HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-2012 PCC MinutesPromotional Coordinating Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
5:30 pm
City Hall - Council Hearing Room
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Jill LeMieux
PRESENT: Fidler, Palazzo, Cox, Pearce, Yukelson
STAFF PRESENT: Brigitte Elke, Principal Admin Analyst
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment
APPOINTMENTS:
Incoming board member Ron Yukelson and re-appointed member Marilyn Fidler took their
oath of office.
Ron Yukelson and Clint Pearce, new TBID representative on the committee, gave a short
introduction.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Cox/Pearce to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Motion carried 6:0
PRESENTATIONS
1. CONTRACTOR REPORTS
Lindsey Miller, Marketing Director for the Chamber of Commerce, reported on the past
quarter efforts including events promotion. She explained the idea behind the support
given to GIA recipients. She presented the new format of the quarterly event flyer that is
sent to hotels, several restaurants, and museums.
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April 11, 2012
Page 2
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. BUDGET & COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS PROGRAM 2012-13
Vice-Chair LeMieux introduced the agenda item and discussion to date. Three components
were presented and discussed in detail.
1. Directional Wayfinding
Staff gave an overview on the status of the project. The current construction project has an
available budget of $100,000. The request for proposal scheduled to be released in June
will include the required font test material. Commissioners asked whether the TBID would
consider allocating funding.
2. Tourism Services – Chamber of Commerce
Ermina Karim, the Chamber’s President and CEO, presented the recommended program
options that were prepared in consideration of building on the special relationship the
Chamber has with the PCC. The presentation included:
- the visitors’ center and the pending retrofit that allows for tenant improvements to
the building and working space. The Chamber would like to develop the center into
a concierge location with enhanced levels of service to meet the needs of all types of
tourists. However, for 2012-13, the funding request would remain at $76,500.
- the Events Promotion and Reactive Public Relations contract with a proposal for
proactive PR to share the City’s story on an ongoing basis.
- MySLO hospitality program that was originally paid for by the TBID, but has since
grown to educate front line staff of a multitude of industries connected to the
visitors’ experience. It is larger than just hotels.
- New projects which included:
o Free and simple map of the city
o Promotional concepts such as HikeSLO, BikeSLO, WalkSLO, KidSLO,
DrinkSLO to highlight multitude of activities the area offers.
o Free City greeting postcards – including postage
The commissioners commented on print products over electronic means, QR code
inclusion and possible versions in Spanish. Lindsey Miller commented that the website and
visitors kiosk include Spanish translations, but print products are usually produced in
English only.
3. Community Promotion Staffing
Claire Clark, the City’s Economic Development Manager, provided the overview of the topic
and why the two advisory bodies were approached with it. Katie Lichtig, City Manager,
further addressed why the current staffing model is not sustainable in light of a growing
and changing program.
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April 11, 2012
Page 3
The commissioners commented that this was in important step for the City and its
economic development efforts. They felt that the proposed approach will give the flexibility
needed to address individual committee needs while supporting an important City goal.
ACTION: Moved by Cox/Yukelson to approve the position and financial contribution
from the Community Promotion’s program in concept and as presented.
Motion carried 6:0
Commissioners J. LeMieux and M. Fidler asked to partake in the task force that will develop
the job requirements and description.
2. SLO HAPPENINGS
Ashley Ackers, Vice President with Verdin, reported on the SLO Happenings program and
summarized the components of the campaign which entail the print product, social media,
and advertising campaign. She provided metrics on the social media component and the
growth experienced on the sites. She presented new cover options for the second
installment of the brochure. The committee favored the picture with the runners and the
mock-up in May will be based on that color scheme.
Ashley then presented a proposal for the possible evolution of the brochure beyond this
year’s contract. The agency was hoping to start a quarterly brochure as many events were
left out due to timing issues with a print product. Keeping it to 16 pages would allow for the
inclusion of a calendar for people to track events month by month.
She mentioned the collaboration efforts with Parks & Recreation to possibly integrate the
department’s activity guide. The commissioners appreciated this collaboration effort to
produce a better, more cost-effective, and all inclusive product.
Given the vast amount of information received, the commissioners decided to postpone
further discussion to the May meeting after they had time to review the material to provide
follow-up questions and comments.
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATION
TBID Liaison C. Pearce reported that the TBID Board started its program discussion and
decided to exercise the last contract extension with the current marketing contractor. The
TBID’s budget task force was asked to convene and discuss program components and
funding elements.
Meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm