Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board ReportDUBUQUE AREA
CONVENTION &
VISITORS BUREAU
WI -IE12F. IT AI.I. I,EI.ONGS.
Agenda
Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting
Boardroom at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at Noon
I. Welcome /Introductions Joyce White
II. September Minutes Keith Rahe
III. November CVB Financials Keith Rahe
IV. Committee Updates
A. Sales Stephanie Reuter /Julie Kronlage
B. Hospitality Christine Schmidt
C. Marketing and PR Becca Krapfl/Taylor Kellogg
D. Sports /Events Tyler Daugherty
V. CVB Budget FY 2013 — 2014 Keith Rahe
VI. CVB Board /Staff responsibilities CVB Staff
VII. Planning Session recap Keith Rahe
VIII. Other Business
IX. Adjournment Joyce White
DUBUQUE AREA
CONVENTION &
VISITORS BUREAU
WHERE IT Al.l. BELONGS.
Minutes
Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting
Boardroom at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, September 20 at Noon
I. Welcome /Introductions Joyce White
In attendance: Taylor Kellogg, Becca Krapfl, Joey Anderson, Randy Gehl, Lynn Suton, Sandy Conrad, Wayne
Demmer, Amy Boynton, Tyler Daugherty, Ann Cannon, David Lange, Julie Kronlage, Cindy Steinhauser, Joyce
White, Keith Rahe
II. July Minutes Keith Rahe
Motion to approve by Cindy Steinhauser, seconded by Amy Boynton
III. August CVB Financials Keith Rahe
Convention marketing is over because of the timing of sporting events and we are ahead in expenditures
because there was a third pay period in August. CVB Events is down because not as many people signed up
for the Duathlon and Mantastic as projected. Motion to approve by Dave Lange, seconded by Joey Anderson
IV. Committee Updates
A. Hospitality
Occupancy
July Occupancy
Christine Schmidt
2012 2011 2010*
Overall City Occupancy^ 72.7% 71.4% 71.3%
Full Service 78.6% 73.4% 76.6%
Select Service 67.4% 69.5% 67.0%
Bed & Breakfasts 34.9% 29.4% n/a
Smith Travel Research reports that occupancy in Iowa's Top 10 County Hotel Markets was 68.4% for
July. Our overall city occupancy for Dubuque was 72.7% for July which puts us more than 4% ahead. The
Top 10 counties are: Polk, Scott, Linn, Pottawattamie, Black Hawk, Johnson, Story, Woodbury, Dallas and
Du buq ue.
August Occupancy
2012
2011 2010
Overall City Occupancy^ 71.1% 70.9% 65.4%
Full Service 75.9% 72.9% 70.6%
Select Service 66.8% 68.9% 61.2%
Bed & Breakfasts 35.1% 25.0% n/a
Smith Travel Research reports August occupancy to be at 71.8% for the Top 10 County Hotel Markets.
Ours was just slightly lower but real close with the other 9 counties included in the report.
Year to Date Occupancy
2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Full Service 64.7% 62.5% 60.5% 64.1% 64.1% 62.9% 60.0% 61.7% 56.7% 53.2%
Select Service 54.7% 55.3% 54.2% 54.7 %^' 49.9% 50.3% 54.9 %^' 56.4% 49.1% 50.5%
Bed & Breakfast 23.7% 25.8% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Overall City^ 59.7% 58.9% 57.4% 59.4% 57.0% 56.6% 57.5% 59.1% 52.9% 51.9%
*RAGBRAI came through at the end of July
^includes Full Service and Select Service
-New property added this year
Note: 2011 and 2012 are actual numbers, previous years were a combination of actuals and estimates
Visitor Guides
Total requests in July 1 615
Requests came from 38 different states and Canada, Puerto Rico and England
Top State Requests How Requests Came In
Iowa 127 20.7% Magazine Leads 342 55.6%
Illinois 120 10.9% Online 208 33.8%
Wisconsin 99 9.0% Phone Calls 50 8.1%
Minnesota 52 4.7% EITA 9 1.5%
Missouri 33 3.0% Mail 1 0.2%
Total visitor guides mailed as ofJuly 31, 2012 1 6,250
Total visitor guides distributed as of July 31, 2012 1 70,280
Total requests in August 1 280
Requests came from 31 different states
Top State Requests How Requests Came In
Iowa 64 22.9% Online 133 47.5%
Illinois 57 5.2% Magazine Leads 65 23.2%
Wisconsin 50 4.6% Phone Calls 38 13.6%
Minnesota 25 2.3% EITA 3 1.1%
Missouri 11 1.0% Mail 2 0.7%
Total visitor guides mailed as of August 31, 2012 1 6,530
Total visitor guides distributed as of August 31, 2012 1 79,640
Visitor Guides Mailed Comparison
2012 2011 2010^
January 155 123 115
February 214 121 146
March 1357 298 621
April 1931 1832 2441
May 1097 3697 2468
June 881 1245 1469
July 615 527 516
August 280 236 811
Totals 6,530 8,079 8,587
ARAGBRAI came through Dubuque this year
Becca pulled analytics for the traveldubuque.com visitor guide page visits for a comparison to last year
Jan 1, 2012 -Sept 20, 2012: 4,251 clicks
Jan 1, 2011 -Sept 20, 2012: 1,637 clicks
Difference: 2,614 clicks
B. Sports /Events Tyler Daugherty
Duathlon
The 3rd annual Duathlon took place on July 14 and consisted of a 1.2 mile run, 15 mile bike ride, and 3
mile run. The event was located in the McGraw -Hill distribution center parking lot on Chavenelle Road,
where the race began and ended. We attracted 108 competitors to this year's event. Of the 108
competitors: 81 were from Iowa, 12 from Wisconsin, 10 from Illinois, 3 from Minnesota, 1 from
Missouri, and 1 from Arizona. Of the 81 participants from Iowa, 31 were from outside the
Dubuque /Asbury area. In addition to our 108 competitors, we attracted around 150 spectators that
camped on the site with lawn chairs and blankets and cheered on their family /friends. 2013 will come
with a few changes, as we plan to add a team option for next year's event. Teams of two will have the
ability to split up the run and bike sections of the race. From the feedback we received from this year's
participants, the team option is something that competitors wanted to see for next year's event.
Mantastic Guyathlon
The 2nd annual Mantastic Guyathlon took place on August 3 -5 and consisted of a 2 person team
competing in golf, bowling, bean bags, and a softball hitting contest. Golfing took place at The Meadows
Golf Club, bowling at Creslanes, softball hitting contest at McAleece Park, and bean bags at Courtside.
