[Adopted 6-7-2021 ATM by Art. 34]
A. 
The purpose of the Sturbridge Tourist Association is:
(1) 
To have creative and budgetary oversight of the hotel/motel tax percentage that is placed in the Sturbridge Tourist Association Revolving Fund for the promotion of tourism. These funds are to be used for the marketing and implementation of tourism for the benefit of Sturbridge.
(2) 
To maintain fiscal control by accepting and distributing, as necessary, the monies appropriated by the Annual Town Meeting for the purpose of planning, promoting and implementing tourism in Sturbridge. An amount approved by the Town Meeting shall be designated as broadly as possible to be dispersed by the Committee as outlined below.
B. 
The Sturbridge Tourist Association shall propose a budget that provides the following:
(1) 
Funding for the promotion of tourism, with a portion directly for the marketing of all Sturbridge businesses involved in tourism.
(2) 
Funding of an economic development/tourism position(s) as established by the Town Administrator and approved by the Board of Selectmen and funding of any and all activities, as deemed appropriate by the Sturbridge Tourist Association, which aid in the increased revenues to the Town of Sturbridge through the hotel/motel taxes.
(3) 
Funding for multiple tourist-related events and activities in Sturbridge.
C. 
Goals. The Association:
(1) 
Shall aid and support Sturbridge businesses directly involved in the Sturbridge tourism industry.
(2) 
Shall promote, expand and facilitate tourism in Sturbridge, keeping in mind the general character of the Town and its natural resources.
(3) 
In order to fulfill its obligations to the tourism industry and businesses in Sturbridge, it may, as necessary, request and conduct studies to understand the tourist climate, request/submit articles for review and inclusion in the Town Meeting Warrant with relation to its mandated purpose, and approach Town boards for permits necessary to implement its events/promotions and products.
(4) 
Shall develop goals and a vision for tourism in Sturbridge, keeping in mind the general character of the Town and its natural resources, the commercial tourist and historical commercial zones and the best interests of Sturbridge tourist-related businesses.
D. 
The Association shall meet quarterly at a minimum to review projects, budget and requests from Sturbridge townships and other groups.
A. 
There is hereby created and established a Sturbridge Tourist Association (STA) which shall consist of five voting members serving staggered three-year terms.
B. 
The Town Administrator shall appoint all members, subject to the confirmation by the majority vote of the Board of Selectmen, as follows:
(1) 
Two members which either may be owners (or representatives) of a hotel/motel/inn/B&B located within the geographic boundary of Sturbridge, or owners or representatives of a tourist-related business (retail, restaurant or similar tourist-related activity) located within the geographic boundary of Sturbridge.
(2) 
Three Sturbridge residents at large.
C. 
In the event that a vacancy exists for more than 60 days without finding a qualified person to fill a particular category (resident or hotelier/tourist business), the Town Administrator may fill that vacancy with a qualified person from the other category until the next annual appointments are made.