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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/29/2001 CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: Approval of Minutes 2002 Chamber of Commerce Marketing Plans LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington November 29, 2001 Councilman Wiggins called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to order at 10:00 a.m. Members Present: Councilman Wiggins, Councilman Campbell, Zoe Bay ton, John Brewer, Carol Griffith, Patty Hannah, Bob Harbick, Steve Oliver, and Bill Rinehart. Members Absent: Jim Haguewood and Jack Harmon. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Economic Development Director Smith, Clerk Upton, and Recreation Services Manager Cole. Others Present: Tony Griffith, Ian Harbick, Brian Pettyjohn, Russ Veenema, Rick Hert, and Paul Lamoureux. Approval of Minutes: Zoe Bay ton moved to approve the minutes of the October 17, 2001, meeting. The motion was seconded by Bob Harbick and carried unanimously. 2002 Chamber of Commerce Marketing Plans: Russ Veenema, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, distributed documents pertinent to the Chamber's 2002 marketing plans. He initiated the discussion with an itemization of the marketing objectives, as well as the review of a spreadsheet delineating the various components of the media plan. Mr. Veenema expanded on the different aspects of the ad campaign, showing mock-ups of the proposed ads and sharing a map setting forth the areas targeted along the 1-5 corridor. Mr. Veenema directed attention to a Tacoma News Tribune special ad section, whereby the Chamber could commit to an ad that would include a new editorial from the Tribune on a monthly basis. Ads included would be those prepared on a cooperative basis, and Mr. Veenema reviewed the proposed mix of ads to be included. Thus far, he has received a total of 37 commitments for area ads out of a total of 48 ads needed. Discussion was generated as to the merits of the Tacoma market, and Mr. Veenema has been informed that Tacoma is a very good market for Port Angeles. Additionally, Zoe Bay ton commented that military personnel from that area also generate a great deal of business for Port Angeles. Distribution of the Tacoma News Tribune is approximately 300,000. By consensus, the members of the committee agreed that promotional efforts should proceed in this regard. Mr. Veenema noted there is enough funding in the contingency to cover the cost if additional ad corrunitments are not received. Tony Griffith informed the group of calls coming into area lodges with regard to the Northwest Harbor Holiday celebration, which appears to be generating interest. He suggested the possibility of dedicating a portion of the $100,000 to the marketing program in order to stimulate more interest in the area. In reviewing the details of the joint marketing media plan, Mr. Veenema summarized -1- LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 29, 2001 2002 Chamber of Commerce Marketing Plans (Cont'd) a budget for total expenses of$74,680, with $15,000 remaining. He then summarized the 2002 event schedule for Port Angeles, where the attempt is made to schedule two anchor events each month. The media buys and events constitute a budget of$200,000. On another matter, Mr. Veenema reported that, out of 700 rooms in Port Angeles, he has received commitments representing 500 beds for occupancy figures. Tim Smith encouraged him to try and obtain historical figures as well. Zoe Bay ton pointed out that the occupancy rates serve to assist the economic development effort as relates to those interested in starting new businesses in the hotel industry. Mr. Veenema indicated he plans to submit status reports on a regular basis to this committee, and Councilman Wiggins felt a quarterly report would be helpful. Cascadia Center Project Cascadia Center Project: Brian Pettyjohn, on behalf of the Cascadia Center Project, informed the committee members that the Cascadia endeavor is not just a building, but a project. He indicated Cascadia has attempted to schedule very specific, benefit- oriented projects at a time when they are most needed in Port Angeles. He distributed documents, one of which itemized corporate and private foundations that had expressed interest in talking to Cascadia about funding possibilities. The Intertribal Governing Board has also been involved, by virtue ofthe Hall of Sentinels in the lobby. Cascadia is now ready to proceed toward funding for the brick and mortar portion of the project. Mr. Pettyjohn advised the committee that Cascadia is in need of support from Port Angeles, whether in the form of immediate funding or future matching funds. Nevertheless, an initial expression of local support is quite significant in terms of obtaining other funding commitments. Mr. Pettyjohn stated that Cascadia was confident it would raise the necessary funding, plus there are many ways to seek endowment money. He noted it is very important to have all operating costs defined and funds obtained before they build something that cannot be maintained. Cascadia has arrived at a point where the active programs are starting to take shape, such as a program in therapeutic puppetry, as well as a stage band competition, both of which have funding commitments. Mr. Pettyjohn emphasized the importance of the City's help in "opening the gate" for other funding sources. Cascadia is ready to make presentations to the major funding sources, plus meetings have been scheduled with the staff members for Senator Cantwell and Congressman Dicks. Lengthy discussion followed, and Mr. Pettyjohn responded to a question from Councilman Wiggins on the projected cost for bricks and mortar, which