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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