At its Oct. 1 meeting, the Visit South Padre Island board approved a series of funding requests for 2025–26 events, supported a recommendation to renew the agency contract with Greenhouse Inc. and approved several other event sponsorships and marketing requests. Actions were taken by voice votes; the transcript records the motions and that each motion “carried.”

Votes at a glance (items discussed and final outcome)

- National Tropical Weather Conference: The board approved a $20,000 marketing contribution to support the National Tropical Weather Conference (conference dates presented as April 6–10). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried). Provenance: presentation began at 39:52 in the transcript, vote recorded at 43:10.

- South Padre Open / Texas Golf Surfing Association (TGSA): The board approved funding for the tournament at $4,000 total, with $600 of that amount to be earmarked for marketing; the remainder may be used for operations or trophies as presented. Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried). Provenance: discussion begins near 75:39 in the transcript; vote recorded near 83:27.

- Holiday events (2025): Board approved up to $50,000 to fund holiday events (tree lighting, boat parade, Winter Wonderland, Breakfast with Santa and related marketing/operations), an increase from an earlier $30,000 allocation; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried). Provenance: item discussed beginning ~85:14; vote recorded at ~93:31.

- Pickleball on Padre (Jan–Feb 2026): The board approved $20,000 for marketing for the event (the applicant requested $20,000; the Special Events Committee had recommended $10,000). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried). Provenance: packet discussion began ~96:27; vote recorded at ~103:12.

- Causeway Double Cross (February 2026): The board approved $7,500 in marketing for the third annual Causeway Double Cross event (applicant sought $10,000; SEC recommended $7,500). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried). Provenance: discussion begins ~104:02; vote recorded ~104:45.

- Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo (WOWIE, 2026): The board approved $5,000 in marketing for the event (request and SEC recommendation both $5,000). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried). Provenance: packet discussion begins ~104:58; vote recorded ~105:20.

- Greenhouse contract (agency of record): The board recommended that city council authorize the city manager to enter into a contract with Greenhouse Inc. for marketing services (account strategy, creative services, media buying and related services) for a multi-year period; legal review and a 60-day termination clause were noted. Outcome: board approval to recommend contract renewal to city council (motion carried). Provenance: item presented at ~105:30; board motion and vote near ~110:24.

How votes were recorded and next steps

Most motions were made and seconded on the record; votes were taken by voice with the chair calling “all in favor say aye” and recording that the motion carried. For event funding items the board discussed clarifying deliverables and asked event organizers to provide post-event reports and marketing deliverables (photos, trailer details and advertising samples) that staff can use in future marketing campaigns. Staff also confirmed that standard practice is to release 75% of approved funds upfront and 25% after receipt of a post-event report, per current policy processes.

Ending

Board members asked staff to work with event organizers to ensure marketing materials include the Visit South Padre Island logo and consistent brand treatments, and requested that staff continue to collect sponsorship details in event applications. The board directed staff to proceed with the items approved and to forward the Greenhouse contract recommendation to the city council for final authorization.