Board reviews Contour marketing, digital-ad policy and airport billboard options

Board members reviewed proposals from Contour Airlines and a separate marketing vendor and said Contour has offered $25,000 toward advertising initiatives. Board members and staff said Contour intends to increase flights seasonally, and staff flagged measurable tracking (clicks, views, seats) as a question to bring back from the marketing vendor.

The group discussed the airport-owned billboard on the north end of the field, which currently reads "thanks for visiting" and is visibly faded. Staff reported the billboard could be refurbished or leased; Contour’s proposed $25,000 contribution was discussed as a possible source to replace and program the sign. Board members asked staff to follow up on whether Contour or other partners would take responsibility for design and installation and to report back.

Separately, LionsMax is scheduled to place digital-ad hardware this fall; staff said a platform to manage rotating ads, billing and scheduling will need a policy before the September activation date. The board directed staff to locate any previously approved digital-ad policy (members believed one was voted on earlier in the year) and to develop simple rules for ad rotation, pricing, and submission formats. Staff suggested collaboration with the county tourism office on inventory and content selection.

No formal vote was taken on marketing funding or billboard replacement at the meeting. Staff will research the existing digital-ad policy, confirm the Contour commitment details, and return with a recommended policy and cost options.