HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 09/28/2006 KENT LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
W AS HINOTON
September 28, 2006
Committee Members Present: Tim Clark, Andy Wangstad, and Greg Haffner. Others Present:
Ben Wolters, Bob Nachlinger, Robin Hasbrouck, Katherine Kertzman and Ryan Noel.
The meeting was called to order by Clark at 2:10 p.m. and introductions were made.
Economic Development Update. Ben Wolters noted that an architect for the Kent Event
Center has been selected, and said this project would be a boon to the lodging industry. He
stated that the Kent Station Phase II formal opening is planned for November lst, and that the
S. 228th Bridge opening will be on October 20th.
Financial Report. Nachlinger stated that there has been an increase of 17% over last year
and that the total revenues for the year should come in at $135,000-140,000. He added that
about $93,000 from this year will be carried forward and that approximately $10,000 will be
added to the fund equity during 2007.
Seattle Southside Visitor Services. Katherine Kertzman distributed copies of the Smith
Travel Research report, Department of Revenue Statistics, Website Visitors by Month, and
Public Relations Pitches and explained each. She compared the number of hotel rooms rented
in Kent with those in Federal Way, which shows that the services SSVS provides to Kent result
in almost twice as many room rentals. She said hoteliers predict an increase of 8-10% next
year, and noted that SSVS has had a 90% increase in walk-in visitors at their Visitors Center.
Kertzman outlined their efforts to promote their map and said they have prepared a three-
minute sports dvd.
Kent Lodging Association. Robin Hasbrouck stated that the Chamber is preparing an article
for their newsletter and the local newspaper about the huge impact tourism has had on the
local economy this season. She said she is still working with Metro and Sound Transit on
advertising. It was noted that there are restrictions regarding advertising on kiosks, and Wolter
agreed to look into that issue.
Maps. Hasbrouck noted that only one more ad on the cartoon map has been purchased and
that Kent Station has pulled out of their plan to advertise on the map. She said there is a
revenue shortage of $8,549 for the map.
2007 Budget. Wolter said he would check on the status of the bike race and the dragon boat
race. Kertzman reiterated her request for funds for reprinting the Vacation Planner, and noted
that it will not exceed $10,000, for a total budget request of $110,000. Clark suggested
capturing the Cinco de Mayo celebration in a formal fashion, as it a local family-oriented event
which draws a large crowd from the region. Kertzman pointed out that SSVS can spend money
on marketing events, but not on the operation of events. Clark also expressed hope that the
,J various bike trails in the area eventually become connected.
Lodging Tax Advisory Board September 28, 2006
Page Two
Potential Board Candidate. Upon Noel's question, Clark explained the purpose of the Board.
Approval of Minutes. Wangstad moved to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2006,
meeting. Haffner seconded and the motion carried.
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Next Meeting. It was agreed that the next meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday,
November 2, 2006, in Centennial Center Room 105.
Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
Brenda Jacober, CM
City Clerk