Thursday, August 24, 2017

SUNSHINE VIOLATION?: Longtime VCB CEO Richard Goldman Fired at Secret Meeting (UPDATE: FIRING REVERSED)


UPDATE: after eight of us spoke at the Thursday, August 24, 2017 VCB meeting, RICHARD GOLDMAN's firing was reversed.  We, the People have won another victory in St. Augustine.  Thank you.  Yes we can!  Yes we did!



St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau Board Reinstates VCB President/CEO Richard Goldman 
 
St. Augustine, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2017) -- Since the decision was reached regarding Richard Goldman's separation from the VCB, the Board of Directors and Mr. Goldman were able to re-visit a number of the core issues around the marketing of the destination. As a result, the Board is pleased to announce that both parties have agreed to retain the services of Mr. Goldman as CEO.     



It happened in secret. It probably violated our Florida Sunshine law.
Yes, it appears that RICHARD GOLDMAN, longtime President and CEO of the St. Johns County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Inc. (VCB) was illegally fired on or about June 27, 2017, in an illegal meeting after the public VCB meeting.
It happened at Kanti Patel's Bayfront Hilton, in a closed meeting room on the second floor.
After the public meeting, "voting members" were asked to stay behind for a second meeting.
No minutes were kept.
Why?
No staff were present.
Why?
The public was excluded.
Why?
The victim, RICHARD GOLDMAN, was excluded.
Why?
The perpetrators claim it was secret to protect "privacy?"
Whose privacy?
The perpetrators of the illegal firing?
Three (3) local government liaisons were excluded:
Our St. Johns County Commissioner Isaac Henry Dean was excluded.
Why?
Our St. Augustine City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline was excluded.
Why?
Our St. Augustine Beach City Commissioner Maggie Kostka was excluded.
Why?
This government-funded government contractor probably violated the Sunshine law.
While VCB previously claimed its "Executive Committee" meetings did not involve county-related matters, the articles appearing in the St. Augustine Record and Historic City News make clear that policy differences were the root cause of the illegal firing.
What were the policy differences?
VCB isn't telling.
Could it be casinos?
RICHARD GOLDMAN opposed casinos, as do I, as do our County Commissioners.
Did some of the VCB members want to move in favor of casinos?
Could it be the St. Augustine National Historical Park and National Seashore proposal?
GOLDMAN never cared about it; perhaps Board members resented his insouciance about finally fully implementing "America's Best Idea" here in St. Augustine.
Is that the "different direction," to which CHARLES COX, longtime VCB Chair, alluded in articles trumpeting the firing?
We will find out.
Does CHARLES COX want the CEO salary for himself?
If so, his voting to fire GOLDMAN is a conflict of interest.
The claim about a national search in the VCB's press release is utterly specious -- VCB yesterday had no documents on a national search.  Thus, the firing of a successful marketing expert in a Sunshine violating meeting, predicated upon a national search, is a pretext for discrimination.
Enough lawbreaking.
I hope RICHARD GOLDMAN files a complaint in federal court.
St. Johns County Commissioners must end the "special relationship" with VCB.  Cancel the contract. Have County staff do the work, or put the contract out for bid.
Meanwhile, I've requested civil, criminal and administrative investigations of VCB's possible Sunshine violation, in a secret meeting, predicated on supposed unwritten legal advice from shallow, superficial supine ST. JOHNS COUNTY ATTORNEY PATRICK FRANCIS McCORMACK:


-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin
To: larizzar ; bsimmons ; bfox
Cc: rgoldman ; ccramer ; mwanchick ; rross ; pmccormack ; bcc1jjohns ; bcc2jsmith ; bcc3pwaldron ; bccd4 ; bcc5hdean ; coc ; dlehmann ; rross
Sent: Wed, Aug 23, 2017 1:08 pm
Subject: SUNSHINE VIOLATION?: SJC VCB fired Richard Goldman at secret meeting

Dear Messrs. Fox, Larizza and Simmons:
1.  Longtime St. Johns County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Inc. CEO and President Richard Goldman was fired at a secret VCB meeting on or about June 27, 2017, after the regular public monthly VCB meeting, at the Bayfront Hilton, in St. Augustine.  This illegal, ultra vires action may have violated the misdemeanor provisions of our Sunshine law,   See e-mails below and St. Augustine Record article here:  http://www.sar-cdn.com/news/local-news/2017-08-22/goldman-out-leader-st-johns-county-vcb-search-replacement-under-way

2. This secret deliberation and vote to fire Mr. Goldman is a possible second degree misdemeanor.  F.S. 286.011. 

3. Chief Fox and State's Attorney Larizza, please assign your white collar crime investigators to investigate.

4. Commissioners Sikes-Kline, Kostka and Dean -- "non-voting" VCB members -- and the public were all excluded. Why? So was Mr. Goldman and all VCB staff.  Why?  This shows VCB's contempt for the will of the people and our Sunshine law, adopted by vote of 83% of Florida voters in 1992 (3.8 million people), ratifying Article I, Section 24 of our Florida Constitution.

