HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-2018 Minutes (2)a
CITY0r_=- Auburn Tourism Board Meeting
ll, �` APRIL 19, 2018 — 10:00 AM
�—� WASHINGTON Auburn City Hall, Council Chambers
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:00am by Vice Chairwoman Mohoric.
Board Members present: Vice Chair Ashley Mohoric; Board Members Kacie
Bray, Ting Phonsanam, Julie Krueger, Tonia Jones; Ronnie Roberts.
Excused absence: Chair Rebecca Frisch; , Rachael McAlister; Jim Wilson.
Staff Present: Lorraine Chachere, Tourism Coordinator; Doug Lein, Economic
Development Manager.
II. APPROVE MARCH MEETING MINUTES
Board Member Roberts motioned to approve the March meeting minutes.
Board Member Phonsanam seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
III. OLD BUSINESS
1) Tourism Updates
• Tourism Map
Coordinator Chachere spoke of the possibility of adding content on
the back of the Tourism Map and asked Board Members of the
possibility of a Downtown insert to boost exposure for the businesses
there. Board Member Bray indicated there was no reason we couldn't
request funding to finance the design and printing of the Tourism
Map. Coordinator Chachere will approach the BIA Rate Payer Board
and ADA to request funding assistance.
• POS Tourism Development Grant Programs
Coordinator Chachere showed photos of the Auburn's heavily
subsidized ad at Sea-Tac Airport (through the Port's Spotlight
program) which was well received. Unfortunately, Auburn was not
selected as a recipient for the Port of Seattle's Tourism Marketing
Grant.
■ SHCA Hospitality Tradeshow
Coordinator Chachere showed photos of the booth set up at the
Tradeshow. The Tourism Wheel of Fortune showcased a visual
sampling of many unique and fun experiences for visitors and locals
alike to have in Auburn. It proved to be a great tool to engage
attendees to generate awareness of Auburn. Not only were
hospitality professionals excited to learn more about options to
recommend to their hotel guests, but people who previously or
currently lived in Auburn were excited to see us there.
■ Overview of 2019 Lodging Tax Grant Timeline and feedback on
recipient selection
Coordinator Chachere indicated that while the selection of recipients
of the lodging tax grants rests with the LTAC as stated in the RCW,
there is opportunity for the ATB to weigh in on the 2019 applicants
and provide that feedback at the November LTAC meeting. A timeline
of the process was offered as well as the updated application and
After Event Report that is required of all grant recipients to receive
their reimbursable grant. That data is then reported back to the
State. Additionally, an evaluation form was created with a set of
criteria for applicants to be measured during the review stage. The
ATB could review the applications at their October meeting and make
their recommendations to the LTAC. At the recent LTAC meeting, the
Committee suggested that the ATB could conduct in person
interviews with any applicants the LTAC finds they would need more
information from.
■ Budget Update
An updated 2019 — 2020 Budget was provided with some suggestions
by the LTAC which met the week before. The financials through
February 2018 was presented. BA#5 was approved which puts an
additional $96,000 into the 2018 Budget Marketing line item.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
SMARTHOUSE CREATIVE —Marketing Plan Discussion and Decision
Brad Wilke and Ryan Davis presented a detailed overview of the Marketing
Campaign proposal previously presented to the Board.
Marketing Proposal Feedback and Requested Changes:
Board Member Kruger requested that the reference to the City of Auburn in their
strategy implied the municipality and Board Member Bray commented that the
campaign should be for marketing Tourism, not the City. Hence all references
moving forward should be Auburn Tourism.
Coordinator Chachere suggested that the meeting planners should be the focus
for luring business travelers and mid -sized conferences and that the target
business publications were hyperlocal. Ms. Davis responded that the goal was to
get a soundbite that could be used with meeting planners. The target market for
meeting planners would be Washington, Oregon, Idaho, BC Canada.
For luring leisure travelers, Coordinator Chachere suggested expanding the reach
from the Pacific Northwest region to new markets, especially from different
terrains of which a visit to the Puget Sound, a 2-3 hour flight as ideal. And to
capitalize on high occupancy and room rates of Seattle, Bellevue, and uncover
potential new market of leisure travelers. Board Member Roberts asked
Smarthouse Creative if the hotels were asked about potential new markets to
target as they might have a better idea. Board Member Phonsanam identified
the East Coast, North Carolina, Florida, and China as potential markets. Board
Member Bray suggested Asia, China and Canada. Mr. Wilke will suggest other
possibilities depending on budget. Board Member Phonsanam suggested
adjusting the timeline so that in July —August could be the time to entice visitors
to return to Auburn in the shoulder season, and Board Member Jones suggested
that the testing could be done in May to get ready to go beginning in June.
Board Member Phonsanam motioned to approve and move forward with
Smarthouse Creative's Marketing proposal as presented with included
modifications from Board Member feedback. Board Member Krueger seconded
the motion.
MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
With regards to the Tourism Logo, Coordinator Chachere asked Manager Lein if
the City contract with Smarthouse included the creative fees for the design of a
redesign of the Tourism Logo. Manager Lein inquired if that is what the Tourism
Board really wants. Board Member Bray said it has been discussed several times
over the year, it needs to be updated and it looks too much like the City logo.
Manager Lein said because the City is far from working on a logo, that
Smarthouse could go ahead and work on one for Auburn Tourism that would be
part of the City contract.
V. IMPORTANT DATES
Board Mixer at White River Valley Museum —Tuesday, May 15th 5:30PM.
Coordinator Chachere inquired if everyone received the invitation via
Punchbowl as RSVPs have been minimal.
The Next ATB Meeting: Thursday, May 17th at 10AM in Council Chambers
Tourism Summit — November 71h, Auburn Community and Event Center,
9AM
Coordinator Chachere indicated the goal for the Tourism Forum is to bring
everyone together to share information, our progress of the year, and provide a
glimpse of what to anticipate for 2019. It's all part of bringing the people and
business together who share common goals as it pertains to marketing Auburn
and its businesses, so everyone knows what the ATB and the LTAC is doing. The
reason it is in November and not in December is that the BIA has voted to not
meet in December because it is a very busy time for their businesses, so as to
increase the likelihood of more business owners attending, it will take place in
early November ahead of the holidays and busy retail season. More details to
come.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no more business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at
12:06PM.
4 a
REBECCA FRISCH, CHAYR LOR I4E1AlllEURE,Tl URI C INATOR