Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Meeting

TWENTYNINE PALMS TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 6136 Adobe Road Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 www.29palms.org / www.Visit29.org Thursday, October 16, 2025 REGULAR SESSION AGENDA 3:30 P. M. CALL TO ORDER Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call. CHANGES TO AGENDA PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS 1 Joshua Tree National Park Association Update on Upcoming Programming and Events TBID ADVISORY BOARD COMMENTS AND REPORTS ON MEETINGS AND EVENTS ATTENDED DIRECTOR OF MARKETING UPDATE 2 Visit 29 Palms TBID Marketing Updates Oct 16 2025 3-7 PUBLIC COMMENTS This is the time for the public to address the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) on issues within the jurisdiction of the TBID that are NOT on this agenda. All comments are to be directed to the TBID and shall not consist of any personal attacks. Members of the public are expected to maintain a professional, courteous decorum during their comments. There is a time limitation of three minutes per person. If you haven’t already done so, please fill out name and address slips and give them to the Secretary to the TBID. The TBID is prohibited by State law from taking action or discussing items not included on the printed agenda. Public comments on specific agenda items will be deferred until consideration of the item on the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR 3 Renewal of Broadcast Advertising Agreement with Z107.7 FM 9 - 11 Page 1 of 28  RECOMMENDATION: TBID Advisory Board approve renewal of the TBID's broadcast advertising agreement with Z107.7 FM for continued radio and digital advertising at a rate of $495 per month. Renewal of Broadcast Advertising Agreement with Z107.7 FM - Pdf DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS 4 TBID Advisory Board Discussion on Celebrations and Concerns 13 - 14 RECOMMENDATION: TBID Board Members will share brief introductions and reflections on their service with the TBID Advisory Board, highlighting one area or initiative they are excited about, and feel is going well, and one area they find challenging or problematic. TBID Advisory Board Discussion on Celebrations and Concerns - Pdf 5 TBID District Conversion Planning and Formation of Steering Committee 15 - 16 RECOMMENDATION: Two TBID Advisory Board Members volunteer to serve on the District Conversion Steering Committee, working alongside the City Council’s TBID Subcommittee and the City Manager’s Office in the initial planning phase of the district conversion process. TBID District Conversion Planning and Formation of Steering Committee - Pdf 6 Selection of TBID's 2025-26 Event Grant Review Committee Members 17 - 28 RECOMMENDATION: TBID Advisory Board appoint three members to the 2025-26 Event Grant Review Committee. Selection of TBID's 2025-26 Event Grant Review Committee Members - Pdf CITY MANAGER UPDATE FUTURE BOARDMEMBER INITIATED ITEMS ADJOURNMENT It is the intention of the City of Twentynine Palms to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act in all respects. If you are a person with a disability who requires a disability-related modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please request such modification or accommodation from the City Clerk at (760) 367- 4890 (facsimile). Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting. Please advise us at the time whether you will require accommodations to participate in meetings on a regular basis. Any person affected by any application on this agenda may submit their concerns in writing prior to the meeting or appear in person and be heard in support or opposition to the proposal at the time the matter is considered on the agenda. The staff reports, applications and environmental documents may be viewed at either the office of Community Development or the office of the City Clerk, 6136 Adobe Road, from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, except legal holidays. The Invocation is given per Policy 10-01, and does not reflect the views of the City but rather is an expression of speech by a private citizen making the presentation. Telephone inquiries may be made at (760) 367-6799. If you challenge any agenda issue in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues that you or someone else raised at the public meeting described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Twentynine Palms at, or prior to, the public meeting. This notice of agenda is hereby certified to have