07-22-26 Tourism Business Improvement District MinutesBoard of Directors Meeting Minutes
Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District
July 22 , 2026
3 -5:00 pm
Discover Kalispell/Chamber, 2 South Main Street, 2nd floor board room
Board Members Present: Bryce Baker (Zoom), Nathan Black, Britta Joy (Zoom), Zac Ford , Haley
Wilson , Skyler Rieke
Board Member Absent: Robert Hall
Guest s : Christopher Manley, Jane Corwin, Dennis Span , Laura Baker (Zoom), Henry Mershel (Zoom),
Brittani Schue (Zoom), Devon Decaire (Zoom), Allegra Demerjian (Zoom), Haley Burgess (Zoom)
Staff Present: Marisa Mikonis , Lorraine Clarno , Chris O’Boyle , Meche Ek
Meeting Called to Order 3:0 2 p.m. Bryce Baker, Chair of the Board
1. Hear from the Public – N/A
2. Event grant post report – NW Lacrosse Shootout – Chris Manley
Sarah Taylor was unable to attend, and Chris Manley presented the post -event report on her
behalf. The tournament welcomed approximately 45 youth teams and 12 –15 high school teams. A
dedicated hotel booking link was provided directly to participating teams to encourage overnight
stays. Attendance included approximately 2,000 spectators for the youth tournament and 600
spectators for the high school competition. Event proceeds were used to support officiating costs
and help offset expenses related to equipme nt and future event operations. Organizers are also
working with counties in Canada to expand participation, with a goal of attracting 15 –20 Canadian
teams in future years.
3. Event Grant application – Big Sky Reining Classic – Jane Corwin, Dennis Span and Laura
Baker
The event has been held in the Flathead Valley for a number of years, with Discover Kalispell first
providing support following the COVID -19 pandemic. Spectator admission is free to encourage
community attendance. The applicant noted that Majestic Valley A rena's new ownership has
resulted in increased rental costs and additional fees for the use of specific areas of the facility.
Last year's event recorded 616 entries, representing approximately 200 –300 participants.
4. Board Action Items
a) Approval of minutes from June 24 , 2026 — A motion was made by Zac Ford to
approve the June minutes. The motion was seconded by Nathan Black . No discussion. The
board approved unanimously.
b) Acceptance of financials for June 2026 —Zac Ford presented financials and
recommended accepting as presented. A motion was made by Britta Joy to accept the
financials as presented. The motion was seconded by Skyler Rieke . No discussion. The
board approved unanimously.
c) Election of Officers Fiscal Year 2027 - Lorraine Clarno recommends during the transition
we maintain the current officers. Britta Joy makes a motion for all three (Bryce Baker,
Robert Hall, and Zac Ford) to serve again . Skyler Rieke seconded the motion. No
discussion. The board approved unanimously.
d) Add Marisa Mikonis as signer to K CVB accounts at FIB and WCU and remove Diane
Medler . Skyler Rieke makes a motion to add Marisa Mikonis as a signer and remove Diane
Medler . Nathan Black secon d s the motion. No discussion. The board approved
unanimously.
e) Approval of group grant for Big Sky Reining Classic – The board discussed the
application and expressed concerns regarding the projected number of hotel room nights
the event would generate. The application received an average review score of 35.4. While
financial assistance was not approved, the board approv ed an in -kind marketing
contribution to support promotion of the event through Discover Kalispell's marketing
channels.
5. Board Discussion
a) Presentation of FY27 Paid Media Plan by the Abbi Agency via Zoom.
b) RIPE commission and contract
The board discussed commission invoices received from RIPE. It was clarified that
commissions apply only to rooms booked at the standard rate and do not apply to rooms
booked as part of special packages, such as ski packages. Prior to signing it was
understood that commissions would not be charged in these circumstances. The board
noted that the RIPE contract will be reviewed during the August 2027 renewal period. It
was also noted that properties that do not pay the required commissions risk being
removed from the RIPE website.
c) Staff Updates
The board recognized the new staff structure with Lorraine, Marisa, and Chris and shared
excitement for the team’s momentum. All three are hitting the ground running in their
respective roles and are focused on building strong relationships, advancing curr ent
initiatives, and continuing to support Discover Kalispell’s goals.
Lorraine provided an update on her transition and onboarding progress, including
becoming familiar with contracts, financials, TBID requirements, and bed tax regulations.
Marisa and Lorraine h ave participated in calls with the Montana Department of Commerce
and tourism partners. Lorraine also received state tourism projections, which are currently
forecasting flat performance for 2027.
Marisa provided an update on the Discover Kalispell Insider Program and the monthly
dashboard, including STR reporting, paid media performance, earned media highlights,
and airport statistics.
Chris shared an update on hotel and facility outreach, noting that he has visited all board
member properties and was impressed with the quality of the facilities. He plans to
continue visiting local properties to build relationships with general managers and sales
managers. Upcoming efforts include meeting with Helena group contacts, attending the
S.P.O.R.T.S. Conference in Virginia Beach, and connecting with Glacier Country.
Meche provided feedback on the Discover Kalispell Insider Program and shared that Visitor
Information Center traffic can be unpredictable, with some days exceeding staff capacity.
Meeting adjourned at 4:5 2 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: Lorraine Clarno
For further information contact lorraine @discoverkalispell.com , 406 -758 -280 4