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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBozeman Tourism Business Improvement District Work Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2012.pdf Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Jim Robbins, Vice President, Bozeman Tourism Business Improvement District Daryl Schliem, CEO Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, Director Bozeman Tourism Business Improvement District SUBJECT: Bozeman Tourism Business Improvement District Work Plan and Budget MEETING DATE: August 22, 2011 AGENDA TYPE: Action RECOMMENDATION: Approve the work plan and budget of the Bozeman Tourism Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2012. BACKGROUND: The City Commission created by Resolution No 4182 on July 6, 2009, the Bozeman Tourism Business Improvement District, pursuant to the provisions of Title 7, Chpt 12, Part 11, MCA for the purpose of aiding tourism, promotion, and marketing within the district. The Board of Trustees for this district were created by Ordinance No. 1765 effective September 10, 2009. It is required that the board submits to the governing body for approval a work plan and budget for the ensuing fiscal year. After approval of the work plan and budget the governing body shall by resolution levy an assessment upon all of the property in the district. ALTERNATIVES: 1) Approve the work plan and budget with revisions. 2) Provide feedback and request significant revisions with a return to the Commission. 3) As suggested by the City Commission. Attachments: FY10/11 year in review FY 10/11 reported overnight stays FY 11/12 budget FY 11/12 work plan 330 DRAFT Fiscal Year 10/11 TBID Year in Review Association & Convention Market: 1) Booth designed by Flying Horse Communication for trade shows 2) Meeting planner designed by Flying Horse Communication. 3) Visual identity developed by Flying horse Communication. 4) Developed temporary meeting planner website at meetinbozeman.com. 5) Attended Professional Meetings and Convention Associations (PCMA) annual event. Lead development on going. 6) Attended HSMAI Affordable Midwest meeting planner event in Chicago. Lead development in process. 7) Attended Montana Society of Association Executives annual meeting. Supported local hotelier effort to bring state meetings to Bozeman. 8) Communication plan for meetings developed by Flying Horse Communication. 9) Approved internet initiative with CVENT, an RFP generator that brings destinations and meeting planners together. Leisure Market 1) Purchased warm season ad campaign with Mercury CSC. 2) Attended Rocky Mountain International (RMI) Round Up, a consortium of international tour operators selling this region to potential European leisure visitors. At least one contract signed to date. 3) Became member of the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association. 4) Approved some secondary support to the overhead of the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center. 5) Attended Montana Governors Conference. 6) Approved Billboard campaign. 7) CVB had primary focus. Sport Tournament Market 1) Supported the State A Basketball Tournament March 3-5 2011. This event became available in late 2010 and TBID funds made it possible. 2) Participated in effort to bring the State Showcase Soccer Tournament to Bozeman, bid failed. Bozeman now ranks higher for the 2012 bid. 3) Participated in the Gallatin Valley Tournament Committee future bidding efforts. 4) Ongoing discussion with the Montana Open Wrestling Tournament. 5) Advertised in Sports Destination Publication. Group Tour Market 1) No significant programs in 2010/11 331 Event Market 1) Supported upcoming Bozeman Ice Festival. 2) Supported Simms Ice Out Event. 3) Approved future support of fairgrounds business plan. 4) Approved Support of 2013 religious event at MSU. Film Market 1) No significant programs in 2010/11 2) CVB Focus Administrative: 1) Developed first marketing plan and budget 2) Developed reporting process and applicable forms. 3) Developed grant application form. 4) Instituted $500 fee for late reporting. 5) Added Bozeman Belgrade Lodging Association Representative to the advisory board (non- voting). 6) Approved authority for TBID director to spend up to $500 without board approval, two signatures still required. 7) Approved checks of $50 or less would require only one signature. 8) Approved credit card for sales person for travel expenses. 9) Sponsored two special hotelier meetings on the convention center topic. 10) Carried on lengthy discussion on the process of TBID board appointment recommendations to the city, no changes were recommended. 11) Attended two statewide TBID meetings. 