In 2011, 24 teams competed for the overall title with a majority of our competitors residing from the
Dubuque and tri -state areas. This year, we attracted 34 teams. Of the 68 competitors: 5 were from
Wisconsin, 5 were from Illinois, and 17 other competitors were from outside the Dubuque /Asbury area.
In addition to our 68 competitors, we attracted around 30 spectators to our bowling, softball homerun
hitting contest, and bean bag events. Similar to the Duathlon, the 2013 Mantastic Guyathlon will come
with a few changes, as we plan to offer three competing divisions. Each division will have specific talent
targets, age targets, and payout amounts will differ depending on which division you compete in. This
should provide a competitive event top to bottom, and should help to attract older competitors who
feel they lack certain abilities compared to the younger competition.
Run For A Vet 5K
The Run for A Vet 5K consists of a 3.1 -mile run /walk around The Port of Dubuque. The 5k race will begin
and end in the McGraw -Hill Parking lot. The Kids race will consist of a 1K run /walk for children 12 years
old and younger Kids must register to participate. The Run For A Vet 5K will be USATF sanctioned and
have chip timing for all paid runners. Walkers are encouraged to participate but will not be officially
timed or given a race packet. The event will be sponsored by The Diamond Jo with all proceeds
benefitting the VA hospital in Iowa City and the Veterans Freedom Center in Dubuque. The Run For A
Vet 5K will be in conjunction with the Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial, which will be in the Port of the
Dubuque on October 11 through October 15. We hope that families will use this weekend as an
opportunity to support our Vets and get some exercise in the process.
DockDogs
DockDogs will be hosting the World Championships at Five Flags Center in Dubuque on November 15-
18, 2012. In addition to hosting the 2012 World Championships, Dubuque will be home to the 2013 and
2014 DockDogs World Championships as well. DockDogs anticipates 300 -400 competitors to sign up for
this year's event, and with the popular draw of competitors /spectators to America's River Festival, we
anticipate a very good weekend for the World Championships.
Thursday — Practice Rounds
Friday — Qualifying Rounds
Saturday — Qualifying Rounds & Main Event
Sunday — Qualifying Rounds & Main Event
Flag Football
The Sports Commission and 7G distributing will be sponsoring a 4 on 4 non -c ontact, 16 team flag
football tournament December 8 & 9. The tournament will consist of a 2 game guarantee for all teams
and will be hosted by Courtside Bar & Grill. Teams will have the ability to form a 10 player squad with all
members of the team required to be 21 and over. Play will begin Saturday morning and end with the
money games Sunday afternoon. We will be paying out to the top 4 teams and anticipate our payouts to
be a big draw. 1st Place: $750, 2nd Place: $450, 3rd Place: $270, and 4th Place: $130. Entry fee for the
event will be $130.
Looking ahead to 2013
January 5:
Garage Games @ The University of Dubuque (Not secured yet)
January 25 -27:
Iowa Winter Games
February 23:
Harley Fan Fest "Hogs Gone Wild" — at Five Flags Center, working with Dubuque Harley
Davidson but CVB is organizing. Working with Tri -State tourism on it as well.
April 6:
What Women Want
April 26 -28:
Gus Macker
May 3:
Torque Fest
May 3 & 4:
Iowa State Rugby Tournament (Not secured yet)
C. Sales Julie Kronlage
Group Tour Sales
Tradeshows
The CVB attended the Travel Iowa Marketplace on September 12 Davenport. There were 70 planners in
attendance who visited with the Dubuque contingency that was at the show. The Diamond Jo Casino,
Hotel Julien Dubuque and Holiday Inn Dubuque Galena also attended the show. Leads will be available
the second week of October to members.
Groups in Town
Journey Tours from Pullman, WA spent 7 days in Dubuque, September 11— September 18. They stayed
at the Hotel Julien Dubuque and did visit a variety of locations throughout Dubuque and Eastern Iowa.
This was a group that was secured from hosting the Heritage Clubs International Conference in March of
2011. There were 16 people on this tour.
Morrill & Janes Bank from Hiawatha, KS spent five days in Iowa and one overnight in Dubuque in August.
This was another group that was booked from hosting Heritage Clubs International Conference in March
of 2011. There were 43 people on this tour.
2013 group tour bookings are off to a slow start, but have been slowly picking up. Groups coming in to
Dubuque next year so far are from WI, IL and IA. A trend in group tour booking, which we have seen at
the CVB, is groups booking closer to the date they are planning to arrive.
Group Tour Phone Blitz
The CVB and members of the Sales Committee conducted a Phone Sales Blitz in July. Over 150 phone
calls were made to past business and to future potential business.
Convention Sales
Conferences that Chose Dubuque
National Association of State Park Directors, September 2013.
Grand River Center, 175 ppl, NATIONAL
Martin Family Reunion, July 2013.
Holiday Inn Express, 125 ppl, I NATIONAL
Iowa State Extension Beef, January 2013.
Grand River Center, 150 ppl, STATE Convention Sales
The following are upcoming conventions in Dubuque:
Mid States Organized Crime I September 18 -20 I Grand River Center 1 200 people I REGIONAL
Rural Community Colleges I September 24 -26 I Grand River Center 1 125 people I NATIONAL
Trans America Financial I Oct ober 3 -5 I Hotel Julien Dubuque 175 people I STATE
Iowa Library Association I October 10 -12 I Grand River Center 1 500 people I STATE
Northeast Iowa Synod I October 14 -16 I Best Western Plus 1 125 I STATE
American Water Works — Iowa Chapter I October 23 -24 I Grand River Center 1 100 I STATE
Tradeshows
Julie attended the Connect Marketplace in August in New Orleans. She met with 23 meeting planners
one on one to talk about Dubuque and learn how we could bring their business here. Follow up
information has been sent and calls are being made. Leads will be shared with the travel industry the
week of September 24.
Julie also attended the Iowa Meetings Marketplace in August in Des Moines. Over 70 meeting planners
were invited to attend the show to learn more about Iowa destinations. The Hotel Julien Dubuque and
Grand River Center were also in attendance.
FAM Tour
Julie hosted another FAM tour August 27 -28. There were 10 people in attendance. The FAM went very
well, better than many previous ones, and lots of interest for future meetings was gained. We had
planners from Des Moines, Ames, Milwaukee and Chicagoland here.
