| (a) The Commission may provide financial assistance
to support the operations of the regional organizations to the extent
funds are appropriated for the program by the Legislature. The Commission
may establish match requirements and procedures to obtain financial
assistance, provided such requirements and procedures are uniform
to all participating regional organizations. The amount of financial
support provided to a specific regional organization in any fiscal
year may vary from region to region or from year to year. State funds
received by a regional organization from the Commission may only be
used for the purposes set forth under this rule and in the contract.
(b) Membership and sponsorship
(1) A regional organization may, at its discretion,
create membership or sponsorship initiatives to benefit the regional
organization or the THTP. Regional organizations shall keep the Commission
apprised of these programs and any requirements, fees, or benefits
imposed upon or provided to members or sponsors.
(2) Membership fees or other revenue generated directly
by a regional organization may be retained by the regional organization
for its own use to further its objectives and purpose as a participant
in the THTP.
(3) Regional organizations shall provide basic heritage
tourism-related services and consultation to communities, organizations,
or persons within its respective region as allowed by funding or scheduling,
and regardless of membership or sponsorship status.
(c) The Commission shall establish methods of communications
and outreach with and among the regional organizations that includes
periodic updates, conference calls, and schedules of meetings. The
Commission shall establish attendance requirements to ensure appropriate
participation of executive directors and board representatives.
(d) The Commission may establish schedules and methods
for regional visits, orientations and trainings.
(e) The Commission may, in its sole discretion, participate
in or otherwise facilitate opportunities for regional organizations
to take part in relevant consumer travel shows or travel industry
events, subject to available funds. The Commission may develop requirements
for event participation by the regional organizations.
(f) The Commission may, in its sole discretion, implement
print and digital advertising campaigns for the THTP. The Commission
shall consult with participating regional organizations regarding
the implementation of new advertising campaigns, but the Commission
shall have the final authority over the campaigns to be pursued and
the resources to be associated with such campaigns.
(g) A regional organization may implement marketing
and advertising campaigns independent of the Commission that relate
directly to that regional organization's purpose, status, duties,
and/or activities performed as a participant in the THTP. A regional
organization must not use the name of Commission, the State of Texas,
or any other state agency, nor any other non-consenting regional organization
in any media release, public announcement, or public disclosure relating
to the program, including in any promotional or marketing materials,
customer lists, or business presentations, without the advance written
approval of Commission.
(h) Publications and Materials
(1) Use of THTP Materials is limited to a regional
organization's participation in the THTP, as determined by Commission.
(2) The Commission will be solely responsible for the
development, revisions, printing, reprinting, distribution, storage,
and fulfillment of the Texas Heritage Travel Guide ("Travel Guide")
as allowed by program funding. Regional organizations may request
copies of the Travel Guide and other agency heritage tourism guides
or products for their use or distribution, as inventories allow.
(3) The Commission, at its sole discretion, may solicit
and accept sponsorship or advertising in heritage tourism guides or
products to offset the costs of production, printing, and distribution.
The Commission may consult with regional organizations on revisions
or future versions of guides and materials. Regional organizations
may suggest revisions or updates related to their respective regions
in future versions of the guides and materials in accordance with
the terms of the contract.
(4) A regional organization may produce and distribute
publications or materials independent of the Commission that serve
the mission of the regional organization and the THTP, in accordance
with the contract between the regional organization and the Commission.
(i) The Commission shall establish guidelines and requirements
for the use of agency-provided websites and digital applications by
the regional organizations.
(1) The websites and digital applications shall be
operated in accordance with the guidelines and requirements.
(2) Content shall conform to the requirements of the
contract, content management system, customary professional standards,
and any other guidelines developed and distributed by the Commission
for the THTP.
(3) The focus of the websites and digital applications
shall be on providing curated, non-commercial information for the
heritage tourism market. The Commission shall have decision-making
authority and editorial control over the information included on any
of the websites and digital applications, and the manner and form
in which it is included.
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