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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05292018 City Council Laydown - Chamber of Commerce Report to COUNCIL MAY 29, 2018` Seward Chamber of Commerce, CVB, Cindy Clock Congratulations to SHS graduate EmmaLee Moore, winner of the SSD/Fish Restoration Scholarship — $2,000! Emma will attend Brigham Young University in Hawaii majoring in marine biology. k First Friday Art Walk, June 1st The July 4th Parade theme this year is"Save Our Seas"— a nod to the ASLC's 20th anniversary Chamber is hosting An Open House at the Visitor Center on June 8th directly following Chamber Lunch. Our public restrooms have been open all month and beginning June 9th we'll be open on the weekends. Our summer staff is returning, Nancy Steeves will be joining the summer visitor center reps. You may remember that Nancy was once upon a time the PR & Events coordinator at the chamber Q We've been greeting the cruise ships and will continue to do that through Sept 26th! We've been advised that the resolution to support funding the Blue Pipeline Incubator Manager/Business Advisor position will come before you at the June 11th meeting — so excited about that! June Halibut Tournament— Expect to see new banners, posters and most exciting of all — the new website is up: halibut.seward.com! The high cost of health insurance is negatively impacting employers in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Insurance is looking for solutions. Please be sure to visit Alaska Division of Insurance — Small Group Employer Survey (50 employees or less) to take the survey (also went out in today's chamber eNews) It's easier now for small businesses and non-profits to buy insurance through association health plans. Surveys must be completed by June 30th I'll be attending the June 5th KPB Assembly Meeting in Soldotna to advocate for tourism funding — which is at risk under the new borough administration and assembly. KPTMC Executive Director Summer Lazenby states: "We absolutely need Assemblyman Carpenter of Seward to vote to override any veto that occurs. Assemblyman Carpenter has stated that he does support funding tourism marketing; we now need him to vote according to his statements. In at least the previous 12 years, Seward has not had their representative vote against tourism marketing." As Kenn Carpenter's constituents, we need to make sure his vote represents us. Please contact him before June 5th — and if at all possible — come to that assembly meeting to testify. I've given you all copies of the letter of support for tourism funding from the Chamber Board of Directors. If I could just take a quick moment to clarify - Who are we? The Seward Chamber is fundamentally a membership organization — comprised of about 400 members and governed by a nine-member board of directors. We are a 501 (c) 6 corporation — which is a Not For Profit organization. As such, we have a Gaming License which allows us to hold the fishing derbies and the lottery for the Mt. Marathon Race. Split the pot at Chamber Lunch too. We are the Marketing Arm of the City — but are not City employees. Mission statement says "Promote & Support our Members"which translates into "The Voice of Business". We recognize that the City of Seward is our biggest partner. While we don't take political positions (such as Stand For Alaska vs. Stand For Salmon) we do however very much encourage our members to educate themselves on the issues — to investigate beyond the emotional soundbites! Currently we employ three full-time year-round staff, three seasonal visitor center staff, and a couple part-timers that are making huge improvements in how we promote our members and organize event volunteers. I can speak for all of us when I say - we work hard, do our best &truly love our jobs. 8osa9 t9 LAy � ow „ Sewardcom ( C ) Oce) ilGask_a S"Fa ri-s�iere. er Seward Chamber of Commerce Conference and Visitors Bureau May 29, 2018 Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly 144 N. Binkley Soldotna, Alaska 99669 Dear Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Members, The Seward Chamber of Commerce, Conference and Visitor's Bureau, representing 400 business members, is pleased to play an active role in the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council and appreciate their efforts to promote visitation on the Kenai. For many years, the Kenai suffered from a lack of cohesive marketing. As each larger community embarked upon more and more sophisticated marketing programs, competition grew for visitor numbers in each community. While growing tourism at the community level benefits the Kenai Peninsula Borough through an increase in taxable sales, the Kenai's identity as a whole was becoming diluted to 3 or 4 main "hubs". Through KPTMC's efforts, visitors are able to see the Kenai as a one-stop destination, providing them the total Alaska experience through her many varied communities. As a unified destination, we put forth a stronger marketing message, which in a challenged economy, has a great impact on where visitors spend their dollars. As the President of the Seward Chamber Board of Directors, I see a direct impact of KPTMC's marketing programs in our community. Visitor leads from KPTMC are extensive, and we have hosted numerous media professionals —who first were attracted to Seward through KPTMC's participation in International POW WOW and other similar shows. Their Discovery Guide highlights Seward with beautiful photos (we're on the cover this year!) and an opportunity to advertise our wonderful community. What is best, however, is that all of the communities on the Kenai are represented. We have found that this encourages visitors to spend more time on the Kenai — it is "Alaska's Playground", after all. And, since "Alaska Starts Here"®- in Seward, that is, we are in the fortunate position of being able to be the jumping-off point to their Kenai adventure. The KPTMC is a critical component of our marketing plan — and their efforts are always factored into our initiatives. In Seward, we understand that a solid investment of tourism-based tax revenue into marketing programs that attract more visitors is a sound business strategy. As a result, the Seward Chamber and the City have established a strong business partnership —very similar to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly's relationship to KPTMC. Thank you for your support of KPTMC's role on the Kenai and your endorsement of tourism as an economic driver in our region. The Seward Chamber believes that your support enhances our local communities and is an investment that pays us all back many times over—whether residents, business owners, or providers of government services. I appreciate your consideration of their funding request andj,ok forward to hat we can accomplish together in the coming year! •: 0 President, :oard of Directors, Seward Chamber of Commerce, CVB Seward Chamber of Commerce PO Box 749 Seward, Alaska 99664