Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-05; City Council; 15423; Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau. . . p 0 a =I Y z I , I I AB# /4b/23 MTG. Mlci’i DEPT. ED A ? dTY OF CARLSBAD -AGENDA BILL TITLE- -- CARLSBAD CONVENTION AND VISITOR’S BUREAU REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING July 31,1999. “y CITY ATTY. a CITY MGR %I!4\ RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accept the Report ITEM EXPLANATION: On October 21, 1997, the City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a two (2) year agreement with the Carlsbad Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CCVB) for community promotion purposes. The contract is for the period November 1, 1997 and will run through October 31, 1999. The total authorized contract amount for 1998-1999 is $370,000, including $120,000 for operation of the Visitor’s Center. Services CCVB will provide to the City, and that are specified in the contract, are as follows: A. Manage and coordinate a marketing program that positions Carlsbad as a prime destination in Southern California B. Generate awareness of Carlsbad in those geographic regions of the United States which provide the largest number of visitors to Carlsbad each year. C. Operate the Visitor’s Information Center. D. Provide familiarization tours/travel writer program. E. Promote local community events, including the San Diego Marathon, the Carlsbad 5000, the Carlsbad Triathlon, the La Costa Golf event, and the Toshiba Tennis Classic. F. Develop private funding for advertising co-op programs, central reservations fees, and other participatory fees to support a full-time, aggressive tourism marketing program. G. Establish a corporate/group sales incentive program. Each quarter, CCVB is required to provide the City Council with a report of its activity and expenses. CCVB has submitted their latest report summarizing their activities for the period May 1, 1999 through July 31, 1999(EXHIBIT 1). CCVB Report Highlights: 1. The number of visitors served at the Carlsbad Visitor’s Information Bureau offices was down by 15% (11,768 down to 9945) from the same period last year. 2. The number of telephone inquiries were down by 6%( 7356 down to 6933) from the same period last year. 3. CCVB processed a total of 38 qualified leads totaling more than 1016 room nights. 4. CCVB’s volunteer program provided an additional 1116.75 hours of service during the period. , ’ PAGE 2 OF AGENDAZILL NO. 15: L(23 - FISCAL IMPACT: The City’s Agreement, including funding adjustments, with the Carlsbad Convention and Visitor’s Bureau established $370,000 as the total amount of funding for the twelve (12) month period from November, 1, 1998 to October 31, 1999. The contract includes $120,000 for operation of the Visitor’s Center, and $250,000 for programs. Payments from the City for programs during this period totaled $66,982. The CCVB also raised an additional $15,040 from other sources that include hotel co-op ($13,772), regional partners ($500), and miscellaneous sales ($768). Expenditures for the period totaled $89,293. Visitor Center operations totaled $30,000 or 33.5% of the expenditures. Expenditures included $34,592 for Advertising, $5,139 for Brochures, $14,349 for Trade Shows and the Travel Writer’s Program, $1,713 for Video/CD ROM, and $3,500 for consulting services. EXHIBITS: 1. Report from the Carlsbad Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for the period of May 1, 1999 through July 31, 1999, dated August 30, 1999. - v August 30,1999 Cynthia Haas Economic Development City of Carlsbad 2075 Las Palmas Carlsbad CA 92009 Dear Cynthia: Attached is the financial report and a synopsis of major activities of the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau for the period May 1 - July 31,1999. A notable accomplishment is the continued growth in activity of our Internet web page. The number of hits per week exceeded 39,000 for the first time in early August. If you have any questions, please call me. Please notify us when this will be placed on the Council Agenda so we can be present to answer questions. -Executive Director Enclosure Carlsbad Convention 81 Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1246*Carlsbad,California 92016-1246 TEL (760)434.6093* FAX (760)434.6056 www.carlsbadca.org/ City of Carlsbad County of San Diego Regional Partners Hotel Co-op Marketing Partnership Depot Sales Misc. Promotions Total Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau Accounting of Funds For the Quarter Ended July 31,1999 Income For the Quarter Contract to Date $ 66,982.19 $ 248,169.84 500.00 13,772.24 38414.62 40,816.91 164.51 2,464.10 767.80 $ 82,022.23 $ 295,029.98 Visitor Center Operations Personnel: Management Staff Salaries Benefits Payroll Taxes $ 2,650 $ 7,926 13,800 40,555 1,024 2,975 5,400 15,850 Total Personnel $ 22,874 $ 67,306 Overhead: Utilities Outside Services Maim/Rental Equipment Allocation Office Supplies Postage Travel Insurance Conferences Memberships Telephone Items for Resale Misc. Fees 805 265 425 1,500 850 100 240 666 600 1,250 425 2,233 1,736 1,403 1,613 1,983 532 1,049 1,483 4,009 1,933 3,474 975 271 Total Overhead $ 7,126 $ 22,894 Equlpment Purchases: Items Cost Total Equipment For the Quarter Contract to Date Total Visitor Center Operations: $ 30,000 E:\ConVis\Financial Reports\Quarterly Report\Convis Accounting of Funds Jul31- 99 $ 90,000 Advertising/Promoting Events: Management Allocation Equipment Allocation Ads Production Costs Promotion Telephone/Postage Supplies Subtotal Trade Shows/FAhl trips: Management Allocation Booth Fees Travel Costs FAM Expenses Equipment Allocation Telephone/Postage Supplies Subtotal Brochures: Management Allocation Equipment Allocation Design & Printing Subtotal Video/CD-ROM: Management Allocation Production Costs Subtotal Consultant: Management Allocation Fees Subtotal Marketing Partnership Subtotal Total Program Expenditures: Total Period Expenditures: Program Expenditures Accounting of Funds For the Quarter Ended July 31,1999 TOTAL EXPENSES For the Quarter Contract to Date $ 8,000 3,000 20,616 106 $ 2,100 766 $ 34.592 25,000 3,000 60,563 4,680 2,500 5,000 2,368 $ 103,111 $ 6,000 2,170 1,704 1,028 1,824 1,123 500 $ 14,349 $ 21,000 7,220 8,575 2,034 8,525 1,223 1,816 $ 50,393 $ 1,750 3,389 $ $ 5,609 5,139 20,125 $ 25,734 $ 1,713 - $ $ $ 3,500 $ 1,713 $ 1,713 $ 1,713 3,500 $ $ 11,260 $ 11,260 $ 59,293 $ 192,211 $ 89,293 $ 282,211 E:\ConVis\Financial Reports\Quarterly Report\Convis Accounting of Funds Jul 31-1999 ‘I Visitor Information Summary May 1,1999 -July 31,1999 CA resident Out of CA Foreign Total for Visitors Visitors Visitors Month 1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1998 May 1,579 1,635 1,246 1,349 347 202 3,172 3,186 June 1,392 I, 708 1,538 1,478 342 183 3,272 3,369 July 1,618 1,719 1,385 3,276 498 218 3,501 5,213 3 months total 4,589 5,062 4,169 6,103 1,187 603 9,945 11,768 Above figures represent one member of family and/or group. Phone inquires Mail outs Travel Agent Mail outs 1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1998 May 1,919 2,290 1,473 1,914 466 273 June 2,521 2,486 1,512 2,908 295 222 July 2,493 2,580 1,311 1,789 221 255 3 months total 6,933 7,356 4,296 6,611 736 750 CVKmancial reports/quarterly report/activities/Visitor Information Summary-chart May-Jul99.doc c ADVERTISERS INQUIRES May 99 June 99 July 99 IAAA 51 Arizona Daily Star 3 62 Association Meetings 50 1 Calif Tourism Visitors Guide 1 458 I 359 I 237 1 Corp Meetings & Incentives Insurance Conference Planner 50 51 Internet 209 123 136 LA Times Magazine 532 44 LEGOLAND insert 40 18 28 Los Angeles Magazine 247 40 15 Medical Meetings 50 No Recollection 250 237 224 Orange Coast Magazine 3 5 8 Orange County Register 4 Ouick Guide 1 1 Riverside Press Enterprise 1 SD Visitors Guide 5 13 16 Sunset Magazine 2 I Travel 50 & Bevond Travel Agent Magazine 343 60 32 Vacation Magazine 238 79 Programs to Attract Groups This area has undergone significant developments during this period with the hiring of Cecelia Jernegan as the new public relations director on May 1 and Frankie Laney as sales coordinator on July 1. Cecelia has more than a decade of experience in hotel sales and marketing and Frankie was employed in group sales at the Ontario CVB and for a group tour operator. Cecelia has formalized our system of processing inquires from groups. As in the past, inquires are analyzed and forwarded to the properties best able to handle the inquiry. But, now a tracking system is in place to make sure the group is not lost if the initial property or properties cannot accommodate the group. Through the tracking system, we will learn of it and continue to work with the group to seek alternatives (see attached samples). During this period we advertised in two publications aimed specifically at travel professionals. These were: Religious conference Manager Technology Meetings On May 14-19 Steve Link manned the Carlsbad booth at POW WOW in Miami. Sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America, this show is only open to international tour operators. During the three month period we processed 38 qualified leads involving 3009 people seeking 1016 hotel rooms (schedule attached). 