is $35 - $39 Million. Councilman Wiggins asked for clarification in that it was his understanding the Cascadia request to the City was for the feasibility study, with which Mr. Pettyjohn agreed. He added that the architect is willing to provide some of their services pro bono. Mr. Pettyjohn indicated the feasibility study is particularly important in that it is the first step to requests for brick and mortar funding. Mr. Pettyjohn was asked as to the location for the project, and he summarized the original intent to possibly use the DelGuzzi property. Also, in considering the amount of property needed for the project, Cascadia would consider a waterfront location in the form of the Oak Street property in conjunction with the Landing. Tim Smith indicated this would be consistent with their original concept to use a campus approach, and he queried as to whether it was Cascadia's intent to consider this possibility if the conference center does not come to fruition. Mr. Pettyjohn acknowledged that the Cascadia project would be an alternative for Oak Street if the current conference center efforts do not come to fruition. Mr. Pettyjohn indicated Cascadia's vision is to provide conference center capabilities, along with breakout meeting rooms. Councilman Wiggins envisioned receiving a pro forma inclusive of the number of - 2- LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 29, 200 I Cascadia Center Project (Cont'd) projected events, revenue, operating costs, and the like. Understanding much of this information will be forthcoming through the feasibility study, it would be helpful to at least have some estimates to assist the committee in determining if this is a reasonable project. For example, how much revenue could be anticipated from events? Mr. Pettyjohn indicated the main concert hall is 75% booked, the drama theater is 40% full, the theater-in-the-round is still somewhat speculative, and the lobby is presently unknown. It is anticipated there will be approximately 43 employees at an average salary of$38,500. Councilman Wiggins felt that, before a group such as this committee can commit favorably or financially, it is essential to know if the project is real. Mr. Pettyjohn felt a pro forma could be provided in short order, and he noted the City may wish to impose a type of entertainment tax in order to use the project as a source of revenue. Discussion followed on whether the City could provide funding for another phase of the project as opposed to helping fund the feasibility study. Mr. Pettyjohn felt the commitment from the City to be most important in terms of project support. He was looking for a pledge of funding based on other future commitments. Discussion was also held on possible project locations, and Tim Smith inquired as to whether sites other than those being considered for the conference center were a possibility. Mr. Pettyjohn indicated that Cascadia had expressed some interest in the Elks Building. Tim Smith indicated it would be helpful to see letters of support for the use ofthe proposed project. Additionally, Zoe Bay ton asked for information relative to attendance at other events, such as the Little Theater. Tim clarified the need for a collection ofletters from groups in terms of the number of anticipated performances. expected attendance, and level of commitment. Mr. Pettyjohn indicated he could have a more detailed pro forma and letters of support from interested performance groups back to the committee within about two weeks. After further brief discussion, it was agreed that another meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will be set once the pro forma has been submitted. Patty Hannah encouraged Mr. Pettyjohn to seek letters of intent from possible funding sources. Tim Smith submitted a brief status report on the review of proposals for the conference center. He announced the possibility of a joint meeting between the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and the Downtown Forward Executive Committee on December 17 to hear a recommendation from the review committee. Adjoururnent Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at II :20 a.m. rg;k tJt?J.i{ ~y~~Cl~/ptn^-- - 3- CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: Approval of Minutes Cascadia Center Project Adjourmnent LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington October 17, 2001 Councilman Wiggins called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to order at 2:10 p.m. Members Present: Councilman Wiggins, Councilman Campbell, Zoe Bay ton, John Brewer, Carol Griffith, and Bob Harbick. Members Absent: Jim Haguewood, Patty Hannah, Jack Harmon, Steve Oliver, and Bill Rinehart. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Economic Development Director Smith, and Clerk Upton. Others Present: Russ Veenema and Jan Harbick. Approval of Minutes: John Brewer moved to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2001, meeting. The motion was seconded by Zoe Bay ton and carried unanimously. While awaiting the arrival of Brian Pettyjohn of the Cascadia Center Project, Councilman Wiggins informed the committee members that the City Council had approved the 2002 lodging tax allocations as recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Russ Veenema reported that three (3) facilities have now signed the confidentiality agreement in order to provide occupancy figures to the Chamber of Commerce. By Mr. Pettyjohn's absence, it was concluded there had been an miscoI1lll1unication as to the scheduling for this particular meeting. The meeting will be rescheduled to another date. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m. . , /~~~~ -- Glenn Wiggins, Chair 60 ~()~~ JJ.ptnA Becky J. Up, Clerk -1-