LT2025-007-Ellensburg Downtown Assoc

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Response 1.1: Please provide a description ofyour projecUevent.* The Ellensburg Downtown Association is a nonprofit 509(cX3) and Nationally Accredited Main Street Program. Our focus is to support downtown businesses through a proven four-point approach: Design, Outreach, Economic Vitality, and Promotions. Each year, our volunteers log over 1,400 hours to assist with events, promotions, beautification efforts, cleanups, and fundraising. Evenis that draw tourists include Hoedown in the Downtown, Buskers in the Burg, Trick or Treat Harvest Fest, Moments io Remember, and the SummerlHoliday Night Market series. According to data from Placer.ai, tn 2022,1,440,678 people visited downtown (Exhibit A). Estimaiing that 30% of these visitors traveled 50+ miles, this results in 432,203 tourist visiis annually for shopping, dining, or lodging in downtown. With additional support from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, we can enhance our marketing efforts and elevate our signature events. This rncludes higher-qLrality entertainmeni, stronger cultural paltnerships (including hanslating marketing materials into Spanish), expanded print/digitallsocial promotions, and high-quality prinied maierials like downtown maps to help visitors find lodging. dining. and shopping. We would also invest in staff training and networking to improve event delivery. As Ellensburg residents, we witness the charm and hospitality of downtown. and lodging tax funding will help us ensure more visitors experience this too. The 2025 event lineup includes Girls Night Out in April (1.000 attendees), Ellensburg Night Market from July-September (1 ,000- 1,500 per market), Hoedown in the Downtown in August (1,500-2,000 attendees), and Buskers in the Burg in September (1,000 attendees). October's Downtown Trick or Treat Harvest Fest and holiday events, including Moments to Remember, will bring festive shopping and dining oppoftunities, attracting visitors from 50+ miles away. (See Exhibit B with detailed event information) These events boost local commerce and create memorable visitor experiences, supported by marketing aimed at those living 50+ miles away. By amplifying these events, we align with Section 1.2 ol lhe Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan. which promotes the county's identity and high qualiiy of place to suppo{ tourism, business attraction, and talent retention (Source 'l ). We will establish marketing goals, and target key audiences for maximum engagement. 2500 characler lirnil Response 1.2: Please provide us link to a brief video summary of you organization's evenUproject. * Notei You '\,1UST be preseni at the Q&A nreeling lo qualiiy fo. firnding. https :/lyoutu. be/9ProWFlpMWl Response 1.3: List of lntended Use of Funds* flole: This language will be related ilr ihe contract if au/arded. The CLTAC carlnot app.ove lunds noi Iisted urrder RCW67.28.1816. Holvever. ihe comlrillee has lhe rillht lo be fiore restrictive. Translation services (new program) Promotional items (new program) Marketing collateral print/production (new program. last done in 2017) Entertainment Phoiography/videography (new element of our programming) Reporting/analytics tools (New element of our programming) Event rentals / support vendors Radio/printldigitallsocial advedising (New element, not done holistically since 2017) Employee travel and training (New program) 2l Supporting Kittitas County as a tourism destination. 1. Away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid accommodations; 2. To a place fifty miles or more away from their place of residence or business for the day or staying overnight; 3. Or from another country or state outside of their place of residence or business. You must provide the evidence utilized in determining your projections,