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Response 5: Please explain what plans exist to allow this project to become self-sustaining. Include any plans for ticket sales, <br />event sponsors, and other cost-recovery models.* <br />The Downtown Cle Elum Association (CEDA) has implemented multiple cost-recovery models to ensure events and programs <br />are financially sustainable while continuing to attract visitors and support local businesses. <br />Sponsorships and Partnerships: <br />CEDA has expanded business sponsorship opportunities, engaging local, regional, and corporate partners, including banking <br />institutions, resorts, and tourism-related businesses. Sponsorships provide both funding and marketing recognition, supporting <br />event operations and promotions. <br />Our Investor Program offers tiered donor opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals, encouraging ongoing <br />support and community engagement. <br />Collaborative partnerships with entities like the Kittitas County Chamber, lodging providers, and regional tourism organizations <br />allow cost-sharing for services and event resources, such as equipment rentals, portable facilities, and marketing materials, <br />resulting in significant savings. <br />Revenue Streams: <br />Certain event elements—such as vendor fees, merchandise sales, ticketed workshops, and premium event experiences— <br />generate direct revenue. <br />Ongoing evaluation of attendance, visitor data (including Placer Labs insights), and regional demand informs pricing strategies <br />and sponsorship targeting. <br />Operational Efficiency and Strategic Planning: <br />Recent increases in Main Street Tax Incentive Program funding have enabled CEDA to allocate additional staff hours for in- <br />house marketing, programming, and event coordination. <br />The Board of Directors conducts annual budget reviews to ensure the Promotions Committee has sufficient resources for <br />contracted services that cannot be completed internally. <br />These measures, combined with in-kind contributions and volunteer support, reduce operational costs and enhance the ability to <br />maintain high-quality, visitor-attracting events. <br />Through this combination of sponsorships, ticket and vendor revenue, collaborative cost-sharing, and strategic budgeting, CEDA <br />is positioned to sustain its signature events—including Pioneer Days, Boo-Elum, and Christmas in Cle Elum—while continuing to <br />boost tourism, local business engagement, and economic impact in Cle Elum and Kittitas County. <br />2500 character limit <br />Application Questions: Part 4 <br />6| Additional Information