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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_GEDCO_03.09.2000f, 1 df AGENDA FOR MEETING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD MONDAY, MARCH 91 2000 AT 5:15 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER AT CITY HALL. Notice is hereby given that the Economic Development Task Force established by the Georgetown City Council will hold a meeting on Thursday, March 9, 2000, at 5:15 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the City Hall of Georgetown, Texas AGENDA 1. Registration of Attendance for Task Force Members 2. Consideration of projected termination time for meeting. 3. Establishment of Criteria for Review of Existing Economic Development Entities in the City. Process of Identification of Issues, Example of already Identified Issues. 4. Presentation by Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau of Issues concerning Georgetown and Visitors Bureau. 5. Discussion and identification of issues for Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau. What are the opportunities, issues or concerns for Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau? 6. Presentation by Georgetown Industrial Foundation of Issues concerning Georgetown Industrial Foundation. 7. Discussion and identification of issues for Georgetown Industrial Foundation. What are the opportunities, issues and concerns for the Georgetown Industrial Foundation? 8. Presentation by Georgetown Chamber and Commerce of Issues concerning Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. 9. Discussion and identification of issues for Georgetown Chamber and Commerce. What are the opportunities, issues and concerns for the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce? 10. Review of all of Issues to determine if they are adequate to define a recommended organization or organizations. 11. Establish and/or Confirm Next Meeting Date Time and Agenda 12. Adjourn CERTIFICATE OF POSTING I, Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary for the City of Georgetown, Texas, do hereby certify that this Notice of Meeting was posted on the bulletin boardlocated outside of the Council Chambers, a place readily accessible to the general p�ire ublic at all times on the 4,��, day of - , 2000, at , and remained so posted for at least 2 continuous hours preceding the scheduled time of said eeting SANDRA D. LEE, City Secretary kW1'G3".AG14(WP"00 .10 1 t , eco rd- Al e ndj-- Po-c k et W. H. CONNOR Attorney at Law Bank of A nca B 'ng 624 S. Austin Ave., Suite 101 Georgetown, Texas 78626 Telephone. 5121863-4576 Te l e copier. 5121869-3496 February 21, 2000 Economic Development Task Force Members Georgetown, Texas Greetings: We have a scheduled meeting for Thursday, March 9, 2000 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Council Chamber for the City of Georgetown. It is my objective for the Task Force to identify issues concerning organizations involved in economic development for the City of Georgetown at that meeting. Therefore, I will expect all three entities involved in the review process to present any issues which they have identified. This includes both concerns and opportunities. Once we have identified the issues, then we can move forward to make decisions arriving at recommendations. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting on the ninth. Very truly yours, W. H. CONNOR WHC/kog FJnF.LTR-W4 MEMORANDUM DATE: March 14, 2000 TO: Ercel Brashear, Tim Kennedy, John Kuhn, Jim Mitchell FROM: Sandra Lee, City of Georgetown c= SUBJECT: Hand -Outs from Meeting of the Economic Development Task Force On Thursday, March 9, 2000 Enclosed are the hand-outs provided to the membership at the meeting on March 9. The Convention and Visitors Bureau presentation was made by Rusty Winkstern. The GIF presentation was made by Mark Dixon. The Chamber of Commerce presentation was made by Mel Penland. (Mr. Penland did not provide hand-outs for his presentation.) It was determined that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 5:15 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. sl enclosures H a-v%- ot- () td Pro vid, c-& xt F-Conom& (Dcvc[opmer%-V by McLrx 1),41 xoM Trams k Fo rcc 3 - 9- Zo00 -6 r G I it Ken Poteete made a motion with a second by Clark Thurmond for Georgetown Industrial Foundation to respond to the Economic Development Task Force Recommendation with the following suggestions: A) The Task Force should request the City Council to issue a public statement for continued support of economic development to clear up any misconceptions. B) The City should continue to use an effective public -private partnership for implementation of the economic development platy. C) We believe a steering committee can be most effectively utilized for developing clear goals and parameters for