8 GROUP INQUIRIES MAY/JUNE/JULY 1999 IGRAND TOTAL I 3009 1 IOlSl Phone: 760-434-6093 SALES LEAD Cadsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau Today’s Date: 7/20/99 Lead Source: Letter sent to Bureau Contact: Title: Address: Millie Conrad Reunion Planner 829 E. Pitkin Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Phone: Fax: E-mail: no phone number given no fax number given abmillie@aol.com Rate Range: did not give a range of rates Meeting Dates: Famiiy Reunion from June 9 -. 12,200O. Contact: Cecelia Jeruegan Day Date Rooms Reauested *Decision date and factors: Would prefer to be close to the beach: would like kitchenettes in the rooms and will need a total of 10 BEDROOMS. Meeting Requirements: None that I am aware of from the information in her letter. Please sign and fax back (434-6056) or c-mail back at cjconvis@carlsbad.org you received this lead: Thank you. Signature: Will respond: Will not respond: Fax to: Beachwalk Villas 720-7173; Beach Terrace Inn 729-1078; BWBeach View Lodge 4345404; Carlsbad Inn 729-4853; Quality Inn 438-8181; Inns of America 931-0970; Ocean Palms 72910579; Residence Inns;431-0777; Ramada Inn; 438-4547; Seashore on the Sand 434-4281 and Tamarack Beach 434-5942. Trace date: 7/30/99cj o;Ye mailed convis brochure and I e-mailed her back) CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU P.0 Box 1246, Carlsbad, California 92018 E-mail: m http:ihww.carlsbadca.org Phone: 760-434-6093 ex. 102 Contact: Cecelia Jernegan Public Relations SALES LEAD FROM CARLSBAD CONVIS Today’s Date: 7112199 Lead Source: Telephone call to ConVis Contact: Mr. Steve Lind Company: Prudential Insurance Title: 3111 Camino De1 Rio North Suite 800 Address: I Mission Valley, California 92108 Phone: Fax: E-mail: 619-280-9000 Extension 3453 Rate Range: Meeting Dates: Day I Date Rooms Requested Decision date and factors: Meeting Requirements: This client is looking for meeting space to hold seminar. The date is August 5*, 1999. He is looking for theatre style for possible 40 attendees. The meeting will be at two different times. One meeting starts at 3:00 pm and second meeting starts at 7:OO pm. He needs the meeting room set from lpm until 9 pm. He will need only coffee and water; no other f&b needs. I did not ask about AV needs. He would like to be called by any one who has availability by 5:00 pm today July 12, 1999, NO SLEEPING ROOMS. MEETING SPACE ONLY. 7/12/99 Sent to Olympic, Ramada, Tamarack Reach, Raintree Trace: 7/13/99 Called client and he booked at the Olympic 816199 Trace to call and see how meeting went. CONVENTION&VISITORSBUR&AU P.0 Box1246, Cadsbad,Califomia 92018 E-mail. mtism http:i/www.cartsbdca.org VOLUNTEER HOURS IMay 99 IJun 99 lJul99 Lavern Anderson I 12.001 12.001 12.00 Bob Bader 0.00 0.00 5.50 Sandra Bolmer 0.00 0.00 6.00 Bruce Broker 0.00 6.00 4.00 Cathv Broker 0.00 6.00 6.00 \ Luana Callaway 7.00 6.00 8.00 Suzanne Carneiro 0.00 0.00 2.50 Mildred Cooper 6.00 6.00 10.00 June DeVito 5.50 3.50 0.00 Eddie Powell I 8.001 7.501 0.00 Leslie Pornanter 0.001 0.001 6.00 Maddie Rutan 0.00 0.00 6.00 John Seufert 9.00 20.00 20.00 Jenny Snelson 9.00 8.00 0.00 Frank Stasio 6.00 4.00 8.00 DeeDee Stevens 5.75 0.00 6.00 Helen Thomason 8.00 13.25 14.00 Mary Trolson 11.00 36.00 21.00 Lydia Vrielink 33.00 37.25 39.50 Liz Wright 0.00 0.00 4.00 TOTALS 295.75 429.80 391.20 Activities May 1 - July 31,1999 May May 1 May 1 May 2 May 2 May 2 May 3 May 3 May 3-14 May 3 May 4 May 4 May 11 May 17 May 14-19 May 19 May 24 Phoenix magazine featured the Coaster as a means of visiting the coastal communities and Carlsbad’s Barnstorming Adventures in their May issue. The ConVis hosted the publisher last fall. Steve Link attended an America West Airlines ceremony at Palomar Airport. Cecelia Jemegan was hired as the new director of public relations. The staff worked at the Village Faire. The Old Depot served as the Faire Headquarters as well as the Carlsbad Police Dept. Command Post. A group of 60 travel writers and spouses arrived for a two-day conference. TJ Stroben, the ConVis intern specializing in media relations (a Cal State San Marcos student) escorted a portion of the writers on a tour of LEGOLAND. Lee Lees, Visitors Center supervisor, attended a banquet at Four Seasons, Aviara