02-05-14 TBID MinutesBoard of Directors M eeti ng
Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
February 5, 2014
M i nutes
Board Members Present: Lisa Brown, Lori Fisher, Gib Bissell, Janet Clark, Chris Walters
Board Members Absent: Angie Bowman, Dan Moderie
Staff Present: Diane Medler, Fbb Brisendine, Joe Unterreiner
Guests Present: Beth Higgason — Holiday Inn Express; Scott Reke, Best Western Flathead Lake Inn & Suites
Lynne Undraitis & Vicky Maeckle: Montana State Drill Team Competition
Meeting was called to order by Lisa Brown, Chairman of the Board at 3:08 RVl .
1. Hear from the public— See board discussion item D
2. Board Action
a. Approve Minutesfrom the January 15, 2014 Meeting:
Action: Motion was made by Janet Clark to approve the minutes. Motion seconded by Chris
Walters. Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
b. TBID financial statements for November 2013:
Action: Motion was made by Gib Bissell to approve the financial statements. Motion seconded by
Janet Clark. Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
c. TBID financial statements for December 2013:
Action: Motion was made by Chris Walters to approve the financial statements. Motionseconded
by Gib Bissell. Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
d. Approval of FY'15 projected revenue: Board was provided a TBID revenue report and worksheet.
Based on Q1 and Q2 collections for current year, a conservative total collection projection is
$513,000, 8% increase. The board then put that assumption onto FY'15, (8% increase over FY'14)
identifying a projected revenue of $550,000 for FY'15. The group felt this was conservative based
on the inclusion of Homewood Suites and trend of increased occupancy and revenue but agreed it
wasjudiciousto not overestimate. If necessary the budget can be adjusted at the end of FY'14 and
mid -year after Q2 collections.
Action: Motion was made by Chris Walters to approve projected revenue of $550,000 for FY'15 to
be used for the creation of the budget and marketing plan. Motion wasseconded by Gib Bissell.
Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
3. Board Discussion
a. Fond Hockey Update: Fbgistration ends Friday. 50 teams signed up to date = approximately 400
participants. 90%of those are out of market: over 20 from Canada, also California, Washington,
Idaho and across Montana. FOrmits in place. Met with County Sheriff and Emergency agencies,
Incident Action Ran will be generated and distributed to all agencies. Ice isgood at thispoint but
will continue to need work up to the event. Volunteersstill needed.
b. MHSF:AFinalsUpdate: Good event committee in place with local rodeo enthusiasts and parents of
former HSFbdeo Finals participants. www.MTFbdeo.com is the website address, site is under
construction. No host hotel. We'll ask the TBID properties to create packages and rate incentive to
push attendeesand their familiesto stay in Kalispell. Contract negotiated and signed with MVA. All
anciliary events, except shooting sportsand some kids activities will be held at MVA.
c. 2014 Visitor Guide: We are in production for the 2014 Guide. The Guide will be produced by the
Daily Inter Lake. No cost for printing thisyear, the DILwill absorb that cost through ad sales. Using
8howghost Design again for layout. New guide will be completed by the end of March. Diane asked
for input from the board for any changes/ additions they would like to see in this year's guide.
d. Montana Elate Drill Team Competition Presentation: Fbpresentatives from the Trailblazers, the
local equestrian drill team dub are bringing the state Drill Team Competition to Kalispell. They
submitted a sponsorship request to the TBID. RFPwassent out to the TBID properties for host
hotel, Travelodge was selected by the committee. Event is Srpt 6 & 7, 2014, 200-300 participants
(all ages) from across Montana and a few from WY, ID and Canada, 8-20 ppl on a team (avg 12 per
team +families), 8-10 teams anticipated. Asking for $2,500 towards operational costs, will generate
100 room nights over 3 days. Has not been in Kalispell for 12 years. (Sae Board Discussion below)
e. Marketing Faports: The Kalispell Discover In Every Direction video has received over 34,000 views on
You Tube. Website (04 2013 vs. 2012): 136%increase in unique visitors, 108%increase in visits from
Alberta, 131%increase from B.G. Search Engine Marketing: over 1.5M impressions and 0.35%CTR
from Google Ad Words. Ad Words are now 8%of site traffic vs. launch of website where it generated
majority of visits. Better diversity now of paid vs. organic. Social Media: Facebook— 22,000 likes, Avg
total reach=18,736 (organic). Trip Advisor was 10%increase in page views and 29%increase in
dicks/ interactions. Visitor Information Center: 29%increase in walk-ins vs2012, 18%increase in total
inquiries. (Full report available in board packet)
Other Discussions:
Glacier Ate— Lisa Brown announced the $10,000 contribution from the TBID at the Glacier Aero
community event on January 301". Atotal of $80,000 pledges was announced that evening.
Audit — the Oty of Kalispell has called for an audit of the TBID as our revenue has risen to a level
deemed assignificant enough by their auditing firm. Diane will report on the findings once it is
complete. This has been an allocated item in our budget each year so we are prepared.
MTState Drill Team —the board members remaining at the meeting discussed the presentation
made by the Trailblazerscommittee. All agreed that there isabenefit to work with MVA and
continue to bring rodeo events which are prone to benefit our economy properties. It is a small
event but will entice others and could grow over the years. Drawback is that early September is still
busy. The prevailing room rate during that time will not be what thistype of group will expect. The
group suggested a sponsorship of $1,000 and to provide an incentive if more teams are actualized
and strong incentive for next year if the date is pushed back later in the fall. Aquorum was not
present so the information, submitted RFPwill be sent to the board via email for vote.
Glacier Jazz Elampede— Fbb and Diane met with Carla to see what the incentive was for her to keep
the event going. No one has been identified to take the lead on the event and she does not appear
to be comfortable changing the format aswas suggested to attract ayounger crowd to help sustain
the event. We will check with her again to confirm.
Meeting wasadjourned at 4:31 PM
R-,spectfully sbbmitted: Diane Medler
For Further Information, Please Contact
Lisa Brown, Board Chairman lisa.brown@redlion.com or 406-751-5064
Diane Medler, C\/B Director, dianem@kalispellchamber.com or 406-758-2808