Meeting Thursday, the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors:

* Approved minutes from the Oct. 23 meeting.

* Heard from guest speaker Ann Jones, co-owner of Mississippi River Tours, who suggested the VCVB consider billboard advertising for local attractions, increased television ads and increased advertisement of local events in a 200-mile radius in its 2009 marketing plan. Jones also said the VCVB board needs to be more forthcoming about budget expenditures and increase its contacts with local attraction owners.

* Approved financial statements from October and November.

* Approved 2009 marketing plan.

* Appointed board members David Day, Lori Burke and Elmeree Bradley to a committee to review the 2009 visitors guide and give final approval.

* Approved payment of up to $5,000 to consultant Kim Collins for work regarding the National Scenic Byway, which Bill Seratt said will be fully reimbursed with federal money.

* Reviewed drawings for the remodeling of the visitor’s center at 3300 Clay St. and approved seeking bids on the work.

* Approved the selection of David Maggio as the VCVB board chairman for 2009 and Patty Cappaert as secretary. Maggio will replace Nelda Sampey as chairman, who is retiring from the board at the end of the year.

In closed session, the board:

* Discussed employee performance reviews.

* Considered proposals for the purchase of a new vehicle.