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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10 - 2020-21 Community Promotions ProgramsItem 10 GtT Y Ofi rn O Council AgendaReport CIS O Department Name: Cost Center: For Agenda of: Placement: Estimated Time: FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager Prepared By: Molly Cano, Tourism Manager SUBJECT: 2020-21 COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS PROGRAMS RECOMMENDATION Administration 1006 July 7, 2020 Business N/A As recommended by the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Board and the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC): 1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into various contracts and program expenditures for the TBID not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $1,014,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the TBID Board and the adopted TBID Fund revenue projections as part of the 2020-21 Budget Supplement. 2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into contracts utilizing the TBID Fund un-appropriated fund balance from the 2019-20 fiscal year, following the completion of the City's audited financial statements, for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020-21 based on the recommendations by the TBID Board. 3. Authorize the City Manager to use the TBID Fund Reserve of $100,000 for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020-21 in accordance with the TBID reserve policy. 4. Authorize the City Manager to enter into various contracts and program expenditures for Community Promotions not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $368,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the PCC. REPORT -IN -BRIEF The City's Community Promotions program is comprised of the City's tourism assessment district and General Fund allocations to community promotion activities. The use of program funding is based on recommendations by two advisory bodies to the City Council: the TBID and PCC. While these advisory bodies have separate program functions and budgets, together they work to promote San Luis Obispo locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. TBID The TBID Board advises the City Council in the administration and use of the TBID assessment funds. The role of the Board is to establish and facilitate projects to promote tourism to the City of San Luis Obispo that directly benefit the City's lodging industry in the form of marketing, advertising, partnership and promotions. Packet Page 85 Item 10 During the COVID-19 pandemic from March through June, in an unprecedented move the TBID paused all paid media efforts and promotion. The messaging to the loyal visitor base was, "now is not the time to come to SLO". With the phased reopening of the community and as the City begins the strategic recovery efforts, tourism is expected to play a vital role in the economic recovery for our community. However, as with most industries the recovery will be slow and the TBID work will be deliberate. As stated in the adopted budget for fiscal year 2020-21, due to the severe and immediate impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, the TBID is expecting a decline in revenue of $500,000, approximately a quarter of the TBID's annual operating budget. In order to account for this reduction as well as additional budget impacts resulting from the pandemic, the TBID Board took a very conservative approach to the 2020-21 budget appropriations by reducing all ancillary expenditures in order to maintain the core financial investment in marketing efforts. The areas of reduction for 2020-21 are primarily supplemental expenditures which include the reduction in strategic partnership commitments, the elimination of special event sponsorships, tradeshow participation, and the reduction in the amount allocated to the marketing service contract with the new tourism marketing agency Noble Studios. After thorough review and consideration, and considering the uncertainties surrounding the impending impacts from COVID-19, the TBID Board has identified the following program priorities and budget allocations for the focus of TBID marketing efforts in fiscal year 2020-21: 1. Tourism Marketing Services: the TBID will maintain its largest budget allocation (approximately 40%) towards a marketing service agreement with the new agency of record Noble Studios. As an element of this effort, Noble Studios has contracted with public relations and content agency, DCI, to execute expanded proactive public relations and content development work for the TBID. This new agreement is a two-year agreement with an opportunity to extend for an additional two-year term and is the result of a four -month RFP process. 2. Other Contract Services: continuation of agreements with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce for Guest Services and responsive Public Relations through contracted work efforts. 3. Membership in Industry Associations & Programs: including the Central Coast Tourism Council, the California Travel Association, and the transition to from an expanded strategic partnership to an annual membership for the TBID with SLO Coast Wine Collective (formerly SLO Wine Country Association). 4. Contingency Fund: to account for the funding uncertainties that may arise from the discrepancies between the budget assumptions and actual revenue collection, the TBID has not committed approximately $345,000 (28%) of the projected revenues towards specific expenses in order to maintain flexibility in the contract service budget. Should revenues be realized, then previously committed program areas will be considered for budget allocations such as: strategic partnerships in the form of financial sponsorship with Cal Poly Athletics and Cal Poly Office of Student Affairs; Event Sponsorship; Tradeshow participation; California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) membership; and additional increases in the marketing service agreement expenditures. Historically the funding for Cal Poly Athletics has been in the form of marketing sponsorship and hosted team rooms, however due to the uncertainly of the athletics events for the 2020-21 academic year, this sponsorship was Packet Page 86 Item 10 paused. For the sponsorship with the Cal Poly Office of Student Affairs, funding towards marketing representation at key events like SLO Days, WOW, Parents weekend is not relevant this year as the events have move away from in -person hosting, however staff is working with Cal Poly to participate in the virtual programing from an educational role as opposed to a paid sponsor role. CHLA membership renewal is in the fall, and so the TBID will be surveying TBID properties to evaluate the value before committing to the costly renewal before October 2020. PCC Since the development of the PCC Strategic Plan, the PCC has used this plan as a roadmap for decision making. During COVID-19, this work was accelerated and the work lane for the PCC became even clearer. As stated in the bylaws, "the purpose of the PCC is to advise the Council in working to improve the quality of life for all City residents and our visitors. The Committee recommends projects to help promote the City as a regional trade, recreation, and tourist center, consistent with community goals." As the City begins the recovery from the impacts of COVID- 19, the PCC will play a significant role by serving as one component to advance those efforts. With this is mind, the PCC identified allocations of its program budget and time to develop a new initiative to support the community in recovery. In addition to that new project, the following program priorities and budget allocations are the focus of the PCC's community promotions efforts in fiscal year 2020-21: 1. Chamber of Commerce Contract Services: continuation of agreements with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce for the second year of the two-year agreement for Visitor Center operations with modifications based on the new normal related to COVID-19; and for the shared public relations services in partnership with the TBID; and the production & distribution of the City tear -off maps. 2. Strategic Initiatives: funds available for the development of new projects to enhance the quality of life in San Luis Obispo through strategic placemaking or recovery investments. The details of the projects within this work program have yet to be determined by the PCC. Once the program budget is approved, in July the PCC will begin to evaluate and identify the projects to serve the need of the community. Examples of how this fund had been used in previous years include the seed -funding for the SLO Happy parking arch mural at the Marsh Street parking structure, the Cultural and Holiday banner/flag program, and a portion of the funding for the Support Local economic recovery program that is currently in development. 3. Cultural Grants In Aid (GIA) Program: With the current restrictions on large group gatherings, the PCC was forced to terminate the regular Cultural GIA application process and establish a modified program that meets the current needs of the community. Due to COVID- 19, special events in our community are being reimagined. The PCC will reconfigure the GIA program to reflect the current realities and needs of local community events, but has maintained the full allocation ($100,000 in funding and the opportunity for up to $30,000 in promotional support services) intended to support these grants within the program budget to support events in the community in a new way. Packet Page 87 Item 10 DISCUSSION Background With the 2020-21 adopted budget, the City Council approved the individual program budget and defined the work program for the Community Promotions program (PCC) and the TBID. Both programs are overseen and administered by advisory bodies to the City Council. The PCC makes recommendations regarding the use of Community Promotions program funding and the TBID Board recommends the use of the TBID assessment. Both advisory bodies have established recommendations for use of funding in 2020-21 with respective contract considerations. Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) The TBID Board began its program development and budget allocation process in March 2020, by discussing the goals, priorities, and direction for the 2020-21 TBID program. During this process, the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly and dramatically modified the TBID's financial state and outlook. Because of this, the TBID Board had to reevaluate all areas of program commitments to maximize every investment to market San Luis Obispo in a thoughtful and deliberate manner. Although these revised program allocations seem very different, the TBID has aligned the new budget direction, program priorities, and funding commitments with the fulfillment of the TBID's five-year strategic clarity plan imperatives and the needs for the economic recovery in San Luis Obispo. The complete TBID strategic clarity plan including the updated document is available for review. (Attachment A — 2019-24 TBID Strategic Plan). The TBID strategic initiatives are to: 1. Elevate the SLO Brand & Experience. 