been posted on or before 3:30 p.m., October 13, 2025. Cindy Villescas CMC, City Clerk Time/Date Page 2 of 28  Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Meeting October 16, 2025. Director of Marketing Updates Page 3 of 28  PALM SPRINGS LIFE ANNUAL DESERT LIVING GUIDE 2025–26 10/13/2025 New two-page feature showcasing Twentynine Palms in Palm Springs Life 100,000+ copies annually across the Coachella Valley and beyond Hardbound editions placed in hotel guest rooms and vacation rentals Full edition delivered to subscribers and available on newsstands Included in Desert Jet’s annual inflight publication Supported digitally through PSLife.com and dedicated e-news blasts Page 4 of 28 2  SPONSORSHIP & EVENT GRANT PROGRAM 10/13/2025 Spotlighting upcoming events supported by Visit 29 Palms through the end of 2025. Visit 29 Palms is wrapping up a strong fall season of event promotions, supporting the final 2025 events funded through its Sponsorship & Event Grant Program. Visit 29 Palms’ promotional support includes: Paid Social Media targeting event and travel audiences Radio Advertising across the Morongo Basin and streaming to online listeners Emails Newsletters delivered to delivered to Visit 29 Palms subscribers and local lodging partners Digital and Print displays at the 29 Palms Visitor Center visit29.org/blog/post/visit-29-palms-sponsored-events Page 5 of 28 3  DIGITAL MARKETING SNAPSHOT – OCTOBER 2025 10/13/2025 A snapshot of key digital marketing results and activity over the past 30 days Website Performance (Last 30 Days) Paid Social Media Campaign Strong seasonal increase in traffic Strong engagement from modest daily reflecting fall travel interest and timely investment. event content. • Views: 33.8K • 10,000 active users (+61%) • Engagements: 1.1K • 9,900 new users (+65%) • Clicks: 1K • CTR: 3.06% Top pages: Events, Lodging, Joshua • CPC: $0.13 Tree NP Blog (Gov. Shutdown Update), • Budget: $5/day Attractions, Restaurants Social Media Content Development Top markets: Los Angeles (20%), San New partnership with social media Diego, San Jose, New York contractor to strengthen consistency and storytelling through short-form video. Page 6 of 28 4  Q1 STAFF PRIORITIES – OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2025 10/13/2025 Key projects and initiatives guiding Visit 29 Palms staff this quarter Following the successful renewal of the TBID in September 2025, staff have transitioned focus to upcoming program delivery and district conversion planning. Strategic Planning for TBID District Operations & Staffing Conversion • Recruit and onboard Visitor Center Assistant • District Conversion Core Steering Committee • Develop initial project timeline and next steps Partnerships & Media/PR • Monitor/respond to co-op and media opportunities Sponsorship & Event Grant Program • Proactive media outreach and story pitches to • 2025–26 Round One review + funding awards travel writers and journalists • Promotional support for remaining 2025 events Marketing & Communications • Coordination new social media contractor • 2026 billboard research and planning • New CRM integration (website + partner portal) • Execute seasonal, paid campaigns (digital) Page 7 of 28 5 Page 8 of 28  STAFF REPORT TO: TBID Advisory Board FROM: Director of Marketing FOR MEETING: Oct 16 2025 SUBJECT: Renewal of Broadcast Advertising Agreement with Z107.7 FM RECOMMENDATION: TBID Advisory Board approve renewal of the TBID's broadcast advertising agreement with Z107.7 FM for continued radio and digital advertising at a rate of $495 per month. ORDER OF PROCEDURE: ATTACHMENTS: Request Staff Report (TBID Director Presenting) Board Questions of Staff • Z107.7 FM Advertising For Receive Public Comment TBID Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Board Discussion Motion/Second Discussion of Motion Call the Question BACKGROUND: Visit 29 Palms first partnered with Z107.7 FM in April 2025 as part of its destination marketing efforts to raise awareness of Twentynine Palms and promote travel to the city through coordinated radio and digital advertising. The initial six-month agreement, running from April through September 2025, provided 35 monthly on-air ad spots and digital banner ads on the Z107.7 website, along with 15 bonus ad spots per month, for a total of 50 radio spots. The renewal of this agreement continues advertising at the same rate and structure, ensuring consistent year- round promotion. Visit 29 Palms uses this advertising opportunity to share seasonal messaging, promote upcoming events, spotlight new local