Here are some of the survey results:
Overall Experience in Dubuque
(5 being excellent - 1 being poor) 5, 5
Highlights of Visit
- Enjoyed the Aquarium and the e levator; enjoyed the energy, company and fare at
dinner on Monday.
- The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, your world class convention
center, earning the history of Dubuque, experiencing the restoration at the Hotel
Julien, excellent cuisine at L.May Eatery.
What would you have changed
- Perhaps more time at the aquarium, although you did give us passes to go back.
- A boat trip on the Mississippi River (Glad we got to experience this after the FAM)
How accommodating was your hotel?
(5 being excellent - 1 being poor) 5, 5
Anything the CVB could do differently to make your visit more accommodating?
Not that I can think of.
Will you plan to do events in Dubuque in future?
Yes, I will always suggest Dubuque to my clients
Yes
Did you explore Dubuque on your own before or after the FAM? If so, what did you take in?
- My Wife & I did visit last year and stayed at another property. Time was short this
time, but we did visit Eagle Point Park.
- Yes the boat trip
Any Additional Comments to add
- I love Dubuque!
D. Marketing and PR Becca Krapfl /Taylor Kellogg
Website
Website Analytics
Jul 18, 2011 Sep 18, 2011 Jul 18, 2012 Sep 18, 2012 Difference
Visits: 21,237 21,395 158.00
Unique Visitors: 15,712 16,435 723.00
Pageviews: 141,706 163,511 21,805.00
Pages / Visit: 6.67 7.64 0.97
Avg. Visit Duration: 0:08:21 0:11:02 0:02:41
Bounce Rate: 25.39% 26.79% 1.40%
%New Visits: 69.20% % New 72.19% 2.99%
Items with a * have been identified as a priority by the Dubuque City Council
* *Full web analytics for 07/18/2011- 09/18/2011
http: / /www.traveldubuq ue. com /Analytics %20www.traveldubuque .com %20Visitors %20Overview %2020
110718- 20110918.pdf **
** Full web analytics for 07/18/2012 - 09/18/2012
http: / /www.trave Id u buq ue. com /Ana lyti cs %20www.traveld ub uq ue .com %20Vi sitors %20Overview %2020
120718- 20120918.pdf **
New Layout
There have been 5 new buttons added to the TravelDubuque.com home page. The new buttons include
links to the Dubuque Chamber Website, a new CVB staff page, links to our social media outlets including
Facebook, Twitter, and Blog. The social media buttons have also been included in the sites child pages.
New On -going news section on home page
A new section has been added to the TravelDubuque.com home page below the Spotlight section. This
new area is used to feature the latest news and events in the area.
Coming Soon: Survey on TravelDubuque.com
A survey is in development that will have the following features:
• It will be geo- targeted for IP addresses that are 30 miles outside of Dubuque.
• Each unique visitor will be prompted to take the survey; each quarter we will select one of the survey
participants to win a trip to Dubuque.
• The survey will be timed.
• Survey data will be collected from completed and abandoned surveys. Providing contact information
including an email address is completely optional.
New Special Events Section
• Signature events like America's River Festival, What Women Want, Duathlon, Mantastic Guyathlon,
Run for a Vet 5K, and Border Battle will be listed in the drop down menu under Events.
• A scrolling banner of events will be featured on the home page with events like America's River
Festival, What Women Want, Duathlon, Mantastic Guyathlon, Run for a Vet 5K, and Border Battle.
• Other community events will continued to be featured in the right hand column of the home page.
Social Media
Facebook
An online ad campaign ran from 9/4 — 9/18 with the goal of increasing our Facebook Page Likes. The ad
campaign has increased the page likes by 169; the ad showed stories about people liking the Dubuque
CVB Page to their friends in the news feed and in the right hand column of Facebook.
Pinterest
A Pinterest account has been created & boards are under development.
Events
Mantastic Guyathlon
• Newspaper Drop: Cedar Rapids Gazette, Iowa City Press Citizen, Waterloo Courier, Madison Wisconsin
State Journal, Rockford Register Star
• Print: Dubuque 365, BizTimes, Julien's Journal, Rockford Star, Cedar Rapids Gazette, Madison
Wisconsin State Journal, TH Spadea
• Online: KWWL, Social Media
• Radio: Dubuque, Madison, Rockford, Davenport, Cedar Rapids
• Television: KWWL
• Other: Bar Coasters & Standees at the Kennedy Mall with brochures
Run for a Vet 5K
• Print: Dubuque 365, TH Sticky Note, posters
• Online: TH Online, Social Media
• Radio: Dubuque
• Other: Billboards
* Voices of the Warehouse District
• Print: Dubuque 365, Julien's Journal (August, September issue), posters
• Online: Social Media
• Other: Billboards
* Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
• Print: Ad in Voices pamphlet
Special Marketing
Radio Partnership
• July /August — Dane County /Madison Market
• Vision Iowa Out of State Marketing Grant in conjunction with the National Mississippi River Museum &
Aquarium
PR
Association News I July 2012
• Featured article
• Circulation: 42,000
• Distributed to association executives and meeting planners Meetings Focus Mid - America I August
2012
• Features on Hotel Julien Dubuque, Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark and Grand River Center
• Circulation: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,
South Dakota and Wisconsin
• Distributed to meeting planners
Northwest Quarterly I Summer 2012
• Featured article
• Circulation: Northern Illinois & Wisconsin
Press Releases submitted to Media
• Cabela's King Kat Tournament Trail on The Mississippi River At The City Of Dubuque, Iowa
• Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa is Open for Business
• Iowa Grocery Industry Association Conference Makes its Move to Dubuque
Travel Media Showcase
The Dubuque CVB (Becca Krapfl) attended the Travel Media Showcase in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from
August 21— 24, 2012. 33 interviews with travel writers from across the country were scheduled. Several
writers expressed interest in visiting Dubuque over the next year.
Travel Writers
The Dubuque CVB hosted 2 travel writers over the past month. Sher Jasperse from Home & Away
Magazine visited Dubuque on August 31— September 2. She is writing an article that will be released in
late winter /early spring. The second travel writer was Julie Henning from Roadtrips for Families, an
online blog; she visited September 7 - 8. She has written on article on the National Mississippi River
Museum & plans to write additional articles about her visit.
