11-02-16 Tourism Business Improvement District MinutesBoard of Directors Meeting
Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District
Location: Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
3:00 pm
Minutes
Board Members Present: Janet Clark, Dawn Hendrickson, Lisa Brown, Laurie Otto -Bradford
Board Members Absent: Nautam Patel, Dan Moderie, Zac Ford
Staff Present: Diane Medler, Dawn Jackson, Vonnie Day, Joe Unterreiner
Visitors: Rob Brisendine, Sarah Yerkes, Steve Patyk, Tom Britz
Meeting was called to order by Dawn Hendrickson, Board Chair, at 3:10 PM.
1. Hear from the Public — Steve Patyk and Tom Britz presented information about a new Skijoring event that
will be held in Lakeside over New Year's weekend, December 30 —January 1. They are hoping to raise
$40,000 in sponsorships. Requested financial and in -kind assistance from the CVB for sponsorship, event
promotion, lodging rates and packages.
2. KCVB Event Grant applications — Sarah Yerkes, President of the Flathead Valley Archers, was present to
answer questions about their application for a $1,200 grant for the Montana NFAA State Indoor Archery
Championships, February 25 — 26, 2017. Motion was made by Dawn Hendrickson to approve a grant of
$500. Motion was seconded by Lisa Brown. Discussion: board felt event has potential to generate a
modest number of room nights during a low traffic period. Board approved unanimously.
3. TBID Safety Awareness Updates —no safety issues reported.
4. Board Action
a. Approve minutes from the October 12, 2016 meeting:
Action: Motion was made by Laurie Otto -Bradford to approve the minutes. Motion seconded by
Janet Clark. Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
b. Approve financial statements for September, 2016:
Action: Motion was made by Janet Clark to approve the financial statements. Motion seconded by
Lisa Brown. Discussion: none. Board approved unanimously.
c. Glacier Half Marathon — potential event sponsorship
Rob Brisendine presented his report following research and discussions with event promoter.
Vacation Races currently hosts 10 races at national parks across the country. National Parks
Foundation has supported races and the events receive positive feedback and high consumer
confidence. Date of event is June 24, 2017. Race course is in East Glacier, starting at Two Medicine
Ranch and ending at Glacier Park Lodge. Recommending that CVB be exclusive destination sponsor
to promote Kalispell as base camp for participants since there is limited lodging in East Glacier and
the distance between. Sponsorship provides extensive exposure on event platforms and direct
communication to registered racers. Event draws 90% of racers from over 100 miles from event
location. Anticipate 2,000+/- racers first year.
Action: Motion was made by Lisa Clark to approve a $3,500 sponsorship that includes naming
Kalispell as the exclusive destination sponsor for the event. Motion seconded by Dawn Hendrickson.
Discussion: event is well -established and generates positive feedback. Although it may not
generate a large return in room nights, association with the event will further Kalispell's brand as
an outdoor activities destination. There is a possibility the race will be moved to West Glacier in the
future.
5. Board Discussion
a. Event updates — Pond Hockey currently has 66 teams registered. Foys Lake and Woodland Park sites
reserved. Working on sponsors and team recruitment. Dragon Boat — CVB is working on new
branding for 2017 Dragon Boat. Creating a Rocky Mountain Dragon Boat Championship to boost out
of area dragon boat club team attendance and provide new excitement to the event for participants
and spectators. More information will be presented at the December meeting.
b. Role of TBID Associate Members on the board — deferred to future meeting
c. Group, M& C updates — Dawn attended the IMEX Meeting Show in Las Vegas, October 18 - 20.
Montana booth was a collaborative effort by Montana Office of Tourism, Glacier Country, Kalispell,
Missoula and Whitefish CVB's. Dawn met with 25 meeting planners considering Montana as a
destination.
d. Marketing updates — a new trade show back -drop was acquired since the old one was lost in
shipping. Cost to replace will be reimbursed by Kalispell Regional Healthcare since they had
borrowed the back -drop. CVB attended the Calgary Women's Show Oct 22-23. Approximately
10,000 in attendance, good attention to the Kalispell booth, lots of interest from people who have
heard about Kalispell but have not yet visited. Quarterly digital report was included in board packet
which outlines website stats, social media activity, STIR report.
e. CVB Year in Review meeting, in lieu of regular monthly board meeting, will be held January 11tn
Location TBD.
f. Meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm.
Respectfully Submitted: Diane Medler
For further information, please contact:
Diane Medler, CVB Director, diane@discoverkalispell.com or 406-758-2808