businesses and attractions, and highlight the city’s diverse range of lodging options. This ongoing partnership supports TBID’s marketing objectives by maintaining strong regional visibility for Twentynine Palms and reinforcing its position as the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and a hub for arts, culture, outdoor recreation, and more. Funding for this renewal has been allocated in the TBID’s Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget under Broadcast/Out of Home Media. ENVIRONMENTAL: None. ALTERNATIVES: Page 9 of 28 The TBID Advisory Board could choose to modify or reject this renewal. FISCAL IMPACT: The total fiscal impact of $5,940 has been budgeted in the TBID’s Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget under Broadcast/Out of Home Media. Page 10 of 28  : KCDZ-FM '. 6448 HALLEE RD, STE. 5 Order #2 1 885-00004 ' JOSHUA TREE, CA 92252 Description: 2025/2026 FISCALYEAR . 760—366-8471 Date Entered: 10/13/2025 , U.S. P.O.#: Salesperson: Ruddon, Joe invoice Frequency: Billed at end of Cal Month, Sorted by Date VISIT 29 PALMS 73484 29 PALMS HWY 29 PALMS, CA 92277 USA Other (Non-Spot) Charges Start Date End Date Station Descriytion of Charge Repeated Rate Total 1 10/13/2025 53/30/2026 KCDZ-FM Monthly 495.00 5940.00 On-Air Schedule Start Date End Date Station Scheduled Time/Event Repeated Length Rate Total M E _W. _h E .a .u 2 10/1/2025 9/30/2026 KCDZ-FM 09:22 ENTERTAlNMEN Weekly :30 157 0.00 0.00 1 o 1 o 1 o o 3 10/1/2025 9/30/2026 KCDZ—FM 08:05 LOCAL NEWSNV Weekly :30 104 0.00 0.00 o 1 o 1 o o o 4 10/1/2025 9/30/2026 KCDZ—FM 06:00:00 to 19:00:00 Weekly :30 105 0.00 0.00 1 o 1 0 o o 0 5 10/1/2025 9/30/2026 KCDZ-FM 06:00:00 to 22:00:00 Weekly :30 156 0.00 0.00 0 o 0 1 1 1 0 350.19 AD; Order Start Date: 10l1l2025 Order End Date: 9/30/2026 Spots: 522 Total Charges: $5,940.00 % Projected Calendar Month Billing Totals for VISlT 29 PALMS I 1885-00004 : Sgot Count Net October 2025 46 $495.00 November 2025 41 $495.00 December 2025 45 $495.00 Janu 30/ 2026 45 $495.00 February 2026 4o $495.00 March 2026 43 $495.00 April 2026 44 $495.00 May 2026 43 $495.00 June 2026 43 $495.00 July 2026 4e $495.00 Aug ust 2026 43 $495.00 September 2026 43 $495.00 Total: $5,940.00 Con?rmed & Accepted for KCDZ-FM By: Accepted for VISIT 29 PALMS By: Please Sign and Return One Copy Printed: 10/13/2025 At 11:52:06AM Page 1 of 1 Page 11 of 28 Page 12 of 28  STAFF REPORT TO: TBID Advisory Board FROM: Director of Marketing FOR MEETING: Oct 16 2025 SUBJECT: TBID Advisory Board Discussion on Celebrations and Concerns RECOMMENDATION: Board Members will share brief introductions and reflections on their service with the TBID Advisory Board, highlighting one area or initiative they are excited about, and feel is going well, and one area they find challenging or problematic. ORDER OF PROCEDURE: Request Staff Report (TBID Director Presenting) Board Questions of Staff Receive Public Comment Board Discussion Motion/Second Discussion of Motion Call the Question BACKGROUND: At the August 14, 2025, TBID Advisory Board meeting, a future agenda item was requested by the Board to allow members to share brief introductions and reflections on their service with the TBID Advisory Board. As part of this discussion, each Board Member will highlight one area or initiative they are excited about and feel is going well, and one area they find challenging or problematic. The purpose of this discussion, as expressed by the requesting Board Member, is to help improve constituent relationships and provide greater context to Board decision-making. By offering these individual perspectives, the intent is to build understanding of the Board’s role and strengthen community engagement with the TBID. This is an informational item and an opportunity for TBID Advisory Board discussion and potential direction to TBID staff. ENVIRONMENTAL: None. ALTERNATIVES: None. FISCAL IMPACT: Page 13 of 28 None. Page 14 of 28  STAFF REPORT TO: TBID Advisory Board FROM: Director of Marketing FOR MEETING: Oct 16 2025 SUBJECT: TBID District Conversion Planning and Formation of Steering Committee RECOMMENDATION: That two TBID Advisory Board Members volunteer to serve on the District Conversion Steering Committee, working alongside the City Council’s TBID Subcommittee and the City Manager’s Office in the initial planning phase of the district conversion process. ORDER OF PROCEDURE: Request Staff Report (TBID Director Presenting) Board Questions of Staff Receive Public Comment Board Discussion Motion/Second Discussion of Motion Call the Question