as part of the travel writer conference. TJ Stroben attended a breakfast at La Costa Resort and Spa as part of the travel writer conference and then escorted a portion of the writers on a tour of LEGOLAND. Rick Smock, ConVis chairman of the board, Steve Link and councilman Matt Hall attended a breakfast meeting of the CCIM at La Costa Resort and Spa. Steve Link and Cecelia Jemegan conducted 37 half hour tours of the depot for Carlsbad third grade classes. Steve Link and Cecelia Jemegan met with Louise Lowe-Deluca the marketing director of the Hilton Gardens, hotel that is under construction, to discuss marketing programs. Diana Aaron’s farewell luncheon at the Raintree restaurant was attended by 76 people. Steve Link and Cecelia Jemegan met with representatives of the California Division of Tourism. Tom Giblins Irish Pub hosted a party for the Visitors Center volunteers. Cecelia Jemegan worked with KPLM-FM in Palm Springs. They are conducting a special month long Carlsbad getaway promotion. We provided two night stays at Carlsbad Inn, Andersen’s Inn and Ramada Inn Suites for their drawings. Steve Link, Rick Smock (Beach Terrace Inn) and Janet Taylor (Ramada Inn Suites) manned the Carlsbad booth at POW WOW in Miami, Florida. Sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America, this is the most prestigious travel show in the U.S. Janet Fioriti, GM of Marriott Residence Inn and Tom Johnson, Hi Tek Multimedia were the featured speakers at the Hotel/Motel Committee meeting. Four Seasons Resort, Aviara hosted the luncheon. Cecelia Jemegan worked with the editor of Travel 50 and Beyond. The writer was here last fall. We provided slides and additional input for a story on Carlsbad that will be published in the Fall issue. May 26 May 27 June June 1 June 9 June 9 June 14 June 16 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 28 June 28 June 28 June 29 June 29 June 30 June 30 June 30 July July 1 July 1 July 1 The Board of Directors met. A volunteer training session was held in the depot. Orange County Woman magazine featured Carlsbad in their June issue. ConVis hosted the writer in March. Steve Link appeared before the County Board of Supervisors to present two grant proposals for Community Enhancement Funds. Cecelia Jernegan provided material to a travel writer for Phoenix Home and Gardens magazine. The ConVis volunteers were given a tour of Grand Pacific Palisades Resort. Cecelia Jernegan attended ceremonies inaugurating NCTD bus service to LEGOLAND. Tracey Drapkin, T.I.G. Tennis Classic and Rick Reyes, Carlsbad Police Department were the featured speakers at the June Hotel/Motel committee meeting. La Costa Resort and Spa hosted the luncheon. Steve Link mailed slides and material to Jan Doets America Tours, the largest tour operator in the Netherlands. They devote a page to Carlsbad in their tariff book. The Board of Directors met. Steve Link provided material to a travel magazine in British Columbia that plans to feature Carlsbad in their September issue. Steve Link met with Nora George (O’Rourke engineering) who is doing a traffic study for Carlsbad. Steve Link met with a travel writer from Palm Springs. His visit was hosted by Pelican Cove Inn. Steve Link conducted two half hour tours of the depot for the Carlsbad Montessori School and the Carlsbad Boys and Girls club. Steve Link attended a Carlsbad Arts Office meeting concerning the possibility of sponsoring a film festival. Steve Link attended a follow-up meeting concerning the film festival. Cecelia Jernegan attended a meeting of the San Diego ConVis Travel Industry Sales committee. A volunteer training session was held in the depot. Steve Link and Cecelia Jernegan met with Myrtle Blackwell, marketing director for America West Airlines. Steve link provided material to Diversions magazine in New York. They want to feature Carlsbad in a future issue. National Motorist magazine featured LEGOLAND and Carlsbad in their Summer issue. ConVis hosted the writer in March. The North County Times published an article about the Visitors Center. Norine Sigafoose assumed the chairmanship of the ConVis, replacing Rick Smock. Frankie Laney was hired as the group sales coordinator. This is a new staff position. %. July 2 July 6 July 7 July 13 July 16 July 16 July 19 July 20 July 22 July 23 July 24 July 27 July 28 July 29 Steve Link met with Julie Lanthier Bandy, restaurant marketing coordinator, Karl Strauss Restaurants, about the new restaurant opening in Carlsbad. Sent Carlsbad