V. Focus Group Recap Becca Krapfl /Taylor Kellogg
A series of three focus groups were held on August 11, 2012. Each focus group lasted 1 hour beginning
at 10 am. The CVB worked with the City of Dubuque to develop the focus group questions. Participants
arrived on Friday and departed on Sunday with lodging and a gift card to use at their discretion. A
complimentary boat cruise was offered on Saturday for the participants & their guests. Overall, the
focus groups provided feedback that will be beneficial for future marketing for the CVB. Once the focus
group feedback has been evaluated, reports will be available.
Demographics & Group Breakdown
10:00 Focus Group
Participant 1A: 2 attending
• Madison, WI
• 40 -49
• $80 -90K
• White, not of Hispanic origin
Participant 1B: 2 attending
• Des Moines, IA
• 30 -39
• $70 -80K
• White, not of Hispanic origin
12:30 Focus Group
Participant 2A: 2 attending
• Chicago, IL
• 60+
• $100+K
• White, not of Hispanic origin
Participant 2B: 2 attending
• Madison, WI
• 30 -39
• $70 -80K
• White, not of Hispanic origin
Participant 2C: 2 attending
• Cedar Rapids, IA
• 40 -49
• $40 -49K
• Hispanic
2:00 Focus Group
Participant 3A: 2 attending
• Chicago, IL
• 60+
• $30 -40K
• Hispanic
Participant 3B: 2 attending
• Cedar Rapids, IA
• 30 -39
• $90 -100K
• White, not of Hispanic origin
Participant 3C: 2 attending
• Des Moines, IA
• 50 -59
• $90 -100K
• White, not of Hispanic origin
VI. American Queen /Queen of the Mississippi Keith Rahe /Julie Kronlage
The American Queen was in town for its first time on Tuesday. It holds 450 and they had 303 passengers on
it. It has been redone and is now more luxurious. We did loop tours for approximately 220 of the passengers.
The others took a bus over to Galena or to Dyersville and then Balltown. The loop tours made stops at many
of the attractions. They will be coming again on Monday and then 6 more times this fall. There are for sure
over 300 on all the tours. They are start in St. Louis then go to St. Paul and then make the reverse trip with a
different group of people. We are lucky to have 8 stops because most towns only get 3 or 4.
The Queen of the Mississippi has made 2 of 4 stops so far this fall. Max they hold is 150 and the first time
there was 142.
VII. Retail Committee Keith Rahe
Recently had a complaint from the Twilight that places aren't open late enough. We are hoping to form a
committee to talk about travel with the retail shops. Julie has been doing great at contacting these shops to
let them know when the boats are in town so they can choose to extend their hours. In the future, we will be
forming a retail committee and will want representatives from this group on there. Amy Boynton pointed
out there are two similar associations that exist so may want to try and join one of them.
VIII. Other Business
Joyce asked Ann Cannon and Keith Rahe about the Field of Dreams project in Dyersville. After September 25,
we will know much more as that is when they find out about the pending lawsuit. From the city's standpoint,
everything is done. The developers cannot do anything more at this time besides fundraising. The number of
visitors does not seem to have changed due to the increased talk of the Field of Dreams.
IX. Adjournment Joyce White
Motion to approve by Randy Gehl, seconded by Wayne Demmer
11:33 AM
10/23/12
Accrual Basis
Income
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
Profit & Loss Budget Performance
November 2012
Nov 12 Jun - Nov 12 YTD Budget Annual Budget
City Hotel /Motel Tax 76,809.75 460,858.50 460,858.50 921,717.00
County 2,083.33 12,499.98 12,500.00 25,000.00
Gift Shop Income 2,635.46 24,270.27 20,000.00 40,000.00
Co -op Programs 2,083.33 12,499.98 12,500.00 25,000.00
Bureau Services 5,030.60 27,741.35 10,000.00 20,000.00
Grant Revenue 1,375.00 8,346.19 8,250.00 16,500.00
Guyathlon 0.00 5,050.00 0.00
CVB Events 2,630.00 5,775.00 29,250.00 58,500.00
Sports Marketing
Duathlon Income 0.00 4,676.00 0.00
Sports Marketing - Other 4,166.66 24,999.96 25,000.00 50,000.00
Total Sports Marketing 4,166.66 29,675.96 25,000.00 50,000.00
Total Income 96,814.13 586,717.23 578,358.50 1,156,717.00
Expense
Total Salaries and Benefits
28,170.47 189,859.13 187,765.00 375,530.00
*Salaries and Benefits include the following accounts:
Salaries - CVB
Payroll Taxes - CVB
Health and Dental Ins - CVB
Life Insurance - CVB
Disability Insurance - CVB
Retirement Plan Cont -CVB
Parking Fees -CVB
Total Administrative Support
24,192.45 162,449.09
1,765.40 13,087.27
1,023.87 7,039.81
40.47 246.69
105.37 593.10
815.41 4,392.97
227.50 2,050.20
5,519.09 36,286.35 35,000.00 70,000.00
*Administrative Support includes the following accouts at 55 %:
Utilities, Dues -CVB
Office Maintenance -CVB
Insurance -CVB
Accounting/Audit-CVB
Miscellaneous -CVB
3rd & Main Condo Assoc -CVB
Depreciation -CVB
Total Program Support
562.83 4,774.14
525.79 2,845.24
814.24 3,883.02
256.08 1,664.64
142.10 3,337.65
468.05 3,281.66
2,750.00 16,500.00
5,703.86 45,518.35 42,500.00 85,000.00
*Program Support includes the following accounts at 58 %:
Staff Organization Dues -CVB
Telephone -CVB
Cell Phone - CVB
Computer Software /Equipment -CVB
Office Supplies -CVB
Postage -CVB
770.34
232.00
560.53
1,761.31
961.48
106.06
5,594.14
3,592.47
3,185.83
10,367.33
4,385.51
2,743.84
11:33 AM
10/23/12
Accrual Basis
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
Profit & Loss Budget Performance
November 2012
Board Discretionay -CVB
Travel & Professional Devel -CVB
Membership Relations - CVB
Nov 12 Jun - Nov 12 YTD Budget Annual Budget
247.45
465.19
599.50
1,108.41
11,262.83
3,277.99
Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Gift Shop Expense -CVB 2,755.26 16,150.61 12,000.00 24,000.00