BACKGROUND: The Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) is currently established under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989, one of two enabling laws in California that allow for the formation of business improvement districts. The mission of the TBID is to promote Twentynine Palms as a tourism destination by driving overnight visitation through targeted marketing, event sponsorship, and visitor services. The district is funded through a 1.5% assessment on overnight stays at lodging businesses within city limits. The district conversion is the TBID’s most significant organizational goal for Fiscal Year 2025–26. This initiative will transition the district from the 1989 Law to the modernized Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994, which provides long-term advantages such as multi-year operating terms (typically five or ten years), a formal Management District Plan (MDP) outlining goals, budgets, and programs, and the ability to form a nonprofit owners’ association to oversee district administration. This modernized framework promotes stability, continuity, and strategic long-range planning, allowing the TBID to invest in multi-year marketing and event initiatives that strengthen the city’s tourism economy. Approximately 75% of active TBIDs in California now operate under the 1994 Law, reflecting its alignment with industry best practices. To begin this work, a District Conversion Steering Committee will be formed, consisting initially of two TBID Advisory Board Members, the City Council’s TBID Subcommittee, and the City Manager’s Office. This core committee will guide the initial planning phase, working collaboratively to develop the framework for education Page 15 of 28 and outreach strategies and the potential expansion of the steering committee to support stakeholder engagement in the creation of the five-year Management District Plan (MDP). Two TBID Advisory Board Members will volunteer to serve on the Steering Committee, working alongside the City Council’s TBID Subcommittee and the City Manager’s Office to begin planning for education, outreach, and stakeholder engagement efforts. ENVIRONMENTAL: None. ALTERNATIVES: None. FISCAL IMPACT: None. Page 16 of 28  STAFF REPORT TO: TBID Advisory Board FROM: Director of Marketing FOR MEETING: Oct 16 2025 SUBJECT: Selection of TBID's 2025-26 Event Grant Review Committee Members RECOMMENDATION: TBID Advisory Board to appoint three members to the 2025-26 Event Grant Review Committee. ORDER OF PROCEDURE: ATTACHMENTS: Request Staff Report (TBID Director Presenting) Board Questions of Staff • Event Grant Review Receive Public Comment Committee Application - Sheri Board Discussion Dawson Motion/Second Discussion of Motion Call the Question • Event Grant Review Committee Application - Paul Perez • Event Grant Review Committee Application - Mary Jane Binge • Event Grant Review Committee Application - Carrie Graves-Warden • Event Grant Review Committee Application - Scott Clinkscales • Event Grant Review Committee Application - Susan Peplow BACKGROUND: Page 17 of 28 The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Sponsorship and Event Grant Program provides funding support for events that enhance the visitor experience, drive overnight stays, and strengthen community engagement in Twentynine Palms. As part of this program, a five-member Event Grant Review Committee is established each year to review and score event grant applications, helping to shape funding recommendations for the TBID Advisory Board. The Committee is composed of two TBID Event Subcommittee members and three community members at large, representing TBID lodging stakeholders, 29 Palms business owners, and community members. The 2025–26 Review Committee will support two rounds of event grant funding within the TBID’s one-year term and budget (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). The committee will participate in both Round One (fall) and Round Two (spring), reviewing applications for events scheduled to take place during the 2026 calendar year. The Event Grant Review Committee works independently to evaluate and score event grant applications, providing objective feedback and scoring that informs the TBID Advisory Board’s funding decisions. Applicants submitted online application forms, and a total of _____ applications were received for the TBID Advisory Board’s consideration. To maintain transparency and integrity in the process, applicants acknowledged the committee’s eligibility and conflict of interest policy, which