Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau Inc

“President/CEO Paul Upchurch and Board Chair Omar Shaikh on the Board of Sharp Literacy - Secretary/Treasurer Lynda Kohler is Exective Director of Sharp Literacy.Board Directors Ralph Hollmon and Grady Crosby are also on the Board of The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Immediate Past President (of the Board) Paul Mathews is President/CEO of The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.”

“The Organization has active members which are individuals or entities, all or part of whose business operations are conducted within the Greater Milwaukee area, or who resides in the greater Milwaukee area. In addition other members include honorary members, municipal members, and the Milwaukee county government member. Active members pay annual dues. Membership is non-voting. Membership includes privileges such as participation in various activities, programs, publications, educational and marketing activities as may be designated from time to time by the board of directors. An annual meeting of members is held as well as possible special meetings, if so called.”

“The 990 is reviewed by the Secretary/Treasurer on behalf of the audit/finance committee, a standing committee of the board of directors, prior to filing. A copy is made available to the full Board for their review, but not prior to filing.”

“Board members are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest. Other members of the board or committee determine if a conflict exists. When this occurs the board member with a conflict of interest is asked to leave during the discussion and vote.”

“Compensation is set using comparable market data from three or more sources. The audit/finance committee and HR committee of the board reviews and approves the overall compensation program. The HR Committee reviews and determines CEO compensation, with approval by the Executive Committee. In 2016 a compensation study using an independent compensation consultant was conducted.”

“See part VI, Line 15a.”

“Documents are available upon request at our offices. The 990 is filed online at Guidestar.org.”

“Through exercising prudent fiscal management and enacting best practices, VISIT Milwaukee has established various reserve and contingency funds over the past several fiscal years. These funds are reflected on the financial statements as Board Designated Net Assets, and are comprised of four designated funds. These funds were established by a Board Resolution. Total net assets may grow or decline in any given fiscal year based on activities within the funds.The funds include an emergency contingency fund, a non-profit best practice. VISIT Milwaukee receives 80% of its annual funding through one funding source, which causes a concentration of risk. Best practice is to maintain a minimum reserve equal to six months of operating expenses. In addition, a restricted business opportunity fund was created in 2007 to capitalize on convention business opportunities for the downtown Milwaukee area. Funds are designated specifically for this purpose.The operating reserve fund is used to cover current year operating expenses. Due to the timing of annual disbursements from the main funding source, VISIT Milwaukee must draw down its operating reserve fund throughout the fiscal year in order to fund current year expenses. VISIT Milwaukee management may not utilize any of the net asset reserve funds without executive committee approval.”