LT2018-002 WA State Horse Park - Laserfiche WebLink

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Future Plans* We continue to generate increasing revenues from operations (this year we hosted 45 events compared to 39 last season) utilizing current facilities and by continuing to improve amenities to attract more users groups. We added more spectator seating this year and significantly expanded the very popular cross country jumping courses. The conceptual design for the covered arena was completed thanks to funding from the County, and when constructed it will allow us to host larger events, extend the season into at least March and November as well as attract many activities and groups that require a covered competition space. We have an annual business sponsorship campaign and ongoing donor solicitation. The Park will hold its second major auction dinner gala on November 11th at Sahalee Country Club to raise awareness and funding for operations and capital projects. We have significant volunteer and in-kind support which will remain a keystone of our sustainability. This year we estimate more than 5000 hours were invested by volunteers -including Board members, event helpers, sponsorship and fundraising, etc. -which equates to a value of about $145,000 at $29/hour. But communication about what we are doing is absolutely critical to building broader interest and support. The Lodging Tax funds continue to be a significant help to us in promoting the Park, the events we're offering and communicating the broader messages about how to help sustain the Park. 2500 character lirrit Application Questions: Part 4 61 Additional Information Provide any additional information which will assist the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in evaluating your project and its benefit to tourism. Additional Information The benefits of adding a skilled Marketing Coordinator to our payroll this year cannot be overestimated. She has exceptional graphic design skills to produce strong messaging, and is making it possible to execute on a number of initiatives that we couldn't handle before including organizing and hosting several events ourselves and producing the discount coupon program with local businesses. But her biggest long-term impact will be a major boost in our social media presence. Here are some indicators compared to prior year: Facebook: Posts 81, +63; Reach 183,125, +108,354; Engaged users 10,726,+5,302 lnstagram No presence before this year; Current followers 800; 600 Impressions/post However, we have encountered some major obstacles with our current Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in terms of being able to easily store, sort and communicate appropriately with various contacts. Our system was designed as a donor database, but we now have much more diverse audiences and robust needs that must be met. Our request for funding support includes $16,000 to help compensate our Marketing Coordinator for creative and production skills, and to upgrade or replace our CRM system to enhance our effectiveness. 2500 character linit