states that volunteers may not apply for an event grant during their term of service and are ineligible if they have a close relative or employer/employee relationship with a current grant applicant. Application responses are attached for the TBID Advisory Board’s review and consideration. ENVIRONMENTAL: None. ALTERNATIVES: The TBID Advisory Board could choose to: 1. Make three appointments from the applicant pool. 2. Request to staff to seek additional applications. FISCAL IMPACT: None. Page 18 of 28  Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Applications Applicant Information Name: Sheri Dawson Affiliation (Select One): ☐ Visit 29 Palms TBID Lodging Stakeholder ☐ 29 Palms Business Owner ☑ 29 Palms Community Member Interest in Committee Participation Tell us why you’re interested in joining the Event Grant Review Committee: New to Yucca Valley, checking it out. Share any previous experience you have serving on committees: I have not. Event Engagement Do you actively attend events in Twentynine Palms or the surrounding area? Yes, I do. Have you attended any of the recent events supported by Visit 29 Palms’ Sponsorship and Event Grant Program? No, I have not. Eligibility & Conflict of Interest Terms and Conditions: To maintain the integrity of the committee and event grant process, volunteers serving on the Event Grant Review Committee: • Are not eligible to apply for an event grant during their term of service. • Are ineligible if they have a close relative (spouse, parent, or child) or an employer/employee relationship with someone submitting an event grant application in the same year. Acknowledgment: ☑ I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 19 of 28  Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Applications Applicant Information Name: Paul Perez Affiliation (Select One): ☐ Visit 29 Palms TBID Lodging Stakeholder ☐ 29 Palms Business Owner ☑ 29 Palms Community Member Interest in Committee Participation Tell us why you’re interested in joining the Event Grant Review Committee: I, Paul Perez, would like to join the Events Subcommittee because I’m passionate about bringing people together through creative and meaningful experiences. I enjoy planning and organizing events that inspire connection, community, and excitement. Being part of this subcommittee would allow me to contribute my energy, ideas, and teamwork to help make each event memorable and successful. Share any previous experience you have serving on committees: Serving on the Spooktacular Festival Committee in Twentynine Palms has been an incredible experience for me, Paul Perez. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated community members to bring a fun and family-friendly Halloween event to life. From coordinating activities and helping with event setup to supporting vendors and ensuring guests had a memorable time, I’ve learned the value of teamwork, organization, and community spirit. It’s been rewarding to see families come together, enjoy the festivities, and feel the excitement that our hard work helped create. Event Engagement Do you actively attend events in Twentynine Palms or the surrounding area? Yes. Have you attended any of the recent events supported by Visit 29 Palms’ Sponsorship and Event Grant Program? I haven't yet but I'm planning on being more involved in the community and support programs. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 20 of 28 Eligibility & Conflict of Interest Terms and Conditions: To maintain the integrity of the committee and event grant process, volunteers serving on the Event Grant Review Committee: • Are not eligible to apply for an event grant during their term of service. • Are ineligible if they have a close relative (spouse, parent, or child) or an employer/employee relationship with someone submitting an event grant application in the same year. Acknowledgment: ☑ I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 21 of 28  Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Applications Applicant Information Name: Mary Jane Binge Affiliation (Select One): ☑ Visit 29 Palms TBID Lodging Stakeholder ☑ 29 Palms Business Owner ☐ 29 Palms Community Member Interest in Committee Participation Tell us why you’re interested in joining the Event Grant Review Committee: Because I care about our community and what happens here. Share any previous experience you have serving on committees: Action 29, Merchants Committee. Event Engagement Do you actively attend events in Twentynine Palms or the surrounding area? Yes. Have you attended any of