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Home My WebLink AboutMarkt Cmte - 11/18/08 � ['ALM �ES�R.� PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE APPROVED MINUTES Tuesday, November 18, 2008 — 2:00 p.m. Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Emily Bird-Hrivnak called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Melissa Allensworth Brent Wise Emily Bird-Hrivnak, Vice Chair Sara O'Flynn, Chair �C�T�C�U�CtLACTION Theresa Maggio �.��tzc�v��.f� ��-�� Lee Morcus t�F��v1�:�� ` t��t[:�t _�^_ ..__i.- Michael Shimer MF,�?TINC UATF. _ o�`/a- �`� - ------- Staff/Others Present: AYrs: �� Fi�-�.�,��I I � �n�F�� ^i__� Bob Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem Nnrs. - �� __ Kristy Kneiding, Marketing Manager A�S��'�': —�� _ Sheila Gilligan, Assistant City Manager A�;�TAiN: n _ Donna Gomez, Visitor lnformation Cente}'��r�Y� � Michael Shepherd, Full Gallop Marketing�rigina on �'ile with City Icrk's OfTce Bruce Nation, Desert Willow Go/f Resort Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Jean Benson thanked the Committee for their hard work and dedication over the past year. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 21, 2008. Michael Shimer moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the minutes of the October 21, 2008, meeting. Motion was seconded by Emily Bird-Hrivnak and carried 6-0 APPROVED MINUTES PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 18, 2008 V. NEW BUSINESS A. DESTINATION CONNECTION IN-ROOM TELEVISION SUSAN CASTINA, Vice President of Marketing for Destination Connection LLC, addressed the Committee. She gave an extensive overview of the service Destination Connection provides. The Committee viewed a video presentation of the Destination Connection product. Upon question by Sara O'Flynn, Ms. Castina responded that they currently update the video on a monthly basis. Once they are at full capacity the video would be updated quarterly. Upon question by Ms. Bird-Hrivnak, Ms. Castina stated that there was an additional fee for updating the video, which normally runs around $250, including filming and production costs. Further discussion was held regarding this item. Kristy Kneiding stated that there were funds in the retail promotion account, which is used to promote retail in the City. Those funds are available for this advertising opportunity. Ms. O'Flynn believed that it was a very cost effective endeavor. Sara O'Flynn moved, by Minute Motion, to approve staff recommendation to purchase a segment on the in-room guest information channel by Destination Connection. Motion seconded by Mr. Shimer and carried 6-0. B. JOURNEY TV JIM LAWRENCE, Time Warner Cable representative, introduced Kris Ann Bacon, Sales Manager, and Steven Schmidt, Advanced Advertising Strategic Marketing Manager, to the Committee. Ms. Bacon gave a detailed overview of Time Warner Cable's PowerPoint presentation submitted to the Committee. Ms. Kneiding agreed that Time Warner Cable has done everything possible to make the Journey TV results successful; however, the numbers were not as strong as anticipated. She recognized that Journey TV was in its infancy and has a lot of potential. Upon question by Mr. Morcus, Ms. Kneiding would like to see the CVA spearhead this program, and offer it as a cooperative opportunity for all Valley cities. 2 APPROVED MINUTES PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Upon question by Ms. Kneiding, Ms. Bacon said she believed it would cost the CVA more than $100,000 to start the program in 2009. Theresa Maggio was disappointed with the program. She purchased digital cable and did not go to Journey TV more than once. Ms. O'Flynn moved, by Minute Motion, to deny the renewal of Journey TV and direct staff to work with the CVA in an effort to support valley wide participation in the program. Motion seconded by Mr. Shimer and carried 6-0. C. WEBSITE LAUNCH PRESENTATION Ms. Kneiding reviewed changes to the website design and navigation. Ms. Maggio stated that the website looked very nice. Mr. Morcus commented that the website was very well done. Upon question by Mr. Morcus, Ms. Kneiding responded that there will be a "green" portion to the site. Eco-tourism will be tied into the site and is currently featured on the City government website. Ms. O'Flynn moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the website as presented. Motion seconded by Mr. Morcus and carried 6-0. D. 2009 EASTER BOWL TENNIS SPONSORSHIP Ms. Kneiding reported that Easter Bowl Tennis was returning to Rancho Mirage in 2009, and has requested sponsorship from the City in the amount of $5,000. Ms. Kneiding stated that the City does not pay for staff time, but in looking over the event budget, the City's contribution of$5,000 would cover the advertising and awards for the event. She added that the event does bring room nights to Palm Desert and was a great youth event. Upon question by Mr. Morcus, Ms. Kneiding responded that last year the event generated 3,050 room nights and Palm Desert received 75% of those bookings. Ms. Bird-Hrivnak moved, by Minute Motion, to approve staff recommendation to support the 2009 Easter Bowl Tennis Tournament in the amount of$5,000. E ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON/VICE CHAIRPERSON Mr. Morcus moved, by Minute Motion, to appoint Sara O'Flynn as Chairwoman for 2009. Motion was seconded by Mr. Shimer and carried 6-0. 