2. Deliver Smart Growth. 3. Build Meaningful Partnerships. 4. Ensure Organizational Excellence. In the budget deliberation, the TBID Board, with the recommendation from the Management Committee, considered all activity and program commitments including strategic partnerships and contracts, marketing and advertising, events promotions, tradeshows, tourism organization and research, and support. The recommendations were made in conservative approach to the 2020-21 budget appropriations by reducing all ancillary expenditures in order to maintain the core financial investment in marketing efforts while allowing for revenue fluctuations and uncertainty through a robust contingency fund. In addition, the TBID identified key contractual obligations that are imperative to the TBID program. The TBID requested contract proposal presentations from the SLO Chamber of Commerce for the on -going Guest Service and responsive Public Relations efforts. Based on the content of the annual proposals and the recommendation from the Management Committee, the TBID Board recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to enter into separate contracts with the following organizations for the specified programs (Attachment B - TBID 06- 10-20 Draft Minutes; Attachment C- 2020-21 TBID Proposal): Packet Page 88 Item 10 1. SLO Chamber of Commerce: The TBID and PCC Boards recommend funding the Public Relations contract (shared with the PCC) in the TBID amount of $42,500 and the continuation of the media monitoring service at the fee of $3,712.50 annually. 2. SLO Chamber of Commerce — Guest Services: The TBID Board recommends full funding of the proposal for Guest Services in the amount of $47,500, which includes the continuation of the phone & availability service and the special promotions support service. Industry Associations & Programs The TBID Board also considered membership and programs with the following industry associations within California: 1. Central Coast Tourism Council (CCTC): The Board recommends maintaining membership with the CCTC in the amount of $850. 2. California Travel Association (CalTravel): The Board recommends membership with the CalTravel organization in the amount of $875. 3. SLO Coast Wine Collective: The Board recommends membership with the SLO Coast Wine Collective in the amount of $4,200. The remaining TBID program funds are allocated to program expenses including cooperative marketing opportunities with organizations like Visit SLO CAL or CCTC, attendance at industry conferences and additional partnerships, Smith Travel Reports, and marketing and promotional initiatives. (Attachment D— 2020-21 TBID Budget Allocation). Any un-appropriated fund balance from 2019-20 will be used for marketing programs in 2020- 21. These expenditures will be reviewed and approved by the TBID Board based on audited financial statements. Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) The purpose of the PCC is to enhance the quality of life for residents of San Luis Obispo and to enhance the quality of experience for visitors to San Luis Obispo. This mission was the guiding force behind the budget consideration for the PCC. During the June 10, 2020 meeting, the PCC finalized the 2020-21 budget allocations in response to COVID-19 including the continuation of Visitor Services and Public Relations efforts, strategic initiative investment for community placemaking and recovery efforts, and GIA funding. (Attachment E — 2020-21 PCC Budget Allocations; Attachment F — PCC 06-10-20 Draft Minutes) Chamber of Commerce Contract Services The PCC received a presentation from the Chamber of Commerce for the proposed on -going contract services. This included the contracted services for Visitor Center operations, the shared public relations services in partnership with the TBID, the marketing and public relations support of the GIA recipients, and the production of the City tear -off -maps. As a summary, the PCC considered the following contracts with the Chamber for fiscal year 2020-21: Packet Page 89 Item 10 1. Visitor Services: modifications to the second year of the two-year contract for the continuation of the Visitor Center operations. Changes were made to the work scopes to account for impacts from COVID-19 included the development of virtual services and support from the Visitor Center team as well as expanded deliverables like the event calendar entries. The funding amount is maintained for the Visitor Services contract in the amount of $119,600 in fiscal year 2020-21. 2. Public Relations: modifications to the scope of work for the contract include expanded work effort and deliverables to address the recovery efforts in SLO. The contract amount is $85,000 shared 50150 between the TBID & PCC. 3. Tear Off City Maps: the annual production and printing of the tear -off maps at the same $9,000 fee for the pass -through production and printing costs. 4. GIA Support Contract: the PCC considered a one-year term at the contract cost of $30,000 for the promotional support of GIA recipient events; however, the PCC decided to hold this commitment until the overall GIA program modifications were finalized and the support needs were identified. The full proposals can be reviewed in the Council Reading File. (Attachment G — 2020-21 PCC Proposal) Previous Advisory Body Action The following advisory body actions were taken to support these recommendations: • TBID approval of the line item budget and contract terms on June 10, 2020 and recommended to City Council for approval. (Attachment B - TBID 06-10-20 Draft Minutes) • PCC approval of the line item budget and contract terms on June 10, 2020 and recommended to City Council for approval. (Attachment F — PCC 06-10-20 Draft Minutes) Policy Context As referenced in the City's Municipal Code, Section 12.42.030 (Authorized Use), TBID revenue is used for the promotion of tourism.1 Public Engagement The public engagement was adequately done in order to prepare these recommendations to City Council. All Advisory Body Meetings for the TBID and PCC were noticed in accordance with Brown Act standards. ' 12.42.030 — Authorized Use: A. The general promotion of tourism within the district is to include costs as specified in the business plan to be adopted annually by the city council. Packet Page 90 Item 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a "project" under CEQA Guidelines sec. 15378. FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2020-21 Funding Identified: Yes Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources Total Budget Available Current Funding Request Remaining Balance Annual Ongoing Cost General Fund $404,143 $404,143 $0 $0 State Federal Fees Other: TBID $1,253,400 $1253,400 $0 $0 Total $ 1,657,543 $1,657,543 $0 $0 The 2020-21 budget projected TBID revenue based upon 20% of Transient Occupancy Tax, at $1,253,400 as can be referenced on page 79 of the Budget Supplement. Staff recommends that the Council fully appropriate the TBID budget for various contracts and program expenditures as outlined in this report and at the recommendation of the TBID Board. It is the fiscal responsibility of the TBID to utilize the maximum amount of revenue each year to further the marketing reach through the district's promotional efforts. In October as part of the City's budget revise, the TBID assessment revenue will be reevaluated based on summer travel trends. If needed, adjustments to the TBID budget will be made at that time. Beyond that adjustment, in the event that TBID revenues do not reach budget projections, staff recommends that the Council authorize the City Manager to utilize funds in the TBID Fund Reserve to offset those revenues. The total amount currently budgeted in the 2020-21 adopted budget for the Community Promotions program (PCC) is $404,143 in 2020-21. ALTERNATIVES The Council could choose to fund the contracts at different levels or modify the scope of services. The advisory bodies and staff do not recommend adjustments, as the proposed contracts are the result of careful review, discussion, and negotiations between the parties. Packet Page 91 Item 10 Attachments: a - COUNCIL READING FILE - 2019-24 TBID Strategic Plan b - TBID Draft Minutes of June 10, 2020 c - 2020-21 TBID Proposal d - TBID 2020-21 Budget Allocations e - PCC 2020-21 Budget Allocations f - PCC Draft Minutes of June 10, 2020 g - 2020-21 PCC Proposal Packet Page 92 Item 10 TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD qu1 ' Minutes - DRAFT June 10, 2020 Regular Teleconference Meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board CALL TO ORDER The regular teleconference meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District Board was called to order on June 10, 2020 at 10:07 a.m. held via GoToWebinar by Chair John Conner. ROLL CALL Present: Chair John Conner and Board Members Bruce Skidmore, LeBren Young -Harris, Clint Pearce and Pragna Patel -Mueller Absent: none Staff: Tourism Manager Molly Cano and Tourism Coordinator Chantal Burns PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None --End of Public Comment -- CONSENT ITEMS C.1 Minutes of Meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 C.2 Minutes of Special Meeting on Monday, May 11, 2020 C.3 Smith Travel Report CA Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Report C.5 Chamber Public Relations Monthly Report C.6 Chamber Visitor Center Monthly Report C.7 AMF + Matchfire Marketing Monthly Report Public Comment None. --End of Public Comment -- ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PEARCE SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SKIDMORE, CARRIED 5-0, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 1 THRU 7. DRAFT Minutes — Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 06/10/20 Pg. 1 Packet Page 93 Item 10 BUSINESS ITEMS 1. New Agency Onboarding Plan Representatives from Noble Studios + DCI presented their high-level plans for June and July 2020 and their proposed fiscal year budget breakdown as the marketing services agency. As part of the agency's plan and to assist in recovery efforts, they reintroduced a new campaign called SLO Ready for board members to consider. Noble Studios recommended that a budget of up to $10,000 be allocated to travel and evergreen photo and video creation for the campaign. The TBID Board provided feedback on the campaign concept and expressed overall interest in moving forward with the plans and campaign presented. Public Comments: None. ---End of Public Comments --- ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SKIDMORE SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PEARCE, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the presented timeline, program budget breakout as presented and to move forward with the presented SLO Ready campaign concept, but to further discuss and take action on the campaign's content creation budget request of up to $10,000 separately and under the agenda's business item 3. 