Minutes - 2009/04/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council Apri113, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 4 • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion, as amended, carried. C. Resolution 7430, Approving Intent to Exercise the Opt Out Clause of the Contract with Visit Minneapolis North CVB effective December 31, 2009. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz presented staff's recommendation to opt out of the contract with Visit Minneapolis North, effective December 31, 2009. She advised that it appears only three cities, located west of the Mississippi River, will remain with Visit Minneapolis North. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz explained that a new convention and visitor's bureau may be forming to serve the cities that have opted out along with the National Sports Center. Mayor Flaherty opened the floor for public comment. John Connelly, Director of Sales and Development of the National Sports Center, spoke on behalf of the five-city coalition formed to create a new convention and visitor's bureau. He stated their primary focus is to narrow the marketing strategy and geographic area and find unity in how the dollars should be spent. Mayor Flaherty asked what will be different with the new coalition regarding the disproportionate percentages spent towards the National Sports Center and Arbor Lakes. Mr. Connelly stated they will now be awarded based on performance so there is incentive to generate out-of--town visitors that need hotel nights/gas/retail. In addition, the National Sports Center has no oversight in how the funds are spent, that will be the decision of the Coalition. Council Member Mueller asked how the bureau will use the 3% fees collected from member cities to produce advertising and promotional materials to draw people. Mr. Connelly stated it is spent to promote member cities and attract out-of--town visitors for lodging. Council Member Mueller stated her understanding there were more hotel/motel units on the west side of the River so the promotional materials were skewed to those areas. She asked how the member cities of a new CVB will be promoted. Mr. Connelly stated the governing structure will be tighter and contain equal representation of member cities plus the hotel/motel owners. He agreed that each property needs to be marketed with equality and noted that pooling resources will result in one cooperative buy that is more easily managed. Mr. Connelly stated resources will be dedicated to on-line internet marketing, which is more efficient than printed flyers and hard sales. Council Member Mueller asked if business owners will also be assisted with updating their internet presence. Mr. Connelly stated the Chamber of Commerce and economic development information will be available online. • Mayor Flaherty asked whether the Council will receive updated information as the bureau is formed. Mr. Connelly answered in the affirmative.