HomeMy WebLinkAboutBID1Minutes_2012_01_10Brookings Business Improvement District
Board of Directors Meeting – Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tari Waterman called the meeting to order at 8:34 am.
1. Approval of December 13, 2011 minutes: Motion by Richter. Second by Park. All present Aye.
2. Approval of Agenda for January 10, 2012: Motion by Garbers. Second by Richter. All present Aye.
PRESENT:
Mike Struck mstruck@cityofbrookings.org 692-6629
Tari Waterman tari.waterman@hilton.com 697-5232
Deb Garbers deb@brookingschamber.org 692-6125
Bob Johnson bobj@aaumail.com 691-4636
Tom Richter trichter@swiftelcenter.com 697-8867
Lance Park lance@brookingsdaysinn.com 692-9471
Brad Rice, Eastern Hospitality Management, Inc. (Holiday Inn Express)
Brenda Spicer, Holiday Inn Express
Dex Stewart, Hampton Inn & Suites
Raja Patel, Hampton Inn & Suites
3. Discussion on Presentation/Recommendations: Struck provided an overview of the Business
Improvement District, composition of the Board of Directors, and steps taken to date. Struck went
over the powerpoint presentation to be made to the City Council. The focus of the improvements
are as follows:
1. Marketing Campaign/Future Development/Expanded Facilities – 60%
2. Sports Coordinator/Commission – 20%
3. Special Events (Capital Improvements) – 20%
Discussion on a marketing piece to explain the reason for the pillow tax. This marketing piece
could be provided to hotel guests in an effort to soften the emotional impact that a guest may have
with the $2 pillow tax. Explain how the pillow tax is an effort to secure additional events that may
heighten their experience in Brookings. The marketing piece could be a brochure or placard
depending on the hotel franchise’s policy.
Richter explained the goal of increasing overnight stays and the effect visitor industry has on all
businesses in the community. Park felt the improvements proposed will speak for themselves and
indicate whether the funds are being directed to the appropriate areas.
Garbers provided an example of a promotion conducted with Children’s Museum in which each
school kid visiting Children’s Museum received a free ticket for a return visit. Each ticket
averaged three (3) people on the return visit. This could be expanded upon to include a
promotional event/item to encourage overnight stays.
Johnson provided clarification on the proposed sports coordinator/commission. This could be an
avenue to help prevent double-booking events on the same days. Seen more as a communication
link between sports groups and hotels.
Richter felt it was important to address the need for conference/convention facilities as this will be
important in expanding the demand for non-peak overnight stays. The goal is to maintain current
events and attract events much larger than current facilities can accommodate.
Park indicated advance notice of the start date of the collecting the pillow tax is important to the
hotels as the hotels may be sending contracts in advance specifying the room rates and taxes.
Coordination on the effective date is important.
Park requested the Steps for Creating a Business Improvement District be sent to the Board
members with tentative dates for each step.
4. The meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: To Be Determined.