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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSponsorship - Desert Nature FestivalREQUEST: CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFF REPORT REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP OF CALIFORNIA DESERT NATURE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD APRIL 8-10, 2005 SUBMITTED BY: KRISTY KNEIDING, MARKETING MANAGER DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2005 CONTENTS: 1. PROPOSAL FROM NATURAL A��Y E COLLABORATIVE ETING 2. DRAFT MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETING Recommendation: By Minute Motion: 1) Concur with the recommendation of the Marketing Committee for sponsorship in an amount not to exceed $5,000; 2) appropriate $5,000 from the Unobligated General Fund Reserves to Account #110-4416-414-3061. Discussion: The Natural Science Collaborative is presenting the California Desert Nature Festival, to be held April 8-10, 2005, at the California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus and is seeking official sponsorship funding in the minimum amount of $50,000. Ms. Joanna Stark, Proj ect Director of the Natural Science Collaborative, addressed the Marketing Committee in support of her proposal at its meeting of January 18, 2005 (draft Minutes attached). The Marketing Committee had the following comments: 1) The total budget for this event will be $98,750. The Committee expressed concern that of this budget, $45,000 was earmarked for salaries. 2) While the event is scheduled for April 8-10, 2005, no specific schedule of seminars, lectures, field trips, etc. has been completed. 3) The Nature Festival has yet to establish an advertising/marketing plan for this event. While it is seeking discounted or free services, at the time of the Marketing Committee meeting, Ms. Stark noted that it was still in the planning stages. G:\CityClrk\Mary Gates\Marketing\Natural Science Collaborative.wpd STAFF REPORT RE: CALIFORNIA DESERT NATURE FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 10, 2004 4) The Committee felt strongly that a more significant and more organized promotion program needed to be established, especially in light of the fact that the event is two months away. While the Committee supported this type of activity as a good opportunity for the City of Palm Desert, it could not recommend a contribution higher than $5,000 due to the lack of organization presented at this point in time. Submitted by: Kristy Kneidingj Marketing Manager Approval: Carlos L. Ortega, City/ anager Paul Gibson, Finance Director G:\CityClrk\Mary Gates\Marketing\Natural Science Collaborative.wpd 2 CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SERVICES INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Marketing Committee FROM: Kristy Kneiding, Marketing Manager DATE: January 18,2005 SUBJECT: Desert Nature Festival Attached please find a request for City funding at a minimum of $50,000 as the Official Sponsor, along with other pertinent information about the California Desert Nature Festival. The packet includes a request letter, contributor participation opportunities, as well as general information about the Desert Nature Festival. Joanna Stark, Project Director, of the Natural Science Collaborative will make a presentation about the Festival to be held April 8 — 10 at the California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus. It has been the City's policy that major sponsorships are not usually recommended for inaugural events. Therefore, staff recommends sponsorship in the amount not to exceed $5,000. Additionally, the City cannot assume responsibility for the production or marketing of the event. This is to be considered an outside agency request. Funds are not available in the Marketing budget and would need to be appropriated by City Council. This Committee's recommendation regarding this project will be forwarded to the City Council. Kristy Knei ng' Marketing Manager The Natural Science Collaborative presents the CALIFORNIA DESERT NATURE FESTIVAL APRIL 810, 2005 itSf lititf California Desert Nature Festival Natural Science Collaborative 13 -1►0 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert GA g2240 14o -341- g312 Joanna Stark Theresa Pawley Directors Hi Buford, I keep missing you by phone or in the office and 1 guess the same is true for you. I have been working on web sites and with grant writers so I am out of the office a lot. The plans for the festival continue to grow and we are very excited about all the possibilities. At this point we are looking for a city sponsor with a minimum commitment of $50,000. Our first choice for a permanent home for the festival is Palm Desert and here are a few of the masons: 1. Palm Desert is an environmentally concerned city. 2. The location is central between the High Desert and Salton Sea and offers many amenities to locals and visitors. 