry Association (NC TIA) has scheduled a "Tourism Day Extravaganza" at the Legislative Building in Raleigh to emphasize to lawmakers the importance of the tourism industry to the state, its tax base and its economy. If your organization is interested in exhibiting at the Legislative Building, space is still available. In addition, volunteers are being needed to work 8:30-10 a.m. to assist with directing exhibitors to their assigned locations, parking, and general troubleshooting (local knowledge is helpful but not required).

The evening reception has 32 organizations scheduled to exhibit but space is still available. To volunteer or if your state agency would like to exhibit in the Legislative Building or at the evening reception, contact Lynn Lewis at (252) 944-1158 or via lynn@originalwashington.com. Non-state agencies interested in exhibiting may contact Vince Chelena at (704) 333-3234 or via vince@themanagementoffice.com.

On May 12th in Raleigh, plan to:
-Interact with lawmakers through tourism booths/displays at the Legislative Building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-Watch the NASCAR House vs. Senate Pit Crew Challenge at noon at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, at noon coordinated by Visit Charlotte.
-See the N.C. Travel & Tourism Board Meeting, Education Building, 4th Floor Boardroom from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
-Attend the VIP Reception (ticketed event) at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

To view scheduled Travel and Tourism Day activities for the Welcome Centers, visit http://www.nccommerce.com/NR/rdonlyres/8E5C1B4F-CDD9-4AD2-B9AD-EFD3F8245A81/0/WelcomeCentersTourismDay09.pdf .

North Carolina News

School Calendar Bills Defeated! (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)

The NC Assoc. of REALTORS, the Vacation Rental Managers Association and our other allies scored two important victories on the school calendar issue this week. HB 593 (Change School Start Date), http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H593v1.pdf , which would permit school districts to start classes as early as the second Monday in August, failed in the House Commerce Committee this week by a 13-to-14 vote. While this was a great victory, the sponsors of the bill have already asked that it be re-calendared for Tuesday, May 12th in the same committee and are attempting to have committee members switch their vote.

HB 1001 (Modify School Calendar Law/3 County LEAs) was also defeated this week in the House Committee on Local Government II. It is very unlikely that this bill, which applies to Stanly, Union and Montgomery Counties, will be reconsidered.

A similar bill, HB 1306 (Restore Flexibility to School Calendar), introduced by Reps. Becky Carney (D-Mecklenburg), Douglas Younge (D-Hoke), Will Neumann (R-Gaston) and Marvin Lucas (D-Cumberland), http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H1306v1.pdf , will be heard in the House Education Committee on Tuesday, May 12th. It is our understanding that this bill will be converted into a study bill. The NC Association of REALTORS and other interested parties will continue to voice our opposition and push for defeat of all bills aimed at changing the school calendar law.

Homeowner's Insurance (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)

State legislators from coastal counties met this week to discuss HB 426 (Stay on Homeowners Insurance Actions), http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H426v1.pdf , introduced by Reps. Tim Spear (D-Washington), Bill Owens (D-Pasquotank), William Wainwright (D-Craven) and Pat McElraft (R-Carteret), that would put a year-long stay on changes to homeowners insurance that raised rates along the coast and lowered them for some western counties. The new insurance rates were effective May 1st across the state and a court case brought by several coastal counties and other parties which tried to stop the new insurance rates from going into effect was dismissed last week.

Also, there is legislation that will completely overhaul the insurance plan known as the Beach Plan. HB 1305 (Beach Plan Changes), http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H1305v0.pdf , introduced by Rep. Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson) is currently being revised. The N.C. Association of REALTORS is working with various stakeholders and legislative leadership to improve the insurance market and provide relief for coastal property owners.

Smoking Ban (Source: Smith Anderson Government Affairs Weekly Report)

The North Carolina Senate voted 26-18 Thursday to ban smoking in bars and restaurants. The latest version of HB 2 (Prohibit Smoking in Certain Public Places), http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H2v7.pdf , to ban smoking would only apply to restaurants and bars. Other workplaces would not be covered by the ban.

The revised version is the latest of a series of iterations of the smoking bill sponsored by Rep. Hugh Holliman. Last month, the House passed a version of the bill that would ban smoking in restaurants and most indoor workplaces, but not in adult-only businesses such as bars. When Senate leaders determined they did not have the votes to pass the broader measure approved by the House, they reworked the bill into the narrowed form.

Rep. Holliman said it was unlikely the House would accept the Senate version of the bill. Holliman indicated that the bill would likely go to a conference committee. Such committees rework legislation into a single version that is then sent to both chambers for a final vote.

APRIL 17TH:

NCVRMA News

Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals VRHP will host their next seminar on APRIL 22, 2009 at The Breakers Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. If you wish to book rooms for this seminar, call 888-501-8227.

