TDC Minutes 05/06/2010 Grant Review
May 6, 2010
MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL - GRANT REVIEW
COMMITTEE MEETING
Naples, Florida, May 6,2010
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Tourist Development
Council Grant Review Committee in and for the County of Collier, having
conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM at the Convention &
Visitors Bureau, 2800 N. Horseshoe Drive, Naples, Florida, with the
following members present:
PRESENT:
Lisa Boet, Naples Originals Group of Restaurant
Michele Klinowski, Chamber of Commerce
Steve McIntire, Collier County Hotels Assoc
Elaine Reed, Naples Historic Society
Doug Rickenbach, Naples Zoo
ALSO PRESENT:
Jack Wert, Tourism Director
Kelly Green, Tourist Tax Coordinator
May 6, 2010
Jack Wert welcomed the members serving on the Grant Review Committee at 9:00 AM.
The Committee received Category C-2 and B Grant Score Sheets. (See attached)
Jack Wert asked the Committee to score the Applications as follows:
);> Commitment to the expansion of year-round tourism in Collier County
);> Out-of-County Promotion
);> Soundness of proposed project
);> Stability and management capacity
);> Quality and uniqueness ofproposed project
The Committee received Category C-2 and B Grant Requests Applicant spreadsheet.
(See attached)
Staff stated the C-2 Grant Budget is $314,000 which includes projected funds due to the
Tax Collector. He recommended the Committee award up to $300,000.
It was noted the Grant Budget was down $200,000 from last year.
Jack Wert distributed and reviewed the Synopsis of Grant Applications FY 2011 along
with Staffrecommendations. (See attached)
Cate20rv C-2 Non-Countv Owned or Operated Museums
Staff stated the Grant Review Committee recommendations will be submitted to the TDC
for consideration prior to submitting the Grant Agreements to BCC for approval.
. Freedom Memorial requested $87,856.04 for continuing construction costs.
Staff stated the Grant Review Committee recommendations will be submitted to the TDC
for consideration prior to submitting the Grant Agreements to BCC for approval. Staff
recommended placing $9,000 in Contingency Fund.
Michele Klinowski stated the Committee's duty is to make recommendations
allocating the Grant funds. She agreed with Staff to reallocate the $9,000 and
mentioned just submitting an application does not mean they should receive
funds.
Doug Rickenbach stated the Committee should make sure any marketing planned
by applicants will draw visitors to the County especially from April through
October.
It was determined Freedom Memorial Park is County owned and does not qualify for a
"C" Grant. The Committee recommended zero funds.
. Marco Island Museum requested $150,000 for the second phase of the exhibit
building. Staff recommended the Grant Review Committee find it non-
compliant.
It was determined Marco Island Museum was non-compliant and indicated funding
should come from Category C-l not C-2. The Marco Island Museum is scheduled to be
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May 6,2010
turned over to the County once construction is completed. The Committee recommended
zerofunds.
. Children's Museum of Naples requested $150,000 for the marketing
campaign promoting the grand opening of the museum. The Museum is
nearing completion and scheduled to open in the spring or early summer of
2011. The Application meets the Grant Guidelines and Staff recommended
$90,000.
Facts noted were:
Museum built with private donations over $20 million.
Visitation for 2011 has been estimated at 75,000 with an estimated economic
impact of$5 million.
Fourth Grant request for TDC Funding, 3 requests received funding.
The second year the Children's Museum returned the Grant Funds awarded due to
a permitting issue.
Eligible for up to 60% funding equaling $90,000.
(It was suggested the Committee review and discuss each application prior to making any
recommendations.)
Steve McIntire asked how marketing money spent is monitored.
Jack Wert responded applicants must provide invoices with submission for
reimbursement. Kelly Green then performs an audit and the County performs a separate
audit prior to funding. The Grant is a reimbursement program which requires the non-
profit organizations have their funds available to pay for their marketing plan.