the recent events supported by Visit 29 Palms’ Sponsorship and Event Grant Program? No. Not well advertised. Eligibility & Conflict of Interest Terms and Conditions: To maintain the integrity of the committee and event grant process, volunteers serving on the Event Grant Review Committee: • Are not eligible to apply for an event grant during their term of service. • Are ineligible if they have a close relative (spouse, parent, or child) or an employer/employee relationship with someone submitting an event grant application in the same year. Acknowledgment: ☑ I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 22 of 28  Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Applications Applicant Information Name: Carrie Graves-Warden Affiliation (Select One): ☐ Visit 29 Palms TBID Lodging Stakeholder ☐ 29 Palms Business Owner ☑ 29 Palms Community Member Interest in Committee Participation Tell us why you’re interested in joining the Event Grant Review Committee: My husband and I just purchased our home in 29 in February of this year because we fell in love with the area. Prior to that we were seasonal visitors for 5 winters. I have a unique perspective in that I was a returning tourist but now a full-time resident. I want to help choose events that will draw tourism to our beautiful city and also give locals fun activities we can enjoy as well. Share any previous experience you have serving on committees: I've served on many university committees throughout the years as I am an academic counselor. In the professional development committees I've been part of we were responsible for choosing staff events to be funded by the college. I've been an advisor for student committees/clubs as well, guiding members on policy and procedures. Event Engagement Do you actively attend events in Twentynine Palms or the surrounding area? Yes, we've been to concerts at the casino, the Christmas parade, the studio art tours, events at The Palms in Wonder Valley, Marine Corps birthday celebrations, the Glass Outhouse for their opening weekends, and are regulars at the Saturday market and events at the 29 Palms Beer Company and Fans Sports Bar. We're looking forward to our first Pioneer Days celebration. Have you attended any of the recent events supported by Visit 29 Palms’ Sponsorship and Event Grant Program? Area 29 was a lot of fun. The concept is perfect for our city (aliens!). I love to see so many events for people of all ages to enjoy. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 23 of 28 Eligibility & Conflict of Interest Terms and Conditions: To maintain the integrity of the committee and event grant process, volunteers serving on the Event Grant Review Committee: • Are not eligible to apply for an event grant during their term of service. • Are ineligible if they have a close relative (spouse, parent, or child) or an employer/employee relationship with someone submitting an event grant application in the same year. Acknowledgment: ☑ I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 24 of 28  Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Applications Applicant Information Name: Scott Clinkscales Affiliation (Select One): ☐ Visit 29 Palms TBID Lodging Stakeholder ☐ 29 Palms Business Owner ☑ 29 Palms Community Member Interest in Committee Participation Tell us why you’re interested in joining the Event Grant Review Committee: As the Community Events Coordinator for the City of Twentynine Palms, I am deeply invested in supporting events that strengthen our community, attract tourism, and highlight the unique character of our desert region. I've had the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of local organizations, businesses, and artists to create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. Joining the grant review committee would allow me to contribute my on-the-ground perspective to help ensure funds are awarded in a way that maximizes community impact, aligns with tourism goals, and supports a thriving local events ecosystem. Share any previous experience you have serving on committees: I have previously served on the event grant review committee for Visit 29 Palms. I am currently the sole internal planning team for City-sponsored events and have collaborated with multiple community partners on joint initiatives, including the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club, Rediscover 29, Morongo Basin Healthcare District, and more. I have participated in committee-style planning for major events such as Pioneer Days, International Festival, Joshua Tree 