Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-12 KCVB MinutesBoard Members Present: Fred Braun, Marion Nelson, Jacquie Steckel, Robin West, Robert Fulton, Dan Van Zee, Jerry Dunn Kenai Convention and Visitors Bureau Board Meeting Minutes April 12, 2004 Board Members Excused: Sharon Brower, Pat Porter Staff Members Present: Michelle Glass, Diana McKenney A. Call to Order Roll Call: The meeting was called to order at 5:20p.m. B. Approval of Agenda: Ms. Nelson moved for and Ms. Steckel seconded approval of the agenda, it was approved unanimously. C. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Van Zee moved and Mr. West seconded approval of the March 22'' minutes. They were approved unanimously. D. Persons scheduled to be heard: None E. Correspondence: 1. Marty Ragan Resignation from KCVB Board: Ms. Ragan submitted her letter of resignation and has spoken to Porter Jordan of Fireweed Herb Garden about replacing her. He indicated that he would be thrilled, but later in the year. Ms. Glass suggested Michelle Blackwell as a board member because she has tremendous tourism experience. Ms. Steckel moved that Mr. Jordan and Ms. Blackwell be invited to serve on the board. Ms. Nelson seconded. Ms. Nelson felt that either would be good. Mr. West wondered if this would require an election or an appointment. Mr. Braun indicated that we would be able to appoint these members. Mr. Dunn knows Mr. Jordan and volunteered to talk to him. The bylaws indicate that a vacancy that occurs by reason of resignation may be filled for the unexpired portion of that Director's teuu by a majority vote of the remaining Directors. The motion was changed to include someone from Salamatof Native Association.. The maker of the motion approved. The amended motion was approved unanimously. 2. Jim Kuhnsman Kenai River Watch: (Letter included in packet) Ms. Nelson asked about the liability we would acquire with this association. She is concemed about the role of this group and the clarity of definition of the requirements. Mr. West felt that the program is a good idea, but requested the role for KCVB would be pretty hard to manage and is not within the scope of our mission and current capability. He felt that the Kenai Watershed Forum would be more appropriate for this task. Mr. Van Zee moved that we not be involved with this program and Ms. Nelson seconded. It was approved unanimously. Ms. Glass will send a letter to Mr. Kuhnsman declining involvement F. New Business: State Scenic Byway Nomination: Ms. Glass found out that communities along the Sterling Hwy. are looking to be listed as a Scenic Byway in the state of Alaska. There is no funding associated with this, but this is the first step for becoming a National Scenic Byway and then an all American Highway. Ms. Glass wanted to make sure the Spur Highway was included in this. She has a lot of experience with the program and believes it would qualify. Ms. Nelson met with representatives of the Scenic Byway program and took them on a tour of the area to further reinforce qualifications for the Spur. She was asked to be on the Corridor Committee and agreed. Mr. West met with them also and has expressed interest in this. He said that there is some opposition in the community including the Kenai Peninsula Mayor., but that the Borough Assembly is favorable. Perhaps the fear is that there will be more regulation and land would be tied up. Mr. Fulton thought it would be good to get the regulations that come with the designation. Ms. Glass said she could get the information. Mr. Braun asked about how the grant funds are used. Ms. Glass said that once you achieve national status, there is a pool of grants that can be used for specific projects like pull -outs and restrooms. Mr. Braun felt that we need to support this effort. Mr. Fulton moved that the Board give Ms. Glass direction to proceed with collection of information about this and proceed. Ms. Steckel seconded. It was approved unanimously. 2. Theme for next year's show: The idea for the summer art show for 2005 is to have a Native Alaska theme, perhaps, Faces of Alaska. This could be those of Alaska Native heritage exclusively, or include anyone bom in Alaska. I was decided that the theme should be determined according to our mission statement and how it can be used effectively as a marketing tool. Discussion will continue via e -mail. The theme is usually announced at the Grand Opening. 3. Meeting with Jim Bookey: Ms. Glass met with Mr. Bookey to discuss issues about KCVB and the budget. Ms. Glass indicated that the meeting was positive and very productive. They shared concerns about the profitability of the summer show, but we have taken numerous steps this year to improve on that front. They also shared the desire to use the show for more of a marketing tool in the future, as well as increase the overall marketing being done by the Kenai CVB. Mr. Bookey indicated that he felt that the City Council would support specific efforts geared towards marketing Kenai and the Cultural Center. Mr. Braun suggested that Ms Glass write a short statement to the Board of Directors and City Council outlining her intent for KCVB and the community of Kenai. G. Old Business: 1. Budget meeting with City of Kenai: We are scheduled to meet with the city on the 27` The council would also like to meet with our board to discuss the management contract sometime in May or June. They are asking for a list of questions and discussion items prior to the meeting and they will do the same for our board. Ms. Glass would like to meet with those members who have been here since the inception to discuss some of the issues. 2. Highway Neighbors Conference: Ms. Glass announced that the Kenai CVB won the bid to host the conference in 2006. This should bring around 100 participants to Kenai in April. The objective of the conference is to learn about highway statistics, scenic byways, and for all communities on the highway to get together and share ideas. One of the most interesting things she Learned was that the Milepost was the number one source of information for visitors. 53% of visitors rely on the milepost as their number one source. Ms. Glass hopes to include other entities here on the peninsula to participate. She recommends that we host it just prior to the sportsman show since many people will be traveling to this area at that time anyway. 3. Bounty of the Sea update: Mr. Braun suggested that we abandon the $100 ticket raffle and leave it to the staff to set up the grand opening raffle. We have decided not to do the Exploring Alaska video with Paul Gray, due to budget concerns and cost of it in relation to its marketing effectiveness. The schedule for the show and the grand opening is tight, but on schedule. 4. Year -end Report: Will likely be late, but will only cost about $300. Mr. Braun requested that Ms. Glass report to the city that we will be late. B. Executive Director's Report: Included in packet and discussed throughout this meeting. I. Board Comments: Mr. Dunn spoke in favor of the art show indicating that he is glad to have it to recommend to all the visitors at his RV Park. Comment on the snag somehow we have to spruce that thing up! Ms. Glass indicated that it is still a big visitor attraction..... Mr. West has volunteered to help with thank -yous for sponsors. He asked to work together with Ms. Glass and to possibly sign the letters jointly wants to make sure we have all the accurate data for the letters. Ms. Nelson doing a great job Michelle thank you!! Jon Faulkner spoke at rotary today about the Kenai Landing and talked about doing salt water fishing out of here. It just hasn't been a focus here. Some of the long range plans for that property will indeed have an impact on the area and has found the cooperation in this community to be incredibly positive and hopes to continue. Mr. Braun told Ms. Glass that he has heard some good things about the work being done here. Mr. Fulton tourists come to the peninsula, but don't come up to this end. They go to Soldotna, because it is a natural and they have the guides and they can access the river. Unless they have an individual contact they can get what they need in Soldotna. We should concentrate on why would they come to Kenai? Made a tour of the Russian tour with 50 outside guests with the Father doing the tour. Those people were really impressed with the church. Many people on subsequent trip were still talking about that visit. So once they get here, then you need to have something to entertain them. The art show is a good vehicle for that that may encourage them to stay overnight. Then there is a good opportunity to talk about the blending about the native culture and the Russian culture. If the visitor's center weren't here, we would be losing a lot of business and tourists. He also pointed out that the art show and opening does support the city because it is for the local people and they are the ones who support the city!! J. Schedule of Next Board Meeting: May 17 5p.m. K. Adjournment: Mr. Van Zee moved and Ms. Nelson moved for adjournment. It was approved unanimously at 7:30p.m.