2.2020-21 Annual Contract Services The Board received a presentation for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce's Guest Services and Public Relations annual contracted services from Dusty Colyer-Worth and Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. The Public Relations Services and Media Monitoring Services were proposed to be jointly funded by the TBID and PCC. It was recommended that these two services are to be split with TBID funding 50% and PCC funding 50% of the 2020-21 contract. Board members had no requests or comments on the presented services and wish to move forward with both services as presented for the San Luis Obispo TBID. Public Comments: None. ---End of Public Comments --- ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SKIDMORE SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PATEL-MUELLER, CARRIED 3-0-2 (HARRIS AND PEARCE RECUSED DUE TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST), to approve and recommend to City Council contracting the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce's Guest Services and Public Relations Services for the 2020-21 scope of work as presented. 3.2020-21 TBID Program Budget Tourism Manager Cano presented the updated 2020-21 FY budget projections and the TBID expenditure categories that were discussed and developed by the Management Committee. Due to the budget being based off revenue assumptions, the Board continues to believe in having a larger contingency fund to pull from on an as needed basis. Board discussion reviewed the Smith Travel Report (STR) line item and the reason our SLO TBID subscribes to this data in addition to Visit SLO CAL. Additionally, Board members decided to move forward with Noble Studio's presented campaign's creative and production budget recommendation of up DRAFT Minutes — Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 6/10/20 Pg. 2 Packet Page 94 Item 10 to $10,000 but to pull this from the COVID-19 Recovery Response line item within the proposed program budget. Public Comments: None. End of Public Comments --- ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PATEL-MUELLER SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SKIDMORE, CARRIED 5-0, to approve that all line items within the presented 2020-21 TBID Program Budget except for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce's annual contract be recommend to City Council for adoption. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PATEL-MUELLER SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SKIDMORE, CARRIED 3-0-2 (HARRIS AND PEARCE RECUSED DUE TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST), to approve and recommend to City Council the presented 2020-21 contract services budget proposal; San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce's Guest Services for $47,500 and the joint funding with the PCC for the Public Relations Services at $42,500 and the Media Monitoring Service at $3,712.50 for the 2020-21 fiscal year. TBID LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION 1. Hotelier Update • Member Skidmore reported on SLO TBID Hotels that he has seen reopen. Embassy Suites will not be reopening until July 61. • Member Harris reported on Hampton Inn receiving a formal complaint from a guest questioned on their reasoning for travel during the essential travel only order. • Clarification that hotel pools will be allowed to open on June 12' if all guidance and self - certifications are complete. Hot tubs and saunas will not be allowed to reopen. 2. Management Committee Update - June 4, 2020 minutes are in the packet for review. 3. Marketing Committee Update _ June 4, 2020 minutes are in the packet for review. 4. PCC Update - Member Pearce Tourism Manager Cano reported on • Shop SLO Program's progress • A modified GIA program is being worked on 5. SLO CAL Update — Member Pearce Tourism Manager Cano reported on • VSC's advocacy work 6. Tourism Program Update — Tourism Manager Cano reported on the following: • The State and County have released information and guidance for the June 12, 2020 reopening. • Communications to constituents will continue to be released ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:44 a.m. The next Tourism Business Improvement District Board meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. held remotely and via teleconference. APPROVED BY THE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD: XX/XX/XXXX DRAFT Minutes — Tourism Business Improvement District Board Meeting of 6/10/20 Pg. 3 Packet Page 95 Item 10 June 2020 Proposal to the City of San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District June 2020 Guest Services and Public Relaons Purpose: Build on the partnership between the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Luis Obispo's Tourism Business Improvement District to strengthen San Luis Obispo as an unforge able place where visitors engage in a unique lifestyle they aspire to live, become emo onally a ached and return to for renewal. Exper se: The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce looks forward to building on our exis ng strengths including a successful track record of promo ng San Luis Obispo, strong rela onships throughout the community as well as extensive experience providing public rela ons and visitor services. Looking forward: For more than 50 years, the Chamber has worked with the City of San Luis Obispo to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of our community. We con nue to seek new opportuni es to deepen our partnership and further the understanding of San Luis Obispo as an excep onal community to live in and visit. SAN EUIS 05TSPO CHAMBER COMMERCE Packet Page 96 Item 10 June 2020 Table of Contents snN Avis narsra CHAMBER COMMEkCk Cover le er Qualifica ons Project Team 4 Proposals Summary 11 Packet Page 97 Item 10 June 2020 Qualifica ons The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce offers a dis nc ve and powerful combina on of strengths to assist the Tourism Business Improvement District in fulfilling its mission and strategic direc on. • Direct rela onships with nearly 1,400 local businesses that represent more than 33,000 employees throughout the county. These long-term rela onships allow us to work cohesively with local businesses to execute promo ons, projects and media visits. • Constant interac on with visitors in our downtown Visitor Center. More than 80,000 visitors were personally greeted and assisted in 2019 and we engaged with thousands more over the phone and digitally. The center, which is open seven days a week, is staffed by visitor informa on professionals who are trained to answer ques ons and accommodate requests of locals, visitors and travel writers. • Produc ve rela onships with the media, rooted in our 40+ years of work in San Luis Obispo public rela ons. We are the go -to resource for travel writers due to the strength of the "chamber of commerce" brand and the strong rela onships we have built through the years. • We have a nimble, responsive PR team, which is well informed about what is happening in the city and can capture the a en on of as well as respond to journalists with mely informa on, photography and contacts. • Long-term strategic alliances with local organiza ons and events that a ract visitors and enhance the overall experience for tourists, including Hearst Castle, SLO Coast Wine Collec ve, Cal Poly, Fes val Mozaic, Downtown SLO, the PAC and the SLO Film Fes val. • Access to a library of more than 50,000 current and historical images of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. The award -winning images have appeared in publica ons such as Na onal Geographic Traveler, Los Angeles Times, Outside Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle and many more. • The SLO Chamber con nues to stay on top of the trends in tourism promo ons, working with regional, statewide, na onal & interna onal partners to iden fy and act on emerging trends and best prac ces. Packet Page 98 Item 10 June 2020 Project Team The SLO Chamber has an experienced, professional staff who work together to execute projects to comple on with a track record of success. The key team members who will lead the work for the Tourism Business Improvement District include: ' SAN WIS 05TSPO CHAMBER COMMERCE Dusty Colyer-Worth Visitor Center Manager Dusty Colyer-Worth has been leading the Visitor Center and its team of six customer service professionals since February 2016. Dusty u lizes his background in community rela ons, marke ng, customer service and retail management to lead the SLO Chamber's guest services efforts. Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth Director of Communica ons Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth has been with the SLO Chamber since 2018, and brings to the team a strong background in marke ng, brand development & public rela ons. In this role Jacqui works to share "why" San Luis Obispo is a wonderful place to vaca on, live, work and generally enjoy life. Keri Forsberg Lead Communica ons & Social Media Strategist Joining the SLO Chamber staff in 2015, Lead Communica ons & Social Media Strategist Keri Forsberg has a degree in Recrea on, Parks and Tourism Planning and Management from Cal Poly and specializes in social media trends and marke ng, as well as connec ng community members and businesses, to enhance the region's tourism promo on efforts. Jim Dantona President / CEO Jim Dantona's focus is on helping local businesses prosper. He brings his professional experience in government and personal passion in economic development to assis ng on the contracts with the TBID and PCC. In addi on, Jim comes with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sector helping communi es thrive. Packet Page 99 Item 10 June 2020 Proposals Guest Services The SLO Chamber's Visitor Center is in a unique posi on to provide the San Luis Obispo guest with a friendly and informa ve experience before their arrival. This not only en ces visitors to San Luis Obispo but plays a pivotal role in the overall guest experience, encouraging travelers to stay in and return to SLO. Through rela onships developed with each of the TBID cons tuents we are able to capitalize on the Visitor Center's significant face-to-face, phone and email traffic to encourage travelers to stay in San Luis Obispo and match the right guest with the right property. To this end, we are proposing to con nue the current services we provide to the TBID. The Chamber