3. The City of Palm Desert does not have an annual festival. (I think Spring Fest has faded out?) 4. The Natural Science Collaborative has been working with the Desert Sands USD on environmental projects during the past 2 years. I hope we will have a opportunity to get together after Thanksgiving. In the meantime, should you have any questions please feel free to call me on my cell 760-831-1078. Best wishes, Joanna PS Still working on this logo! CALIFORNIA. DESERT NATURE FESTIVAL Mission Statement The California Desert Nature Festival shall be an annual event created to increase the economic impact of nature tourism and increase awareness of the value of the natural resources of the Southern California Desert Region while preserving and enhancing environmental integrity from the High Desert to the Salton Sea and surrounding areas. Goals To attract nature tourists, national and international, to the Southern California Desert Region and increase the amount of dollars spent in this area. To strengthen existing alliances with nature -friendly businesses, organizations and educational institutions and forming new partnerships to increase the impact of the festival both economically and in regard to conservation. To educate community leaders and the general public on the financial and quality of life benefits of preserving and enhancing local habitat. To educate residents, visitors and potential eco-tourists on the unique aspects of the Southern California Desert Region's natural attractions and encourage visitation to our museums, parks, agencies and businesses. CALIFORNIA DESERT NATURE FESTIVAL Activities Seminars Field Trips Children's/Youth Program CHILDREN'S HABITAT Nature Photography Contest Nature Market Place Special Events Speaker and Vendor Tour VIP Welcome Keynote Dinner Volunteer Appreciation Party 3 Day Event Thursday - Set up (Not open to public) FRIDAY Speaker/Vendor Tour Nature photography contest begins Registration VIP Welcome School group programs Seminars and field trips begin SATURDAY All programs running Keynote Dinner SUNDAY Judging of Nature Photography entries All Programs running until 4 pm Tear down (.tIAIFoIt\Lt.IH:. \ tll LEVELS OF SPONSORSHIP Society of the Golden Eagle OFFICIAL SPONSOR $50,000 to $100,000 Front cover listing on Festival Program Prominent listing as Official Sponsor in Program Inclusion in all Media Advertisement& Events Inclusion on Festival Videotape Invitation to Hospitality and Reception Events� 20 sc."s'sir.° •ti et: a Nei. stiva1 Gift B sk t + all benefits listed below Society of the Desert Lavender Sponsor $25,000 to $50,000 Invitation to Hospitality and Reception Events Prominent space for 12' banner Advertising space in Program. Private Discover the Desert Tour 10 Seminar Tickets 5 Tee Shirts Invitation to Media Event + all benefits listed below Society of the Tiger Swallowtail Sponsor $10,000 to $25,000 Invitation to Reception Events Display o, fanner 8 Seminar Tickets Advertising space in Program 5 Tee Shirts Invitation to Media Event + all benefits listed below Society of the Fringe Towed Lizard Sponsor $5000 to $10,000 Invitation to Reception Events Display ofBani7 er 5 Seminar Tickets Advertising Space in Program 3 Tee Shirts Invitation to Media Event + all benefits listed below Society of the Bobcat Sponsor $2500 to $5000 Invitation to Reception Event Display ofBanner 5 Seminar Tickets ertising Space in Program ' 2 Tee Shirts imitation to Media Event + all benefits listed below Society of the Santa Rosa Sage Sponsor $1500 to $2500 Invitation to Reception Event Display ofBanner 3 Seminar Tickets Advertising Space in Program 2 Tee Shirts Invitation to Media Event + all benefits listed below Society of the Black Tailed Jack Rabbit Friend $100 to $1500 Invitation to Reception Event Listing in theFestival Program A Festival Tee Shirt Two seminar tickets Invitation to Media Event Joanna Rivera Stark Natural Science Collaborative Project Director Joanna Stark is an educator, naturalist and a c:,rcicr,lum and freelance writer. She is the honorary chair of the Texas Butterfly Festival in Mission, Texas, founder of the Califomia Desert Nature Festival, the founder and past -president of the South Texas Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association and past editor/author of the "Kids Page" for the Butterfly Gardner Magazine. She has 20 years teaching experience with disabled, gifted and mainstream students from elementary to college level. Joanna designed a 12 week environmental education curriculum and video in coordination with Honeywell, Inc. entitled "Earth Day for Children". She and her students have won national recognition for several environmental projects. Joanna