The cost of the event is $60 per person if you are a VRHP member and $100 per person for non-members. For each four persons you register, you can bring a fifth free!!! The cost includes morning coffee and a group buffet luncheon.

http://www.ncvrma.com/VRHP.htm

Webinar

On Monday, April 13th the NC Association of REALTORS held a webinar on homeowners insurance issues. The panelists included Willo Kelly, Outer Banks Association of REALTORS, Stuart Powell, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina and Sheila Pierce, 2009 NC Assoc. of REALTORS Legislative Committee Chair.

Rick Zechini, Director of Government Affairs with the NC Assoc. of REALTORS, served as moderator. The panelists discussed the Beach Plan and the insurance market throughout the state, and what impact the recent events will have. They also provided some prospective on where we go from here as a state in terms of regulating homeowners insurance. The Webinar is archived and can be found at the following link:

http://www.visualwebcaster.com/Event.asp?regd=y&id=57597&u=2953944 .

North Carolina News

School Calendar (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update) Another bill aimed at allowing Orange County to begin classes earlier than the state mandated August 25th of each year was defeated by a 9-6 margin this week in the House Committee on Local Government II. HB 850 (Local Control of School Calendar/2 Counties), http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H850v1.pdf , introduced by Reps. Bill Faison (D-Orange) and Verla Insko (D-Orange), would have allowed Orange and Caswell counties to begin classes as early as the school boards chose each year.

Next Tuesday, HB 593 (Change School Start Date), introduced by Reps. Paul Luebke (D-Durham), Martha Alexander (D-Mecklenburg), Bob England (D-Cleveland) and Ray Rapp (D-Madison), http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H593v1.pdf , will be heard in the House Committee on Education. The NC Association of REALTORS and other interested parties will continue to voice our opposition and push for defeat of this bill.

Beach Plan (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update) On March 20th, a Wake County Superior Court Judge issued an order halting the Beach Plan surcharge increases and deductible increases that were approved on November 21, 2008. This order does not address rate changes that become effective May 1st of this year. This week the Department of Insurance filed an appeal to only one provision of the order. The Department is appealing the court's decision which took away its authority to approve higher insurance rates for certain homeowners without a public hearing but is not seeking to overturn the portion of the order that stayed surcharge and deductible increases approved by former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long from going into effect.

Texting and Driving (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)

A bill that will ban motorists from driving and texting was approved by the House this week. HB 9 (No Texting While Driving), http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H9v3.pdf , introduced by Reps. Garland Pierce (D-Scotland), Pricey Harrison

(D-Guilford) and Larry Hall (D-Durham), would fine motorists who are caught sending a text message on their cell phone while driving $100 plus court costs. A school bus driver could face a misdemeanor punishable by at least a $100 fine. Ten states and the District of Columbia currently have a text messaging ban for all drivers, according to the national Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety agencies. The bill would make exceptions for emergency responders, as well as people who use voice-activated technology or access global navigation systems.

Government Expects Gasoline Prices To Remain Low Over Summer (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

Motorists may want to take to the road this summer as the federal government says gasoline prices are expected to stay relatively low. The Energy Information Administration on Tuesday

(yesterday) projected regular-grade gasoline to average $2.23 a gallon in the April-through-September driving season, with a likely peak of $2.30 a gallon. That's still a bargain compared with last summer, when gasoline averaged $3.81 a gallon and topped $4. To find out more, visit http://www.boston.com/travel/articles/2009/04/15/us_sees_modest_summer_gas_prices/ .

Bloggers are Changing the Travel Industry (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter) A recent CNN article stated that bloggers are changing the travel industry. And the travel industry isn't just hip to blogging. In many cases, it takes blogs more seriously than the mainstream media. Other travelers, particularly those booking their hotels online, feel that blogs are more believable than what they read in a newspaper or watch on TV. The article included examples of how a traveler's blog has changed their traveling experience but, in several cases, changed company policy. To find out more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/traveltips/03/23/blogging.travel.complaints/index.html .

APRIL 10TH:

NORTH CAROLINA NEWS

Senate Passes Budget Proposal; Finance Package Will Come Later (Source: NCAR Government Affairs Update)

In a 32-16 vote, Senate lawmakers gave final approval to their two-year $20 billion spending plan. Through a combination of federal stimulus money, spending reductions and $500 million in tax increases, the plan attempts to diminish the $3.4 billion budget gap for next year. The tax increases will be unspecified until the finance package is released. However, they are expected to include higher alcohol and cigarette taxes and taxes on some professional services. It is unlikely that the increase in the professional license tax included in Governor Perdue’s budget will be included in the final Senate budget.