5. Inspector General Simmons, please investigate and make a written public report to County Commissioners and the public. All secret meetings of VCB must be halted.
6. Based on unwritten putative "legal advice" from the County Attorney, VCB previously claimed its Executive Committee members could hold secret meetings on non-county matters, but from the public statements from the VCB Chair, this firing was obviously related to county business -- tourism, our biggest employer.
7. We must protect the public interest.  
8. We must restore the public's Right to Know about VCB's actions, including those surrounding this apparent illegal firing of Mr. Richard Goldman, VCB CEO and President, in a meeting from which the public and elected officials were excluded, in apparent criminal violation of Florida Sunshine laws.  
Thank you.

With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
904-377-4998

 -----Original Message-----
From: Richard Goldman <RGoldman@FloridasHistoricCoast.com>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Cc: Richard Goldman <RGoldman@FloridasHistoricCoast.com>; nsikeskline <nsikeskline@citystaug.com>; commkostka <commkostka@cityofsab.org>; bcc5hdean <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; thomasfreynolds <thomasfreynolds@yahoo.com>; Carey Cramer <CCramer@FloridasHistoricCoast.com>; Regina Ross <rross@sjcfl.us>
Sent: Wed, Aug 23, 2017 9:28 am
Subject: Re: Request No. 2017-483: SJC VCB -- Richard Goldman firing meeting minutes
Mr Slavin,
I was not present at the meeting in which I have been told the vote was taken. Nor does the VCB possess any documents relating to that meeting or plans for a search.

 Richard Goldman
President & CEO
St. Augustine|Ponte Vedra VCB
sent via  iPhone



-----Original Message-----
From: Carey Cramer <CCramer@FloridasHistoricCoast.com>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Aug 23, 2017 9:45 am
Subject: RE: Request No. 2017-483: SJC VCB -- Richard Goldman firing meeting minutes
Mr. Slavin,
It was on June 27 at the Hilton Historic starting at 1:30.  All voting board members were asked to stay behind.
Thank you,
Carey
From: Ed Slavin [mailto:easlavin@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 9:41 AM
To: Carey Cramer
Subject: Re: Request No. 2017-483: SJC VCB -- Richard Goldman firing meeting minutes
Dear Carey:
Thank you.  What was the date, place and time of the meeting?
With kindest regards, I am, 
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
904-377-4998
-----Original Message-----
From: Carey Cramer <CCramer@FloridasHistoricCoast.com>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Aug 23, 2017 9:38 am
Subject: RE: Request No. 2017-483: SJC VCB -- Richard Goldman firing meeting minutes
Mr. Slavin,
We do not have any documentation on this matter.  It was discussed without any staff present. Sorry.
Thank you,
Carey
From: Ed Slavin [mailto:easlavin@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 9:23 AM
To: Carey Cramer
Subject: Fwd: Request No. 2017-483: SJC VCB -- Richard Goldman firing meeting minutes
Good morning:
Please send me the minutes of the VCB meeting where he was fired, any .wav file, any correspondence on the firing and anything on the search for a successor! 
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am, 
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
904-377-4998
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Goldman <RGoldman@FloridasHistoricCoast.com>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Aug 23, 2017 9:15 am
Subject: Out of Office: Request No. 2017-483: SJC VCB -- Richard Goldman firing meeting minutes
Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office through Wednesday August 23. I do, however, expect to have cell phone and limited email access while away. If this is an emergency please contact my cell at 904.814.9120 or Carey Cramer at 904.209.4421 or CCramer@FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: rgoldman <rgoldman@floridashistoriccoast.com>
Cc: nsikeskline <nsikeskline@citystaug.com>; commkostka <commkostka@cityofsab.org>; bcc5hdean <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; thomasfreynolds <thomasfreynolds@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wed, Aug 23, 2017 9:15 am
Subject: Request No. 2017-483: SJC VCB -- Richard Goldman firing meeting minutes
Dear Mr. Goldman:
Please send me the minutes of the VCB meeting where you were fired, and any .wav file and correspondence on your firing and the search for a successor. 
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am, 
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
904-377-4998



-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: bdixon <bdixon@sjcfl.us>; rgoldman <rgoldman@floridashistoriccoast.com>; mwanchick <mwanchick@sjcfl.us>; pmccormack <pmccormack@sjcfl.us>
Sent: Sun, Jul 23, 2017 8:36 pm
Subject: Re: Response RE: Request No. 2017-301: VCB Executive Committee minutes
Dear Messrs. McCormack, Wanchick and Goldman and Ms. Dixon:
1. St. Johns County Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) admits to having secret Executive Committee meetings. 
2. These meetings violate Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, the Sunshine amendment, adopted by 3.8 million Florida voters in 1992 (83%).