has served on the Board of the Friends of the Wildlife Corridor for Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and is the recipient of the Texas Festival & Events Volunteer of the Year. She served on the Texas Environmental Education Partnership Steering Committee and is the Director of the Natural Science Collaborative in Southern California. She is a contributing essayist for the fourth Valley Land Fund National Photo Contest Book "Focus on the Wild: Saving South Texas Wildlife" and, along with her husband, Ron, a contributing author for the best selling book "Masters of Success". Joanna may be best known as "Mother Nature" for her costumed presentations on the environment. She travels thousands of miles each year to speak about wildlife and conservation. Mother Nature presentations have been made in schools, theaters, museums, libraries, scouting events and parks. She has participated in the Whooping Crane Festival, Dragonfly Days. Texas Tropics Nature Festival, Wild in Willacy, Mt. Magazine Butterfly Festival, Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Texas Butterfly Festival, Hummer Festival, Pigeon Forge's Wilderness Wildlife Week and the Harlingen Birding Festival to name a few. She has been featured in print and television. Her philosophy is simple: Share the message, treat the earth and all living things gently by educating with knowledge, compassion and humor. WHAT IS NATURE OR ECOTOURISM? Definition and Nature and Ecotourism Principles The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following principles: Minimize impact • Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect • Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts • Provide direct financial benefits for conservation • Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people • Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate • Support international human rights and labor agreements Nature and Ecotourists are particularly interested in viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. WHAT DOES NATURE TOURISM MEAN TO CALIFORNIANS? Six million Californians watch wildlife, tripling the number since 1995, and hundreds of thousands of tourists watch wildlife as part of their travels to the state. Nationally, 66.1 million US residents watch wildlife, contributing to the $38 billion spent on viewing expenditures. California alone is regarded as one of the best wildlife viewing locations in the nation. California Watchable Wildlife 2004 What are the Benefits of Holding a Nature Festival? I. Expands the public's awareness of the beautiful natural resources and wildlife in the Desert. II. Attracts visitor investment - economic benefits A. Showcase the Desert Region to visitors. B. Fill hotel rooms and restaurant seats during the Festival. C. Create opportunities for area retailers. D. Create business opportunities for cities, casinos, spas, entertainment businesses, local parks, museums and tourism businesses. III. Offer high quality activities for all demographics. A. Seminars conducted by experts in their field. B. Field trips conducted by leaders knowledgeable about the terrain, wildlife and safety. C. Children's Habitat Activities provided by environmental educators. D. Entertainment that relates to the natural resources and history of the area. IV. Provides an environment for other community organizations to highlight their programs, recruit volunteers accept donations. Members of the Natural Science Collaborative will be present during the festival to exhibit their facility with information, photos, maps and books. V. Invest in the community's quality of life. Members of the Natural Science Collaborative offer information on landscaping with native plants, conservation, where to go to enjoy the Natural Desert and many other nature related subjects. WHAT NATURE TOURISTS ARE ASKING U ABOUT THE DESERT REGION S > where can we find nature related activities > what ,`udc books, maps, tours are available ➢ are there checklists of birds, butterflies and native plants available > what are the hot spots for finding rare wildlife > what other attractions are in the area > what nature friendly lodging and restaurants available > do you have nature festivals • exponses:. Site ` EstimatedActual Room and hall fees Security Equipment Rental Tables and chairs $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $2,000.00 Totals $4,500.00 $0.00 Staff Festival Director Festival Registrar Insurance Secretary Part-time Volunteer Rewards $20,000.00 $15,000.00 $3,000.00 $10,000.00 $2,000.00 Totals $50,000.00 $0.00 Publicity Graphics work Photocopying/Printing$15,000.00 Postage Print Ads TV Ads $3,500.00 750 1000 $3,000.00 Totals $23,250.00 $0.00 Mist'' Novelties T shirts Electricity Supplies Kids Events $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $500.00 $500.00 Totals $4,000.00 $0.00 Programming Performers Speakers Fees Travel Hotel & Food $3,000.00 $4,000.00 $2,000.00 $2,000.00 Totals $11,000.00 $0.00 Prim' Ribbons/Plaques Gifts _$500.00 $500.00 Totals $1,000.00 $0.00 Miscellaneous; Telephone Transportation Photocopying Postage Stationery supplies Fax services $250.00 $4,000.00 $200.00 $100.00 $200.00 $250.00 Totals $5,000.00 $0.00 Total Expenses $98,750.00 $0.00 Income: Seminar and Field Trip Fees Estimated Actual 150 150 200 Seminars@ Field Trips@ Other Events $5.00 $25.00 $10.00 Estimated $750.00 $3,750.00 $2,000.00 $6,500.00 Actual $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Ads in t3rochure 2 20 30 inside covers @ half -pages @ quarter -pages @ $1,750.00 $950.00 $650.00 $3,500.00 $19,000.00 $19,500.00 $42,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 exhibitors/Vendors 20 15 10 Booths@ $150.00 $3,000.00 NSCDR Active @ $0.00 $0.00 NSCDR $35.00 $350.00 $3,350.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Sate of Items 200 400 t shirts@ items @ items @ items @ $15.00 $4.00 $3,000.00 $1,600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Summary of "Profit/Loss: Total income $56,450.00 $0..00 Totals Total income Total expenses estimated Actual $56,450.00 $0.00 $98,750.00 $0.00 Totalprofit (or loss) ($42,300.00) $0.00 PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE MINTUES TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2005 2:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ray Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Emily Bird Norine Bowen Melinda Byrd — Vice Chairman Rick Darius Ric Mandelbaum Ray Rodriguez Staff/Others Present: Sheila Gilligan Kristy Kneiding Donna Gomez Piper Close Mike Osgood, Desert Willow Gary Sherwin, CVA Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Member Absent: Michael Shimer None. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Meeting of November 16, 2004. Motion made by Norine Bowen to approve the November 16, 2004, meeting minutes, seconded by Ric Mandelbaum. Motion carried unanimously. MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2005 Page 2 V. NEW BUSINESS A. SELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR AND CO-CHAIR Motion made by Chairman Rodriguez that Norine Bowen be appointed Chairwoman for 2005, seconded by Ric Mandelbaum. Motion carried unanimously Motion made by Chairwoman Bowen that Emily Bird be appointed Vice - Chair for 2005, seconded by Ric Mandelbaum. Motion carried unanimously. Sheila Gilligan complimented Ray Rodriguez for a job well done in 2004. B. CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL FROM THE NATURAL SCIENCE COLLABORATIVE TO SPONSOR A DESERT NATURE FESTIVAL Kristy Kneiding introduced Joanna Stark, Project Director, of the Natural Science Collaborative. Ms. Stark gave a presentation that included all aspects of the Festival to be held April 8-10 at the California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert campus. Ms. Kneiding asked about the advertising campaign planned for the Festival. Ms. Stark said the advertising campaign would begin in the valley, and the Festival would be promoted outside of the area as well. She added that eco-tourism includes such a specific group of people that advertisement would be directed to those individuals also. Ms. Bird asked how much traffic the nature festivals attract. Ms. Stark said it usually depends on the type and location of the festival. Attendance can range from 500 to 200,000 people depending on whether the festival is specialized or general. She said the Desert Nature Festival has been designed to be more general in nature so as to attract individuals interested in all areas of eco-tourism. Mr. Mandelbaum asked Ms. Stark if she would be contacting the Desert Adventures or the Nature Walkers. Ms. Stark said they have encouraged those groups to participate and have received some positive responses. Mr. Rodriguez asked Ms. Stark what he would experience at the Festival. Ms. Stark said one would first choose a field trip or a lecture series, and MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2005 Page 3 after would probably share the experience with friends. The field trips and lectures are specifically timed so that people can enjoy more than one activity. Donna Gomez asked Ms. Stark if she would work with the local visitor center regarding recommendations and/or reservations for hotels. Ms. Stark said she would. Ms. Gilligan asked about the Festival's budget. Ms. Stark said the budget is $93,000, which includes salaries for a staff of three, speaker's fees, transportation for out-of-state speakers, utilities, and security. The Committee expressed concern that nearly 50% of the budget was allocated for salaries. Ms. Gilligan asked if they