Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM September 26, 2023 City Council Board Room Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Members Present: Matt Lesinski, Peter Frazier, Todd Elsworth, Craig Jewell, Kevin Coleman, Stephanie Morrell, Hollie Huthman, Christine Jenkins, Dylan Deane-Boyle, ex-officio, Patricia Leach, ex-officio Members Absent: Marc Blake, Sara Holliday, Kelly Hart Staff Present/Other Panelist Present: Tara Sundin, PCDD, Heather Aven, PCDD, John Purdie Mount Baker Theatre, Tatiana Beiting, Museum and Adrienne Dawson, Museum - Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:30 PM. Agenda Items 1. Approval of the June 27, 2023 Meeting Minutes Todd Elsworth moved and Christine Jenkins seconded the approval of the June 27, 2023 meeting minutes. All in favor, motion carries. Public Meeting 2024 Lodging Tax Budget Overview Tara Sundin reviewed the draft budget. She reviewed the projections and spoke to those that she expects to be spent down. She briefly discussed the 2023 special projects and the proposed funding for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Whatcom Museum, Mt. Baker Theatre, Grant Program and Signature Events in 2024. Tara Sundin also spoke to the Northwest Tune-Up event, and the tourism members that attended the event shared feedback. She also shared the dates for the upcoming Exit Event, and a few members shared some information about how the planning is coming along. Presentations Mount Baker Theatre John Purdie shared the annual report for the Mt. Baker Theatre. He spoke to the Events, Attendance and Reach. He commented that the visitors from 50+ miles away are almost back to 18-19 levels. He spoke to both the Lookout Sessions and Out of the Box  Theatrical Series and the success of both these newer programs. He spoke to the desire to grow the Arts Education Program, and the grant that will help. He talked about unique visitor growth and volunteers, as well as the 2022-2023 operating budget. Megan reviewed the Tourism Marketing Plan and talked about some of their goals for 2023-2024. Whatcom Museum Patricia Leach introduced her team and they shared the annual report for the Whatcom Museum. Adrienne Dawson shared some information about the visitors and how to reach those that have said they would visit, but currently have no plans to. Tatiana Beiting spoke to the 2023 operating budget and spoke to the reasons that the City’s funding is so important. Adrienne Dawson talked about the goals of the Museum for the next 2 years, including how to increase membership, put together visitor experiences, and grow their presence on social media. She shared the different entities that have promoted Bellingham in their print (i.e. the Smithsonian). Patricia Leach announced the Bellingham National is coming back in 2024 and the grant that the Museum is a recipient of and what could be realized from that. Nick Kelly Appointment Nick Kelly was interviewed by Todd Elsworth, Peter Frazier and Shannon Taysi and is being recommended as a new member of the Commission. Matt Lesinski moved and Christine Jenkins seconded the recommendation to appoint Nick Kelly to Tourism. All in favor. Misc. The next meeting will be moved to 2pm to allow for the grant application review. Todd Elsworth asked the Commission to support the Coasts Millenium Trail – He will present a letter of support they could potentially sign. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period 2. For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Annoucements