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Response 4.1: If your organization collaborates or has created partnerships with other organizations, groups, or other events, <br />how is this accomplished?* <br />Response 4.2: Describe how you will promote lodging establishments, restaurants, and business located in Kittitas County * <br />Response 4.3: Is there a host hotel for your event or grant project? If yes, list the hotel.* <br />5| Future Plans <br />The Ellensburg Downtown Association operates through a partnership model that amplifies tourism impact with shared planning, <br />cross-promotion, and on-the-ground support. Our work is rooted in collaboration across the community: <br />Municipal & Economic Development Partners – City of Ellensburg (permits, logistics, beautification), Kittitas County Chamber/My <br />Ellensburg (visitor outreach and media), and Ellensburg Rodeo & Kittitas County Fair (Rodeo Week alignment and audience <br />crossover). <br />Central Washington University – Central Washington University brings student and faculty audiences, volunteers, and <br />performers, with direct integration through events like CWU Night Out. <br />Business & Property Owners – Local businesses fuel tourism through sponsorships, in-store activations (raffles, event <br />participation, extended hours), and vendor participation that keeps spending centered downtown. <br />Arts & Culture – Local artists, musicians, Blue Bear Puppet Lab, and cultural groups deliver signature programming such as <br />Buskers in the Burg and the Night Market. <br />Nonprofits & Civic Groups – Community organizations, and volunteers contribute over 2,000 hours annually, supporting staffing, <br />day of event production, and family-friendly programming. <br />Regional Media & Influencers – Partnerships extend our reach into 50+ mile markets through cross-posting and story <br />placements. <br />2500 character limit <br />EDA’s website is directly linking to sites like My Ellensburg and a downtown directory that will link visitors to shops, restaurants, <br />and downtown amenities and lodging. <br />EDA’s events and marketing campaigns are designed to drive tourism dollars directly into Kittitas County’s lodging, dining, and <br />retail sectors: <br />Lodging Promotion: Event pages and digital ads encourage visitors to “make a weekend of it,” with direct links to hotels and <br />lodging partners on the EDA website. <br />Restaurant & Retail Integration: Events like Girls Night Out, Night Market, and Plaid Friday incorporate local businesses directly <br />into programming through bingo cards, raffle prizes, vendor booths, and shopping promotions. <br />Food & Beverage Partnerships: Hoedown features a beer garden with local breweries; Night Market highlights food trucks and <br />local eateries; Girls Night Out incorporates wineries and restaurants. <br />Visitor Maps & Guides: Printed and digital maps distributed at events and high traffic areas around town highlight lodging, dining, <br />and retail, making it easy for visitors to extend their time downtown. <br />This aligns with the county’s goal of “spreading tourism benefits countywide, supporting downtown districts as cultural <br />destinations, and promoting shoulder-season tourism to balance visitor flow” (Tourism Plan, pp. 10–11, 46–47). <br />2500 character limit <br />No <br />Yes