CRVA Released Final Report On Controversial Spending

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority gave a final report on its own practices on Wednesday.

After a controversy over expensive gifts and a $100,000 CIAA bonus, the group said it did nothing wrong.

The group presented a final report on Wednesday with help from an independent auditing firm.

In the report, in reference to the CIAA, the CRVA said that it's "typical for conventions and sports organizations to provide a fee for these services."

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But, CRVA officials said that operations call for a "more transparent and accountable agreement in writing supported by more effective communication."

In reference to the lavish gift, the committee said that "staff must have the resources and discretion needed to compete for much sought after conventions and special events," but their practices should be further "reviewed and modified based on industry best practices."

Board chairman Tim Newman said the changes are a work in progress.

READ: CRVA Operations Committee Report (PDF)

"As you see with the CIAA Tournament, it says we need to have the agreement in writing which we will do," Newman said. "Related to travel and entertainment expenses, we will look at other authorities and also look at our practices."

City Councilman Edwin Peacock sent a statement from New York saying the board has addressed the concerns.

"This report does not surprise me. They've addressed the concerns. The way the CIAA bonus was handled was a mistake," he said.

City Councilman Andy Dulin didn't seem as satisfied. He said he is "not pleased with the report. It's not a big step forward to regain the public's trust or mine."

Council members could discuss this as a group when they meet to look over the CRVA budget for next year.

Tim Newman's contract as CEO of the Visitors Authority runs out at the end of this month.

Newman said that he has "no comment" on a possible new contract, but he is willing to continue in the job.

Previous Stories: May 11, 2011: CRVA Head Defends Spending May 9, 2011: CRVA Expenses Included Lavish Dinner, Sporting Tickets April 18, 2011: CRVA Plans Independent Audit After Controversial Bonuses April 15, 2011: Memo Released, CRVA Bonus To Executive Still Questioned

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