01-05-11 TBID MinutesBoard of Directors Meeting
Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 — 3:00 PM
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Minutes
Board Members Present: Chris Walter, David Ginepra, Janet Clark, Lori Fisher, Arlinna Wolfe and Gib Bissell
Board Members Absent: Bryan Scott
Staff Present: Joe Unterreiner, Diane Medler
Guests Present: Winnie Storli, Phil Bodway, Pam Carbonari
Meeting was called to order by Chris Walters, Chairman of the Board at 3:05 PM.
1. Hear from the public- Pam Carbonari, on behalf of the Kalispell Downtown Association, highlighted the
upcoming Chocolate Walk in downtown Kalispell on February 1 lth. Sponsor opportunities for door
prizes are available if a hotel is interested.
2. Consent Agenda
a. Approve Minutes from the December 8, 2010 Meeting:
Discussion: None
Action: Motion was made by Janet Clark to approve the minutes as written. Motion seconded by
Arlinna Wolfe. Board approved unanimously.
b. TBID financial statement:
Discussion: the board asked for clarification as to what the $2,998.74 expense under City of
Kalispell Admin Fee included. That was the 2.5% of the total collection amount of $119,950
from Q1 Fiscal Year 2011. Janet suggested based on the city's recommendation of reevaluating
the fee after multiple collections have taken place that we go through 3 full quarters then request
that it be reevaluated.
Action: Motion was made by Janet Clark to request that the City of Kalispell reevaluate the
2.5% admin fee on TBID collections when the FY 2012 budget is submitted for approval this
spring. Motion seconded by Gib Bissell. Board approved unanimously.
3. Board Discussions
a. The role of TBID Board meetings: Chris discussed concerns about the direction the TBID board
meetings were taking. The board's role is to govern the approved budget and marketing plan of
the TBID. Any operational discussions such as upcoming advertising opportunities for
individual hotels, revenue generating opportunities, industry related news and events and CVB
initiatives should be part of CVB meetings, not discussed within a TBID board meeting. He
further reiterated the role of the Chamber/CVB as the approved entity to oversee and manage the
bed tax and TBID funds as it relates to the approved budget and marketing plans. To enable the
marketing efforts of the KCVB to move forward more effectively the KCVB will hold separate
meetings to discuss marketing strategies and gather input. Diane will strive to hold those
meetings immediately following a TBID board meeting so board members that wished could
attend more easily. All TBID hotels are automatically part of the KCVB and can be involved as
much or as little in those discussions. The KCVB will also provide an update at each TBID
board meeting. It was clarified that the KCVB's mission is to promote Kalispell as a leisure
travel and meeting destination and to generate room nights for lodging facilities within the city
of Kalispell. The KCVB will include other tourism related businesses and organizations in the
CVB meeting discussions to garner more input and revenue generation.
CVB Updates - Diane
a. An electronic copy of the completed Strategic Plan was sent to each board member on December
27th to review - there were no questions or discussion on the plan at this time. The KCVB
received four proposals on the RFP for branding and marketing services. The RFP will be
evaluated and awarded by early February.
b. Diane clarified that all leads garnered by the KCVB will be offered to all TBID hotels. She will
send a notice out regarding Calgary trade show leads.
c. The proposed Allegiant flight from Kalispell to Los Angeles is still moving forward and slated to
be announced in February or March. At that time the airport director will ask for the $2,000
pledged by the TBID for inbound marketing.
d. Diane will send out an e-newsletter at the end of January highlight upcoming events/activities to
the KCVB database to promote winter travel to Kalispell which will include a link to information
on all TBID hotels.
e. The 2011 Legislative session contains several bills related to tourism and bed tax funds. Joe and
Diane will continue to watch closely and alert the TBID members to items of concern. Also visit
www.tourismmattersmt.org for up-to-date information.
Meeting was adjourned by Chris Walters at 4:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted: Diane Medler