332 Parcel #FY 10/11 fee overnight stays Hilton Homewood Suites RGG45545 21753 Western Heritage RGG21803 8317 La Quinta RGG4573 11724 Holiday Inn RGG4806 32397 Days Inn RGG1795 23143 Rodeway Inn RGG53120 8233 Comfort Inn RGG6415 24552 Lewis & Clark RGG5431 8343 BW Grandtree RGG6645 29312 Ramada Limited RGG4626 11713 Super 8 RGG1899 20809 Hampton Inn RGG5885 15438 Fairfield Inn RGG4733 10770 Bozeman Inn RGG2207 7451 Imperial Inn RGG4174 Closed Royal 7 Budget Inn RGG6127 11705 Residence Inn RGG33550 22613 Blue Sky Inn RGG4134 2074 Wingate RGG41144 19865 Ranch House Hotel RGG5929 3740 TLC Inn RGG4301 9812 Manuson City Center RGG3507 10819 Microtel Inn & Suites RGG4521 11697 Moutainview Lodge and Suites RGG28538 4955 C'Mon Inn RGG9829 28510 Hilton Garden Inn RGG45545 30273 Budget Inn Express RGG3585 3754 Rainbow Motel RGG5538 4214 Total fee overnight stays 397986 333 Jul '11 - Jun 12 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Program Income Projected Collections 405,000.00 Total Program Income 405,000.00 Total Income 405,000.00 Expense Administration Expenses Administration / Payroll 95,250.00 Insurance 2,000.00 Interest Expense LOC 1,500.00 Legal / Accounting 1,000.00 Total Administration Expenses 99,750.00 Marketing / Advertsing Association & Convention Market 75,000.00 Leisure Market 68,000.00 Sports / Tournament Committee 64,000.00 Event Market 30,000.00 Group Tour Markets 10,000.00 Joint Ventures 26,000.00 Strategy 32,250.00 Total Marketing / Advertsing 305,250.00 Total Expense 405,000.00 Net Ordinary Income 0.00 Net Income 0.00 11:02 AM Bozeman Tourism Business Improvement District 07/26/11 Profit & Loss Budget Overview Accrual Basis July 2011 through June 2012 Page 1 334 1 DRAFT BOZEMAN TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WORK PLAN Fiscal Year 2011/2012 Mission Statement The Bozeman Business Tourism Improvement District’s (TBID) mission is to enhance the economic vitality of Bozeman by generating room nights for the city’s lodging facilities through effective sales and marketing strategies, building collaborative partnerships and promoting Bozeman as a year round visitor, convention and event destination. Positioning Statement The Bozeman TBID will work in conjunction with the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau to position the City of Bozeman as the destination of choice for visitors looking for the full Montana experience. The small town atmosphere of Bozeman, 55,000+ sq feet of convention space, proximity to world class outdoor recreation and Yellowstone National Park, excellent lodging and restaurants, majestic mountains and vast open spaces make Bozeman the premier year round destination in Montana. Purpose as defined by the State of Montana The purpose of the Business Tourism Improvement District as defined by section 7- 12-110 of the Montana Code Annotated: (1) Serve a public use; (2) Promote the health, safety, prosperity, security and general welfare of the inhabitants of the district and of the people of this state; (3) Be of special benefit to the property within the boundaries of any district created pursuant to the provisions of this part; or (4) Aid in the tourism promotion, and marketing within the district. 335 2 Overall Marketing Considerations While the markets the Bozeman TBID will pursue vary in many ways, the following themes will be constant throughout all of the Bozeman TBID sales and marketing efforts. 1) The overall amount of business that results from the Bozeman TBID sales and marketing efforts should be as equitable as possible throughout all of the lodging facilities in the district. 2) The seasonality of Bozeman’s tourism heavily favors the summer months. During the shoulder seasons and winter months, the occupancy in Bozeman’s lodging facilities can run as low as one-third of summer levels. The Bozeman TBID will make these lower occupancy months first priority when considering opportunities and marketing options. 3) Larger events have the greatest impact on the district as a whole and will be pursued accordingly. Market Strategies and Objectives The six markets: 1) associations and conventions, 2) leisure, 3) sport tournaments, 4) large events and 5) group tours, 6) film have the most potential for increased tourism expenditures in the City of Bozeman. 1) Association & Convention Market- Social Clubs, Educational, Environmental, Government, Recreation, Religious, Military, and Corporate. With 2,017 hotel rooms and 24,000 square feet of meeting space within these hotels the City of Bozeman is positioned to host a variety of local and national conventions. Additionally, Montana State University offers 31,000+ square feet of meeting space. Key Objectives:  Book four future citywide conventions/meetings in Bozeman .  Provide 60 market segment leads to all district hoteliers.  Execute one Familiarization Tour for national conventions. Strategy  Attend 4-6 national conferences directed at group organizers to generate qualified leads. Currently approved for 11/12 are  Collinson Connect 1-1 meeting event in Chicago.  Hospitality Sales and Management Association International (HSMAI) meeting planner event, Washington DC.  Maintain membership with Montana Society of Association Executives and attend annual convention. Support conference hotels’ efforts to bring instate meetings to Bozeman  Pursue contacts within organizations that are likely candidates for large conventions and meetings here in Bozeman. 336 3 2) Leisure Market (CVB focus)- Regional, National & International As a gateway city to Yellowstone Park, 45 minutes from Big Sky Resort and 20 minutes from Bridger Bowl, close to the Yellowstone, Madison and Gallatin rivers and situated directly off of 3 exits of I-90, the City of Bozeman is a major leisure destination for out of state, as well as in state travelers. Key Leisure Objectives  Present Bozeman as the ideal gateway town to the Yellowstone National Park leisure visitor.  Compliment Bozeman CVB efforts and buy in to Bozeman CVB marketing efforts that generate overnight stays during appropriate seasons.  Showcase Bridger Bowl to surrounding areas and feeder cities to create more winter visitation.  Present Bozeman in international market places to create more interest for Bozeman as an entry to Yellowstone.  