HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-06 MinutesThe Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. (WRFC) held a regular meeting at 10:00 AM
on January 6,2025. Chairman Judy Girard, Mr. Kirk Englebright, Mr. Hank Miller, Honorable
Bill Rivenbark, and Honorable Bill Saffo were present. Mr. Michael Scott joined by video
conference. In addition, Mr. Johnny Griffin was present.
2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION FOR 2025. The following
individuals were unanimously elected as officers of the corporation for 202S: Mr.
Hank Miller (Chairman), Ms. Sabrina Davis (Vice Chairman), and Mr. Johnny Griffin
(Secretary / Treasurer).
LOBBING EFFORTS DURING 2025. A contract with Fetzer Strategic Partner for
lobbying efforts during 2025, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT B, was
4. PRODUCTION UPDATE. Mr. Johnny Griffin stated that during 2024 film and
television productions spent $302 million in North Carolina, of which $201 million
was spent in the Wilmington region. This was the second highest total in the last ten
years. Heading into 2025, there are no productions confirmed at this time; however,
there are three productions currently considering the region which may begin in the
next two months. Additionally, there were three television series filmed in the region
during 2024 which the Commission is hopeful will be renewed in 2025. Nationwide,
film and television production levels are still lower than expected. Overall the
industry is hopeful for a resurgence in production activity as 2025 progresses.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 A.M.
Res ctfully Submitted,
Mr. Hank Miller, Chairperson
Vill I q J� I In 4-7fl-R
REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION, INC.
1223 NORTH 23rd STREET - WILMINGTON, NC 28405
910.343.3456 Tel - 910.343.3457 Fax
commi,sh@wilmingtonfilm.com - www.wilmingtonfilm.com
Judy Girard, Chairman
Sabrina S. Davis, Vice -Chairman
Kirk Englebright
Hank Miller
Honorable Bill Riven6ark
Honorable Bill Saffo
Michael Scott, Jr.
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8:31 AM 2. Election of officers of the corporation for 2025
8:45 AM 3. Consideration of contract with Fetzer Strategic Partners for lobbying efforts
during 2025 (EXHIBIT "B")
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EXHIBIT "All
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
A North Carolina Non -Profit Corporation
The Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. (WRFC) held a regular meeting at 8:30 AM,
on October 8, 2024. Chairman Judy Girard, Vice -Chairman Sabrina Davis, Mr. Kirk
Englebright, Mr. Hank Miller, Honorable Bill Rivenbark, and Honorable Bill Saffo were
present. Mr. Michael Scott joined by video conference. In addition, auditor Mr. Kemmy
Goodson, lobbyist Mr. Tom Fetzer, and Mr. Johnny Griffin were present.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MEETING ON MAY 14,2024. The minutes from
the Board Meeting on May 14, 2024, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT A, were
unanimously approved.
2. PRESENTATION OF AUDIT OF FY23124 FINANCIALS BY AUDITOR MR. KEMMY
GOODSON WITH GOODSON & TAYLOR, CPA'S. Mr. Kemmy Goodson reviewed the
audit of the FY23/24 financials, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT B. Mr.
Goodson stated that the Commission received an unqualified opinion. The board had
no questions.
3. APPROVAL OF AUDIT OF FY23124 FINANCIALS. The board unanimously approved
the audit of FY23/24 financials.
4. PRESENTATION ON LOBBY EFFORTS BY MR. TOM FETZER WITH FETZER
STRATEGIC PARTNERS. Mr. Tom Fetzer reviewed with the board the lobbying
efforts from 2024. Mr. Fetzer stated that we will continue to look for efforts to
improve the NC Film Grant program going forward. It was decided that the board will
meet after the election in November in order to develop a strategy going forward.
unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Hank Miller to the vacant seat on the
audit committee.
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stated that construction is almost complete. A grand opening celebration will be held
7. PRODUCTION UPDATE. Mr. Griffin stated that despite an industry slow -down, the
Wilmington region has enjoyed a good year. Production totals for 2024 are
anticipated to be approximately $197 million, which will be the second highest total
in ten years. During 2024, the region has hosted three television series and two
feature films. Looking ahead to 2025,
there are no labor issues on the horizon so we
are hopeful for another good year.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ms. Judy Girard, Chairperson
EXHIBIT "B"
FET2ZR STRATEGIC PARTNERS
mediaStrategy � Government Affairs � Survey Research
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This is an engagement proposal for Fetzer Strategic Partners to continue to
represent the Wilmington Regional Film Commission in the North Carolina General
assembly.
As in previous years we will focus on:
- Maintaining our grant line item in the recurring budget
- Increasing our appropriation as a response to the significant increase in demand for the
Grant program that we have experienced in the last year.
We propose continuing our current engagement — that FSP will provide a fall range of
advocacy services in exchange for a fee of $4500 a month. This engagement will be for
the calendar year 2025. We have been honored to represent the Film Commission and
look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.
12/18/2024
Tom Fetzer
President
Fetzer Strategic Partners