HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-30 KCVB MinutesKenai Convention Visitor Bureau
Kenai, AK
January 30, 2006, 5:30 p.m.
Fred Braun, Presiding
Roll call was taken and the following members were:
Present: Marion Nelson, Robert Fulton, Jacquie Steckel, Robin West, Sasha
Lingren, David Edward Smith, Ron Malaston, Sharon Brewer, Pat Porter,
Jacquie Steckel and Fred Braun
Absent: Diana Lofstedt, Jerry Dunn, Lori Chase
Visitors Present: Mya Renken and Natasha Ala
APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 28, 2005: David Edward -Smith
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: Items added to the agenda included to NEW BUISNESS, Marion added, 3.
Creation of Standing Arts Committee, to UNFINISHED BUISNESS,
Sasha added, 2. Plan B for the Visitor Guide.
PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
None
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Discussion: Mya asked if there were any questions regarding the written report. Marion
asked how the relationship was going with Artic Winter Games. Mya responded that
KCVB is moving forward with planning of cultural events for the week. There will be a
film festival "The Kenai International Film Festival an interpative lecture series with
guest speakers, an exhibit from the State Museum about the history of the Games which
will have it's own opening, there will be a private party for Team Alberta and another
private party for the 2008 AWG Host Delegation. Marion asked what it's costing the
KCVB in regards to the AWG's. Mya responded that staff time would probably add up
to a couple thousand dollars. Sash mentioned that the Tribe might be hosting a farewell
BBQ, Fred suggested that that event take place in the building. Mya suggested rewriting
our bi -laws so that half the board wasn't turning over every year.
Kenai Visitors Culture Center
Visitation increased in June July
Increased referrals to members
Nominal revenues generated by Alaska 2005: Native Arts Now
Easter egg hunt and other community minded programs
Hosted Santa and hot chocolate during the Kenai Chamber's Christmas Comes to
Kenai celebration
2006 exhibit will be The Kenai Experience curated by Jim Evenson
Kenai Convention Visitors Bureau
Developed collateral materials (rack card and visitor guide) for marketing the city
of Kenai as a visitor destination
Identified niche markets which would provide best return on investment for the
city of Kenai and the KCVB members
Worked leads from tradeshows, media events, ect. generate positive press for
Kenai
Incubated Kenai's Saturday Market
Discussion: Fred discussed the many accomplishments of the 2005 season. The KCVB
saw an increase in Visitors and an increase in referrals to Membership. The Saturday
Farmers Market was a big success. Many people who participated in the Saturday
Market were in attendance and shared their comments. Everyone thought the Market was
financially a worthy venture and look forward to the 2006 Market season. One vendor
commented that the only bigger vendor event for him was the Fur Rondi in Anchorage
and that his sales at the Kenai Farmers Market were a close second. Harold thanked the
vendors for working with him, and, the vendors thanked Harold for all his hard work in
putting the Market together. There were many positive comments regarding the up
coming art show and gala, THE KENAI EXPERIENCE, curated by Jim Evenson.
TREASUER 'S REPORT
Another visitor season comes to a close and the KCVB continues to maintain a healthy
financial position. The 2005 fiscal year is shaping up to be a continuation of positive
cash flow, due primarily to the success of Old Town Bingo and a modest profit generated
by the summer art show.
As we prepare the 2006 budget, we are optimistic we can continue this trend while
expanding our benefits to both our membership and to the community.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Where We Are Headed
Kenai Visitor Culture Center
Friends of the Kenai Visitor Culture Center 501 (3)c
New permanent exhibit Indigenous Peoples of Kenai, AK
Collections care management, including restoration of commercial boats
Separate membership to promote KVCC in addition to Kenai
More community cultural workshops and looking for ideas
Working on exhibits in public areas (City Hall, Kenai Municipal Airport)
Kenai Convention Visitor Bureau
2006 Kenai Visitor Guide
Website update and improvements
Increased Kenai representation at trade operator shows
Continue boosting advertisement of KENAI as a visitor destination
Working the Kenai Economic Development Strategic Plan (KEDS) in partnership
with the City, Kenai Chamber and other participating entities
2006 Kenai's Saturday Market.. yep, it will be back
UNFINISHED B UISNESS 2006 BOARD NOMINATION FROM THE FLOOR
There are six seats up for reelection. Those seats belong to Robin West, Marion Nelson,
David Edward Smith, Fred Braun, Jerry Dunn, and Robert Fulton.. Fred nominated all
members up for reelection to be put on the ballot. There was some question regarding
whether Jerry Dunn would want to be on the ballot and since he wasn't there to accept
the nomination his name was withdrawn.
The floor was opened for new names to be put on the ballot. No new names were added.
NEW B UISNESS
BOARD COMMENTS
Sasha Thanks.
David E -S no comment
Robin Thanked the staff for all their hard work and those who put the event together.
Lori Thanks to all for attending. She is 100 behind the new visitor guidebook.
Jacquie Thanks to the staff and the board.
Mya Thanks to Carrol Martin for cooking the meat, thanks to Ridgeway Farms for
donating the meat, thanks to Lori Chase for helping with the food. Thanks to the staff for
all their hard work. Thanks to Natasha for organizing this event. Also mentioned that we
will be hosting Cross Cultural training for those businesses that work with visitor for the
upcoming AWG.
Fred- Asked about getting a special spot in the paper for a calendar of upcoming events
especially geared for visitors to Kenai. Thanked the staff for all their hard work.
Meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.. The next scheduled meeting will be Monday, November
21, 2005, at 5:30 p.m..
Minutes prepared by Natasha Ala.