HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 02/28/2008 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
February 28, 20�
2:30 pm
Committee Members Present: Tim Clark, Jacquie Alexander, Greg Haffner, Dennis
Higgins, Andrew Hutchinson and Ryan Noel
Others present: Ben Wolters, Bob Nachlinger, and Julie Pulliam
Guest: Katherin Kertzman
Tim Clark called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm and introductions were made.
City of Kent & Kent Events Center Update; Ben Wolters gave an overview of the
project noting the construction is on schedule. The Operator has been chosen, the
interview panel choose SMG from three different vendors. SMG is a worldwide
entertainment and conference venue management company. The SMG Operator
contract is being finalized and should be going to Council at the meeting on March 18,
2008 for Council approval.
The FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) is in full process and SMG has hit the
ground running.
SMG has selected 3 General Manager Candidates for Interviews with the City, the
interviews for the GM will be held during the week of March 10, 2008. Steve Tadlock
is our regional lead contact with SMG and he has already been on several conference
calls with Ben Wolters.
The Kent Events Center Bonds have been sold and they closed on February 29, 2009
for $63 million.
The steel for Events Center has been on time but the concrete risers are another
subject. The concrete pour under what will be the ice was a 9 hour pour which took a
truck every 9 minutes, but the project is still on time and the count down is 43 weeks
till opening.
Michelle Witham and the City's party planning group is working on the Topping out
ceremony at the construction site, this is for the last piece of steel that goes up.
Katherin Kertzman to get us the mailing information.
Ben Wolters listed next steps ahead are; Hiring the GM and staff. Hosting the Event
Center staff at the city until the office are complete in back of house (approximately 2
months). Back of house completed before the rest of the building.
We have had more interest in booking events at the Events Center. One of the
newest is Federal Way's Jr. National Gymnastics Championship and the PBR
(Professional Bull Riders).
Tim Clark would like Ben Wolters to give the contract for Arena Football a second call.
Seattle Southside Update; Katherine Kertzman presented a Lodging Tax
Powerpoint, Community Report 08. PMCA was hosted in Seattle, Jan 11-14, 2008
and was a huge success. Seattle Southside was a partner sponsor and offered site
tours to meeting planners. Booths were staffed by Seattle Southside in the meeting
planner lodge and networked with hundreds of meeting planners.
Air travel through Seattle-Tacoma Airport peaked at over 31 million passengers,
Amtrak increased by 21% cruise travel reached over 781,000 passengers in 2008.
Seattle Southside room rental is up 17%. Average Hotel Daily rates are $97.08.
Visits through the Seattle Southside.com are up 50 %. The media coverage of
Seattle Southside nets $60,015.06 in equivalent ad value. The trend is in internet and
online search so a focus to increase exposure in online mediums such as Go-
Washington.com, Sunset.com, MeetingsFocus.net, NWCN.com and
ExperienceWA.com.
Industry awards won in 2008 include, the Totem Award for "Every Map Leads to a
Treasure" promotional campaign-Public Relations Society of America's Puget Sound
Chapter, Also Savvy Certificate of Excellence for Seattle Southside Tourism Map -
3CMA.
New initiatives for Seattle Southside to include:
Tradeshows; Two Nations Vacation Road Show, Feb 26 - March 3. New trade shows
booth displays and strategic collateral and giveaways. Sales Tools: New sports
facility guide and continue to customize group FRP process. Travel packages: Hops &
Props, Spa, Culinary, community festival and of course sporting events packages.
Express Shuttle Rider ship is up 13% in 2007 and Seattle Southside will continue to
bring guests from SeaTac hotels to Westfield Southcenter for FREE!
What's coming in 2008: Westfield Southcenter completion - summer, SeaTac
Entertainment District planning, Kent Events Center Opening - Jan 09, Des Moines
Tall Ships Festival - July.
Budget; Bob Nachlinger, City of Kent Finance Director gave a report as of December
31, 2007 and handouts were distributed. 2008 total revenues is $450,290.00 and
total expenditures (transfers) $159.00.00 leaving an ending balance of 291,290.00.
Committee Positions; at this time we are fully represented and have a full
committee.
Other Business; None.
Approval of minutes; Greg Haffner move to approve the minutes of the November
29, 2007 meeting. Ryan Noel seconded the motion carried.
Next Meeting Date; Thursday, May 15, 2008, 2 p.m. was set for the next meeting.
Adjournment; The meeting was adjournedZa :30 p.m. `
J ie Pulliam
con. Development Administrative Assistant