A small group of people has been charged with the substantial task of putting a face to Sampson County in marketing it to others, an effort with the ultimate goal of bringing dollars into the county as a viable tourist destination — and sooner rather than later.

The Sampson County Convention and Visitors Bureau has generated $25,754 through local lodging expenses thus far and is working toward establishing a groundwork through which the county’s best attributes can be exhibited to the general public and, thus, more funds may be realized.

Through legislation, an occupancy tax of 3 percent on all local lodging expenses was enacted and implemented in Sampson County in August 2008. It has translated into more than $25,000 locally in that time, with more on the horizon.

“Collections are down a little bit,” said county finance officer Sylvia Blinson, ex-officio member of SCCVB. “With the economy down, there’s less people traveling. That is to be expected. Before the economic downturn, it looked like we were averaging about $4,100 a month — some months more, some months less.”

The overall figure for the year “might be $50,000 a year,” said Mason Tarr, owner of the Ashford Inn and director for the SCCVB. “If there’s a good year, it might be $60,000.”

“Hopefully, we’ll see an increase as activities increase,” added SCCVB member Anna Peele, agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension.

The bureau consists of local inn owners and business officials, tourism and travel representatives, city and county government officials and public advocates. The bureau, as part of the bylaws of its establishment, is obligated to spend two-thirds of all money generated from the occupancy tax solely on promotion of the county. That can be through various avenues such as the development of a website, printing of brochures, signage or other advertisements.

Some of those possible avenues were discussed during a meeting at the Ashford Inn Tuesday. Many activities need to take place and the bureau needs an identity, Tarr noted.

“The whole purpose of this meeting is to introduce things that have to happen within the next three to six months in order for us to start to be efficient as an organization,” he remarked. “This is ultimately going to be how we’re represented on the website and in any literature that we send out. We’re trying to gain forward momentum with what we are doing.”

Tasks that need to be accomplished are the adoption of mission and vision statements, identifying and categorizing “assets” — culture, dining, shopping, events — and attractions in Sampson County and developing a website where all of that information can be easily accessed by those interested, Tarr remarked.

“That point of information for those people is an integral part of the organization,” he said, noting that the establishment of a website could take place within three months.

Peele and fellow bureau member LeeAnn Yancey, owner of the Shield House Inn, shared apprehensions with the deadline.

“That’s tight for determining what your assets are,” said Peele.

Yancey said it may take time for the process to be completed and an incomplete website might do more harm than good.

“We don’t want to put up half of the information and offend half of the people,” Yancey commented.

Tarr said he understood the concerns, but felt a deadline was a necessary evil.

Sharad Surati, owner of the Comfort Inn, said it would nice to have something to show visitors in time for the summer months.

“Spend some money,” he said. “Maybe $1,000 or $2,000.”

Surati noted that business was “very, very bare right now” and a certain amount should be kept in the account in case of emergency, however some funds should be expended toward the cause, something such as brochures or calendars of special events locally.

Tarr agreed, saying that print literature, such as brochures and pamphlets, can be the “most immediate and most effective” tool in attracting visitors to the county and keeping locals here for “stay-cations.”

Several other activities, walking tours and other special projects, were also mentioned.

“It’s not that we’re competing with Duplin County, but Faison has implemented a walking tour,” said Tarr. “They took something that didn’t exist before and implemented it.”

Tarr commended Peele on working toward a similar goal in Sampson.

“This is a perfect example of an activity that a committee like this can accomplish,” he attested.

Receiving guidance

Tarr and others mentioned that someone would eventually be needed to look over ongoing activities on a day-to-day basis and act as a liaison between bureau members.

“We need someone outside the group to guide us,” said Peele.

City manager John Connet agreed, saying an objective onlooker might be better able to bring a sound and unbiased opinion to what is being envisioned.

Hiring a part-time director at minimal cost was discussed, but no action taken.

Amber Cava, executive director for the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce, mentioned looking into developing a possible internship opportunity, through which a college student can get experience and both parties can benefit. Cava was asked to look further into the matter on a motion by Peele.

Also at the meeting, Tarr handed out mission and vision statements for possible adoption by other bureau members. After some modifications, Connet, who serves as an ex-officio member, said the vision should be something that is attainable, but broad enough so that “you never quite reach it.”

“If you do,” he explained, “you need to change your vision.”

Tarr requested that members think about what that statement should encompass. It would lead the group — and the county — in painting a picture of what the group sets out to accomplish and what it sees for the future of Sampson County, and should not be rushed, he said.

Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 121, or by email at sicrime@myclintonnc.com.