Elaine Reed expressed concern on the percentage recommended being 28% ofthe Grant
Funds available and whether or not it was more important than other applications.
The Committee agreed the Children's Museum attraction will bring visitors year round.
Lee County will be attracted but it will not bring hotel room nights. It was noted a
"Vacation in your own backyard" campaign will be run in Collier County. It was further
noted the Children's Museum of Naples will pursue a marketing plan if the award is less
than requested.
. Friends of Rookery Bay requested $50,000 for producing videos, website
enhancements and out of the County advertising. Application meets the
Grant Guidelines and Staff recommended $25,000.
Facts noted were:
Annual visitation to Rookery Bay is 15,000 with no estimate of economic impact.
Matching funds will come from program fees, memberships, and donations.
Second Grant request for TDC Funding.
Speaker
Robin DeMattia, a marketing consultant gave a brief explanation on the making and
distribution of the promotion video and answered many questions asked by the
Committee. She announced the Bat Fish will be Rookery Bay's iconic image. A Bat
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May 6, 201 0
Fish costume will be professionally constructed and will be used in parades, on the street
and at events.
Discussion was made on the marketing plan and it was decided the Committee will
review Grant request later.
.
Naples Art Association - Yon Liebig requested $75,000 for Festival ads,
printing and mailings. Application meets the Grant Gnidelines and Staff
recommended $30,000.
Facts noted were:
. Annual visitation to Von Liebig Events was projected at 106,000 for 2010 with
880 hotel room nights with an economic impact of$I,706,524.
. Matching funds will come from Art Association Funds, festival fees and private
donations.
. Fifth Grant request - Eligible for up to 40% funding equaling $30,000.
The Committee stated the events the Naples Art Association holds are predominately in
season when the influx of guests are already coming to Naples. The Committee
suggested they hold some events from October through April to help the local economy
and advertise the destination year round.
.
Naples Botanical Garden requested $183,150 for online marketing and
regional ads promoting the existing venue and beginning construction on
three new gardens. Application meets the Grant Guidelines and Staff
recommended $75,000.
Facts noted were:
Since the grand reopening in 2009 through March 2010 63,634 visitors have been
registered.
Visitation for 2011 has been estimated at 91,500 with an economic impact of$12
million.
Seventh Grant request - Eligible for up to 40% funding equaling $75,000.
Speaker
Jill Barry, Naples Botanical Garden - Director of External Affairs stated that in April
they attracted 175 visitors. The over abundance of rain shocked plants into early bloom.
She said they have three new gardens to present.
Discussion was made on the marketing plan and it was decided the Committee will
review the Grant request later.
. Holocaust Museum of SW Florida requested $100,000 for PBS Television
and radio ads, online, newsletter, production, and exhibits. Application
meets the Grant Guidelines and Staff recommended $40,000.
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May 6, 2010
Facts noted were:
Annual visitation has been estimated at 25,000 with no projected economic
impact.
. Matching funds will come from the Holocaust Museum's general fund.
Fourth Grant request - Eligible for up to 40% funding equaling $40,000.
The Committee would like to see the museum focus on creating a flow of visitors by
promoting events at the museum off-season. It was noted the museum has a "Boxcar" for
an exhibit which has a display inside the car and used as an education too/. The
"Boxcar" is often transported to different locations. The Committee agreed funding
should not be used for Boxcar travel because it is used to take the attraction out of the
area.
Discussion was made on each request, requirements and funding considerations to be
recommended.
The Committee formed a consensus and made the following Grant recommendations -
Freedom Memorial- $ 0
. Marco Island Museum - $ 0
Children's Museum - $90,000
Friends of Rookery Bay - $50,000
. Naples Art Association - $37,500
Naples Botanical Garden - $75,000
Holocaust Museum - $10,000
It was noted all application documents received will be reviewed by the County Attorney.
