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3| Impact <br />Equipment Rental <br />Medical Fees (medical professional on-site) <br />Speaker and Talent Fees <br />2| Supporting Kittitas County as a tourism destination. <br />1. Away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid accommodations; <br />2. To a place fifty miles or more away from their place of residence or business for the day or staying overnight; <br />3. Or from another country or state outside of their place of residence or business. <br />You must provide the evidence utilized in determining your projections. <br />Response 2.1: Why would tourists travel to Kittitas County to attend your event/activity/facility?* <br />Cle Elum is rapidly gaining recognition as an appealing destination, with our vibrant business community offering a diverse array <br />of experiences and attractions. Strategically situated as a central hub, Cle Elum is ideally positioned for weekend travel, <br />boasting a variety of recreational activities. Our location, which has earned the designation of being “Halfway to Everywhere,” <br />provides convenient access to both SeaTac and Yakima airports, enhancing our appeal for seasonal recreation. <br />Recent trends show a growing interest in Cle Elum, as evidenced by enthusiastic feedback from shoppers and increased traffic <br />from our zip code tracking, business conversations, and social media engagement. We are witnessing a notable rise in visitors <br />from 1-2 hours away and beyond. <br />In the past five years, over 20 new businesses have launched in Cle Elum, significantly enhancing our attractiveness as a <br />destination. The influx of new storefronts and business updates has strengthened our marketing efforts and enriched the visitor <br />experience. Our ongoing sidewalk improvement project, set for completion in June 2025, is transforming our downtown area with <br />more walkable streets and appealing new decor. This project aims to create a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing <br />environment for visitors. <br />Cle Elum has cultivated a reputation as a welcoming town with a business community that actively encourages exploration and <br />enjoyment. The pride of local business owners in our downtown area serves as a powerful marketing asset, drawing visitors to <br />explore our new shops and dining options. <br />2500 character limit <br />Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.* <br />Since 2020, we have significantly expanded our social media marketing and online presence. Our efforts have led to a 453% <br />increase in social media post reach and a 168% rise in Facebook post engagement. We have also developed targeted event <br />marketing materials that leverage social media, local collaborations, and direct distribution to visitors staying in Cle Elum. <br />Two years ago, we introduced a rack card with QR codes linking to event information landing pages. These cards are now <br />printed and distributed in 50 local businesses across Cle Elum and in key locations from Snoqualmie Pass to Ellensburg, <br />reaching travelers on their journey. <br />Our Facebook followers have grown from 4,800 to 6,500, with organic reach reaching 90,000 on Facebook and 25,000 on <br />Instagram. These metrics, along with our zip code tracking, indicate that our social media influence and event participation <br />extend from Seattle to Prince Edward Island, Canada. <br />Additionally, our staff regularly engages with local retail businesses to assess the impact on retail, visitor experience, and gather <br />insights from visitors. These interactions help us identify new ideas and events that resonate with our audience and encourage <br />exploration of Cle Elum. <br />2500 character limit <br />Application Questions: Part 2