video to FOX-TV Sports. They will include excerpts in a program they are producing on LEGOLAND that will air on August 7. Cecelia Jernegan provided material to a travel writer from New York. The Marketing committee met. Steve Link and Tom Johnson, Hi Tek Multimedia, were interviewed by KDCI-TV on the CD-ROM project. ConVis hosted a party for the volunteers at the TGIF Jazz concert at Magee Park. Steve Link met with Terry Selk, California Division of Tourism to discuss the state’s help in promoting golf factory tours. Cecelia Jernegan and Frankie Laney attended the San Diego ConVis Quarterly Breakfast. Steve Link submitted the narrative for the Carlsbad chapter of the Quick Guide (Fall issue). A copy of the Carlsbad video was sent to the San Diego Water Authority. They will include excerpts in a video they are producing about the San Diego region. Steve Link and mayor Claude “Bud” Lewis presented welcoming comments at the Thai Festival in Holiday Park. A copy of the Carlsbad video and related literature was provided to a New Zealand travel agency that plans to promote trips to Carlsbad. the Board of Directors met. The North Coastal Marketing Group met to discuss regional promotions for the coming year. d .$ 80 i& % 8, v3 3 CJI F-r aJ 24 8 3 NORTH '2am-n TIMES SUNDAY. MAY 16.1999 AROUND CARLSBAD Carlsbad rail Station needs ’ tidying do it.” BARBARi -- 9 What There’s absolutely no excuse. What I’ve been hearing are comments such as: ‘?t’s such a disgrace!” “How can they let it go so long?” ! “Can you believe they don’t take care of it?” and “Give me a paint brush. I’11 these resi- dents are talking about is the old railroad sta- tion, one of Carlsbad’s trea- sures that is now the home of the Carlsbad Convention & Vis- itors Bureau. It’s the city’s responsibility to maintain the building and its surrounding area, and although a colorful array of flowers has been planted this spring, the building itself, as one resident said, is a disgrace. Paint peeling in chunks. Discolorations. Fad- ing. What a sight for visitors. What a sight for the Carls- bad third-graders, who during California History Month this month have been touring the depot. The depot where sol- ,diers left for war and honey- mooners waved goodbye to their families and friends. The depot where Carlsbad teens boarded the train for 10 cents to go to school in Oceanside. The depot where there’s graffi- ti on the wall from 1897, 10 years after the depot was built. The depot where 550 pounds of food was sent to from Los An- geIes to a family for a charge of 75 cents. The depot that has been home to a railroad club, an art league and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, the city went out for bids for painting the building. But the one bid received was too high. So, now the job is out for bids again, this time in two sections. One for sandblasting, the other for painting. The cost is bound to be above average, since the painting has not been kept up for years. Seems logical. More work, more money. The Convention & Visitors Bureau, however, has been doing a phenomenal job painting a rosy picture of Carlsbad for our visitors. The bureau’s Web site, for instance, which had about 15,000 hits a week last year, had more than 30,000 a week with the opening of Legoland Phones have been ringing off the hook since the Flower Fields started blooming this year. Tourists have lined up outside before the doors open in the morning ready to pick up brochures and ask ques- tions about our city. And, in the middle of keeping up with the influx of visitors and showing us off at trade shows, the bu- 1 reau’s staff is in the process of producing a CD-ROM, which will be available this fall. It’s great the bureau can give the tourists all the information they need and entice others to visit Carlsbad. However, we ! need to show our visitors that we are responsible and take pride in our city and its treasures. This, of course, will be done when the depot is painted this year, finally. Then maybe we’ll have positive comments from our residents. Comments like: “Job well done. Keep it up.” NORYMCOUNTYTIMES .