HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-2009 PCC MinutesPromotional Coordinating Committee
Minutes
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
5:30 pm
City Hall
Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Cate Norton 5:30 pm
PRESENT: T. Conner, Babb, J. Conner, Nicklas, Kinney
STAFF PRESENT: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by J. Conner/Babb to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Motion carried 6:0
PRESENTATIONS
1. DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION – DEBORAH CASH
Deborah Cash, Executive Director of the Downtown Association, introduced the new
association structure to the PCC and provided the committee with a copy of the association’s
recommendations for 2009-11 to Council. She reiterated that they are still in the process of
formulating their work program and budget for the upcoming year. The economic downturn
has changed their focus and they are concentrating on helping their members to stay in
business. However, some of the recommendations to Council were:
1.Security
2.Street lights – Deborah thinks that she could seek donations successfully
3.Sidewalk scrubbing – at least keep status quo and don’t reduce current frequency
4.Tree Trimming
They are working on new banners and holiday events for 2009-10. They hope to develop a
program to vitalize evening and night activities believing that this time of day offers
opportunity for growth. The daytime business is maxed out and there is little turn over from a
business perspective.
2. QUARTERLY REPORT – VISITORS AND CONFERENCE BUREAU
Dave Kastner gave an overview on the past three months. The VCB placed ads in Sunset
Magazine and the California Visitors Guide, as well as online ads on LATimes.com from
November through January. They’ve just ended the second Restaurant Month in the County
with much success. Ten more restaurants participated and all are reporting great sales.
Some restaurants consider continuing the offer into February since the menu was so popular.
VCB staff continues to send the online newsletter “This week in SLO County” to over 11,000
users and they are constantly working on website upgrades.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. GIA – REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGES TO THE PROGRAM
The subcommittee members reported on their subcommittee meeting of February 2, 2009. In
that meeting the subcommittee looked at possibly establishing tiers for the GIA program to
create more collaboration between the PCC and the applicants and to gain more benefits for
City tourism. After review of the subcommittee’s recommendation, the PCC opted to
recommend only three tiers and eliminate the top tier discussed by the subcommittee.
The selected tiers were:
1. up to $3,000
2. $3,001 to $7,500
3. $7,501 to $12,000
ACTION: Moved by T. Conner/Kinney to recommend a tiered structure for GIA to
Council, adopting three different tiers as discussed. Motion carried 6:0
2. CONTINUE DISCUSSION FROM ANNUAL RETREAT
The committee continued the discussion started at the annual retreat with the goal to develop
budget recommendation to Council. The discussion was based on the decision made during
the retreat to concentrate the PCC’s efforts on internal marketing. After thorough discussion,
the committee had narrowed the possible scope to signage, OpenSpace, Visitor Center,
Website, PR & Event Promotion, ShopSLO/DineSLO, GIA, and regional promotion.
ACTION: Moved by T. Conner/Babb to call a special meeting on February 26, 2009 to
finalize recommendations to Council. Motion carried 6:0
Staff will send out the discussed items to all members before the meeting.
PCC LIAISON REPORTS
No liaison reports were given.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.