Thompson, Capote New Tourist Development Chairs

By  //  February 12, 2015

Brevard County Tourist Development CounciL

TDC-580-12
The Brevard County Tourist Development Council was established to promote growth, development, and quality of tourism on the Space Coast. The Tourist Development Council consists of nine members appointed by the County Commission according to a formula established in the Florida Statutes.

Appointments Include Bob Baugher, Walt Johnson, Jim Ridenour and Tom Williamson

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Tourist Development Council elected restaurateur Laurilee Thompson as its chair for 2015.

Thompson, a co-owner of Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant in Titusville, had been vice chair for the nine-member advisory board.

Laurilee Thompson
Laurilee Thompson

“I’m fortunate to have the support of a fantastic council with decades of experience and valuable connections to the community serving under me,” Thompson says.

“We do great things for the community and I’m looking forward to letting everyone know what we do and how important tourism is to Florida’s Space Coast.”

In addition, Mayor William Capote of Palm Bay was elected Vice Chair and appointed as chair of the TDC Sports Committee.

William Capote
William Capote

“It’s a great honor to expand my service to my constituents in the role of Vice Chair for the TDC,” Mayor Capote says.

“I look forward to dedicating extra efforts in this leadership role toward expanding and supporting tourism on Florida’s Space Coast.”

Bob Baugher
Bob Baugher

Other committee appointments include hotelier Bob Baugher as chair of the Marketing Committee; Titusville Vice Mayor Walt Johnson as chair of the Capital Facilities Committee; hoteliers Jim Ridenour as chair of the Cultural Events Committee; and Tom Williamson as chair of the Beach Improvement Committee.

Jim Ridenour
Jim Ridenour

As Chair, Thompson has identified two chief priorities for 2015.

• Continuing to grow tourist tax revenue – With year-to-date net tax collections up 11.7% compared with previous years, the trajectory and forecast of tourist tax revenue in 2015 looks promising. The challenge, says Thompson, is continuing to leverage this trend and keep the momentum going.

• Increase awareness of Florida’s Space Coast’s natural and cultural assets and activities

Florida’s Space Coast is home to some of the most unspoiled, pristine natural habitats in the state and provides an attractive alternative to the traditional theme park-driven Florida vacation.