Press release from BCTDA:
Applications to Serve on the LIFT Committee are Due This Friday, July 7
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is seeking candidates for the forthcoming Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) Committee. This committee will make recommendations to the BCTDA to invest in tourism-related capital projects that will increase patronage at lodging facilities in Buncombe County by attracting visitors, business travelers, or both, and benefit the community at large in Buncombe County.Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) Fund CommitteeCommittee Member Roles & Responsibilities
In assessing applications for LIFT grants, committee members must have a thorough understanding of the grant requirements as mandated by the legislation and are responsible for upholding the priorities of the BCTDA. Grant requirements and selection criteria will be included in LIFT Program Guidelines to be released in September 2023, which members will use to determine if a project satisfies program requirements. Committee members are expected to maintain an unbiased position and refrain from communications or meetings with applicants throughout the review process.Time Commitment
Committee members serve a term that consists of three funding cycles spanning a minimum of three years. Members may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
A typical funding cycle includes a series of committee meetings:
Committee Member Orientation
Phase I Review
Phase II Review & Project Presentations
Site Visits
Final Review
Committee members are required to attend each meeting and should expect to actively participate in group discussion. Meetings range from three to eight hours in length and require substantial preparation, to include reviewing lengthy application documents with financials, marketing plans, and feasibility studies. Committee members may also be asked to attend other meetings outside of the grant cycle to assess project issues as they arise.Committee Composition
A majority of the members of the Committee (5 of 9 members) must be persons who are owners or operators of hotels, motels or other taxable lodging accommodations. The remainder of the committee shall be comprised of representatives with tourism, legal, financial, economic development, architecture, or engineering expertise. The BCTDA is currently seeking candidates to fill all nine positions.
To Apply
Please complete the online LIFT Fund Committee Member Application. Applications are due this Friday, July 7, 2023 at 5:00pm ET.
A nominating committee will review applications, conduct interviews in July and August, and provide their LIFT Committee appointment recommendations to the BCTDA in the August board meeting.
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