~. _- THURSDAY, MAY 20: 1999 Convention bureau names PR director Cecelia Jernegan has been named public relations director of the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau. She re- placed Di- ana Aaron, who served three years at the bu- reau before accepting a position at the Carls- Cecelia Jemegan bad Mar- dence Inn. riott Resi- Jernegan last served as di- rector of sales and marketing for the Hassayampa Inn, a his- torical hotel in Prescott, Ariz. She graduated from the Uni- versity of Wyoming in Laramie and now lives in Carlsbad. Carlsbad Business Journal l Mcry 1999 ConVis reprints 50,000 visitors guides T he Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau has completely redesigned its l&page brochure on things to see and do in the Carlsbad area. More than 50,000 were printed. “You might think 5O,OOO would be a two or three-year supply,” said Lee Lees, super- visor of the ConVis Visitor Information Center. “But we are dis- tributing them at a rate of more than 1,000 a week to people interested in visiting Carls- bad.” The ConVis mails brochures to people responding to advertisements and to inquir- ies on the ConVis website. They also dis- tribute them at a dozen travel shows annu- ally. Carlsbad hotels and LEGOLAND California are also using the brochures in their promotions. The Flowers Group in San Diego designed the brochure. It includes an overview of Carlsbad’s attractions, a description of ma- jor happenings, a short history of Carlsbad, and a calendar of events. “The brochure colorfully depicts Carlsbad’s attractions,” said Lees. “If some- one is contemplating a vacation at one of California’s beach communities, this bro- chure will entice them to choose Carlsbad.” Carlsbad Business Journal * June, 7 999 i ~~ Co~h% names new PR direct’or T he Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau has selected Cecelia Jernegan as the new Public Relations Direc- tor. Since 1996, Jernegan was the Director of Sales and Mar- keting at the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona. The Inn is a renowned, AAA j-Diamond Historic Hotel, built in 1927. Prior to this, Jernegan worked for the Griffin Group Ho- tels, in sales at the Scottsdale Hilton and Merv Griffin Dude Ranch. She also worked for two management companies that specialized in revitalizing underachieving hotels. During this time span, Jernegan served on committees for the Chambers of Commerce, Downtown Business Associa- tions, and Convention and Visitors Bureaus in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Wickenburg and Prescott. Cecelia /ernegan Jernegan attended the University of Wyoming. Her husband, J.L. Jernegan III was born and raised in Fallbrook and has fulfilled a dream by returning to North County. Jernegan replaces Diana Aaron, who after three years at the bureau has accepted the position as Account Manager at the Marriott Residence Inn scheduled to open this summer on Faraday Avenue. e &bad Business Journal l July, 1999 T Carlsbad attractions are now promoted on CD=ROM Through the use of the latest CD-ROM The Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bu- technology, Carlsbad will soon make a dra- reau (ConVis), in partnership with Hi-Tek matic advance in promoting its attractions. Multimedia, Inc. will produce thousands of Carlsbad CD-ROMS piiiiq for distribution. Also involved in the project is JM Television Productions of Carlsbad. The CD-ROM will be a powerful guide containing full-motion video, high-quality photos and graphics, digital sound and more. The user will be able to click and choose to see video or slides of all of Carlsbad’s at- tractions. At the same rime, viewers will be able to get detailed information on every- Carlsbad Boukvard Resort Hotel has new developer BY Suzanne Evans -Diversified Consulting Concepts Inc., original owners of the Carlsbad Boulevard Resort Hotel, is going forward with building the exclusive hotel on the east side of Carlsbad Boulevard between Beech Avenue and Christiansen Way and will engage a new developer. Josh Nordan, vice president of the managing general partner. said his company is in charge of the project, and there will be some changes to the plans for the interi- or, but not the exterior of the hotel. “The project is going for- ward, and some rooms may be smaller but more exclusive than originally planned.” Nordan said. “The configuration of rooms. number of rooms. and rates will be (somewhat) different. but the hotel will only be better.” Figures. such as the S 13 million project estimate. 