the vision of our community's economic development plan. CVB RESPONSE Presentation for City of Georgetown's Economic Development Task Force March Y, 2(xx( Key Points (Community & Organizational Support (Relationships (Staff skills and enthusiasm Issues to Address 1 Subcommittee Issues IOperational Concerns IOrganizational Fit Direction I Needs and desires of community citizens: assessed, prioritized, protected by Elected Council and appointed representative Advisory Board 1 Vision, goals, policies, strategies: based upon the Century Plan, Economic Development Strategic Plan, Hotel/Motel Tax Law Control I Direction and measurement of staff performance: City Manager, Director of Community Services, CVB Director provide direction, performance reviews. City's Financial Services, Legal Services directors provide checks and balance. Budget Budget: Based upon the amount of occupancy tax received, and developed by staff with input from Advisory Board; approved by City Council. Accountability 1 Staff performance: activities & measures info previously provided to Task Force 1 Follow Century Plan & Economic Development Strategic Plan 1 Goals & objectives are prioritized and approved by Council in annual operating plan; measurements for key indicators for previous year are reported Resources 1 Use of resources reviewed by advisory board; city government organization including division director, finance director & staff, legal staff, city manager; city council 1 Strategic planning process to develop improved measures Current Activities & Programs 1 Tourism, Convention Sales & Promotions 1 Visitor Center Operation 1 Main Street Program 1 Red Poppy Festival Coordination 3 Staffing Level 1 Tourism, Convention Sales, & Promotion = 1 position 1 Visitor Center Coordination, Main Street Program = 1 position 1 Clerical Assistance = 1/2 position (temp. filled) 1 Director/Manager = 1 position (vacant) TOTAL of 3.5 POSITIONS BUDGETED Comparisons* city Budget Number Staff 1 Georgetown 280,000 3.5 1 Richardson 230,000 3 1 Denton 279,000 3 1 Killeen 300,000 3 1 Kerrville 456,000 6 1 Brownsville 600,000 8 *These are cities with no oomention center. Main street Program is included in Georgetown operation but not others. "Infonnabon taken from an Wependent survey of other Texas CVBs, conducted try the Denton CVB. Communications Recommendations 1 Chairpersons & Directors meet monthly 1 Boards meet together 2 or 3 times each year 91 Continuity 1 Century Plan 1 Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Law 1 Strategic Planning Strategic Planning Process 1 Start with Century Plan 1 Review of Mission & Vision Statements 1 Needs Assessment 1 Environmental Assessment 1 Evaluate strengths & weaknesses 1 Review & modify goals & priorities 1 Identify & develop outcome measures 1 Develop an action plan 1 Modify activity & process measures 1 Continuous evaluation Mission 1 The mission of the Georgetown CVB is to: 1 encourage the community's economic success through promotion of Georgetown as a tourist destination 1 preserve & enhance the cultural heritage & unique character of the community 1 attract conventions & group tours to maximize the financial impact of tourism on the community 61 Vision The Georgetown Convention & Visitors Bureau is an innovative team dedicated to enhancing our community's unique character as a successful tourist destination, providing memorable experiences to visitors and a lasting source of pride to its citizens. Operational Concerns 1 Staff Issues benefit package (medical insurance, retirement plan, etc.) 1 Support & Ancillary Services 1 purchasing, bidding, payments & billing, payroll, personnel, legal 1 Location, Space, Equipment (computer, van...; 1 efficiency, adequacy, availability, maintenance, replacement Other Concerns 1 Customer Target Market 1 CVB = outside Georgetown (tourists) 1 Chamber = local (members) 1 Fit with Mission 6 Missions Comparison CVB 1 The mission of the Georgetown CVB is to: 1 encourage the community's economic success through promotion of Georgetown as a tourist destination 1 preserve & enhance the cultural heritage & unique character of the community 1 attract conventions & group tours to maximize the financial impact of tourism on the community Chamber The Georgetown Chamber of Conrnerce serves its membership by: 1 Promoting member businesses & responsible economic development. 1 Providing leadership in business & community activities. 1 Communicating timely infomratlon on important matters. 1 Creating a forum for understanding & articulating merry perspectives on key issues. Other Factors to Consider 1 All CVBs are different Cities have different attractions Impact of competition 1 Amenities vary (ex. meeting rooms) 1 Budget sources vary 1 Focus & Community Objectives Advisory Board & Staff Recommendation 1 Board and Staff are enthusiastic about strategic planning and direction headed. 