provides a hotel availability service that is currently exclusive to the TBID. Visitor Center staff contact every TBID property each week, on behalf of the TBID, and maintain a record of which hotels are sold out and which have availability for each Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as impacted weekdays throughout the year. This helps guests, who would otherwise need to call each property on their own, easily find a room in the city. This service also allows for TBID proper es to refer their clients directly to the Visitor Center for centralized guest services. Since July 2019, the Chamber has been able to u lize this availability informa on to refer TBID proper es more than 12,000 mes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this service also acts as a vital connec on point to relay and gather important informa on and data. In addi on, Visitor Center staff answer each call made to the TBID's 1-877-SLO-TOWN phone number, which serves as a response tool to the TBID's adver sing efforts and digital presence. This creates the op on for a 'real person' to assist in trip planning, ensuring that travelers seeking personal guidance have a friendly, live voice to shape their experience of San Luis Obispo before even arriving. The telephone dedicated TBID 1-877-SLO-TOWN line includes voicemail for a. er-hours in which calls are returned during the next day's hours of operaon. In 2020-21, the Visitor Center will be open seven days a week, Sunday -Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m., and Thursday -Saturday, 9:30 a.m. — 6 p.m. for a total of 55.5 hours a week with addional hours seasonally added on. This year we are also proposing the con nued use of the live chat service on VisitSLO.com that we acvated mid -March with the Countywide shelter order. As more and more interacons are taking place in a digital arena, this provides an addional opon to capture guest's interest in San Luis Obispo. Special Promoons The Visitor Center also serves as a fulfillment locaon and customer service lead for TBID special promoons. From July 2019 through May 2020 more than 300 Visitor Center staff hours have been spent on TBID special promoons with a "concept to compleon" approach which includes collaboraon with markeng partners by the Visitor Center Manager on the development of promoons, serving as the customer service outlet for guest inquiries in regards to adversed promoons, and the delivery of promoonal materials to guests upon their arrival in San Luis Obispo. We propose to connue this partnership as it helps maximize the guest experience and T Packet Page 100 Item 10 June 2020 also frees up marke ng partners to focus their me and efforts on the adver sing and planning of special promo ons. As the TBID onboards a new marke ng agency, we look forward to collabora ng on new ini a ves, while also bringing historical knowledge. Scope of work The scope of work within this proposal includes: • Tracking room availability Thursday — Saturday through: o Weekly email and phone calls to all cons tuents as well as addi onal tracking for impacted weeks throughout the year (i.e. Cal Poly Week of Welcome, Cal Poly Family Weekend) o Availability informa on for impacted mes will provided to TBID proper es in order to help maintain guest within the city o Tracking will be extended to TBID Homestay proper es that opt in to the service o SLO hotel contact informa on included in adver sing on exterior facing monitor a. er Visitor Center hours on weekends • Guest service and booking assistance for guests that call the customer service line seeking tourist informaon on 1-877-SLO-TOWN • Guest service and informaon assistance via the live chat widget on VisitSLO.com • Site visits by Visitor Center staff to each hotel to build understanding of each property's unique offerings and their individual needs to ensure that the Visitor Center is making informed and educated referrals o Up to 6 acvaons per year • Site visits to TBID strategic partners (ie: SLO Coast Wine properes) to deliver TBID markeng and promoonal materials o Up to 2 acvaons per year • Assisng guests in the Visitor Center with booking a SLO city hotel room • Up to 4 acvaons per year of Visitor Center on -the -road service to assist in tourism promoon at off -site events such as: trade shows, brand acvaons, or at in -county TBID sponsored events, that fall upon mutually agreed dates. Lodging expenses would be covered by the city, similar to past years. • Up to 4 acvaons per year of Visitor Center involvement in special promoons including: o U liza on of the Visitor Center as a fulfillment locaon for guest pick-up and delivery of promoon o U lizaon of Visitor Center staff to respond to phone and email inquiries regarding those promoons o Involvement of Visitor Center manager in planning strategy and execuon to ensure seamless fulfillment $47,500 a year Packet Page 101 Item 10 June 2020 Public Rela ons Overview of 2019-20 Since 2014, the SLO Chamber has led tourism public rela ons for the City of San Luis Obispo through a partnership between the Promo onal Coordina ng Commi ee and the Tourism Business Improvement District. In this role, the SLO Chamber has managed the responsive and proac ve public rela ons efforts to showcase the best of San Luis Obispo and en ce visitors and locals to explore our city. In 2019, the SLO Chamber and the City worked with a consultant to develop and deliver a new Strategic PR Plan. Over the past year, the SLO Chamber has implemented all aspects of that plan, including development of an editorial calendar and target media list, upda ng key messages, and launching the Media Center on VisitSLO.com. Addi onal contract elements include pitching story ideas, invi ng writers to experience the des na on and coordina ng those trips, sending out media releases, responding to media inquiries, use of the SLO Chamber's photography library for editorial requests and developing customized media kits. We do all this public rela ons work for just one client — San Luis Obispo. This focused effort is paying off; in the past year alone, we contributed to nearly 300 media placements that highlight San Luis Obispo including those in Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles Times, Mercury News, Matador Network, Sunset Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune & Fodor's. 2020-21 Strategy Since the middle of March, San Luis Obispo, like so many ci es reliant on tourism, has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As restric ons begin to ease and leisure travel reopens, San Luis Obispo will be facing a new normal in tourism and in our community. Now more than ever, it will be impera ve to communicate the vitality and character of our community and showcase San Luis Obispo as a safe, friendly and thriving city where people want to live and visitors want to vaca on. The public rela ons program will share the story of the unique offerings San Luis Obispo has for both residents and visitors by highligh ng the character of the community and why locals love to call SLO home. This includes the promo on of community ini a ves and the sharing of dis nc ve experiences which set the San Luis Obispo community apart from other des na ons. Objec ves: a) Promote San Luis Obispo as a des na on to live, play and stay driving visita on and delivering economic impact. b) Build consumer awareness serving as the voice of SLO by amplifying the des na on brand and reaching audiences locally, regionally and na onally. c) Communicate the vitality and character of San Luis Obispo and the community. Packet Page 102 Item 10 June 2020 Target audiences: Our promo. onal efforts will target two audience groups: 1) Potential visitors ranging from millennials to baby boomers, in defined key travel markets (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego), as well as those with special interests such as food and wine, outdoor activities or arts and culture. 2) Central Coast residents looking to rediscover what is in their backyard or within their community. Strategies to reach target audiences: Specific to the Tourism Business Improvement District Telling the right story in the right place Our community has never before faced the economic hurdles of these past few months. The tourism industry is a vital part of San Luis Obispo and in our partnership with the TBID's new marketing team, we will amplify our voice and reach, operating as the local expert. We will work together to position San Luis Obispo as the ideal destination for visitors, taking into consideration how the city fits into wider travel trends. As part of this effort, we will be crafting quarterly press releases for DCI to pitch via their resources and professional contacts. Press visits & FAMs There is no substitute for experiencing San Luis Obispo firsthand. Press trips play a major role in generating editorial placements that tell the San Luis Obispo story and showcase our key messages. These placements inspire travel and educate consumers on the destination. This year we will be: • working with key partners to host individual and FAM visits based on responsive leads and existing relationships • additionally hosting visits as a result of DCI proactive outreach Digital Influencer Hos ng As the digital influencer -sphere is growing, we have dedicated more a en lion to these content creators. In our past work as lead on the digital influencer strategy, we have found success in authentic relationship building and will continue to work with DCI to grow this program. We will support partnerships with digital influencers that are relevant to the SLO brand, resonate with our target audience and have a desired reach on their platform(s). This year we will be: • working with key partners to host visits based on responsive leads and existing relationships • additionally hosting visits as a result of DCI proactive outreach Specific to the Promo onal Coordina ng Commi ee Pu ng the pieces in place Every inch of San Luis Obispo has its own unique history, and every SLO resident has their own story. We propose developing a community promotions strategy and an editorial calendar to amplify the diverse stories to tell within our community. This organized method will provide Packet Page 103 Item 10 June 2020 ample lead- me to create content and will complement partner ac vi es and community happenings as well as the TBID's marke ng plan to ensure overall efficiency and benefit. Suppor ng a vibrant economy San Luis Obispo is a bustling hub for makers, entrepreneurs and crea ves of all stripes. There are many unique and unearthed stories to be shared within the community. As ci es across the globe fight to regain their economic foo ng, highligh ng the character of San Luis Obispo will be an important piece of our success. The stories of perseverance and innova on among families, students, small business owners and professionals