The Peoria Tourism Reserve Fund met Sept. 16 to devise a marketing plan.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the city:
Minutes of September 16, 2016 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Tourism Reserve Fund Committee was held on September 16, 2016,
in Room 110 at City Hall, 419 Fulton Street, Peoria, Illinois, 61602. The meeting was called to
order at 9:05 am.
1. Roll Call
PRESENT:
Committee Voting Members: City of Peoria Members:
Ryan Spain, City of Peoria Shaun Schoonover, City of Peoria
Casey Johnson, City of Peoria
Leonard Unes, City of Peoria
Jim Garner, CVB
Bill Spears, CVB
Non-Voting:
Patrick Urich, City of Peoria
Don Welch, CVB
2. Approval of the Minutes
A motion was made by Leonard Unes to approve the minutes from the August 19, 2016
regular meeting, and seconded by Ryan Spain.
3. Review of Financial Report
Shaun Schoonover reviewed and provided current financials.
4. 90 % Civic Center Fund
a. Grant Application for Regional Basketball Tournament
(July 14 – 16, 2017) $6,000
5. 10% Non-Civic Center Fund
a. Grant Application for Sweet Sixteen Basketball Tournament
(July 20 – 23, 2017) $7,500
Don Welch stated that a motion is for a possible grant of $7,500 maximum. Regional will be
$6,000. Bill Spears motioned to approve and to go for both tournaments. Leonard Unes
seconded the motion.
6. Peoria Marketing Fund
a. Marketing Plan for Peoria 2017
Content Marketing: $26,000
Cara Allen (CVB) discussed CVB’s targets regarding Digital Campaigns. Pati Flannery gave an overview of
cost for Social Media stating that there is only a charge when someone visits the website. Pati explained
how and what they focus on to write the content. Ryan Spain agreed that it is a great idea; however it
should be tackled regionally, not locally. Ryan stated that the content works better regionally.
Leonard Unes motioned for the approval of $20,000. Ryan Spain stated that the discussion was about
many items. Ryan suggested to hear the entire presentation to make a decision. Bill Spears agreed that
the Committee needed to hear more and have more questions answered.
Digital Meetings Advertising: $25,000
Cara explained how Digital Meeting Advertising works and that the target meeting planners are in the
Upper Midwest Region. Cara also talked about how many ads have been created and how many clicks
the City has gotten.
Midwest Meetings: $4,500
Cara discussed all of the magazines that are used.
Small Market Meetings: $4,950
Cara Allen spoke about Mardi Gras. 3,000 to 4,000 were at the event. Ryan Spain supports Mardi Gras;
however, stated it should be moved to Local Funds. Don Welch motioned to move to local funds for
approval. Ryan Spain requested to bring it back at the next meeting for further discussion.
Cara Allen discussed Bike Share Stations. Sponsorships will be needed to get it off the ground. Jim
Garner asked if $36,000 per was per year, each year for sponsorship. Cara stated that it is $36,000 each
year. Ryan stated it will be good for the City and he supports it. Ryan stated that he would volunteer
time to help get it started.
Ryan Spain moved to defer and Don Welch seconded the motion. Patrick Urich stated we should revisit
in 60 days.
Cara talked about putting a Circuit in the Bike Trail.
Patrick Urich stated to hold off on this and to defer, Don Welch seconded the motion to defer for 60
days. Ryan spoke about talking to Adam White and go to the Park District to get more information on
locations. Ryan also stated it should be a core mission of the Park District.
Don Welch asked Patrick Urich if he would be willing to meet with Park District with CVB to discuss this.
Don Welch motioned to revisit in 60 days; Ryan Spain seconded.
Travel to Peoria Media Blitz: $14,950
Ryan Spain moved to approve this one item. Don Welch seconded to approve Travel to Peoria Media
Blitz.
Ryan Spain motioned to approve the Printed Items. Casey Johnson seconded to approve.
Content Marketing, $20,000 – Bill Spears motioned $15,000 grant for Content Marketing, seconded by
Leonard Unes.
Digital Media Advertising: $25,000
Ryan Spain motioned to approve; Bill Spears seconded.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Don Welch stated that he and Patrick Urich had a discussion about the 10% Local Funds and said they
would like to bring it back to the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
NONE
PUBLIC COMMENT
NONE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made at 11 am by Don Welch to adjourn the meeting. It
was seconded by Ryan Spain and approved unanimously by voice vote.
The next meeting will be held Friday, October 14, 2016 in Room 110, at City Hall, 419 Fulton Street,
Peoria, Illinois, 61602 at 9 am.
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