Laserfiche WebLink
3| Impact <br />Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.* <br />Since 2020, the Downtown Cle Elum Association (CEDA) has significantly expanded its social media and online presence, <br />resulting in a 453% increase in post reach and a 168% rise in Facebook engagement. Followers have grown from 4,800 to <br />6,500, with organic reach reaching 90,000 on Facebook and 25,000 on Instagram. Targeted marketing, including rack cards with <br />QR codes, is distributed in 50 local businesses and key locations from Snoqualmie Pass to Ellensburg, reaching travelers along <br />their journey. <br />CEDA signature events—Pioneer Days, Boo-Elum, and Christmas in Cle Elum—draw visitors from near and far. Placer Labs <br />geofencing data (filtered for visitors present 10+ minutes) shows that while overall downtown visitation has slightly decreased, <br />consistent with national trends, visitation peaks during signature events. Pioneer Days 2024 drew 4,535 attendees, with 1.9K <br />new website users and 11.8K total engagement across digital platforms. Over 35% of attendees traveled 50+ miles, with visitors <br />from all 50 states. <br />The Pioneer Days parade and 4th of July fireworks saw historically high participation: 130+ vehicles, 50 walking groups, and 50 <br />horses/livestock, with visitors from across the state. Downtown core counts increased by 100 people along the parade route, <br />excluding children, demonstrating strong event-driven visitation. <br />CEDA also engages directly with local businesses to assess visitor impact, gather feedback, and guide future programming. <br />Management of the Cle Elum Visitor Center provides real-time support to tourists, further enhancing the downtown experience. <br />Through strategic marketing, measured attendance growth, Placer data insights, and community partnerships, CEDA has <br />consistently attracted overnight and long-distance tourists, strengthened downtown commerce, and reinforced Cle Elum and <br />Kittitas County as a year-round travel destination. <br />2500 character limit <br />Application Questions: Part 2