9370.000 annual transient occupancy tax. and $95 room rate currently released in a city staff report may change. but the hotel will be “a very pretty project.” Nordan said. Carlsbad City Councilmember Ramona Finnila said the hotel “will be an asset to the village, to improve the north part of downtown.” “Renderings of the hotel, room options and underground parking are really attractive,” said Steve Link, Director of the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau, adding that the new hotel “will enjoy a pretty good occupancy rate as people come over in droves from Palm Springs to avoid the IOO-degree weather.” Nordan had high praise for city staff engineers and architects who. along with Housing and I&development director Debbie Fountain and Craig Ruiz, deserve accolades, he said. Nordan added his company was going to build the hotel 10 years ago when the real estate market fell. He said he could not disclose the name of the hotel developer under consider- ation (taking the place of the former developer. Heritage West), but said: “We are in very close negotiations with the builder.” thing from accommodations and restaurants to special events. If the user’s computer has Internet capability, the CD-ROM will au- tomatically link to the Internet. With a simple click, the user can switch from view- ing the CD-ROM to viewing the web page of the Carlsbad ConVis or any of the web pages of local businesses listed on the CD- ROM. “We will mass produce CD-ROMs to be distributed to tour operators, meeting plan- ners, travel agents, travel writers and others who can send people to Carlsbad,” said Rick Smock, ConVis board chairman. “The CD- ROM will provide them with a user-friendly visual tool to sell Carlsbad to their clients.” “This CD-ROM will put Carlsbad on the cutting edge of technology and enable us to better compete with the world’s major des- tinations who already use this tool,” said Steve Link, ConVis executive director. For information about advertising on Carlsbad’s CD-ROM, contact ConVis at 434-6093. * . . . ‘. Carfsbad Business Journal l wwwcarkbad.org l August, 1999 Sigafoose elected ConVis chairman N orine Sigafoose, co-owner of Sea shore on the Sand beach condos, has assumed the chairmanship of the 15- member board of directors of the Carlsbad Convention and Visi- tors Bureau. She re- places Rick Smock, manager of Best Western Beach Terrace Inn. “This is an exciting time to be involved with the hospitality industry in Carlsbad,” said Sigafoose. “There are several hotels ei- ther under construction or on the drawing board and every month we learn of a new restaurant or two in Carlsbad’s future.” “The ConVis has a score of marketing and promotional programs to bring visitors to Carlsbad. I enjoy being a part of the THURSDAY, JULY 1,1999 )) &aHcotlNTyTulEs I..’ ._~ .--- .-.- -- Carlsbad visitors bureau looking for volunteers SANDRA HAZELTINE STAFF WRITER CARLSBAD - As the mercury rises, so does the number of tourists seeking information on where to go and what to see in Carls- bad. Their search usually takes them to the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau in the downtown village, where a staff of volunteers fields such re- quests as where to find a nice sit-down dinner, and what freeway exit leads to Legoland California. To prepare for the annu- al summer migration of tourists, ConVis officials are looking to increase their volunteer staff. These “front-line people” do everything from answering the center’s toll-free infor- mation line, to stocking brochures and fielding re- quests from tourists who stop at the ConVis Infor- mation Center in the San- bad Village Drive. “Basically, volunteers sell the city,” said Cecelia Jernegan, ConVis’s spokes- woman. “There front-line people who give informa- tion on hotels, restaurants, transportation and amuse- ment parks.” ConVis has about 30 ac- tive volunteers who aver- age about four hours a week. While most of them are retired, the agency does not have an age limit - volunteers just need to enjoy dealing with people, Jernegan said. “I love the people con- tact,” said volunteer Mary Fischer, who moved back to Carlsbad in November after spending the last nine years in Arizona. “I love to see people and greet people. I thought this would be the best way for me to get reacquainted with the city.” Mary Trolson, a veteran volunteer who has been with ConVis for two years, organization’s accomplishments.” The other new officers are: Beverly Jenks, Sales Manager, La Costa Resort and Spa, vice-chair; Anita Boeker, Marketing Direc- tor, Carlsbad Company Stores, treasurer; and Diane Scheer, Executive Director, Carls- bad Village Business Association, secretary. Four new directors were elected to the board. They are Michael Flickinger, Gen- eral Manager, Grand Pacific Palisades Re- sort; Eric Friedrichsen, co-owner, Beachwalk