HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-2007._ ~K
C1TY OF * ~ ~
UBU~N
WASHINGTON
Meeting Notes
AUBURN TOURISM BOARD
March 22, 2007
Best Western Peppertree Inn
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Board: Sue Singer (Chair), David Kwok, Nancy Wyatt, Jeffrey Sabree, Khara Nixon,
Debbie Luce
Staff: Kirsten Reynolds
Consultants: Bob Dunn, Cat's Eye Group; Jane Baxter Lynn, JBL Public Relations Strategies
Opening:
Chair Sue Singer called the Auburn Tourism Board meeting was called to order at 1:40 p.m. on
March 22, 2007, at the Best Western Peppertree Inn.
1. Housekeeping
• Kirsten Reynolds was introduced to the group. Kirsten is the new administrative staff person
to the Auburn Tourism Board provided by the Planning, Building & Community Department.
• The minutes for February 15, 2007, were approved with the following change:
the wording under Strategic Action Plan/tactics should state Mayor Lewis and Sue Singer need
to talk to the Governor about getting more positive exposure for Auburn's tourism and other
City activities.
An announcement was made that Dave Aust was recently appointed to the ATB. Discussion
took place about the appointment process. Bob Dunn currently has an application in with the
Mayor's office; Kirsten Reynolds will follow up on his status. The Board brainstormed how to
get more of the group appointed, some ideas were to simplify the application form/process and
having currently appointed members call individuals.
2. Strategic Plan Status Report
• Jane Baxter Lynn reviewed the following areas of the Strategic Plan with the Auburn Tourism
Board on PowerPoint:
1) Vision -general discussion that the vision and mission statements were too general.
Discussions lead the Board to change the Vision to: "To be the Entertainment and Arts
Destination of South King and North Pierce Counties". All members were in agreement
to accept this final proposed change to the Vision.
2) Mission -All members were in agreement to accept a final proposed mission statement
to complement the new Vision statement. The new Mission is as follows: "To increase
the City of Auburn's tourism revenues by implementing cost effective and creative
marketing and communications programs, working together as a cohesive group and
capitalizing on strategic partnerships."
3) Primary Goals and Strategies -Members of the group decided to add a fourth goal,
which read "To increase hotel occupancy by _% by encouraging local politicians,
businesses and residents to refer visitors to local hotels and publicizing their existence."
The group compared the goals and the strategies ensuring compatibility, effectively
supporting each other. Jane will ensure the goals and strategies match up.
3. Review of actions being implemented
• Web Site Update -Bob Dunn and Jane Baxter Lynn informed the Committee that work is
in progress and it should be able to go live by the end of April. There is a need for high
resolution photos, if anyone in the group has any please send to Bob Dunn at
creative(a~catseyeq roup.com
The Map Brochure was not ready to present because the work was still in progress. The
general function of the convenient size rack brochure is to focus on activities/venues for
out-of-town visitors. The brochures will be available at the Visitor Center (Chamber office),
hotels, major attractions, Sound Transit Station, and will also be distributed to Sound Transit
on-line, SeaTac Airport, WA Convention Center, the Concierge Association and other visitor
information outlets in key markets. They will also be used by the Parks Department for mailing
to organizations holding major tournaments or events in Auburn; for media outreach, and in
response to visitor requests for information.
Presentations to community organizations -Sue Singer and Jane Baxter Lynn talked about
upcoming community education presentations booked in April and May:
April 9 Auburn Arts Commission
A rp it 11 Optimists
A r~ it 17 Lions Club
May 2 Rotary Club
May 16 Vistara Homeowners Association
• Tourism Marketing Administrator job description review -Chair Sue Singer talked about a
new position created to assist the Tourism Board. Discussion took place around the salary
range, weather or not it would be full-time or part-time, where the person would be housed
and what type of projects/activities they would perform.
• Media Outreach:
April 19 Sue Singer is doing an interview with Comcast Local Edition.
An approach is being made to Auburn Reporter for a feature story.
An approach is being made to Seattle Times South Side edition.
• Strategic Partnerships - A Sound Transit meeting will take place in March. The group is
hoping to have representatives of their marketing and communications team to share their
plans and discuss joint opportunities. The Board is also following up with West Central
District and Port of Seattle for potential promotions.
• Auction packages -The goal for the Live Auction package, titled "passport to more than
you imagined" - included a majority of activities local to Auburn. The package ingredients were
discussed in detail ensuring that the projection to outsiders who might bid on this is there are many
things to do in Auburn...the goal is to WOW people on what Auburn has to offer. The auction is for
New Beginnings Gala in Seattle. Efforts to get organized and put the package together was
strong, some members committed to do some calling for the gift items.
4. Next steps
Next meeting on April 19, 2007
Final review of website content and final approval of Vision, Mission, Strategies.