3. These meetings exclude our elected officials, including those who serve on VCB, as well as the press and the public.  This is illegal.
4. Please secure, obtain and send these minutes tomorrow morning pursuant to F.S. 119.0701.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
904-377-4998

-----Original Message-----
From: Betty Dixon <bdixon@sjcfl.us>
To: easlavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Cc: Diane Lehmann <dlehmann@sjcfl.us>; Regina Ross <rross@sjcfl.us>
Sent: Thu, Jul 6, 2017 5:12 pm
Subject: Response RE: Request No. 2017-301: VCB Executive Committee minutes
Dear Mr. Slavin,
After a reasonable review, the County has found no records responsive to your request.
Thank you,
Betty A. Dixon
Records Management
Office of County Attorney
500 San Sebastian View
St. Augustine, FL. 32084
Office: 904-209-0817
Email: bdixon@sjcfl.us
From: Betty Dixon
Sent: Friday, June 30, 2017 3:07 PM
To: easlavin@aol.com
Cc: Diane Lehmann (dlehmann@sjcfl.us); Regina Ross (rross@sjcfl.us)
Subject: Acknowledgement RE: Request No. 2017-301: VCB Executive Committee minutes
Dear Mr. Slavin,
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your public records request.  St. Johns County will determine if it has any records that are responsive to your request.   If any such records are located, we will compile them and redact any exempt material prior to providing them to you.  Should it be determined that the nature or volume of the public records requested requires the extensive use of information technology resources, or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, or both, then we will first respond with an estimate of the additional charges for the actual costs incurred, and whether a deposit will be required.  In such instance, the records will be compiled only after you approve the charges and the County receives any required deposit.  Payment for the total or remaining costs can be made when the records are available.  If the actual cost is less than your deposit, you will be refunded the balance.
Thank you,
Betty A. Dixon
Records Management
Office of County Attorney
500 San Sebastian View
St. Augustine, FL. 32084
Office: 904-209-0817
Email: bdixon@sjcfl.us
From: Ed Slavin [mailto:easlavin@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 7:50 PM
To: Michael Wanchick <mwanchick@sjcfl.us>; Patrick McCormack <pmccormack@sjcfl.us>; rgoldman@floridashistoriccoast.com
Cc: commkostka@cityofsab.org; nsikeskline@citystaug.com; Commissioner Henry Dean <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; thomasfreynolds@yahoo.com
Subject: Request No. 2017-301: VCB Executive Committee minutes
Dear Messrs. Wanchick, Goldman and McCormack:
Please send me the 2017 VCB Executive Committee minutes.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
904-377-4998










--------------------


Posted August 22, 2017 06:05 pm
By
STUART KORFHAGE
stuart.korfhage@staugustine.com