Collaborate with local regional partners to present Bozeman as a world class ski town to a regional and national audience.  Present Bozeman to the I-90 drive through traveler as the ideal overnight location. Leisure Strategy  Develop an advertising campaign with Bridger Bowl utilizing print and the internet to pull winter visitors from the region.  Develop an advertising campaign for feeder cities to promote Bozeman as a world class ski destination with Bridger Bowl, Big Sky and Moonlight Basin ski areas.  CVB Strategy (see CVB marketing plan for details)  Build significant internet presence utilizing the CVB website in conjunction with facebook, alltrips.com , nationalgeographic.com, yahoo, tripadvisor and paid keyword searches on search engines.  Advertise in the final Montana Winter Guide.  Maintain CVB Website  Maintain phone call fulfillment center  Develop outdoor advertising campaign to pull visitors from I-90. 3) Sports/Tournament Market - High School, College, Regional, National, Youth. With the Brick Breeden Field House, Bobcat Stadium, the Gallatin County Fairgrounds ice rink, baseball stadium and rodeo arena, various soccer fields and parks, the city has the capability to host many large sporting events. Key Tournament Objectives  Increase the volume of Montana High School Association (MHSA) tournaments per year.  Add 2 future non-MHSA city wide tournaments. Tournament Strategy  Support the Gallatin Valley Tournament Committee .  Continue to develop relationships with local and state youth sports organizations to foster state wide youth tournaments in Bozeman. 337 4 4) Group Tour Market - Motor Coach Bozeman’s proximity to Yellowstone as a gateway city, small town atmosphere, the Museum of the Rockies and wealth of lodging options make the City of Bozeman a perfect overnight stop for tour bus companies. Key Group Tour Objectives  Develop 50 motor coach leads to district hoteliers.  Present Bozeman professionally to tour companies Group Tour Strategy  Participate in National Tour Association Annual Event ( NTA) and maintain membership.  Seek out Group Tour Companies interested in Bozeman an build relationships. 5) Event Market- Concert, National Events and Local Events With the Montana State University’s Brick Breeden 8,200 seat facility, Gallatin County Fairgrounds Rodeo venue and various smaller venues throughout the city, Bozeman has the ability to host national events such as concerts, professional sporting events and national speakers. Key Event Objectives  Collaborate with organizations in Bozeman that have the capacity to bring and execute large events in Bozeman that produce overnight stays.  Help facilitate the creation of 1 new city wide event. Event Strategy  Collaborate with Montana State University to increase the number of national level concerts.  Contact local and regional event promoters and coordinators.  Research successful event concepts in other similar cities. 6) Film- (CVB Focus) The Gallatin Valley has much to offer to a diverse group of visitors from film production to international visitors. Key Film Objectives  Entice filming companies to the Bozeman area. Film Strategy  Develop an incentive program to entice filming into the Gallatin Valley.  Research and participate in site selection programs.  CVB strategy  Film festival catalog print advertisement.  Participation in Sundance Film Festival and cultivate leads for future film opportunities. 338 5 Marketing Message Marketing message will utilize the recently developed visual identity and will focus on:  Fantastic selection of lodging properties.  Proximity to Yellowstone National Park.  4 seasons of limitless outdoor recreational opportunities.  Small town feel with unique and charming downtown.  Year round access from major cities.  Wonderful dinning, shopping and nightlife opportunities.  And the many other distinguishing aspects of Bozeman such as Bridger Bowl, Bohart Ranch, Montana State University and the Museum of The Rockies. Competition and Barriers The Bozeman TBID faces the following marketing challenges moving forward:  Economic Recession: groups, families and individuals are reducing spending and postponing potential visits. o Answer: Sell Bozeman as a value package to the spring, winter and fall traveler.  Similar destinations: Missoula, Billings, Boise, Helena, Great Falls, Jackson Hole, Cody, Whitefish/Kalispell/Columbia Falls, Couer d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello. o Answer: Promote the unique group of characteristics that differentiate Bozeman from competing destinations  Time: busy schedules are limiting vacation time. o Answer: Market to the regional traveler who is interested in staying close to home and support an increase of direct flights that make Bozeman a more convenient destination.  Lack of a convention center. Answer: o Continue to facilitate discussion on a Bozeman convention center.  The higher cost of airfare to and from Bozeman. o Answer: Continue to work with the airlines and the Gallatin Valley Airport to support increased air traffic and value. Chamber/TBID/CVB Structure The recent executive decision to combine the TBID and CVB marketing positions will allow for many organizational, marketing and monetary efficiencies moving forward. Over the next twelve months, while the existing CVB marketing plan is in place, the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce will work towards realigning these two marketing organizations so they can present Bozeman in a unified manner that will produce the best possible results for all stakeholders. 339