have approached other cities. because Ms. Starkk responded that they came to the City of Palm Desert first wanted to find a city home and she was hopeful that Palm Desert would be amiable to that idea. Although they have started to seek sponsorship from other cities, she said the Festival would be held whether or not they raise the projected budget. Melinda Byrd asked Ms. Stark what advertising is going to be done locally for the event. Ms. Stark said they would utilize as much free advertising as possible. They have contacted the local media and have arranged a press conference for the first week of February. There was further discussion regarding the Festival's current and future plans in the areas of budget, advertisement, and location. Gary Sherwin offered the services of the CVA to Ms. Stark. Mr. Rodriguez asked Mr. Sherwin if he had any experience with a festival like this and if so, was it successful. Mr. Sherwin said he could not speak specifically to eco tourism festivals, but he has experience with festivals in general. From a tourism perspective the festivals that usually to work the best are truly unique and have some indigenous correlation to the community. This generally takes a long time to establish. In order to have any festival succeed it has to have a significant marketing budget and an aggressive outreach program. Ms. Stark said the Natural Science Collaborative has an extensive membership list of institutions that they will partner with for marketing purposes. MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2005 Page 4 institutions would be using their own marketing dollars. She added that there is no fee for being a member of the Natural Science Collaborative. Therefore, the members are always willing and supportive when the Natural Science Collaborative needs help. Motion made by Mr. Rodriguez to approve staffs recommendation of $5,000 with the proviso that the committee could reconsider an elevated participation next year, based on results, seconded by Mr. Mandelbaum. Motion approved unanimously. C. CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL FROM THE DESERT SUN TO SUPPORT THEIR NEW PUBLICATION 92260 Michelle Krans, Advertising Director for The Desert Sun, thanked the committee for the opportunity to present their new magazine "92260" to them. She gave background information regarding the development of the magazine and an overview of the demographics of Palm Desert. Debbie Clark, Custom Publishing Manager for The Desert Sun, addressed the committee. She said the one thing that excites her the most, outside of the editorials, is the graphics of the magazine. Mr. Clark presented a sample board that displayed the cover of the magazine, which will premier on March 18th. She explained in detail the distribution of the magazine. Kathy Strong, Editor of "92260" magazine, addressed the committee. She gave a brief bio on herself. She said Palm Desert is the center of culture, entertainment, education, and a happening place. They wanted to develop a magazine that would capture the essence of the people who live in Palm Desert, and they feel they have done that with "92260". Mr. Mandelbaum thought it sounded like a wonderful magazine. He asked Ms. Clark about polybagging. She responded that they will be address specific and delivered in the mail. He also inquired about the ad to edit ratio. Ms. Krans said they were shooting for 50/50. The first publication would be 100 pages, perfect bound, and the ratio will not go below 50/50. She said the plan is to have a content driven magazine. Mr. Rodriguez congratulated Ms. Krans, Ms. Clark, and Ms. Strong on their hard work. A discussion ensued about the viability of advertising in "92260" magazine. Ms. Byrd asked if there was any interest in making "92260" a monthly magazine. Ms. Krans said the goal was to do just that. MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2005 Page 5 Mr. Rodriguez shared his concerns about the relationship between the press and a municipality. He apologized because, he would not hold another organization to that high of a standard but felt he believed the standard was there for a reason. Mr. Sherwin responded to Mr. Rodriguez's concerns. The CVA does not receive any more favorable coverage from The Desert Sun because of their contract with them. It is a separate operating unit and their people have a lot of integrity. If the Marketing Committee decides to pursue this, in his view, knowing something about The Desert Sun, there would not be an adverse impact to the City of Palm Desert. Ms. Gilligan said the difference between this presentation and the one we had a year ago, was that last fall we were being asked as a City to make a $100,000 contribution. She felt this presentation was seeking our support of it as a community