Awareness Development -CVB
Corporate Marketing 750.00 25,373.37 18,650.00 37,300.00
Education /Staff Development -CVB 1,098.79 11,041.18 7,750.00 15,500.00
Hospitality -CVB 570.65 1,505.76 2,750.00 5,500.00
Travel Writers -CVB 0.00 2,766.67 3,500.00 7,000.00
Local Awareness -CVB 0.00 8,969.60 5,500.00 11,000.00
Awareness Development -CVB - Other 2,059.41 - 12,356.46
Total Awareness Development -CVB 4,478.85 37,300.12 38,150.00 76,300.00
Festivals Expense 2,083.33 12,499.98 12,500.00 25,000.00
Individual Marketing
America's River Marketing 28,656.16 173,680.57 154,843.50 309,687.00
Chamber Welcome Center 1,814.07 10,078.37 4,500.00 9,000.00
Total Individual Marketing 30,470.23 183,758.94 159,343.50 318,687.00
Convention Services 0.00 2,674.98 2,750.00 5,500.00
Associate Marketing 1,000.00 6,748.62 6,000.00 12,000.00
Bid Process 1,489.94 6,418.83 5,000.00 10,000.00
Hometown Hero Expense 0.00 0.00 2,500.00 5,000.00
Promotional Tools 0.00 623.96 3,750.00 7,500.00
NTA /ABA 0.00 1,460.47 7,100.00 14,200.00
Group Leader Develpment 0.00 77.04 4,500.00 9,000.00
Publications Expense 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 3,000.00
CVB Events 127.33 422.13 20,500.00 41,000.00
Sports Commission
Guyathlon Expense 0.00 12,069.44
Duathlon 0.00 6,190.75
Sports Commission - Other 6,250.00 37,740.34 37,500.00 75,000.00
Total Sports Commission 6,250.00 56,000.53 37,500.00 75,000.00
Total Expense 88,048.36 595,800.04 578,358.50 1,156,717.00
Net Income 8,765.77 - 9,082.81
0.00 0.00
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce - Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Profit & Loss Budget Performance
June 12 - November 12
Jun - Nov 12 YTD Budget
Budget Variance Annual Budget
Income
City Hotel /Motel Tax 460,858.50 460,858.29 0.22 921,716.57
County 12,499.98 12,500.00 (0.02) 25,000.00
Gift Shop Income 24,270.27 20,000.00 4,270.27 40,000.00
Co -op Programs 12,499.98 12,500.00 (0.02) 25,000.00
Bureau Services 27,741.35 10,000.00 17,741.35 20,000.00
Grant Revenue 8,346.19 8,250.00 96.19 16,500.00
CVB Events 15,501.00 29,250.00 (13,749.00) 58,500.00
Sports Marketing 24,999.96 25,000.00 (0.04) 50,000.00
Total Income 586,717.23 578,358.29 8,358.95 1,156,716.57
Expense
Salaries and Benefits
Administrative Support
Program Support
Grant Expenditures
Awareness Development
Individual Marketing
Group Marketing
Convention Marketing
Total Expense
189, 859.13
36, 286.35
45, 518.35
0.00
69, 338.03
173, 680.57
1,537.51
79, 580.10
595, 800.04
187,765.00
35,000.00
42,500.00
0.00
69,000.00
154,843.29
13,100.00
76,150.00
578,358.29
(2,094.13)
(1,286.35)
(3,018.35)
0.00
(338.03)
(18,837.29)
11,562.49
(3,430.10)
(17,441.76)
375, 530.00
70, 000.00
85, 000.00
0.00
138, 000.00
309, 686.57
26, 200.00
152, 300.00
1,156, 716.57
Net Income (9,082.81) 0.00 (9,082.81) 0.00
DUBUQUE AREA
CONVENTION &
VISITORS BUREAU
WHERE IT ALl. BELONGS.
Minutes
Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting
Boardroom at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at Noon
I. Welcome /Introductions Joyce White
In attendance: Keith Rahe, Joyce White, Taylor Kellogg, Becca Krapfl, Randy Gehl, Lynn Sutton, Ric Jones, David
Lange, Stephanie Reuter, Julie Kronlage, Ann Cannon, Nancy Webster, Sue Moran, Brian Preston, Jordan Degree,
Amy Boynton, Christine Rand, John Sutter, Tyler Daugherty, Cindy Steinhauser, Mitzi Yordy, Christine Schmidt
II. September Minutes Keith Rahe
Correction: Sue Moran was in attendance at the September meeting.
Motion to approve by Amy Boynton, Seconded by Sue Moran
III. November CVB Financials Keith Rahe
Right now, $9K in the red but couple more items to be added in and we will end up in the black. Bureau Services
are up due to the American Queen's coming in. Marketing is a timing thing — more marketing expenses in the
summer and fall.
Motion to Approve by John Sutter, Seconded by Cindy Steinhauser
IV. Committee Updates
A. Sales Julie Kronlage /Stephanie Reuter
Meeting & Group Tour DVD
Thank you to the Dubuque Racing Association for a grant to create a new Meeting & Group Tour DVD. Our
community has never had something like this before. The new piece showcases Dubuque's hotels,
restaurants and attractions as well as gives first hand experiences from a planner and a welcome from the
Mayor. Hard copies along with a copy on YouTube are available.
Site Visits
November
Iowa League of Cities (Booked September 2013 Grand River Center)
Midwest Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture (Booked January 2014 GRC)
December
Iowa Limestone Producers (Booked August 2014 Grand River Center)
Leisure Tours — Looking at bringing a group tour down in 2013 more likely 2014
Hometown Hero Caroling
Went to 12 businesses the morning of December 13 to say thank you for bringing in business to
our local properties. Was not a lot of participating hotels / members of the sales committee,
but we did include members of the Loras College Choir. All in all had 15 people out caroling.
Evaluating for 2013
Meetings & Tradeshows
November I MPI Heartland Chapter Meeting I Council Bluffs
Julie is serving on their auction committee
Talked with meeting planners about Dubuque
November I ISAE Meeting I Des Moines
Talked to ladies from Diversified Management Solutions about Dubuque
January I American Bus Association 120 appointments
Returned January 8 from this event, really good show again this year with meetings
and potential bookings of group tour. Two groups specifically looking at coming in the
Holiday Time.
February I Heritage Clubs International I Booth based show
Will talk to around 60 bank club planners throughout the conference and convenience
them to bring their bank club group to Dubuque.
