11/01/2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • WS — Item 1 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item 1 Date: November 1, 2010 To: City Council From: Mary Alice Divine Re: Minnesota Metro North Tourism Bureau 2011 Budget Background Twin Cities Gateway, the new moniker of the Minnesota Metro North Tourism Bureau has established its 2011 budget. According to the by -laws, the annual budget shall be reviewed by each member city. Council will recall that at the request of the local hotels, the council approved a 3% hotel tax beginning in January 2010 which is used to fund the tourism bureau. The bureau has accomplished a great deal in 2010, including hiring its executive director, developing branding and marketing tools and establishing the new website. Budget summary: • FY2011 budget: $530,000. • Fund Balance /budget reserve: $99,000 • Operating Expenses: $120,000 • Marketing Expenditures: $372,200 The City and the Hampton Inn & Suites have seen immediate benefits from its membership in the bureau. The Lino Lakes Lions were awarded $2,000 for expansion of Blue Heron Days events, and the Hampton Inn has seen steady increase in hotel nights. The website is nearing completion, and provides an excellent opportunity to feature the amenities and activities available to those who are visiting this city. The 2011 revenues will be spent for operations; regional meetings and conference marketing; a regional marketing grant program; regional marketing promotion and advertising, and community festivals grant program.