3 APPROVED MINUTES PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Mr. Morcus moved, by Minute Motion, to appoint Emily Bird-Hrivnak as Vice- Chairwoman for 2009. Motion was seconded by Mr. Shimer and carried 6-0. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VII. OLD BUSINESS None VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS A. City Council Councilmember Spiegel reported that the Council will be reviewing the Art of Food & Wine Festival's final figures at its first meeting in December. He added that the Food & Wine event would also be on the City Council's January 2009, agenda. IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Chair Ms. O'Flynn reported that The Gardens celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary on Friday, November 14, 2008, which was quite successful. She thanked Mr. Shimer and other Committee members who contributed to the event. She announced four additional events scheduled for The Gardens: The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and Toys for Tots Program on Saturday, November 29, 2008; and Saturday, December 6, 2008, Play Time with Santa benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters. The following Saturday, December 13, 2008, Paws and Claus event Guide Dogs of the Desert. Upon question by Councilmember Spieget, Ms. O'Flynn reported that groundbreaking for the construction of The Gardens was scheduled for November 2008, with completion on November 2009. B. Committee Members Mr. Morcus congratulated Councilmember Spiegel on his re-election to the City Council. Ms. Bird-Hrivnak reported that the Desert Springs Marriott has signed a contract with Bikram Yoga for 24,000 room nights over the next four years. This was a very exciting deal for Desert Springs and she added that the 4 APPROVED MINUTES PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 18, 2008 CVA was instrumental in bringing this group to the Coachella Valley and then to the Marriott. Ms. Maggio reported that Bighorn had a very busy weekend. Friday, November 14, 2008, two spec homes were unveiled and 250 people visited those homes. Bighorn held a golf tournament on Sunday, November 16, 2008, which was sold out. On Saturday, November 15, 2008, was new member orientation. A total of 27 memberships were sold this year; 23 golf and 4 club memberships. Bighorn hosted its "Welcome Back" party on Sunday, November 16, 2008, wherein 330 people attended. On Wednesday, November 19, 2008, Bighorn will host a luncheon and fashion show with The Gardens on EI Paseo. Ms. Allensworth announced that the McCallum Theatre Institute benefitted from the entertainment at The Gardens on Friday and was thrilled to be included in that event. She stated that Diana Ross will be gracing the McCallum stage on December 3, 2008, for its Gala event. The Choreography Festival was completed this past weekend and it was a great success and well attended. They were also able to bring a nice group of young people from Thermal, whose presentation included original choreography. She added that the B52's concert during the Art of Food & Wine was well attended. Mr. Morcus announced that the USTOA would be in the Coachella Valley the first week of December and the Desert Springs Marriott was hosting the opening night reception. Mr. Shimer reported that Tommy Bahama's just had its 10 Year Anniversary Golf Tournament last week benefiting Habitat for Humanity and his concern about the economy went unfounded as they sold out both courses at Desert Willow and raised the most money they ever have. C. Staff Ms. Kneiding reported that 40 countries will be represented from the USTOA. Ms. Kneiding thanked everyone who participated in the Art of Food & Wine Festival. This was a great year and hopefully the restaurants and retailers noticed the influx of visitors that were here for the event. She stated that the McCallum sold 900 tickets for the B52's concert. 5 APPROVED MINUTES PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 18, 2008 X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Visitor Information Center Activity Report — October 2008 Donna Gomez announced that the Visitor Center will once again have its Annual Holiday Wreath Lighting ceremony on December 5 at 5:30 p.m. The event was going a little jazzy this year with Chris Compton performing holiday music. XI. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. . �� ' � Lori i, bish, Recording Secret ry 6