Marketing Funds Included in Senate Budget (Source: Smith Anderson Government Affairs Weekly Report)

The following items are included in the Senate budget proposal:

• Marketing Funds:$1,500,000 NR, FY 09-10($1,000,000 from the One NC Fund cash balance,$500,000 from the General Fund)

• Tourist Destination Marketing: $259,165 NR, FY 09-10

On-Demand Flight Service Available Across N.C. (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

Airport managers and community leaders of 11 small communities in North Carolina are working closely with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Aviation to promote the availability of on-demand air service at their local airports. Bypromoting the utility of the air service and the local airports, the efficiency, availability and economic development leverage of air service could benefit North Carolina communities at all of the 70+ public-use airports across the state, not only the nine airports serviced by scheduled commercial service.

The program, designated "NCFlyPorts,” will work closely with local airports and communities to inform and educate potential users that air service direct to their local airport is available. The communities themselves will benefit from the increased use of the airports as transportation portals and the economic development that air service brings. To find out more, visit http://ncflyports.com/MainSite/default.aspx. The communities participating in the initial program are: Andrews/Murphy Airport, Brunswick County Airport, Currituck County Airport, Dare County Airport, Duplin County Airport, Elizabeth City Regional Airport, Northeastern Regional Airport in Edenton, Rocky Mount – Wilson Regional Airport, Rutherford County – Marchman Field, Clinton-Sampson County Airport and Stanly County Airport

Travel Industry Woos Those with Plenty of Leisure Time: Furloughed and Laid-Off Workers (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

Victims of the economy are being offered discounts on airfare, lodging, cruises and ski-lift tickets. Tourism merchants say the bargains won't end their industry's skid, “but it's a very nice step.” Pink slip travelers, furlough tourists, or jobless vacationers? Call them what you may, they are a surprising new target for travel bargains aimed at the unemployed, the furloughed and jittery workers fearful of being laid off. Discounts are nothing new during tough economic times, but airlines, hotels, resorts and other tourism merchants are going a step further, exploring a market long considered a tough one to crack. Several businesses are reporting a positive response to the travel deals. To find out more, visit http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tourism3-2009apr03,0,6308665.story.

APRIL 3RD:

NORTH CAROLINA NEWS

School Calendar

It is no joke – on Wednesday, April 1st two bills aimed at allowing various counties to begin classes earlier than the state mandated August 25th of each year were defeated by 8-5 margins. Rep. Haire’s (D-Haywood) bill, HB 483 (School Calendar Flexibility/Some LEAs), http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H483v1.pdf , would have allowed six mountain counties to begin classes as early as August 11th each year. HB 499 (School Calendar Flexibility/2 LEAs), http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H499v1.pdf, introduced by various members from the Buncombe County and Asheville area was also defeated by the same margin.

Additional bills were filed this week to allow other local school boards to change the school calendars in their areas. The NC Association of REALTORS® and our vacation rental managers are working with a coalition of other groups to defeat these measures as well. (Source: NCAR Weekly Government Affairs Update)

Grandfather Mountain Becomes State's Newest Park

Gov. Beverly Perdue has signed legislation that allows Grandfather Mountain to become North Carolina's newest state park. Perdue's signature on Tuesday finalized an agreement to create Grandfather Mountain State Park and protect its nearly 2,500 undeveloped acres. The heirs of company founder Hugh Morton will continue operating the Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction, including its nature center and "mile-high" swinging bridge. The state also will gain a conservation easement on 749 acres of the property. The state parks system is coordinating an interim management plan with the Morton family for the backcountry property and its 12 miles of trails. The property lies in Watauga, Avery and Caldwell counties, and contains the headwaters of both the Watauga and Linville rivers. To find out more, visit http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1465925.html and http://www.governor.state.nc.us/NewsItems/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?newsItemID=250. (Source: VISITNC Weekly Newsletter)

NCVRMA NEWS

NCAR Legislative Days

Please make plans to attend this year’s Legislative Meetings, April 20-22, 2009 in Raleigh, NC. The Annual Legislative Reception will take place on Tuesday, April 21st and provides a valuable opportunity for interaction with your elected officials. A full schedule of events can be found here: 2009 Legislative Meetings or http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/midyearschedule2.pdf. All meetings are being held at the Sheraton in Downtown Raleigh. To reserve your room today, please contact the Sheraton-Raleigh at 800-325-3535 or 919-834-9900.

New Board Members

Congratulations to the following new board members who were elected at this week’s convention:

• Gordon Jones, President
• Toni Henry, Vice President
• Janice Farr
• Paige Brown
• Shari Goldstein
• Casey Holcombe
• Mary Korotva