Goldman out as leader of St. Johns County VCB; search for replacement under way

After more than seven years as the leader of St. Johns County’s visitors and convention bureau, Richard Goldman has been removed from the position.
A statement was sent out by the VCB Board of Directors saying it “has made the decision to take a more involved approach in marketing the destination, parting ways with President/CEO Richard Goldman.”
Goldman’s last day in the position is Friday.
In an interview with The Record, VCB Board of Directors Chairman Charles Cox, owner of the San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine, did not offer any specific criticism of Goldman or the work he has done in attracting visitors here. He said only that there are perhaps more advantageous advertising strategies to employ in the future.
“There were differences in opinion on how best to market the destination moving forward,” Cox said. “I think we’ve been marketing the destination very well. Everything, though, has room for improvement.”
Goldman, who came to the VCB after working as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Amelia Island Plantation, said he is proud of what he and his staff have done since 2009.
“This has been a terrific experience,” Goldman said. “I feel like we accomplished a great deal in those seven and a half years. We have elbowed our way onto the world stage.”
The job of the VCB is to promote the county to tourists. The board of directors is made up of owners/managers of county attractions and lodging establishments. Also, there are representatives of the government for the county, city of St. Augustine and city of St. Augustine Beach.
St. Johns County has a contract with the VCB to provide professional advertising, marketing and promotional services aimed at attracting tourists and convention activity to the county. The funding for this contract comes entirely out of the Tourist Development Council annual budget.
Money for the TDC budget comes from local “bed tax” revenue levied on all short-term lodgings in the county.
Goldman has been the head of the VCB during a period in which tourism has grown in the county. He also led the VCB staff as it helped the area recover from a loss of visitor spending due to Hurricane Matthew in October 2016.
“That was huge,” Goldman said. “Our team came up with a strategy of using the social media (to reassure visitors).”
It was social media that spread the images of St. Augustine under water after the hurricane, and Goldman said VCB staff was able to respond on social media to let people know that many attractions, hotels and restaurants were open for business again, just a few days after the hurricane.
During his tenure at the VCB, the county saw bed tax collections increase by 86 percent to nearly $10.1 million; more than doubled direct tourist spending to $1.7 billion; raised per visitor party spending by 52 percent to $1,550; and nearly doubled employment in the tourism industry, according to Goldman.
Goldman and the VCB helped bring attention to the county during the of Florida’s 500th anniversary of European discovery, Viva Florida!, as well as St. Augustine’s 450th celebration and other major events.
Cox said the rest of the VCB staff will remain in place. A national search will take place in an effort to fill the vacant president/CEO position, he added.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of positive outcomes for the destination moving forward,” Cox said. “We are a destination with an extremely diverse visitor base, and we will continue to appeal to everyone.”

Comments
Bob Tis · 
Cruz Bay

About time
LikeReplyAug 23, 2017 12:28am
Edward Adelbert Slavin · 
Bete noir at Community Activist

I agree. But information obtained from VCB indicates this firing was the result of a secret meeting. I have filed a complaint with the St. Augustine Chief of Police, St. Johns County Inspector General and State's Attorney, requesting a civil, criminal and administrative investigation of possible second degree misdemeanors in firing Mr. Goldman at a secret meeting, from which the public, press, public officials, VCB staff and even Mr. Goldman were excluded. This secrecy stinks.
LikeReply18 hrsEdited
Edward Adelbert Slavin · 
Bete noir at Community Activist

VCB has no documents on any "national search." What does that tell you?
LikeReply16 mins
Marty Miller
Why not emphasize the importance of... and make room for locals. Six million "visitors" and more, means locals will stay away in droves. Wouldn't local businesses like to count on a repeat customer base?
LikeReplyAug 23, 2017 6:59am
Tom Reynolds · 
Public relations at Self-Employed

Goldman did a great job.
LikeReply8Aug 23, 2017 6:59am
Tom Reynolds · 
Public relations at Self-Employed

Not only did Richard Goldman do a GREAT JOB, but this action by the VCB Board is a crime. This was done in secret and is AGAINST THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAWS. The Board members will face misdemeanor charges over this crime.
LikeReply217 hrsEdited



--------------------
From Historic City News:
Amelia Island VP named executive director
December 3, 2009 Business

VCB Board Chairman Charles Cox reported to Historic City News that Richard Goldman has been named as the executive director of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Goldman replaces Cox who has served as the organization’s interim director during the search for a permanent executive director.

“We are extremely pleased that Richard will be bringing his wealth of experience and proven track record of success to our Visitors and Convention Bureau,” Cox said. “This is a critical time for tourism in St. Johns County and I know all of the members of the VCB Board of Directors share my conviction that Richard is truly the right person to lead the VCB to even greater success in its work to market the county as one of the nation’s truly outstanding destinations.”

Goldman most recently served as the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Amelia Island Plantation where he was responsible for directing all of the marketing efforts for the 1350-acre resort. A past chairman of VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing organization, Goldman continues to serve on its Executive and Government Relations Committees. He is also immediate vice chair of the Florida Commission on Tourism and has served as a board member of the Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Yulee Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to joining Amelia Island Plantation in 1998, Goldman spent 17 years with Ryder and Schild Advertising where he served as the vice president of marketing and research for more than 10 years. He also gained considerable experience as the agency’s vice president of marketing and media services, as well as media director. He began his career in 1978 as a media planner with the marketing and advertising giant Ogilvy & Mather.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Goldman will be responsible for providing overall direction for maintaining and enhancing St. Johns County’s success as a popular tourism destination. As executive director of the VCB, he will supervise the organization’s marketing, advertising, public relations and sales efforts funded entirely with tourist development tax dollars paid by overnight visitors to the county.

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