E.Blast for Meetings & Group Tours
The quarterly issue of our Meetings & Group Tour E.Blast went out on January 14. This quarter
features:
Group Tour Hotel Focus on hotels in the HWY 20 corridor (Target and in)
Attraction Spotlight I Fenelon Place Elevator
Event Spotlight I America's River Festival
Dubuque Itineraries I new Dubuque Meeting /Group DVD
Meeting Hotel Spotlight I Hilton Garden Inn
Outside the Meeting Room I Dubuque's Casinos
Featured Bed & Breakfast I Mandolin Inn
Conventions in Action I Link to new Dubuque Meeting / Group DVD
CVB Work for you I January — March enter into a drawing for a $50 gas card
when submitting an RFP for 50 or more rooms
Conferences Booked
Iowa Grocery Industry Association I July 8 -10, 2013 1 400 people I Grand River Center
Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa I August 2013 1 250 people I River Center
National Circus Convention I September 2013 I Expecting up to 1,000 people I Dubuque
Midwest Chapter of International Arboriculture Society I January 2014 1 250 I River Center
Iowa State Women's Bowling Tourney I February — May 2014 I Hundreds each weekend
Conference Bids in Process
Community Development Society I This is a National Conference 1 2014
DBVI Spiritual Group I This is a Regional Conference I June 2013
B. Hospitality Christine Schmidt
2012 OCCUPANCY SELECT SERVICE PROPERTIES
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
MON 35.9% 38.9% 43.0% 43.3% 45.8% 64.3% 58.7% 59.4% 51.9% 52.0% 46.1% 42.4%
TUES 45.0% 44.6% 48.4% 50.5% 54.0% 77.3% 67.3% 66.0% 64.0% 58.5% 49.7% 39.0%
WED 45.9% 45.1% 49.3% 49.9% 53.1% 73.7% 66.0% 67.7% 65.6% 62.2% 51.3% 39.7%
THURS 43.5% 35.5% 40.1% 41.4% 48.5% 65.6% 64.5% 59.6% 58.0% 58.1% 52.7% 34.8%
FRI 47.5% 44.4% 49.5% 48.3% 73.1% 80.3% 84.5% 77.0% 75.3% 84.0% 61.9% 36.6%
SAT 52.6% 57.1% 56.9% 53.0% 81.5% 95.9% 93.6% 93.2% 91.0% 96.7% 57.6% 38.8%
SUN 29.2% 29.4% 30.3% 27.3% 44.1% 44.6% 45.1% 43.7% 38.4% 45.4% 29.5% 25.1%
by
day
48.5%
55.4%
55.8%
50.2%
63.5%
72.3%
36.0%
Eby 42.2% 42.2% 45.7% 44.2% 56.6% 72.8% 67.4% 66.8% 63.5% 64.5% 50.3% 36.5%
Month
54.4%
2012 OCCUPANCY FULL SERVICE PROPERTIES
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
MON 36.6% 41.7% 51.9% 43.1% 56.7% 60.3% 69.8% 64.4% 51.9% 62.5% 45.9% 46.6%
TUES 46.5% 48.5% 50.6% 60.0% 57.5% 87.0% 84.7% 80.9% 74.4% 81.8% 51.5% 41.7%
WED 43.9% 47.9% 58.5% 64.3% 60.7% 84.8% 78.4% 74.7% 72.7% 72.3% 51.0% 42.9%
THURS 41.4% 46.0% 55.0% 61.1% 58.8% 78.5% 79.9% 73.4% 70.1% 79.3% 53.3% 45.2%
FRI 49.9% 69.8% 74.3% 74.3% 76.3% 88.3% 91.5% 88.2% 81.7% 93.6% 77.6% 57.4%
SAT 43.9% 94.9% 91.4% 83.0% 94.2% 99.4% 98.5% 98.6% 96.4% 99.1% 87.5% 70.8%
SUN 31.3% 36.7% 38.5% 28.6% 52.6% 45.0% 54.2% 48.7% 47.2% 50.5% 32.2% 29.4%
by
day
52.6
63.8
62.7
61.8
76.9
88.1
41.2
Eby 45.7% 54.8% 61.4% 57.6% 64.6% 78.7% 78.6% 75.9% 70.7% 76.5% 57.6% 47.8%
Month
64.2
NOVEMBER
OCCUPANCY
Select Service
Full Service
City Wide^
Bed Et Breakfasts
2012 2011 2010
50.3% 47.1% 41.6%
57.6% 52.6% 50.2%
54.0% 49.7% 45.8%
27.1% 26.6% n/a
`information missing from 2 properties
YEAR END OCCUPANCY
Full Service
Select
Service
City Wide
2012 64.2% 54.4% 59.3%
2011 61.9% 55.3% 58.6%
2010 61.2% 54.5% 54.3%
2009 61.2% 47.4% 54.3%
2008 64.8% 50.0% 57.4%
2007 61.5% 49.4% 55.5%
2006 58.8% 52.7% 55.8%
2005 61.0% 52.7% 55.8%
2004 55.2% 50.5% 52.9%
2003 52.3% 50.5% 51.4%
DECEMBER
OCCUPANCY
`100% Participation
Bed Et
Breakfast
26.5%
28.4%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
November 2012 Visitor Guide Requests
Requests from 15 states and 1 from Germany
Total Requests
Top State Requests
Wisconsin
Illinois
Iowa
Missouri
Colorado
17
14
12
3
3
64
26.6%
21.9%
18.8%
4.7%
4.7%
Total Visitors Guides Mailed YTD
Total VG Distributed To Date 96,840/115,000 printed
December 2012 Visitor Guide Requests
6,843
2012 2011 2010
36.5% 37.3% 37.8%
47.8% 42.0% 43.2%
41.8% 39.5% 40.4%
29.8% 33.0% n/a
How Requests Came In
EITA
Mail
Online
Phone Calls
Magazine Leads
MWL
Readers Digest
USA Weekend
1
2
48
5
8
8
0
0
1.6%
3.1%
75.0%
7.8%
12.5%
Requests from 8 states and 1 from Brazil
Total Requests 21
Top State Requests How Requests Came In
Iowa 8 38.1% EITA 0 0.0%
Illinois 7 33.3% Mail 1 4.8%
5 States 1 4.8% Online 16 76.2%
Phone Calls 3 14.3%
Magazine Leads 0 0.0%
MWL 0
Readers Digest 0
USA Weekend 0
IA Dest. Mktg. 1 14.3%
Total Visitors Guides Mailed YTD
6,864
Total VG Distributed To Date 98,360/115,000 printed
Visitors Guides Mailed /Distributed Comparison
Mailed Distributed
2012 6,864 98,360
2011 8,464 102,400
2010 9,011 105,989
Visitors Guides Pageviews onTravelDubuque
2012 2011 Increase of: %Change
Pageviews 13,720 6,460 7,260 112.4%
Unique
9,745 3,845 5,900 153.5%
Pageviews
2013 Requests So Far: 158
C. Marketing and PR
Website
Web Analytics: 2011 vs 2012
Becca Krapfl/Taylor Kellogg
Jan 1, 2011—Dec 31, 2011
Jan 1, 2012 — Dec 31, 2012 Difference
Visits: 83,620 Visits: 99,013 15,393
Unique Visitors: 59,353 Unique Visitors: 73,899 14,546
Pageviews: 792,378 Pageviews: 957,629 162,251
Pages /Visit: 9.48 Pages /Visit: 9.67 .19
Avg. Visit Duration: 00:12:11 Avg. Visit Duration: 00:13:24 0:01:13
Bounce Rate: 28.46% Bounce Rate: 28.33% -0.45%
New Visits: 69.33% %New Visits: 73.18% 5.56%
Survey on TravelDubuque.com
Basic Statistics: Sept 25, 2012 -Jan 16, 2013
Total Impressions: 7,994
Average Duration: 0
Completed Survey 683 (8.5 %)
New Websites
America's River Festival: www.americasriverfestival.com
What Women Want, Dubuque Style: www .whatwomenwantdubuquestyle.com
Social Media
Facebook
Oct 9, 2011 —Jan 16, 2012
Oct 9, 2012 —Jan 16, 2013 Difference
Likes:
Reach:
191 Likes: 531 340
4,950 Reach: 10,850 5,900
New Campaigns
Event Promotions
We will promote three events using Facebook advertising to increase our page likes which will
increase our reach. The three events include HOGS Gone Wild Fan Fest, What Women Want,
and America's River Festival.