are wai ng to be told, and sharing these stories will encourage further connec on amongst neighbors in our community. Shop Local Campaign Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and help shape the diverse economy in San Luis Obispo. As the PCC develops it's Shop Local campaign, the SLO Chamber will work closely with Verdin Marke ng to amplify the message through public rela ons efforts. Foster Key Rela onships: Now more than ever, it is vital to work with our community partners to strengthen our collec ve message. With less resources and more obstacles as we look to encourage people to explore our city, the SLO Chamber will proac vely work with other organiza ons to cross market through public rela ons ini a ves as well as grow strategic alliances. In the upcoming year we are excited to deepen our collabora on with businesses and organiza ons that contribute to the region's cultural vibrancy. Visit California: We will leverage the large interna onal megaphone that belongs to Visit California by par cipa ng in its PR programs. Key opportuni es include submi. ng content to Visit California's editorial board, parcipang in Visit California -led press trips, sharing content on Visit California's social media channels and potenally a ttending domesc media marketplaces. Central Coast Tourism Council: We will leverage the Central Coast Tourism Council's growing reach by parcipang in its PR efforts and posioning the desnaon as the heart of the Central Coast. Visit SLO CAL: We will leverage the naonal and internaonal reach of Visit SLO CAL by partnering closely with their PR team and parcipang in their PR programs. As the heart of SLO CAL, SLO is poised to benefit from parcipang in Visit SLO CAL -led press trips and ensuring that SLO CAL understands our message calendar, key assets and understands the city as a producve partner in promcng our region. SLO Coast Wine Collec ve: Understanding that the budding wine region is a flourishing aspect of our desna on, SLO will work with SLO Coast Wine's team on telling that story and publicizing the desnaon together. T Packet Page 104 Item 10 June 2020 Cal Poly: Cal Poly is not only one of the community's largest economic drivers, but also a huge draw for visitors whether they be families of students or those seeking the university's many cultural offerings. Through our built-in rela. onship with Cal Poly, we are able to work with them to get in front of additional audiences like alumni, staff recruits and other key stakeholders in the university. MINDBODY: The SLO Chamber has a great relationship with MINDBODY's PR team that we will continue to grow. Our shared interest in representing San Luis Obispo as a wellness destination, in addition to highlighting our community as one where start-ups such as MINDBODY thrive, is an excellent example of the SLO Chamber's ability to bring together non-traditional tourism partnerships. SLO Lodging Proper es: We will work with the city's lodging partners and their PR teams to lead the destination portion of any hosted media or FAMS. As there is a shared interest for success in both promoting the hotels and the destination, this partnership is natural but also tactical in its approach. Scope of work: The scope of work within this proposal includes: • In partnership with TBID Public Relations agency: o Developing the 2020-21 editorial calendar o Maintaining VisitSLO media center o Refreshing key PR messages o Updating target media list o Refreshing story ideas o Crafting proactive pitches o Building custom itineraries and hosting travel writers on individual and FAM trips throughout the year o Building custom itineraries and hosting digital influencers o Participation in and pitching of TBID coordinated special promotions such as Money for a Rainy Day o Working in coordination on the comprehensive marketing plan to increase brand awareness across all platforms • Continued independently: o Developing community promotions strategy and editorial calendar o Tying in with Visit California, Visit SLO CAL & CCTC's public relations efforts to enhance visibility o Partnering with neighboring destinations on tourism initiatives o Working with community partners on additional hosting opportunities o Responding to pitch requests o Fulfilling all media requests o Sourcing, building custom itineraries and hosting travel writers on individual and FAM trips throughout the year with key partners o Sourcing, building custom itineraries and hosting digital influencers with key partners 10 Packet Page 105 Item 10 June 2020 o Par cipa on in and pitching of City coordinated campaigns such as Shop Local to regional media and influencers o Par cipa ng in poten al out -of -area promo onal trips (possible opportuni es include partnerships with strategic partners such as MINDBODY) including prepara on, media coordina on and staff travel $85,000 a year for PR Services per year for the next year, jointly funded by the TBID and PCC In 2019-20, the TBID funded 60% and the PCC funded 40% of the contract Media Monitoring In 2020-21, we propose a con nua on of the media monitoring contract with Cision which allows the TBID & PCC to see the impact of public rela ons work, gives our PR team access to contact informa on for outlets, freelancers and influencers, and allows for whitelisted distribu on of media releases. This is a pass -through contract, and because of the Chamber's nonprofit status, the service is available at a significant discount. This year, we propose the TBID and PCC jointly fund the media monitoring service to ensure the SLO Chamber has the tools they need to complete their work and measure results. $7,425 a year Summary Guest Services for 2020-21 Public Rela ons Services for 2020-21 *$85,000, jointly funded by the TBID and PCC $47,500 a year $42,500 a year* Media Monitoring Service $3,712.50 a year* *7,425, proposing joint funding by the TBID and PCC Packet Page 106 Item 10 TBID Budget Planning 2020-21 Income Source 19-20 Original 19-20 COVID 20-21 PROJECTIONS TOT Revenue Assumption $ 8,033,000 $ 6,177,377 $ 6,267,000 Adjusted TOT Revenue Assumptions TBID Assessment (20% of TOT Revenue) $ 1,606,600 $ 1,134,317 $ 1,253,400 Carryover TBID Program Budget $ 1,606,600 $ 1,134,317 $ 1,253,400 Fund Reserve $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 Expenditure % of Total Committed Adjusted I Proiected I Budget Expenditure (section in gray) 19-20 19-20 20-21 % of 20-22 Projections TBID Budget Allocation Detail Operations/Staffing $ 235,932 $ 226,486 $ 239,347 19.1% Administration Overhead(2% of TBID Assessment) $ 32,132 $ 22,686 $ 25,068 2.0% Staffing (FTE & .75 FTE) $ 203,800 $ 203,800 $ 214,279 17.1% Contracts $ 1,026,820 $ 982,000 $ 623,713 49.8% Marketing Contract $ 850,000 $ 807,000 $ 500,000 39.9% Noble Studios / DCI Chamber of Commerce - PR $ 51,000 $ 51,000 $ 42,500 3.4% Current contract allows opportunity to extend current contract for an additional year; consider 50/50 split w PCC Communication Plan $ 3,000 $ 3,000 $ - 0.0% Not needed Chamber of Commerce - Guest Services $ 47,500 $ 47,500 $ 47,500 3.8% Flexibility based on COVID Chamber of Commerce - Media Monitoring Service Fee $ 8,820 $ 8,400 $ 3,712.50 0.3% In discussion with Chamber & DCI if this is needed; if needed consider 50/50 split w PCC CCTC Black Diamond co-op $ 3,000 $ 1,600 $ - 0.0% Not needed Website Acquisition - Chamber $ 47,500 $ 47,500 $ - 0.0% Not needed Website Acquisition - Matchfire $ 16,000 $ 16,000 $ - 0.0% Not needed Website Acquisition - Legal $ - $ - $ - 0.0% Not needed Co-op Program Funding $ - $ - $ 30,000 2.4% Moved from Marketing Service contract; incudes Crowdriff Partnerships $ 135,500 $ 120,500 $ 4,200 0.3% Cal Poly Athletics $ 95,500 $ 95,500 $ - 0.0% Move funding to contingency for possible future consideration SLO Wine $ 19,000 $ 19,000 $ 4,200 0.3% Membership $4200 - switch event to social or PR/ swap other items for TBID needs SLO Wine Rooms $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ - 0.0% Move funding to contingency for possible future consideration Cal Poly Student Affairs $ 20,000 $ 5,000 $ - 0.0% Move funding to contingency for possible future consideration Events Promotion $ 60,000 $ 31,714 $ - General Events Promotion $ 60,000 $ 31,714 $ - Move funding to contingency for possible future consideration Event Activation $ - $ - $ - Not needed Tradeshows $ 51,000 $ 36,186 $ 5,000 0.4% Tradeshows & Travel Shows $ 43,000 $ 32,686 $ - 0.0% Move funding to contingency for possible future consideration Tourism Conferences $ 8,000 $ 3,500 $ 5,000 0.4% Staff participation in conferences including Outlook, CCTC workshop & retreat Tourism Organizations/Research $ 56,566 $ 30,991 $ 4,425 0.4% CCTC Dues $ 1,000 $ 850 $ 850 0.1% Maintain membership Smith Travel Report Contract $ 3,000 $ 2,700 $ 2,700 0.2% Maintain contract CalTravel Membership $ 1,000 $ 875 $ 875 0.1% Maintain membership California Hotel & Lodging Association $ 26,566 $ 26,566 $ - 0.0% Move funding to contingency for renewal consideration in Q2 Strategic Plan Project $ 25,000 $ - 0.0% Not needed Research $ - 0.0% Move funding to contingency for possible future consideration STR Forecast Report $ - 0.0% Not needed Support/ Meetings $ 40,782 $ 1,550 $ 373,728 29.8% Tourism Program Expenses $ 5,000 $ 1,000 $ 5,000 0.4% Maintain Funding FAM Trip Hosting $ 5,000 $ 550 $ 5,000 0.4% Maintain Funding Past Due CP Rooms $ 1,000 $ - 0.0% Not needed Lontingencyl 29,782 $ 345,728 27.6%1 Staff recommendation to plan for additional COVID revenue impacts; Previous program areas to be considered through this allocation include: CP Athletics; CP Office of SA; Event Sponsorship; Tradeshow participation; CHLA; increase in marketing service agreement expenditures COVID Recovery Response $ - $ - $ 18,000 1.4% New budget allocation; NSLOready campaign creative/production budget ($50,000) Subtotal $ 1,606,600 $ 1,429,427 $ 1,250,413 100% Budget Remaining $ - $ (295,110) $ 2,988 Packet Page 107 Item 10 Community Promotions Budget Worksheet Budget2020-21 2019-20 2020-21 Projected Budget $ 405,302 $ 404,143 Carryover Total Budget $ 405,302 $ 404,143 Expenditure 2019-20 1 2020-21 Updated: 6/10/20 Expenditure PCC Consideration Notes PCC earmarked in January; maintaining allocation for modified Grants -in -Aid Funding $ 100,000 $ 100,000 program Consider needs within modified Grants -in -Aid Promotional Support Contract $ 30,000 program Edited the Expenditure Line Item description to be inclusive of other Community Placemaking & Recovery Projects $ 50,000 $ 50,000 program items Event entry work added to Visitor SLO Happenings Campaign $ 15,000 $ - Service SOW Program Support for GIA would come from the allocation if/when General Contract Services $ 2,400 $ 36,646 needed Contract status: second year of a 2 year term; reviewed & adjusted SOW deliverables based on change Visitors Center $ 119,600 $ 119,600 in service needs 50/50 split between