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Response 1.1: Please provide a description of your project/event.*
<br />Response 1.2: Please provide us link to a brief video summary of you organization's event/project.*
<br />The Ellensburg Downtown Association is a nonprofit 509(c)(3) and Nationally Accredited Main Street Program. Our focus is to
<br />support downtown businesses through a proven four-point approach: Design, Outreach, Economic Vitality, and Promotions.
<br />Each year, our volunteers log over 1,400 hours to assist with events, promotions, beautification efforts, cleanups, and
<br />fundraising. Events that draw tourists include Hoedown in the Downtown, Buskers in the Burg, Trick or Treat Harvest Fest,
<br />Moments to Remember, and the Summer/Holiday Night Market series. According to data from Placer.ai, in 2022, 1,440,678
<br />people visited downtown (Exhibit A). Estimating that 30% of these visitors traveled 50+ miles, this results in 432,203 tourist visits
<br />annually for shopping, dining, or lodging in downtown.
<br />With additional support from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, we can enhance our marketing efforts and elevate our
<br />signature events. This includes higher-quality entertainment, stronger cultural partnerships (including translating marketing
<br />materials into Spanish), expanded print/digital/social promotions, and high-quality printed materials like downtown maps to help
<br />visitors find lodging, dining, and shopping. We would also invest in staff training and networking to improve event delivery.
<br />As Ellensburg residents, we witness the charm and hospitality of downtown, and lodging tax funding will help us ensure more
<br />visitors experience this too.
<br />The 2025 event lineup includes Girls Night Out in April (1,000 attendees), Ellensburg Night Market from July-September (1,000-
<br />1,500 per market), Hoedown in the Downtown in August (1,500-2,000 attendees), and Buskers in the Burg in September (1,000
<br />attendees). October’s Downtown Trick or Treat Harvest Fest and holiday events, including Moments to Remember, will bring
<br />festive shopping and dining opportunities, attracting visitors from 50+ miles away. (See Exhibit B with detailed event information)
<br />These events boost local commerce and create memorable visitor experiences, supported by marketing aimed at those living
<br />50+ miles away. By amplifying these events, we align with Section 1.2 of the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic
<br />Plan, which promotes the county’s identity and high quality of place to support tourism, business attraction, and talent retention
<br />(Source 1). We will establish marketing goals, and target key audiences for maximum engagement.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Note: You MUST be present at the Q&A meeting to qualify for funding.
<br />https://youtu.be/9ProWFlpMWI
<br />Response 1.3: List of Intended Use of Funds *
<br />Note: This language will be related in the contract if awarded.
<br />The CLTAC cannot approve funds not listed under RCW 67.28.1816. However, the committee has the right to be more restrictive.
<br />Translation services (new program)
<br />Promotional items (new program)
<br />Marketing collateral print/production (new program, last done in 2017)
<br />Entertainment
<br />Photography/videography (new element of our programming)
<br />Reporting/analytics tools (New element of our programming)
<br />Event rentals / support vendors
<br />Radio/print/digital/social advertising (New element, not done holistically since 2017)
<br />Employee travel and training (New program)
<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.
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