Operations-2017-Economic Group of Kittitas County

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measure use of the TCF during different times of the year. The County will install, monitor, and report road traffic on County roads in several areas of the TCF to and provide that data to the recreation planning committee. While this project does not directly relate to supporting the operations of a tourism -related facility owned by a municipality, it does support tourism and helps to increase tourism by assisting in the development of the recreation plan which will enhance the TCF. Upon implementation, the recreation plan will result in an increased use of the forest by tourists and create growth in the local tourism industry and tourism -related expenditures. This is a one-time expense with no further funding obligation. 2. Sustainability Strategy: Please describe your strategy for long-term operational sustainability. Include any specific progress toward this goal. The sustainability strategy for the Kittitas Valley Event Center is multifaceted. It includes increasing revenues through user fees, service charges, and sponsorships. It also includes capital investments to improve the flexibility, utility, and maintenance of the facility so that it is modernized and more attractive to a variety of user groups while being easier and less expensive to operate. Finally, the strategy also includes developing efficiencies and streamlining processes to effectively control costs. Ever since the decision was made to operate this facility year-round it has struggled to even break even financially. However, significant progress has been made in recent years. Since 2012, revenues at the event center have increased 52.5%. During that same period, operational expenses (non -project related costs) have only increased 41.8%. The County has been diligent in undertaking the difficult task of revising pricing strategies regularly for user fees to increase revenues. We have also embarked on a significant effort this year to develop a new marketing strategy specifically for this facility. We have also recently completed the Event Center Strategic Plan. Implementation of projects within that plan have already begun which will result in increased use of the facility and increased revenues as certain parts of the Event Center are modernized and improved. In addition, all of the projects will result in facilities which are easier to operate and maintain, reducing annual expenses. Finally, the County is also making significant investments in management software and customer service training and improvements which will also result in improved user experiences and increased revenues while controlling known cost drivers. As the other funding requests are for one-time expenditures (other than the administrative costs request), no sustainability strategies are being developed for them. 3. Applicant Certification: Please sign below in agreement with statement of certification. Certification is hereby given that the information provided is accurate and the applicable attachments are complete and included as part of the application package.