VisitRainier Board Minutes: April 2009

10:00-2:00pm
Alta Crystal Resort
The meeting was called to order by President Jeremy Foust at 10:10 am. Board members attending were: Jeremy, Andrea, Steven, Maree, and Adam. Pam, PC, Rehne and Dee were excused. Guests included Enumclaw Mayor John Wise, Enumclaw Chamber Director Cathy Riggs, and Buckley Mayor Pat Johnson. Annalee Tobey, Carol Zahorsky and Mary Kay were also in attendance.

Maree moved and Steven seconded the approval of the January minutes. Motion carried.

The Financial Report for Mar-April was distributed and accepted.

Mary Kay suggested that we move the discussion of the Pierce County 2010 request to the top of the agenda so we would not run out of time before some members had to leave. Visit Rainier has requested $239,000 for 2010. In 2009, the amount was reduced to $189,000 which resulted in a reduction of print advertising and other lost opportunities. The board discussed various ways we could communicate the impact that the reduction had on the marketing effort and the increased need to have more marketing in this economic climate. We will have 20 minutes to review the past year and show our need for funding in 2010. 10 minutes will be available for Q&A. A discussion was held about obtaining signatures for a petition and survey to show the level of support that VR has in the communities it represents. Jeremy offered to tag team the presentation with Mary Kay and they will emphasize the increase in economic development and jobs for the area as well as the community support that leverages dollars with Pierce County's funds. The main point to communicate is that Pierce County is showing a 9.7 percent increase which is well above the state average of 5.7 percent. This increase can be attributed to the Visit Rainier campaign.

A new tool is being used to collect input from the stakeholders. A survey through Constant Contact (our e-newsletter software program) is being developed by MK to collect comments and data that will enable us to show support of VR and to communicate our program to the stakeholders. That info is critical to the LTAC decision making effort.

New Business:

Guest introductions. Jeremy introduced Mayor John Wise from the city of Enumclaw, Enumclaw Chamber Director Cathy Rigg and Buckley Mayor, Pat Johnson. They explained the programs and projects that are going on in their respective cities. For Enumclaw Mayor Wise commented on the King County Fair and the welcome center/transit center which will also house the Forest Service and National Park Service staff. It is scheduled for completion in 2010. A Pacific Northwest Equestrian and Expo Center is being developed on the fairgrounds site. Mayor Wise offered to broadcast on their cable TV station any info we might have for marketing. Our videos might also be made available to them. Cathy talked about the King County Fair and suggested VR consider a booth. They are also working on a Vancouver Columbia Basin publication.

In Buckley, the foothills trail continues to be one of their major assets connecting Buckley to South Prairie and beyond. It provides an economic boost to their economy. The goal is to eventually have a 50 mile paved trail from Carbon River entrance to Tacoma. She mentioned the Log Show in June, and the car show and museum/visitor center which also attracts tourists. Pat suggested that it would be good to meet with the new Pierce County executive to explain the value of the Visit Rainier program. Pat offered to initiate the conversation and will contact us for further input. Although, Buckley is not able to financially support Visit Rainier. They will send a letter of support.

Executive Directors Report, including website information - See attached

Carol Zahorsky PR - Board members provided an update on happenings in their areas. Carol announced that the Hawaiian Airlines in-flight magazine crew will be at Mt. Rainier in August. She asked for help and support with hosting the crew during those times. She has arranged an all around the mountain itinerary for them.

Carol requested that everyone keep her informed about opportunities for sending out press releases and stated that she is willing to do whatever is needed to get the press releases out, but she needs material well in advance to get into the major publications. Carol also commented on the effectiveness of the press room on the website and asked if there were improvements that could be made. She reminded everyone to look at the editorial calendar that is posted on our website on the stakeholders page.

2009 Carry over funds: The carryover funds were not budgeted for the 2009 year. The board discussed options of what to use those dollars for. It was decided to increase our print advertising campaign to include: the Summer Guide in the Seattle Times, AAA Journey Sept/Oct issue and the Sunset August issue which focuses on the National Parks and the upcoming Ken Burns special in September, Oregon/Idaho VIA in June, Seattle Visitor Guide and the Seattle Drive Guide, Road to Rainier and Nisqually Visitor Guide. MK will also look into opportunities in the Portland area market. Other ideas included the lodging video project, a tradeshow booth set up and projector for presentations.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30pm.
Next Meeting: Date was changed to July 8 in Ashford at Whittakers.