Recessed at 10:55 am
Reconvened at 11:07 am
Cate20rv B - Marketin2 and Event Grants
The Category "B" Grant Budget is set at $50,000.
. Art Naples World Festival, Inc. - Naples World Festival requested $25,000
for out of County promotion. Application meets the Grant Guidelines and
Staff recommended $15,000.
Facts noted were:
Scheduled for May 14-19,2012
Planned to start promotions in 2011 to build awareness
. Anticipated to become an annual festival featuring a different country each year.
Estimate 30% of attendees will be from out of the area generating 8,500 hotel
room nights with an economic impact of $l 0 million.
. Matching funds will come from ticket sales, sponsorships, donations and
fundraising events.
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May 6,2010
The Committee stated the Art Naples World Festival has had some signature events for
Collier County bringing arts to the area with multiple venues. The timing of the event
and the applicant's record of accomplishment meet the criteria.
. Naples International Film Festival, Inc. - 2010 Naples Film Fest requested
$50,000 for November 4 thru 7, 2010 in several venues in Collier County and
plan to use print, electronic media and develop relationships with hotel
corporations in Collier County and international tour operators.
Application meets the Grant Guidelines and Staff recommended $10,000.
Facts noted were:
Attendance is primarily locals.
Estimated 500 out of town participants at 500 hotel room nights per day of the
event with an economic impact of$1 million.
. Matching funds will come from sponsorships, donations and fund raising events.
The Committee stated the event will benefit Collier County and is scheduled within the
right time frame.
.
Naples Cultural Landscape - Naples Waterfront Stone Crab Festival
requested $25,000 for the development and ongoing maintenance of an event
web site. Application meets the Grant Guidelines and Staff recommended
$10,000.
Facts noted were:
Scheduled for October 22 and 23,2010
. Will be held at Tin City and Bayfront in downtown Naples.
. Estimated 3,000 visitors with an estimated 150 hotel room nights for two days.
. Economic impact was not estimated in the application.
The Committee stated the event does not allow enough time to market for success in such
short time. It was also noted the organization had not contacted local suppliers. The
application did not demonstrate leadership nor the best ability to properly use the funds.
. United Arts Council requested $24,000 to produce "Calendar of Events" that
will be distributed to area hotel concierge desks, visitor information centers
and to their statewide mailing list. Application meets the Grant Guidelines
and Staff recommended $10,000.
Facts noted were:
. Scheduled for 10 monthly "Calendar of Events."
Estimates for visitation and economic impact were not provided.
Matching funds will come from memberships, donations and fund raising events.
The Committee expressed concern the applicant did not follow the Committee's
recommendation made last year. Suggestions were made which included cutting back
production by producing quarterly or bi-monthly calendars. Create a website to provide
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May 6,2010
information and a way to track visitors. It was also recommended that some stipulations
be included in the agreement.
. Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Inc. - IWLCA Lacrosse Event requested
$10,000 to promote the event to potential participant teams in national
Lacrosse publications and on Lacrosse websites. Application meets the
Grant Guidelines and Staff recommended $5,000.
Facts noted were:
. Scheduled for November 20 and 21
Estimated 5,000 out of area attendees will generate 5,058 hotel room nights with
an economic impact of$2,059,425.
. Matching funds will come from entry fees and sponsorship sales.
The Committee stated the event had great potential and was scheduled for the right time
of the year. The applicant has been working with the local Lacrosse team.
Discussion was made on each request, requirements and funding considerations to be
recommended.
The Committee formed a consensus and made the following Grant recommendations -
Naples World Festival- $15,000
. 2010 Naples Film Fest - $20,000
Naples Waterfront Stone Crab Festival- $ 0
United Arts Council- $10,000
. IWLCA Lacrosse Event - $5,000
It was noted all application documents received will be reviewed by the County Attorney.
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting ended at
11:50 AM.
Tourist Development Council Grant Review Committee
These Minutes were approved by the Board/Committee on
as presented or as amended
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