PCC & TBID for 20-21; 50/50 split between PCC & TBID for media monitoring PR Contract $ 34,000 $ 46,212.50 service one time expense to address PR contract support, not needed in Communications Plan Consultant Services $ 2,000 $ - 2020-21 Downtown Maps $ 9,000 $ 9,000 Future Freeze item Maintain funding for committee, Support Cost $ 5,000 $ 5,000 program & staff expenditures Administration (Staffing) $ 38,302 $ 37,685 Total $ 405,302 1 $ 404,143 Remaining Budget Packet Page 108 Item 10 10 PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE qu1 ' Minutes - DRAFT Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Promotional Coordinating Committee CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Promotional Coordinating Committee was called to order on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 5:31 P.M., by Chair Matteson via teleconference. ROLL CALL Present: Committee Members Ryan Heath, John Thomas, Stephanie Stackhouse, Samantha Welch, Vice Chair John Connor, and Chair Dana Matteson Absent: None Staff: Tourism Manager Molly Cano and City Clerk Teresa Purrington PUBLIC COMMENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None --End of Public Comment -- CONSENT ITEMS ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WELCH, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THOMAS, CARRIED 6-0-0,(WITH ONE SEAT VACANT) to approve the Consent Agenda items 1 thru 7. C.1 Minutes of the Meeting on May 13, 2020 C.2 2019-20 Community Promotions Budget Report C.3 Public Relations Report CA Grants -in -Aid Support Report C.5 Visitors Center Report C.6 SLO Happenings Activity Report C.7 TOT Report DRAFT Minutes — Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting of June 10, 2020 Page 1 Packet Page 109 Item 10 PRESENTATIONS 1. PUBLIC RELATIONS, GIA & VISITOR SERVICES QUARTER REPORT Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth, SLO Chamber provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Committee inquiries. Public Comment None. --End of Public Comment -- No action was taken on this item. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. 2020-21 ANNUAL CONTRACT SERVICES Jim Dantona, Dusty Colyer-Worth and Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth, of SLO Chamber provided a PowerPoint presentation on the annual contracted services for Public Relations, GIA support and Visitor Services from the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce representatives and responded to Committee inquiries. Public Comment None. --End of Public Comment -- ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WELCH, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER HEATH, CARRIED 6-0-0, (WITH ONE SEAT VACANT) to approve the contact services as presented with the following change: • Increase the scope of work for event entry to up to 25 events per month 2. SHOP LOCAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Ashlee Akers, Verdin Marketing provided a PowerPoint presentation on the development of a "Shop Local" economic recovery program. Akers presented the concept of the program being a Support Local campaigns verses a Shop Local only campaign. Public Comment None. --End of Public Comment -- DRAFT Minutes — Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting of January 8, 2020 Page 2 Packet Page 110 Item 10 ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THOMAS, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER STACKHOUSE, CARRIED 6-0-0, (WITH ONE SEAT VACANT) to adopt the plan as presented. 3. FY 20-21 BUDGET DISCUSSION Tourism Manager Molly Cano provided an overview of the proposed FY 2020-21 budget allocations for the PCC program. Public Comment None. --End of Public Comment -- ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THOMAS SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WELCH, CARRIED 6-0-0, (WITH ONE SEAT VACANT) to approve the budget as proposed. PCC LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION 1. COMMITTEE OUTREACH UPDATE - None 2. GIA UPDATE — LIAISON REPORT John Thomas provided a brief report regarding the Greek Festival. 3. TBID BOARD REPORT — TBID Meeting Minutes: January John Connor provided a brief overview of the TBID Board Meeting. 4. TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE Tourism Manager Cano provided a brief Tourism Program update. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m. The next Regular Promotinal Coordinating Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2020, 2018 at 5:30 p.m., via teleconference. APPROVED BY THE PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2020 DRAFT Minutes — Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting of January 8, 2020 Page 3 Packet Page 111 Item 10 June 2020 Proposal to the City of San Luis Obispo Promotional Coordinating Committee June 2020 Visitor Center Update & Promotional Services Purpose: Build on the partnership between the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Luis Obispo's Promotional Coordinating Committee to enhance and enrich the resident and visitor experience in San Luis Obispo, create a central hub of community and visitor information, and promote the region to potential visitors. Expertise: The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce looks forward to building on our existing strengths including a successful track record of promoting San Luis Obispo, strong relationships throughout the community as well as extensive experience providing public relations and visitor services. Looking forward: For more than 50 years, the Chamber has worked with the City of San Luis Obispo's Promotional Coordinating Committee to create new programs and utilize existing Chamber assets to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of the community we live in; we continue to seek new opportunities to deepen our partnership and further the understanding of San Luis Obispo as an exceptional place to live and visit. SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAMBER of COMMERCE Packet Page 112 Item 10 June 2020 Table of Contents SANaLUIS OBISPO CHAMBER COMMERCE Cover letter Qualifications Project Team Proposals Summary 11 Packet Page 113 Item 10 June 2020 Qualifications The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce offers a distinctive and powerful combination of strengths to assist the Tourism Business Improvement District in fulfilling its mission and strategic direction. • Direct relationships with more than 1,400 local businesses that represent more than 33,400 employees throughout the county. These long-term relationships allow us to work cohesively with local businesses to execute promotions, projects and media visits. • Constant interaction with visitors in our downtown Visitor Center. More than 80,000 visitors were personally greeted and assisted in 2018 and we engaged with thousands more over the phone and digitally. The center, which is open seven days a week, is staffed by visitor information professionals who are trained to answer questions and accommodate requests of locals, visitors and travel writers. • Productive relationships with the media, rooted in our 40+ years of work in San Luis Obispo public relations. We are the go -to resource for travel writers due to the strength of the "chamber of commerce" brand and the strong relationships we have built through the years. • We have a nimble, responsive PR team, which is well informed about what is happening in the city and is able to capture the attention of as well as respond to journalists with timely information, photography and contacts. • Long-term strategic alliances with local organizations and events that attract visitors and enhance the experience of tourists and locals alike, including Hearst Castle, SLO Wine Country, Cal Poly, Festival Mozaic, Downtown SLO, the PAC and the SLO Film Festival. • Access to a library of more than 50,000 current and historical images of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. The award -winning images have appeared in publications such as National Geographic Traveler, Los Angeles Times, Outside Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle and many more. • The Chamber continues to stay on top of the trends in tourism promotions, working with regional, statewide and national partners to identify and act on emerging trends and best practices. Packet Page 114 Item 10 June 2020 Project Team The SLO Chamber has an experienced, professional staff who work together to execute projects with a track record of success. The key team members who will lead the proposed work for the Promotional Coordinating Committee include: SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAMBER of COMMERCE Dusty Colyer-Worth Visitor Center Manager Dusty Colyer-Worth has been leading the Visitor Center and its team of six customer service professionals since February 2016. Dusty utilizes his background in community relations, marketing, customer service and retail management to lead the Chamber's guest services efforts. Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth Director of Communications Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth has been with the Chamber since 2018, and brings to the team a strong background in marketing, brand development & public relations. In this role Jacqui works to share "why' San Luis Obispo is a wonderful place to vacation, live, work and generally enjoy life. Keri Forsberg Lead Communications & Social Media Strategist Joining the Chamber staff in 2015, Lead Communications & Social Media Strategist Keri Forsberg has a degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Planning and Management from Cal Poly and specializes in social media trends and marketing as well as connecting community members and businesses, to enhance the region's tourism promotion efforts. Jim Dantona President / CEO Jim Dantona's focus is on helping local businesses prosper. He brings his professional experience in government and personal passion in economic development to assisting on the contracts with the TBID and PCC. In addition, Jim comes with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sector helping communities thrive. Packet Page 115 Item 10 June 2020 Visitor Center As we enter into the second year of our current agreement and navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we look to how the landscape of our community has changed, and might change further. The SLO Chamber is committed to our partnership and support of the Promotional Coordinating Committee and looks forward to growing our efforts as we navigate this new normal together. With there are still many uncertainties, we would like to put forward some ideas on how we can best deliver on our partnership: • Participate in virtual versions of key Cal Poly events, offering "Get to know SLO" webinars and Q&As, as well as digital distribution of informational resources. • Take advantage