11-06-19 Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District MinutesBoard of Directors Meeting
Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District
November 6, 2019
3:00 pm
Location: Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
Minutes
Board Members Present: Lucy Weeder, Emily Schroeder, Joe Alexander, Zac Ford, Bryce Baker, Janet Clark
Board Members Absent: Dawn Hendrickson
Staff Present: Diane Medler, Dawn Jackson, Joe Unterreiner, Kate Lufkin, Vonnie Day
Guests: Ron Osterbauer and Tim Hubbard, Glacier Symphony; Jamie Reeder, Kalispell Job Service
Meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Emily Schroeder at 2:58 pm.
1. Hear from the Public – None
2. Grant Application Presentation – Glacier Symphony and Chorale submitted an application for an event
grant of $2,000 for their Masquerade Winter Gala, January 18, 2020. Organizers estimate the event will
generate 150 room nights since it offers the unique experience of dancing to live orchestra music and is
being promoted throughout the state. Hilton Garden Inn is the host hotel.
3. Board Action Items
a. Approval of minutes from October 2, 2019:
Motion was made by Zac Ford to approve the minutes. Motion was seconded by Lucy Weeder.
Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
b. Approval of TBID financial statements:
Motion was made by Bryce Baker to approve the financial statements for September, 2019.
Motion was seconded by Lucy Weeder. Discussion: None. Board approved unanimously.
c. Scoring of Glacier Symphony and Chorale grant application:
Motion was made by Bryce Baker to approve an in-kind grant of promotional support valued at $1,000
to Glacier Symphony Masquerade Winter Gala. Motion was seconded by Zac Ford.
Discussion: in reviewing this application, the board used the newly adopted grant scoring system. The
application received an average score of 66.5 on a scale of 100. Although board members were
enthusiastic about the event, their comments were generally that the potential statewide audience
would be reluctant to travel in January for a one-day event. They did not feel the event would generate
many room nights. It was recommended that future grant applicants submit their applications prior to
choosing their location/host hotel. Board approved unanimously.
4. Board Discussion
a. Conversation with Jodi Smith and Chris Parson with FVCC regarding Tourism Workforce
Jodi and Chris asked the board to suggest ways they can help address workforce challenges. Basic
employment skills, interviewing, appropriate dress, job etiquette were suggested. FVCC offers
some apprenticeship programs. Job service has a specialist on staff who can help set up apprenticeship
programs. TIPS Training is easily available online. Job Service can help with the cost of TIPS Training for
existing employees. Board members also observed that new-hire retention is currently difficult and
younger workers often learn more quickly and perform at a higher level than older workers.
Conversations will continue with FVCC and Kate Lufkin, Chamber Director of Education and Workforce to
identify opportunities to increase availability of trained workforce for TBID hotels.
b. Conversation with Tia Troy, Lightning Bug PR, PR contractor for Discover Kalispell:
• Refreshed branding will center around framing Kalispell as a destination community rather than a
hub.
• Messaging will focus on what’s right here and “owning” our assets: outdoor lifestyle, adventure-
loving, authentic.
• A style guide will be completed in a couple weeks so our brand voice can be consistent through all
messaging.
• Joe Unterreiner commented that the tourism brand bleeds into the city brand. Most people
relocate to the area based on a visit. The tourism brand feeds relocation efforts. Info about our
updated brand should be shared with local stakeholders. They should be given the opportunity to
adopt elements of the brand.
• Messaging can be tweaked to reach audiences other than our target while staying true to our
brand voice.
• Discover Kalispell brand voice will align with the state tourism brand pillars, but we’ll have our own
version.
c. Event and Grant recipient updates:
• Details are firming up for the Indoor Soccer Championship. Chris Essmann from the Missoula
Strikers Soccer Club will be tournament director. Several inquiries have been received from
Calgary teams.
• Northern Rodeo Finals took place October 24 – 26. The event was well-run and filled the bleachers
of the Majestic Valley Arena.
• $11,325 remains in the grant fund for FY2020
d. TBID renewal updates:
• Signatures approving the renewal have been received from all properties except the Blue & White
Motel.
• City Council approved the TBID Resolution of Intent Monday.
• Public notices are being issued by the City of Kalispell per the renewal regulations.
• Public hearings are scheduled for December 2nd and 16th. It will be helpful to have some board
members present.
• The second reading of the ordinance and probably final approval is scheduled for January 6.
e. Marketing updates were included in the board packet – monthly dashboard and sales reports.
f. Group, M&C updates:
• The International Travel Workshop was well-attended by local hotels and activity providers and helped
to educate our local businesses on working with Tour Operators. Positive feedback was received from
representatives of the travel industry, MOTBD, and Glacier Country that participated.
• Dawn Jackson and Ashlee, the rep from inbound tour operator Rocky Mountain Holiday, completed a
whirlwind visit to TBID hotels. RMH is looking for more inventory in the Kalispell.
• Discover Kalispell has generated 2,500 room nights in 2020 through the efforts of Dawn Jackson and
the M&C program.
g. Round table discussion on what members are seeing and current trends in the hospitality industry.
• November numbers have been soft.
• Some properties felt that October was strong due to continued leisure travelers, tour groups, and
a film crew.
.
Meeting was adjourned at 4:37pm
Respectfully Submitted: Diane Medler
For Further Information, please contact:
Diane Medler, CVB Director, diane@discoverkalispell.com or 406-758-2808