magazine. Advertising in it would not be much different than what we do with Palm Springs Life. Ms. Gilligan felt Executive Management would support the inaugural edition. She felt that this was a different request than last's years and mentioned that staff's recommendation is for approval. Mr. Sherwin asked if this was a custom publishing project that allows Palm Desert some editorial control. Ms. Krans responded that they would welcome input and encourage story ideas, but this publication is independent and the City does not have control. Motion made by Mr. Rodriguez to approve staff's recommendation to advertise and add "92260" magazine to the City's media plan, seconded by Mr. Mandelbaum. Motion approved unanimously. D. RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) AS SUBMITTED BY STAFF TO SECURE AN ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Ms. Kneiding gave a brief history and presentation regarding this item to the committee. Ms. Gilligan added that bringing the marketing in-house has saved the City about $100,000 to $200,000 per year, including Ms. Kneiding's position and Full Gallop Marketing's retainer. The City has been able to put that money back into the Marketing budget. MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2005 Page 6 Mr. Mandelbaum noted that he has experienced both the advertising agency and in-house marketing with the City. He said the in-house marketing is 100% better than the advertising agency, but not only in dollars. The quality of the advertising is so much better than it has ever been before. Motion made by Mr. Mandelbaum to recommend extending Full Gallop Marketing Communications contract for one more year, seconded by Mr. Rodriguez. Motion approved unanimously. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. CRITIQUE OF 2005 ROSE PARADE Ms. Kneiding asked for comments from the committee regarding the 2005 Rose Parade. Ms. Gilligan gave an overview of the comments she received from some City Council members. She wanted feedback from the committee on whether they felt it was a good investment of advertising dollars. Mr. Sherwin gave some history about the conception of the rose parade float, and its current status. Ms. Kneiding agreed that the float should definitely reflect the Valley and build the brand. She also felt it was a great opportunity to get an amazing amount of exposure for the area. Mr. Rodriguez felt everyone would like to see a great float. Mr. Mandelbaum suggested that each city have a liaison work with the float builder. He thought the involvement of meeting planners was a great idea and the exposure on that one day was good, but if it becomes an annual event that would be even better. Ms. Bird said it was a good event. However, she would not be comfortable donating another $20,000 next year. She could support the idea if other cities got involved with the project. Mr. Sherwin asked the committee if they were positively inclined towards pursuing this project. Ms. Byrd said if it were better organized she would be supportive. Ms. Kneiding agreed. Mr. Rodriguez added that a proper message would need to be addressed as well. MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2005 Page 7 VII. REPORTS AND REMARKS Ms. Kneiding announced the creation of Recycle Binney, the desert tortoise that will be used to educate the community about recycling. She elaborated on all of the aspects of the recycling program. A. Chair Mr. Rodriguez congratulated staff on the creation of Recycle Binney. Ms. Bowen was pleased with Palm Springs Film Festival's use of the Palm Desert logo in its advertising. B. Committee Members Ms. Byrd announced that she has resigned her position as Marketing Manager at The Gardens on El Paseo to be a stay at home mom. She has also resigned her position as a member of the Palm Desert Marketing Committee. She expressed her sadness about leaving and said she enjoyed working with everyone, and it had been very educational. C. Staff 1. Table top book Ms. Gomez said the Visitor Information Center received copies of the book on November 24th. Since that time, about 350 books have been sold. The percentages are 60% hard cover and 40% soft cover. They are now considering having the book available at other venues. Ms. Kneiding announced that the Randall Henderson Trail Dedication is being held on February 5, 2005, at the Santa Rosa San Jacinto Mountain National Monument Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. A reception and guided tours will follow the dedication. VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Visitors Information Center Activity Report 2. Dateline — December 2004 MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2005 Page 8 IX. ADJOURNMENT Chairwoman Bowen adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary