Tourism Committee

Tourism Committee Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 7:30 AM Conference Room Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes from date 2-3 Tourism Committee - 08 Aug 2024 - Minutes 5. NEW BUSINESS a. River Travel Media Contract 4 Memo: River Travel Media Contract 6. COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS 7. ADJOURNMENT  Tourism Committee Meeting Minutes 7:30 AM - Thursday, August 8, 2024 Civic Center Conference Room The Tourism Committee of the City of New Richmond was called to order on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 7:30 AM, in the Civic Center Conference Room, with the following members present: PRESENT: Brian Meyer, Pete Vrieze, Dawn Jacobson, Timothy Sass ABSENT: Kim Dimick OTHERS Rae Ann Ailts, Lexi Derrick PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA Pete Vrieze made a motion to adopt the Agenda. Dawn Jacobson seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MINUTES FROM: Pete Vrieze made a motion to approve minutes from May 16, 2024. Brian Meyer seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. ROOM TAX REPORT 2Q24 ROOM TAX COLLECTIONS Lexi Derrick explained that the Tourism Committee had the following fund available to allocate for second quarter 2024: Room Tax Collected: $41,599.62 70% of Collections: $29,119.73 Carry Forward Funds: $61,292.24 Total Funds Available: $90,411.97 BUSINESS Tourism Committee Meeting August 8, 2024 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: MARKETING CONSULTANT Lexi Derrick and Rae Ann Ailts provided a recap of the RFQ process and a summary of the firms that were interviewed. The committee and staff discussed the differences between the firms and what led to the interview committee making a recommendation of moving forward with River Travel Media. Finally, Rae Ann brought up topics for the Committee to think about over the next few weeks before their first meeting with River Travel Media. Pete Vrieze made a motion to make a recommendation to Council for approval of moving forward in working with River Travel Media on marketing efforts. Seconded by Dawn Jacobson. Carried FUNDING REQUESTS NEW RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - WOMEN'S BUSINESS EXPO Lexi Derrick presented the application for Tourism Funding for the Women's Business Expo hosted by the New Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Discussion took place on how this was a ticketed event along with what type and where marketing efforts were posted. The expenses that were considered for reimbursement included: Advertisement and Marketing NEW RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - PARK ART FAIR Lexi Derrick presented the application for Tourism Funding for Park Art Fair hosted by the New Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Discussion took place on weather that weekend, where the trolley rides went and where and what type of marketing efforts were utilized. The expenses that were considered for reimbursement include: Marketing, Trolley Rides, Entertainment and Port-a-Potties. ACTION OF FUNDING REQUESTS Timothy Sass made a motion to recommend 2Q24 Tourism funding of $1,711.96 to Council for NRACC Women's Business Expo. Brian Meyer seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. Pete Vrieze made a motion to recommend 2Q24 Tourism funding of $4,797.43 to Council for NRACC Park Art Fair. Dawn Jacobson seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS FIRST DOWNTOWN BANNER: HILLSIDE SERIES Lexi Derrick showed photos of the Heritage Center's Hillside Series banner being hung. Dawn Jacobson requested that staff send the banner application to those submitting reimbursement requests to remind them of this opportunity. Brian Meyer brought up how The Wild Badger now offers shuttle services to help safely get people around the city. He asked this topic be brought up on the next Tourism Committee's meeting to help gauge the Committee's interest in assisting with some of the costs. ADJOURNMENT Pete Vrieze made a motion to adjourn at 8:23am. Brian Meyer seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. Tourism Committee Meeting August 8, 2024  MEMO Prepared for: Tourism Committee Staff Contact: Lexi Derrick, Michelle Scanlan Meeting: Tourism Committee - 11 Sep 2024 Subject: River Travel Media Contract BACKGROUND INFORMATION: At the August 8th Tourism Committee meeting, the Committee made the recommendation to City Council to move forward with marketing services through River Travel Media. City Council approved these services at their regular meeting that same month. Since that time, staff have been working with River Travel Media by introducing them to the City of New Richmond and discussing opportunities available through the partnership. River Travel Media has drafted contracts, which include work for 2024, a three year contract spanning from 2025 through 2027 and a recommendation of 2025 services. Staff will present the contracts at the meeting and walk through the scope of work. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the 2024 contract along with their three-year contract effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.