1 Recommend CVB stay with City. 1 Recommend monthly meetings with Chairs and Directors of Chamber, GIF. 1 Recommend semi-annual joint meetings of boards. 7 Convention & Visitors Bureau ENDS & MEANS Policy End = Vision `- Focus End = Goal Mean = Objective Economic Development POLICYEND: Citizens of Georgetown experience a stable, self-sustaining economy with expanding job opportunities. p g FOCUS END: The downtown is economically viable. MEAN: Coordinate the Main Street Program with other City Departments, Downtown Georgetown Association (DGA) and other merchants to promote and enhance the unique character of the downtown Square. ACTIVITIES: Develop a renewed interest in the Square • Design new street light banners • Create a Festival of Lights display • Provide additional design and decorations for Square during the Holiday Season • Encourage merchants to have longer hours of operations during the Holidays Insure downtown infrastructure meets regulations • Work with COU to install new stop signs and street signs • Staff serve as liaison on Historic Preservation Commission Board for sign design guidelines Promotion of the Square • Distribute `welcome' signs to merchants on the Square for tour groups • Assist in updating the `Around the Square", DGA brochure • Promote and attract events on the Square • Create Red Poppy Festival on the Square Provide Support to DGA • Provide office space for DGA Administrative Assistant • Member of DGA CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • Largest attendance at the Christmas Stroll, estimated 10,000 • Festival of Lights brought estimated 250 attended • Merchants experienced increased holiday sales (some reported double) • Downtown signs meet regulations • Hosted several conventions on the Square with DGA support • Attendance at Red Poppy Festival, future • Over 80 residents volunteered to plant red poppies in the community and over 10 Brownies/Girl Scout troops planted seeds at all schools Page 3 CVB Profile FOCUS END: The tourism industry in Georgetown is developed and promoted in a manner that 1 compliments the City's unique character. OBJECTIVE: Market the community of Georgetown to visitors to further increase the - over night stays and economic base of the tourism related businesses. ACTIVITIES: • Work with local attractions (Inner Space Cavern, Candle Factory, Jan Ha ara Dolls, Square -walking & driving tours) to schedule tours g • Create a web page promoting Georgetown to tourists, prospective visitors, tour groups, meeting planners who can also request information over the Internet • Work with local hotels to promote accommodations, facilities, and work securing room blocks • Increase the number of tourists to Georgetown, therefore increasing the sales tax base • Work with Travel Writers to publish articles on Georgetown • Participate in trade shows targeting leisure travelers, meeting planners, and tour operators • Provide and designed promotional materials & advertisements to attract visitors to Georgetown (Visitor Guide, Calendar of Events, Din ing Guide, Billboard, Red Poppy & Wildflower Guide) • Work with other industry partners to find opportunities for cooperative projects CURRENT MEASURE OF SUCCESS: • Scheduled approximately 10 tours at Inner Space Cavern and 11 tours at the Candle Factory, 13 step -on guided tours, and 5 Jan Hagara Tours • Booked 6 conferences, 54 tour groups, and 3 sport groups at local hotels for a total of 1,138 rooms booked (estimated) • Booked 5 groups and 2 conventions as a result of trade show contacts • Articles published: Southern Living, Texas Highways, Convention South, Where to Retire, Austin Home & Living, Gifts & Decorations (`99 Publications) • Provided information to 300 Internet requestors (approximate) • Sales tax based increased by 151 % from 1990-97 (Williamson County) • Georgetown promotional material provided at Texas Travel Information Centers around the state and various Visitor Centers • Cooperative advertising efforts made with TDED-Tourism Division for best cost efficiencies (Where to Retire, March issue-190,000 circulation; AAA Southern Traveler, July/Aug issue-170,000 circulation ) • Distributed over 18,000 Visitor Guides, 12,000 Calendar of Events, & 10,000 Dining Guides to visitors, Visitor- Centers, information requests, and trade shows. Page 4 CVB Profile MEAN: Provide support to the Visitor Information Center to market the community to the visiting customer. ACTIVITY: • Recruit and retain volunteers • Provide customer service training to all volunteers • Maintain current and accurate information • Provide a variety of information for visitors and residents (ie. phone books, clubs & organizations guide, history) • Increase variety of souvenir merchandise • Create a Quick Reference Guide for easy use and reference CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • The Visitor Center volunteer base increased from 60 to 130 volunteers in 1997 • Souvenir sales revenues in 1999 were :$5,962.83. • Created a Clubs and Organizational Brochure, highly requested piece of information • Quick Reference Guide is also purchased and used by relators, Sun City, and Southwestern University students. MEAN: Identify local opportunities to promote community awareness of the value of tourism to the public. ACTIVITIES: • Host hospitality training seminars for citizens, Visitor Center volunteers, and City staff, downtown merchants, and tourism related business employees • Sponsor National Tourism Week activities to. increase CVB awareness and tourism impact on community • Speak at local service clubs & organizations on CVB CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • Trained 80% of Visitor Center volunteers and CVB's goal is to host 5 seminars per year, increased from 2 per year in years past • For National Tourism week: promoted a Williamson County Photo contest to citizens, 32 entries, scheduled educational, walking tours for elementary school students, hosted thank you party for volunteers at the Visitor Center, advertised the economic impact of tourism in local newspaper • CVB staff spoke at 20 clubs & organizations (last year) Page 5 CVB Profile r Historic Preservation POLICYEND: Prehistoric, historic, and cultural resources are preserved, protected and promoted for the benefit ofthe citizens of Georgetown. MEAN: Promote the Main Street Facade Fund Renovation Program by completing four renovation projects. ACTIVITIES: • Create Main Street Facade Fund Policy Guidelines • Solicit private donations for the `fund' through presentations at service clubs, editorials in local newspaper, and word of mouth CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • Main Street Facade Fund Policy Guidelines approved by Main Street Advisory Board • Awarded two grants to downtown business owners for facade renovations • Raised approximately $5,000 from private investors MEAN: Expand the Town Square Historic District. ACTIVITIES: • Solicit Council's direction through presentation at Council Workshop • Encourage community involvement through Vision Survey, 5th grade participation, local newspaper, free walking tours, visual opinion survey (photos) • Plan and conduct a Charrette CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • Approximately 75 Vision surveys returned, 60 5th grade responses, conducted 4 walking tours, 23 citizens participated in visual opinion survey • Approximately 50 citizens participated in day -long Charrette Public Information and Education POLICYEND: City owned, sponsored or managed public information and education services enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Georgetown. FOCUS END: Public education and information services meet the diverse needs and requirements of citizens. ACTIVITIES: • Provide information useful to the local resident through the Visitor Information Center • Provide venue for sale of local non-profit projects CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • Provided maps, phone books, history, GISD information, attractions, local events, Page 6 CVB Profile r dining guides, and etc • Helped Williamson County Museum, Heritage Society, Animal Services, Handcrafts Unlimited, Sun City Garden Club (Georgetown Firefighters) for y assistance in non-profit projects MEAN: Provide Hospitality Training Seminars to the community five times a year to preserve and enhance the unique character of the citizens of Georgetown. ACTIVITIES: • Host hospitality training seminars for citizens, Visitor Center volunteers, City staff, downtown merchants, and tourism related business employees CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • Trained 80% of Visitor Center volunteers and CVB's goal is to host 5 seminars per year, increased from 2 per year in years past Recreational and Cultural Affairs POLICYEND: Parks, open space and recreation facilities and services contribute to an enhanced quality of life for citizens of Georgetown. FOCUS END: There are opportunities for citizens to participate in a Nvide range of recreational activities. MEAN: Coordinate special community festivals and events with Parks & Recreation. ACTIVITIES: • Work more closely with the Parks Department on booking and scheduling sporting groups in Georgetown • Better communications and logistical planning with Parks Dept on booking the community center for festivals • Coordinated with Parks Dept on a Downtown Beautification project CURRENT MEASURES OF SUCCESS: • Working with the new Parks manager on scheduling 5 sports tournaments this year and 2001, estimated 1,545 rooms booked • DGA and Noon Kiwanis Club adopted around the Square pocket parks and planted flowers Page 7 CVB Profile