of the opportunity to activate the Visitor Center on -the -road service as both new and historic events emerge. • Make use of the Visitor Center as a space that can showcase local artists. • Expansion of materials available in the Visitor Center to include locally sourced PPE items. We are open to new thoughts and ideas as the PCC moves forward in it's vital work in making our community vibrant and thriving. When new strategies and possible work scopes develop, we are ready and willing to jump in, help out, and come to the table with how we can expand our long-standing partnership further. San Luis Obispo City Maps The tear -off, tableted city maps are the most utilized visitor resource in our Visitor Center as well as throughout San Luis Obispo. Maps are distributed quarterly and on -demand to all San Luis Obispo city hotels as well as hospitality partners including Amtrak, wineries and local museums. While this project is typically updated and printed each spring, we due to this year's unforeseen events, distribution halted in mid -March. We currently have enough maps to cover a quarter of distribution at normal levels and propose reassessing in the fall if a reprint is warranted. In the past, we have printed 150,000 to keep up with the demand for distribution of approximately 37,500 maps each quarter. Additionally, we have the option to create a digital version of the map that will be more widely accessible to properties and key partners. hold $9,000 for 150,000 maps with minor updates Packet Page 116 Item 10 June 2020 GIA Marketing Support Over the last eight years, the Chamber has provided event promotion and public relations support to the Promotional Coordinating Committee's Grants -In -Aid recipients. This partnership has been aimed at driving attendance and support by residents and visitors to events in the city. In the 2020-21 year, we know that the GIA initiative will look very different, as it is unknown when events of this size will be permitted to resume. However, the Chamber is committed to partnering with the PCC to deliver on the goal of the GIA program, creating connection among residents through support for cultural activities. We propose the PCC hold this funding and work with the Chamber to imagine this support for community non -profits in a new way that will enhance the San Luis Obispo experience. hold $30,000 a year Public Relations Overview of 2019-20 Since 2014, the SLO Chamber has led tourism public relations for the City of San Luis Obispo through a partnership between the Promotional Coordinating Committee and the Tourism Business Improvement District. In this role, the SLO Chamber has managed the responsive and proactive public relations efforts to showcase the best of San Luis Obispo and entice visitors and locals to explore our city. In 2019, the SLO Chamber and the City worked with a consultant to develop and deliver a new Strategic PR Plan. Over the past year, the SLO Chamber has implemented all aspects of that plan, including development of an editorial calendar and target media list, updating key messages, and launching the Media Center on VisitSLO.com. Additional contract elements include pitching story ideas, inviting writers to experience the destination and coordinating those trips, sending out media releases, responding to media inquiries, use of the SLO Chamber's photography library for editorial requests and developing customized media kits. We do all this public relations work for just one client — San Luis Obispo. This focused effort is paying off; in the past year alone, we contributed to nearly 300 media placements that highlight San Luis Obispo including those in Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles Times, Mercury News, Matador Network, Sunset Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune & Fodor's. 2020-21 Strategy • SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAMBER M COMMERCE Packet Page 117 Item 10 June 2020 Since the middle of March, San Luis Obispo, like so many cities reliant on tourism, has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions begin to ease and leisure travel reopens, San Luis Obispo will be facing a new normal in tourism and in our community. Now more than ever, it will be imperative to communicate the vitality and character of our community and showcase San Luis Obispo as a safe, friendly and thriving city where people want to live and visitors want to vacation. The public relations program will share the story of the unique offerings San Luis Obispo has for both residents and visitors by highlighting the character of the community and why locals love to call SLO home. This includes the promotion of community initiatives and the sharing of distinctive experiences which set the San Luis Obispo community apart from other destinations. Objectives: a) Promote San Luis Obispo as a destination to live, play and stay driving visitation and delivering economic impact. b) Build consumer awareness serving as the voice of SLO by amplifying the destination brand and reaching audiences locally, regionally and nationally. c) Communicate the vitality and character of San Luis Obispo and the community. Target audiences: Our promotional efforts will target two audience groups: 1) Potential visitors ranging from millennials to baby boomers, in defined key travel markets (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego), as well as those with special interests such as food and wine, outdoor activities or arts and culture. 2) Central Coast residents looking to rediscover what is in their backyard or within their community. Strategies to reach target audiences Specific to the Tourism Business Improvement District Telling the right story in the right place Our community has never before faced the economic hurdles of these past few months. The tourism industry is a vital part of San Luis Obispo and in our partnership with the TBID's marketing team, we will amplify our voice and reach, operating as the local expert. We will work together to position San Luis Obispo as the ideal destination for visitors, taking into consideration how the city fits into wider travel trends. Additionally, we will be crafting quarterly press releases for DCI to pitch via their resources and professional contacts. Press visits & FAMs There is no substitute for experiencing San Luis Obispo firsthand. Press trips play a major role in generating editorial placements that tell the San Luis Obispo story and showcase our key messages. These placements inspire travel and educate consumers on the destination. • working with key partners to host individual and FAM visits based on responsive leads — T Packet Page 118 Item 10 June 2020 • additionally hosting visits as a result of DCI proactive outreach Digital Influencer Hosting As the digital influencer -sphere is growing, we have dedicated more attention to these content creators. In our past work on the digital influencer strategy, we have found success in the authentic relationship building and will continue to work with DCI to grow this program. We will support partnerships with digital influencers that are relevant to the SLO brand, resonate with our target audience and have a desired reach on their platform(s). • working with key partners to host visits based on responsive leads • additionally hosting visits as a result of DCI proactive outreach Specific to the Promotional Coordinating Committee Putting the pieces in place Every inch of San Luis Obispo has its own unique history, and every SLO resident has their own story. We propose developing a community promotions strategy and an editorial calendar to amplify the diverse stories to tell within our community. This organized method will provide ample lead-time to create content and will complement partner activities and community happenings as well as the TBID's marketing plan to ensure overall efficiency and benefit. Supporting a vibrant economy San Luis Obispo is a bustling hub for makers, entrepreneurs and creatives of all stripes. There are many unique and unearthed stories to be shared within the community. As cities across the globe fight to regain their economic footing, highlighting the character of San Luis Obispo will be an important piece of our success. The stories of perseverance and innovation among families, students, small business owners and professionals are waiting to be told, and sharing these stories will encourage further connection amongst neighbors in our community. Shop Local Campaign Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and help shape the diverse economy in San Luis Obispo. As the PCC develops it's Shop Local campaign, the SLO Chamber will work closely with Verdin Marketing to amplify the message through public relations efforts. Foster Key Relationships Now more than ever, it is vital to work with our community partners to strengthen our collective message. With less resources and more obstacles as we look to encourage people to explore our city, the SLO Chamber will proactively work with other organizations to cross market through public relations initiatives as well as grow strategic alliances to promote the city. In the upcoming year we are excited to deepen our collaboration with businesses and organizations that contribute to the region's cultural vibrancy. Visit California: We will leverage the large international megaphone that belongs to Visit California by participating in its PR programs. Key opportunities include submitting content to Packet Page 119 Item 10 June 2020 Visit California's editorial board, participating in Visit California -led press trips, sharing content on Visit California's social media channels and potentially attending domestic media marketplaces. Central Coast Tourism Council: We will leverage the Central Coast Tourism Council's growing reach by participating in its PR efforts and positioning the destination as the heart of the Central Coast. Visit SLO CAL: We will leverage the national and international reach of Visit SLO CAL by partnering closely with their PR team and participating in their PR programs. As the heart of SLO CAL, SLO is poised to benefit from participating in Visit SLO CAL -led press trips and ensuring that SLO CAL understands our message calendar, key assets and understands the city as a productive partner in promoting our region. SLO Coast Wine Collective: Understanding that the budding wine region is a flourishing aspect of our destination, SLO will work with SLO Coast Wine's team on telling that story and publicizing the destination together. Cal Poly: Cal Poly is not only one of the community's largest economic drivers, but also a huge draw for visitors whether they be families of students or those seeking the university's many cultural offerings. Through our built-in relationship with Cal Poly, we are able to work with them to get in front of additional audiences like