02-22-23 Tourism Business Improvement District MinutesBoard of Directors Meeting
Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District
Wednesday – February 22, 2023
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: Discover Kalispell Chamber
Board Members Present: Robert Hall, Zac Ford, Skyler Rieke
Via Zoom: Bryce Baker, Britta Joy
Staff Present: Marisa Mikonis, Dawn Jackson, Diane Medler, Lorraine Clarno
Guests: Haley Wilson-Super 8, Fabiano Pereira-Hilton Garden Inn, Anthony Nelson
and Madyson Rigg - Glacier Institute.
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 PM by Robert Hall.
1. Hear from the Public – Anthony Nelson and Madyson Rigg, Glacier
Institute
a. A huge thanks to our board for supporting their winter snowshoe
programs as Glacier Institute’s biggest push is shoulder season
programs to grow as much as their summer programs. This season has
already hosted 115 people on tours. Summer will continue to have
construction at big creek, training starts in March. Glacier Institute has
launched a new affiliate program for hotels and lodges which provides
easy booking of activities by your guests at a discount. Staff will send an
informational flyer to the TBID members.
2. Board Action Items
a. Approval of the minutes from January 25, 2023
Motion was made by Zac Ford to approve the minutes. Motion was
seconded by Britta Joy. Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
b. Approval of financials of January 2023
Motion was made by Zac Ford to approve the financials for January
2023. Motion was seconded by Bryce Baker. Discussion: none. Board
approved unanimously.
c. Approval of projected revenue for FY24
Motion was made by Britta Joy for $610,000 as the projected 2024 fiscal
year revenue. Motion was seconded by Zac Ford. Discussion: The board
discussed the properties lost within the TBID last year, the projections
for an increased rate but maybe not occupancy. They feel as though
there might be a minor increase in room nights or close to last year’s
number. Diane discusses the media plan and how adjustments can be
made after the first quarters if revenue comes in below or above
projected. The board will approve the budget and marketing plan
strategy at the March meeting. Full marketing plan approval in April.
Board approved.
3. Board Discussion
a. Indoor Sports Facility – next steps
The board felt that since the process has been started, we should
continue, stay on top of pushing this proposal out to investors. Motion
was made by Bryce Baker to approve the proposal from Sports Facilities
Company for a detailed financial forecast (pro forma). Motion was
seconded by Skyler Rieke. Board approved.
b. FY24 Strategy – Input of Community Study
The Community Study was completed through surveys and in-person
discussions. Recommendations that came out of the study which are
relevant to Discover Kalispell FY 24 plan and budget includes 7 key
recommendations: What would make Kalispell a better community,
Expand Discover Kalispell to support outdoor recreation and
restaurants, To rally the community to focus on a win, Gain better
insight into how visitors spending lifts the local economy, Create a more
vibrant downtown while preserving a sense of place, Identify more way
that tourism can benefit Kalispell and See more public engagement in
Glacier’s reservation system. The board brainstormed a variety of ideas
related to those recommendations. Input will be used when crafting the
strategy and tactics of the FY24 plan.
c. Staff Reports
Dawn: The MT showcase soccer tournament in June will host about 500-
600 kids. The NW MT spotlight trade show is hosting activities in
Kalispell in April prior to the trade show in Missoula. Dawn is receiving a
high number of RFP’s lately.
Marisa: The Highlander event Forest Service application has been given
preliminary approval. Still working on finalized all the route details.
Visitor Guides will be completed in the next month and out to the
printers. Spartan food vendor applications have been sent out.
Diane: As of 2/14 the Winter in Kalispell ski package campaign has
generated 36 reservations, 75 room nights and has impacted eight
Kalispell hotel properties. Campaign will run through March 26th.
d. Montana Travel Association updates and bill tracking
Diane and the MTTA has been closely watching all the legislature
sessions. A few key bills include topics on short-term rentals, liquor
licenses, Department of Commerce’s share of bed tax, sex-trafficking,
and state park camping. Anyone can register to attend the weekly
update zoom every Wednesday at noon moderated by MLHA and Voice
of Montana Tourism.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted: Diane Medler
For further information, please contact:
diane@discoverkalispell.com or 406-758-2808