Events
HOGS Gone Wild Fan Fest
Marketing
TH sticky note, Dubuque 365, Cedar Rapids Hoopla, posters, social media, Galena Gazette, Radio
What Women Want, Dubuque Style
Marketing
New Website, Eblasts
America's River Festival
Marketing
New Website, Dubuque365, TH, Radio
Marketing
Delta Sky Magazine I January 2013
Circulation of 1,000,000+
Distributed on all Delta Flights worldwide
Includes editorial on Dubuque
PR
Press Releases submitted to Media
Hotel Julien Dubuque reaches milestone much sooner than expected, celebrates 100,00`h
reservation.
Chicago Travel & Adventure Show
On January 25 — 27, 2014, the Dubuque CVB (Christine Schmidt, Keith Rahe, & Becca Krapfl) will be
an exhibitor at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show. This show will attract 60,000 travel
enthusiasts and the top DMO's across the country.
Iowa Newspaper Association Convention
On February 7 -8, the Dubuque CVB (Becca Krapfl) will be an exhibitor at the Iowa Newspaper
Association Conference. This conference is host to 300 Iowa daily and weekly newspapers.
D. Sports /Events Tyler Daugherty
DockDogs: November 15 -18, 2012
The 2012 DockDogs World Championships recently concluded at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque
on November 16 -18. This year's World Championships attracted over 3,500 spectators to the three
day competition and the goal is to build off of this great turnout for 2013 and 2014.
Competitor turnout was fantastic as 312 unique competitors signed up for this year's event.
Competitors traveled from all across the United States and Canada with a total of 37 states, as well
as teams from British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec represented in this year's pool of contestants.
For the weekend, City of Dubuque Hotel Occupancy was up 20% compared to previous years.
In addition to their K9 companions, each competitor was accompanied by an average of 2 -3 friends
or family members for the duration of the competition. From this weekend's event, an economic
impact of over $409,000 was estimated.
Joyce noted that they were a very conscientious and appreciative groups — only one complaint.
Bud Light Boarder Battle: December 8, 2012
The Sports Commission and 7G distributing recently sponsored and organized a 4 on 4 non - contact,
flag football tournament on December 8. The Flag Football Tournament, which was a first year
event, consisted of a 2 game guarantee for all teams and was hosted by Courtside Bar & Grill.
A total of 7 teams signed up this year with a total of 60 competitors. Teams from Rockford, Cedar
Falls, Wisconsin, and Bellevue traveled to compete for the first place monetary prize. Feedback was
well received and all the teams showed interest in a return visit to the tournament next year.
The American Trust /Wendy's Classic: January 5, 2013 & January 26, 2013
The American Trust Wendy's Classic, hosted at Loras College, is an annual basketball tournament for
high school students from the tri -state region. Each year teams from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin
participate in men's and women's basketball games, competing for trophies and bragging rights.
Over 1,700 participants and spectators will attend this year's Classic with an estimated economic
impact of $310,000 expected for the weekend. This event is sponsored by the Dubuque Regional
Sports Commission.
Iowa Special Olympics: January 9 -11 2013
The games bring 400+ athletes of all ages along with their coaches, supporters, and volunteers to
Dubuque and the surrounding area. Dubuque is a prime location for the games with Sundown
Mountain, Five Flags Civic Center, and great areas for cross country skiing and winter sports.
The Special Olympics will attract a following of up to 1,900 participants and spectators to the
Dubuque area and those 1,900 guests are estimated to contribute to an estimated economic
spending of $252,000. This event is sponsored by the Dubuque Regional Sports Commission.
Winter Iowa Games: January 27 -29, 2013
In 2012, the Winter Iowa games completed its 20`h year in the Dubuque Community and brought in
both youth and adult participants. There is an extensive list of sports that includes basketball,
volleyball, dodge ball, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, fitness walk, ice hockey,
indoor soccer, road race, swimming, and table tennis. This event uses various sporting venues from
around Dubuque.
The Winter Iowa Games will attract a following of up to 9,000 participants and spectators to the
Dubuque area and those 9,000 guests are estimated to contribute to an estimated economic
spending of 1.6 million dollars. This event is sponsored by the Dubuque Regional Sports Commission.
SPORTS & EVENTS
Looking ahead in 2013
February 16:
Tri -State Throwdown
February 23:
Harley Fan Fest "Hogs Gone Wild"
March 10:
Gaelic Gallop
April 6:
What Women Want
Dubuque Regional Sports Commission was one of the recipients of a State Sports Commission grant
on the first try.
America's River Festival announced that Dierks Bentley is headlining Friday night. Saturday night's
lineup will be released on the 30`h which is also the day tickets go on sale. People can have an option
to have a reminder email sent to them — up to approximately 40 and the first one came from the
Madison area. Just shows that we are getting great press and everyone is hearing about it.