alumni, staff recruits and other key stakeholders in the university. MINDBODY: The SLO Chamber has a great relationship with MINDBODY's PR team that we will continue to grow. Our shared interest in representing San Luis Obispo as a wellness destination, in addition to highlighting our community as one where start-ups such as MINDBODY thrive, is an excellent example of the SLO Chamber's ability to bring together non-traditional tourism partnerships. SLO Lodging Properties: We will work with the city's lodging partners and their PR teams to lead the destination portion of any hosted media or FAMS. As there is a shared interest for success in both promoting the hotels and the destination, this partnership is natural but also tactical in its approach. Scope of work The scope of work within this proposal includes: • In partnership with TBID Public Relations agency: o Developing the 2020-21 editorial calendar o Maintaining VisitSLO media center o Refreshing key PR messages o Updating target media list o Refreshing story ideas o Crafting proactive pitches o Building custom itineraries and hosting travel writers on individual and FAM trips throughout the year T Packet Page 120 Item 10 June 2020 o Building custom itineraries and hosting digital influencers o Participation in and pitching of TBID coordinated special promotions such as Money for a Rainy Day o Working in coordination on the comprehensive marketing plan to increase brand awareness across all platforms • Continued independently: o Developing community promotions strategy and editorial calendar o Tying in with Visit California, Visit SLO CAL & CCTC's public relations efforts to enhance visibility o Partnering with neighboring destinations on tourism initiatives o Working with community partners on additional hosting opportunities o Responding to pitch requests o Fulfilling all media requests o Sourcing, building custom itineraries and hosting travel writers on individual and FAM trips throughout the year with key partners o Sourcing, building custom itineraries and hosting digital influencers with key partners o Participation in and pitching of City coordinated campaigns such as Shop Local to regional media and influencers o Participating in potential out -of -area promotional trips (possible opportunities include partnerships with strategic partners such as MINDBODY) including preparation, media coordination and staff travel $85,000 a year for PR Services per year for the next year, jointly funded by the TBID and PCC In 2019-20, the TBID funded 60% and the PCC funded 40% of the contract Media Monitoring In 2020-21, we propose a continuation of the media monitoring contract with Cision which allows the TBID & PCC to see the impact of public relations work, gives our PR team access to contact information for outlets, freelancers and influencers, and allows for whitelisted distribution of media releases. This is a pass -through contract, and because of the Chamber's nonprofit status, the service is available at a significant discount. This year, we propose the TBID and PCC jointly fund the media monitoring service to ensure the SLO Chamber has the tools they need to complete their work and measure results. 10 $7,425 a year We propose joint funding by the TBID & PCC Packet Page 121 Item 10 June 2020 Summary San Luis Obispo City Tear -Off Maps hold $9,000 GIA Marketing Support hold $30,000 a year Public Relations Services for 2020-21 $42,500 a year* *$85,000, jointly funded by the TBID and PCC Media Monitoring Services $3,712.50 a year* *7,425, proposing joint funding by the TBID and PCC SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAMBER of COMMERCE Packet Page 122 2020-21 Community Promotions Program Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) Recommendations As recommended by the Tourism Business Improvement i rict (TBID) Board and the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC): %ir, �AMW r 1. Authorize the CityManager to enter various con racts and program expenditures g p g p for the TBID not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $1,014,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the TBID Board and the adopted TBID Fund revenue projections as part of the 2020-21 Budget Supplement. 000 _ 2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into contracts utilizing the TBID Fund un- appropriated fund balance from the 2019-20 fiscal year, following the completion of the City's audited financial statements, for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020- 21 based on the recommendations by the TBID Board. 3. Authorize the City Manager to use the TBID Fund Reserve of $100,000 for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020-21 in accordance with the TBID reserve policy. o%00p 4 Authorize the City Manager to enter into various contracts and program expenditures for Community Promotions not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $368,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the PCC. a � 1 a � 1\ v Community Promotions Background Separ e program functions but collaborative approach to promote SLO TBID, - t PCC • March 2020 - COVI D-19 — Paused all paid media — Paused all promotions March 2020- COVI D-19 — SLO Happy arch mural — Expansion of the Downtown Banner — #SLOtogether Program — Initiated Support Local Economic • Occupancy fell to as low as 14% Recovery Program p Y • Major Modifications to Cultural • Decline in TBID Revenue in FY 20- GIA Program 21 of approximately $500k t ♦ 2020-21 TBID Program • Tourism Marketing & Advertising Services — New marketing contract: 9 "1 itSLO.com & ShareSLO Noble Studios & DCI M Ott Marketing Contracts & Activities Public Relations Suppo.r 'Guest Services — Cooperative Advertising Opportunities (Visi — COVI D Recovery Response - - • Industry Memberships/Partnerships/Conferences/Support — SLO Coast Wine Collective Central Coast Tourism Council (CCTC) -� — Cal Travel Smith Travel Research — Staff participation in industry conferences Contingency Fund TBID Budget Allocations FY 2020-21 rogra m Contract Service — Visitor Services (Visitor Center Operations) — Public Relations Support ,ofA-N, — Downtown Maps (Tear -Off Maps) • Strategic Initiatives — Focus on Community Placemaking & Community Recovery —Past work includes funding for new Support Local program & PCC Budget Allocations Program Expenses / Maps 3% PR Contract 13% " -dd 41] -Wk or. Visitor Services 33% FY 20-21 :unding 7 Strategic Initiatives 14% feral Contract Services 10% k— Community Promotions Recovery Efforts Separate program functions but collaborative approach to promote SLO TBID � • New Marketing Agency Onboarding • Implement Safe, Ready & Open Program • Develop and implement recovery campaign • Evaluate and pivot when needed Evergreen Campaign when recovery is stable PCC • Implement Support Local campaign,- ��.,• -; Planning & Prioritization for program work plan Implement Modified Cultural GIA Program Develop additional banner/flag TBID 30/60/90 Day Plan June \ Discovery & Planning Intake Immersion & Research Brand Creative & Messaging Discovery SEO Planning & Set -UP Paid Media Audit Planning & Set -Up ' Public Relations & Influencer Marketing Discovery 30 Days 60 Days Build Out & Launch Reopening Campaign Evaluate Brand Positioning Website Takeover SEO Audits & Strategy Blog Posts Social Content + Calendars & Daily Posts Develop Paid Media Plan Leverage Existing Influencer Partnerships Distribute Monthly Email Marketing Optimize Reopening Campaign Develop Marketing and Advertising Plan Concept & Build Out Evergreen Campaign Creative Development Regional/Drive Market Influencer Partnerships Brand Messaging Strategy 9►0 Days • Evaluate Reopening Campaign • Expand Paid Media • Target Regional Influencer Partnership_ • Begin Media Visit Program #SLOready Campaign TBID & PCC collaborate to launch a campaign encouraging people to visit and spend locally within the City of San Luis Obispo when the time is rightf. Align, Activate & Amplify through and inside out approach. — PCC messaging (locally) will show how all the businesses in SLO have readied themselves to welcome locals, regional, i it r and tourists aback safely and comfortably. " — TBID messaging (drive markets) will start with showcasing the destination's readiness then build upon the PCC's foundation to invittravelers back to SLO. 46 Ciagnpaign Support L, is currently in development for PCC launch of program in July. r Recommendations As recommended by the Tourism Business Improvement i rict (TBID) Board and the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC): %ir, �AMW r 1. Authorize the CityManager to enter various con racts and program expenditures g p g p for the TBID not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $1,014,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the TBID Board and the adopted TBID Fund revenue projections as part of the 2020-21 Budget Supplement. 000 _ 2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into contracts utilizing the TBID Fund un- appropriated fund balance from the 2019-20 fiscal year, following the completion of the City's audited financial statements, for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020- 21 based on the recommendations by the TBID Board. 3. Authorize the City Manager to use the TBID Fund Reserve of $100,000 for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020-21 in accordance with the TBID reserve policy. o%00p 4 Authorize the City Manager to enter into various contracts and program expenditures for Community Promotions not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $368,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the PCC. . 10 r . I'i Recommendations As recommended by the Tourism Business Improvement i rict (TBID) Board and the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC): %ir, �AMW r 1. Authorize the CityManager to enter various con racts and program expenditures g p g p for the TBID not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $1,014,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the TBID Board and the adopted TBID Fund revenue projections as part of the 2020-21 Budget Supplement. 000 _ 2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into contracts utilizing the TBID Fund un- appropriated fund balance from the 2019-20 fiscal year, following the completion of the City's audited financial statements, for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020- 21 based on the recommendations by the TBID Board. 3. Authorize the City Manager to use the TBID Fund Reserve of $100,000 for tourism marketing expenditures in 2020-21 in accordance with the TBID reserve policy. o%00p 4 Authorize the City Manager to enter into various contracts and program expenditures for Community Promotions not to exceed the 2020-21 program budget of $368,000 (excludes staffing costs) based on the recommendations by the PCC.