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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.