V. CVB Budget FY 2013 -2014 Keith Rahe
FY 2013 -2014 Projected budget uses 4`h quarter of 2011 and the 1s` 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2012. It shows an
expected increase in Bureau Services and Co -Op Programs, some due in part to the boats that are coming in late
summer /early Fall. The payment from the City is expected to increase by $78K (minus $35K loan) which is the
highest it's been. The City Loan was a $350K loan over 10 years when the first phase of the America's River project
was completed to showcase what had been done. This is the last year for the loan. Regarding expense, Awareness
Development increased because of first time events such as Hogs Gone Wild. Personnel also increased because a
new position was created and one person received a promotion. CVB is able to do more stuff in house rather than
contracting out and are saving expenditures because of this. Administrative and Support Services have flat lined
over the years. Staff has been very conscientious of budget and expenditures and trying to make sure getting the
most bang for the buck.
Keith and CVB Staff will present this project budget to Molly, Chamber Board and City Council on February 4th for
approval. If approved by Council, it will be incorporated into their budget. Ric Jones noted that this expanded
format is much easier to follow.
Motion to Approve by Ric Jones, Seconded by Cindy Steinhauser
VI. CVB Board /Staff Responsibilities CVB Staff
Through the responses for the CVB Planning Session, it was brought to the attention that some board members
were unsure of roles and duties so taking time to discuss this.
Joyce White gave an overview of what a Board Member's responsibility is. Synergy: context of organization
behavior it is the ability of a group to outperform the best individual member. Individually and collectively the
board adds value to the CVB's goals and objectives by bringing personal and professional experiences to the table
to make recommendations. The Board gives the CVB staff what they need to effectively do their jobs and develop
the mission of the CVB. The Board receives the knowledge of what the CVB is doing to reach their goals and share
with the community as necessary. The Board receives the knowledge so that they can dispel incorrect information
and share the good news with the community. Overall, the CVB Advisory Board is there to advise and
recommend, share information and ask questions to ensure that the CVB is working towards its mission and
achieving their goals.
Julie Kronlage is the Director of Sales for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. She works on a daily basis to recruit
meetings, conventions, group tours, family reunions and military reunions, and any large group of people out
there to our community. She attends a variety of shows and events throughout the region and the country in
order to spread the message of Dubuque and to recruit business into the community. She is also making phone
calls to past business and potential business to remind them to book here and talk to them about the many
benefits of bringing their event to the community. She works in partnership with the hotel properties, convention
centers, attractions, restaurants and other businesses to make sure that when our groups are in town they have a
wonderful experience here.
Tyler Daugherty is the Sports and Events Manager for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Over the past year, he
oversaw the Duathlon, Manatastic Guyathlon, Run for a Vet 5K, and Border Battle Flag Football Tournament. He
also partnered and coordinated with staff, Dockdogs and is currently planning for Hogs Gone Wild. He is also the
Assistant for America's River Festival. Tyler also oversees the grant writing and coordination for the Dubuque
Regional Sports Commission. Last year, the Sports Commission helped fund more than 20 events in the Dubuque
area including: Grandview Gallop, High School Rodeo, and Dragon Boat Races. Tyler is also working on trying to
bring national events to Dubuque such as The Color Run, Warrior Dash and Gus Macker.
Becca Krapfl is the Marketing Program Manager for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. She oversees the
implementation of the overall CVB Marketing plan for the leisure traveler, events, meetings, groups and travel
writers. This includes advertising via web, print, social media, outdoor, online, television, etc. She manages and
maintains the traveldubuque.com website as well as other web products of the CVB as well as all social media for
the CVB.
Taylor Kellogg is the Vice President of Marketing for the Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau. She works
with Keith and the staff to oversee and help facilitate the overall marketing strategy for the CVB for every facet of
the organization including events, leisure, business, groups. She also develops and maintains the overall look and
branding of Dubuque Reinvented and other events and programs the CVB is involved with including the
development of the annual Visitor Guide.
Christine Schmidt is the Iowa Welcome Center Manager for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is responsible
for helping people in the Welcome Center as well as via phone and email to plan their trips in the Dubuque area.
She also communicates with the lodging properties to produce occupancy reports. Christine is also the Assistant
for America's River Festival and is helping to plan What Women Want, Dubuque Style for 2013.
Keith Rahe is the President of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. He is responsible for oversee the entire operation
of the CVB and grow the number of people wanting to come to the area. Keith wants to make Dubuque #1
destination in Iowa as well as the Midwest. He reports to Molly Grover who is the President /CEO of the Chamber.
We are unique because we are a part of the Chamber of Commerce and are stronger because of it. Overall, Keith
is responsible for finding ways to bring more people to the area via input from the Board and travel industry.
Joyce White noted that she has the most admiration for the CVB Staff and thanks them for the long hours. Joyce is
the only CVB Advisory Board Member on the Chamber Board that is able vote — questions about whether there
should be more since the CVB is such a large part of the Chamber.
VII. Planning Session Recap Keith Rahe
Planning Session notes were handed out from the January 4, 2013 session which was facilitated by Bill Geist from
Madison. He is widely known in the travel industry. Handed out to look over and will be discussed more at the
next meeting.
VIII. Other Business
Randy Gehl spoke about the online survey through the City's website regarding the South Port development and
public is encouraged to give their opinions and ideas.
Ann Cannon from Dyersville spoke regarding the Field of Dreams sale. It was purchased by the new owners on
December 28. It will reopen on April 1 for business as usual.
Ric Jones mentioned St. Luke's United Methodist Church is kicking off their Friday series — Main Street Jazz Band is
performing. He also said that Main Street Jazz Band will be going to Dubuque Night in Des Moines. There is a bus
going if anyone would like to go.
Amy Boynton brought up the trend for CVB's to change their name to something like "Visitors Authority." May be
something the Dubuque CVB wants to look at also as a name change might give more power or better describe
the CVB.
Jordan Degree spoke about Matter Creative Center now open at 9th and White. The other day they had bus group
and another day hosted Leadership Dubuque Class. On February 23, they are hosting a Lego Building Competition
and there are three different age group categories.
Forecast luncheon to be held at the Grand River Center on Thursday, January 17 and registration starts at
11:30a m.
IX. Adjournment Joyce White
Motion to Approve by Nancy Webster, Seconded by Randy Gehl