2002-11-11 Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting

Browse Search

Budget: An initial operating budget has not been established but can be expected to mirror closely the relative relationships (percentage) of the NASA Clear Lake Convention and Visitor's Bureau in that they were organized last year and have a budget larger than the $268,693 proposed for SJATC. The start up budget for NASACLCVB totaled $346,500 which included the up front expenses of legal and office set up. Their second year budget is estimated at $387,350. Approximately 60% of the budget will be spent on advertising and promotional efforts. Since upwards to 20% in advertising cost savings can be realized by joint coop advertising, SJATC would be able to achieve greater results with its advertising dollars by working with local venues, NASACLCVB and GHCVB. Attached is a spreadsheet (Exhibit C) setting out an analysis of the NASACLCVB budget and how the gross numbers might be translated to the SJATC. A month by month and quarter by quarter budget is also set forth for the $268,693 requested. It is anticipated that the SJATC would be funded fully by the supporting communities in their October 1, 2002 budgets. In the interim limited funding would be solicited from the GHCVB and Pasadena to incorporate the SJATC, establish a `presence' in the community and to fund participation in several trade associations and in particularly the annual convention and trade shows of the TTIA and the TACVB in August and September. Benefits to the Community: La Porte would benefit from the development and marketing of its tourism assets. The Southeast Economic Development Council represents La Porte along with six other geographic entities in the promotion of economic development. Although tourism is a part of their mission they are not providing adequate attention to the number three industry in Texas. With a high number of motel beds, several good dining facilities, the coastal beach and prime underdeveloped heritage and nature tourism assets, La Porte will benefit significantly from the development of those assets to travelers outside of the local community. A. Industries benefiting from Travel: 1. attractions (festivals, convention center, golf courses) 2. transportation (rental, gasoline, repair) 3. entertainment (heritage, arts, etc) 4. retail 5. lodging 6. dining B. Economic Benefit 1. generation of taxes a. sales tax b. hotel tax 2. job creation David Pomeroy 9/8/02 8 Proposal2lp