Visit Baton Rouge board meets with full agenda

Discussion of next year’s budget, approval of agreements on the 2013 Bayou Country Superfest, and an annual review of Visit Baton Rouge CEO/President Paul Arrigo’s performance are just a few of the items being taken up by the tourism promotion agency’s board of directors later today. Arrigo says the agreement being taken up on next year’s Bayou Country Superfest amounts to a “formality” concerning previously negotiated financial terms and other details, as is an agenda item to accept $500,000 in promotional grant funds from the BP Gulf Tourism and Seafood Promotion Fund. He says he expects the board to approve both items. The board also may opt to go into closed session to discuss Arrigo’s annual performance review and consider a pay raise. Arrigo, who is currently paid $150,174 a year, says he is requesting a “very slight” pay raise of $2,000 for the coming year. Aided by the 151-day U.S. Bowling Congress’ Open Championships held in Baton Rouge—which had an estimated $113.2 million economic impact—2012 was a strong year for tourism in Baton Rouge, Arrigo says. “2012 was much better than we anticipated: a very, very good year,” he says. “Although 2013 won’t be quite what 2012 was, without the bowling championship, we’re anticipating another very good year.” The board meets at 4 p.m. today at the Visit Baton Rouge office downtown, 359 Third St. —Steve Sanoski