HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 10/09/2008 (2) Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
October 9, 2008
Start Time 2:00 pm
Committee Members Present: Tim Clark, Jacquie Alexander, Greg Haffner, Dennis
Higgins,
Others present: Ben Wolters, Bob Nachlinger, and Julie Pulliam
Guest: Katherin Kertzman and Beth Sylves of KEC/SMG
Ben Wolters called the meeting to order at 2:10 pm and introductions were made.
City of Kent
Creative Tourism Conference was attended by both Councilmember's Raplee and
Ranniger. Ben Wolters reported both were very enthused about some of the new
ideas they have come back with and would like to set up a meeting with Chamber,
KDP, and Seattle Southside to share some of the information they brought back. One
idea was a room key which is also a discount card that could be use at several
different tourist activities in the area. This could be a possible local hotel project to
promote tourism in the area.
Kent Events Center
The Kent Events Center Naming Rights has been announced at Council and the
Company will be ShoWare a company of Vision 1. A hand out was given with all.
Some of the venues they represent are Abraham Lincoln Library, Red Bull Arena
Racers. The company seems to be growing steady. The headquarters is in Fresno,
CA and employee 135 employees. ShoWare will have a 10 year deal which will pay
the City $300,000.00 a year. "This is a real plus for us" said Wolters. "I am very
impressed by the company, they are straight shooters Wolters expressed.
ShoWare fee structure is more affordable and easier to use. Ticketmaster cost is
$22.00 Thunderbirds $12.00.
SMG, Sales and Marketing has a new employee, Beth Sylves; she is the Directory of
Sales and Marketing. We are focusing on industry advertising to get out there and
let everyone know we are here" said Sylves. Tim Higgins will be attending a
scheduling event in Nashville, TN. This is where the promoters go to schedule events
and learn of all the venues out there. We are working with the PR Company, The
Elliott Bay Company to develop a brand, website and attributes for the building. A 1st
draft of the logo, tag line and colors should be ready by mid October, final draft by
October 31st
SMG will be holding a job fair on November 1st. They will be hiring for ticket takers,
concessions, users and other part-time positions needed at the Events Center.
The Grand Opening Event on January 2 d is being planned and looks to be a full day
event. We are at 85 days till opening today!
Budget
"Budget is doing better than anticipated and is $10,000 over in revenue" said
Nachlinger. A onetime contribution was discussed from next year's budget to go for
the grand opening event which is scheduled on January 2"d for the Kent Events
Center. Tim Clark opened with the statement; "It was always planned to set aside
the money for this purpose." Greg Haffner question "How would the money be spent
and who will be in charge?" The response was Ben Wolters and the money would be
spent for the grand opening celebration. A discussion on what the opening
celebration will consist of took place. A onetime contribution from next year of
$31,000 for the grand opening of the Kent Events Center, Wolters would be
responsible for the distribution of the monies. The City, Mortenson and the T-Birds
will all be involved. A big media bash is planned. Reporter Newspapers will have an
insertion in it with a story about the building, schedules of events to come. The
insertion will also be a commemorative edition that will be available on opening day.
The community event will begin at 4 pm and run till approximately 9 pm. There will
be tours, local radio stations and media will run promotions, lots of give always and
free food. The ice will be staged for ice hockey, stage, basketball. Lots of tours and
special local performers.
Haffner - Move $31,000.00 to be used out of lodging Tax monies, Higgins seconded,
Clark asked for discussion. We need to market facility to the region, all in favor,
motion passes.
Looking ahead - Tim Higgins suggested possibility of using some of the funds to
match w/SMG to go after special events/concert.
Seattle Southside Update;
Katherine presented their plan (attached)
Highlights are; Refine Brand identity, Web Site Evolution, Media Campaign, Public
Relations, the Vacation Planner, Tourism Map, Tourism Networking, Seattle Southside
Shuttle.
Committee Positions;
Ryan Noel resigned his seat on the committee. Aaron Watne's name was presented
as a possible committee member. Attached is current work history for Aaron.
Katherine has worked with Aaron in the past. Higgins moved to appoint Aaron
Watne, Jacquie Alexander seconded. Motion Passes.
Approval of minutes; Greg Haffner moved to approve the minutes of the February
28, 2008 meeting, Jacquie Alexander seconded, motion carried.
Next Meeting Date; Was not set
Adjournment; The meeting was adjourned at 3:32 p.m.
Julie Pulliam
Economic Dev. Administrative Assistant