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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Community Development Committee 1996-08-01BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development Committee August 1, 1996 Committee: Attending; Also Attending: Absent: Chairman Doylen, Trustees Barker and Marshall All Administrator Klaphake, Directors Stamey, Kilsdonk and Hinze, Clerk O'Connor None Chairman Doylen called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. 1996 Advertising Report. Several articles on Estes Park, printed in the Northern Colorado Business Report, were reviewed. Three separate articles were included in one issue, and Stamey, Marsh, Chamber of Commerce, and various merchants provided information. Second quarter statistics: requests for information are down 9.7% year-to-date June 30, as compared to the same period in 1995. The Policy Committee adjusted for an 8% shift in national magazine dollars from spring to fall advertising, and the Policy Committee believes the adjustment results in a 5% decrease in year-to-date responses. Telephone inquiries are up by .3% as compared to 1995. Discussion followed on the USA Weekend conversion, and the Ad Committee believes this advertising expenditure in return for the number of visitors is not justified at this time. For perspective purposes, staff reported that Telluride, Boulder, and Branson have also been off earlier this season, and tourism statistics are very much like those in 1995. Also, a prominent research firm has indicated that the Colorado market share has dropped 30% since 1993, which relates to the demise of the Colorado Tourism Board. In the short term, the Ad Committee will shift dollars into fall advertising to expand the off season. In the long term, staff is working with the Policy Committee to find a balance between efficiency and effectiveness to maintain the Estes Park's presence and impact, which is difficult when the cost of advertising has risen from 7% to 12% per year since 1993. The August Insert is in the works, as well as the fall color ad, Scottish Festival ad, and the 1997 program. Manager Marsh confirmed that advertising does not target seniors specifically for fall travel as senior media tends to be very costly, and he believes seniors do not stop reading certain standard publications in lieu of senior-oriented magazines. Discussion also included advertising for bus tours, the significant impact of fall (particularly September) tourism, family groups, and wildlife viewing. The Coinmittee commended staff and the Policy Committee for their positive effort in the advertising market. The Internet is receiving 1,000 hits/week, and it is already approaching a total of 100,000 hits. MUSEUM. The Museum has hired Michael Lacome of Beatrice, Nebraska as the curator; Mike has a M.A. in museum studies and a B.A. in fine arts. He will begin August 19th. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development Committee - August 1/ 1996 - Page 2 Upcoming events include; Survivors, Reporters and Rescuers/first-hand accounts of the Big Thompson Flood, which is the third program in the flood series. The overall news coverage was substantial, and the recent McComb Program was presented to a capacity crowd. The Estes Family Reunion, headquartering at the Museum begins today; the Museum has a booth in the Lakefront Arts Festival; the E.P.H.A.A.T.S. Car Club is taking a Grand Lake Tour; the History Camp, Session II takes place August 5-9; and the Museum will host the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Open House August 15. The Museum's third telephone line will soon be complete; they now have a Municipal Building extension, #3909, and staff is working on connecting the Museum to the Town's mainframe computer. In its first month of existence, the Museum home page has received over 150 hits. The Museum contributed a flower garden quilt to a regional quilt display at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum in Golden. The exhibit will be on display until August 31. The Friends held their annual fundraiser, the Riverside/Darkhorse Dance on July 27 where 270 people attended. Their annual picnic will be at Kelly and Gary Brown residence (former Stanley home) on August 17. Staff is conducting a mail survey of former and current Friends members. Statistics verify a significant increase in Museum attendance. SPECIAL EVENTS. Gary O'Connor, President/Rooftop Rodeo Committee, reported on the 1996 Rodeo and Western Heritage Days: rodeo statistics indicate a 4% growth rate, there was tremendous tourist support (not local) for both events. The changes made for the rodeo (liveryman and wild horse races) were very successful. The Western Heritage Entertainment Committee will be reviewing the event to help determine whether this is the best direction the Committee should follow. Community volunteer help was minimal, and President O'Connor commended Trustee/Liaison Marshall for attending all performances and assisting with security. Chairman Doylen commented on the positive effect of scheduling all evening rodeos and the potential of the Western Heritage Days. Trustee/Liaison Marshall commented on the superior rodeo stock and President O'Connor confirmed that Powder River Productions has one remaining year on their contract, and the Committee is in the process of negotiating another 3-year term. Concerning attendance, near record crowds attended Friday and Saturday nights. Special Event Director Hinze expressed her appreciation to the Rooftop Committee, and added that the ticket count statistics are actual ticket counts only, these figures do not include passes and the like; there were significantly more people attending the rodeos. The Arabian Horse Show was held July 2-6, 1996. This was the 43rd year in Estes Park, and participants at this show were down, possibly due to the Arabian Association having more shows this year. Copper Penny Hunter Jumper Youth Show 7/20 & 21. Their pre show is generally held in the front range. This was a very successful show and they would like to return next year. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Community Development Committee - August lf 1996 - Page 3 This year's Silver Dollar Show was the largest ever to come to Estes Park. A "thank you" ice cream social was held July 31st, acknowledging the show's significant positive impact on the community. August events include the return of the Westernaires Horse Show the week of August 9th, and the Lakefront Arts Festival (new event) which will be held on the south side of Lake Estes August 3rd and 4th. A new event, mini boat races, will be held August 24th in the same area as the Arts Festival. The local 4-H group will be sponsoring a "fun day" on September 21st for the community, all ages are welcomed. There being no further business. Chairman Doylen adjourned the meeting at 8:35 a.m. Vickie O'Connor, CMC/AAE, Town Clerk {approved) I AUG 1 3 1996 j I mm Of BIB PA El I I I BOARD Or TR'AJtICS |