Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM June 27, 2023 City Council Board Room Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Members Present: Marc Blake, Sarah Holliday, Matt Lesinski, Peter Frazier, Todd Elsworth, Kelly Hart, Stephanie Morrell, Dylan Deane-Boyle, ex-officio, Patricia Leach, ex-officio Members Absent: Craig Jewell, Kevin Coleman, Hollie Huthman, Christine Jenkins Staff Present/Other Panelist Present: Tara Sundin, PCDD, Shannon Taysi, PCDD, John Purdie Mount Baker Theatre - Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:30 PM. Agenda Items Public Meeting Approval of the May 10, 2023 Meeting Minutes Matt Lesinksi moved and Todd Elsworth seconded the approval of the May 10, 2023 meeting minutes. All in favor, motion carries. Brief Update on Lodging Tax Fund Status Tara Sundin said she will be bringing a draft budget to the September Tourism meeting. She indicated the Tourism Promotion Area Fund is projected to hit 1.5 million which is up from the projected. 1.2 million. Continued Banner Discussion p. 11 Peter Frazier wanted to expand upon last month’s discussion regarding the banner designs. He said he feels there should be some brand standardization. He mentioned the work done by Merje for the wayfinding system which gave each region in the county a sense of space through graphics. He also talked about the Bellingham flag and other area branding. The Commission discussed ideas on how to get a cohesive approach. There was discussion about expanding the banners into other urban villages. The approach of a “family of designs” was discussed. Next steps will be staff pulling together a subcommittee who will first help select a graphic designer and secondly work with  that designer to develop design elements for banners in the Arts District, Downtown, Old Town, Waterfront, Fairhaven. There may be an expansion into other urban villages but further discussion will be needed. Continued Discussion on the Standard Grant Application Process Since the May meeting a couple of Commission members have reached out to staff rethinking the depth of marketing review needed given the removal of a percentage allowed for operations. There was a discussion regarding the value and necessity of a review. The Commission agreed having the review of marketing was still valuable since the goal of the fund is to draw tourists to the area. Dylan Deane-Boyle (or his staff) will hold those meetings as planned and the grant application will include details regarding this meeting with the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Misc. Todd Elsworth asked about Nick Kelly’s application. Staff said they hadn’t had time to meet or schedule a meeting. Peter Frazier and Todd Elsworth agreed to help schedule. This will get scheduled for this summer Other Business 1. Public Comment Period 2. For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Annoucements