55, and more. Additionally, I've worked closely with multiple City departments and stakeholders ton events permitting and grant- related processes, which has given me valuable insight into how committees function to evaluate, plan, and execute programs that serve the broader community. Event Engagement Do you actively attend events in Twentynine Palms or the surrounding area? Yes, I actively attend a wide range of events both in Twentynine Palms and throughout the Morongo Basin. I make it a priority to support local programming, whether City-run or hosted by partner organizations, to stay connected with the community, understand Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 25 of 28 audience engagement, and build stronger relationships with event organizers and businesses. This also allows me to keep a pulse on event quality, attendance trends, and opportunities for growth. Have you attended any of the recent events supported by Visit 29 Palms’ Sponsorship and Event Grant Program? Yes, I've attended many events supported by Visit 29 Palms' Sponsorship and Event Grant Program, including last year's JTNP Art Expo, productions at Theatre 29, the Chalk Fest at Historic Plaza, and others. These events have had a clear and positive impact on tourism and community engagement, drawing both residents and visitors to experience Twentynine Palms as a vibrant and welcoming destination. I've observed how grant support has helped elevate event production quality, enhance marketing reach, and expand programming, ultimately strengthening our city's cultural and economic landscape. Eligibility & Conflict of Interest Terms and Conditions: To maintain the integrity of the committee and event grant process, volunteers serving on the Event Grant Review Committee: • Are not eligible to apply for an event grant during their term of service. • Are ineligible if they have a close relative (spouse, parent, or child) or an employer/employee relationship with someone submitting an event grant application in the same year. Acknowledgment: ☑ I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 26 of 28  Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Applications Applicant Information Name: Susan Peplow Affiliation (Select One): ☑ Visit 29 Palms TBID Lodging Stakeholder ☑ 29 Palms Business Owner ☐ 29 Palms Community Member Interest in Committee Participation Tell us why you’re interested in joining the Event Grant Review Committee: As a stakeholder in the area, I feel I may be able to assist in identifying events that can draw visitors to our lodging partners and support 29 Palms businesses. I feel I have a good understanding of the program and can bring value to future rounds for outreach, review, and support as needed. As a lodging partner that does not lend itself to being a "venue" recusals would not be an issue. Share any previous experience you have serving on committees: I have served as an event organizer for nearly a decade in the past. My experience was specific to a particular event, not the broad stroke that is brought to 29 Palms but feel I can bring value to the subcommittee. Event Engagement Do you actively attend events in Twentynine Palms or the surrounding area? I do, yes. Have you attended any of the recent events supported by Visit 29 Palms’ Sponsorship and Event Grant Program? Area29—Finding it well organized and attended by locals, which helps build business development and energy for visitors. Hwy62 Art Tour sponsorship. Signage continues to be good, stopping in over the weekend had foot traffic, so people are attending. Guests enjoyed the booklet and map for studios based on areas. Unfortunately the anticipated Aerilnauts event was cancelled, and I was unable to attend September/October events due to scheduling. Several other events are upcoming and plan to attend the art expo, climbsmart and book festival. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 27 of 28 Eligibility & Conflict of Interest Terms and Conditions: To maintain the integrity of the committee and event grant process, volunteers serving on the Event Grant Review Committee: • Are not eligible to apply for an event grant during their term of service. • Are ineligible if they have a close relative (spouse, parent, or child) or an employer/employee relationship with someone submitting an event grant application in the same year. Acknowledgment: ☑ I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Visit 29 Palms Tourism Business Improvement District 2025–26 Event Grant Review Committee Application Responses Page 28 of 28