Villas; Bob Seddlemeyer, Vice President, Golf Course Hotels Inc.; and John Thill, General Manager, JM Television Productions. The board sets the policy for the Convention and Visitors Bureau and oversees the bureau’s $400,000 budget. said: “I really love Carlsbad and this is my way of showing my appreciation.” Earlier this year, business at ConVis doubled with the March opening of Legoland California. In the weeks prior to the family-oriented theme park’s debut, the center’s phone lines were jammed with inquiries for hotels and park directions. Volunteers field some 200 calls a day. To keep up with the de- mand, ConVis’s staff also grew. According to the agency’s quar- terly reports, 14 volunteers staffed the center during the second quarter in 1998 (Febru- ary to April), putting in about 386 hours. This year, for the same peri- od there were 38 volunteers who worked a total of 1,116 hours, the report states. The number of hits to the agency’s Web site also in- creased and has remained steady since, said Steve Link, ConVis executive director. “We were typically getting 22,000 hits, but the week before T;;go$nd$zne$ it jumped to ,, * ‘“Ndw it’s around 31,000 to 33,000.” Volunteers receive three days of training to get acquaint- ed with the telephones, refer- ence material, and the visitor center in general, Jernegan said. In addition, they attend monthly training sessions and field trips to industry-related locations that typically gener- ate the most questions from tourists. Recent excursions included Legoland California, the Gemo- logical Institute of America, and the Grand Pacific Pal- isades Resort and Hotel. The group is considering a trip to McClellan-Palomar Airport next month. ‘1 . ’ . . . ., Encinitas Chamber of Commerce 138 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas. CA 92024 North Coast News ; p&SIDENf&M&~& :a-‘~..~:E;-;,.:.~~:~~ .j:’ ;,-;’ ‘.. ?+, ; ._ .., s - ,. .I *...,_. ‘,,:r;:.d. ,. I;_ -: ‘; ‘1’4 * ’ ,_ :,: *‘< :7, h ,.;r,,q _ < I ., _ /. .I , - e, ,, 1 John has tutored and trained our own Wendy Evers to be a fine in-house web master. Wendy, John and others have done a fine iob in creating a first class web page. The Chamber now has many members who have the skills and experience to launch first-class web pages if you are interested. tions to legislative informa- tion. You can even get a panoramic view of Moonlight Beach! Future projects include a demo- graphics package and a link allowing for the on- line booking of hotel and motel reservations in Encinitas. The speed of advanc- ing technology is frighten- ing. It seems as if once you buy a computer or software that it’s obsolete before you get home and hook it up. Doesn’t it drive you crazy to install a new this or they find us, they find that - and when you go you and our city. to register your pur- “The Chamber is cd Updating search The next thing we learned was that the web page needed to provide the public and our member- Finally, what good is a web page if no one can find you. We have taken efforts to keep our web page discoverable by search engines. When Information CentruI chase on-line they try even got a chance to use the version you to sell you the upgrade before you always will be engines and tag words ‘Information Central.‘” has begun, and as all things it is a work in few minutes to explore your Chamber’s web progress. page at www.encinitas- ca.org. Your comments I invite you to take a and thoughts will help us build Encinitas’ very own Information Central. You can even let us know what you think rrght on line. bought! The chamber has been working very hard to keep on the cutting edge of tech- nology with our web page. We started about three years ago with our first try at a web page. tots of mis- takes were made and thank- fully we learned from each of them. The first thing we learned was that when you design a web page you should seek out help from one of the best! We found John Prelgovitch, a web page guru of sorts who made the Carlsbad Convention and Visitor’s Bureau web page sparkle. He has shared his experi- ence in the visitor and busi- ness service industry by working with us as a con- sultant for about two years. ship with information that they need and can use. The Chamber is and always will be “Information Central.” If we don’t have it and it’s important to our business members, resi- dents or to visitors, we will either get the information for you or point you in the right direction. Now much of the information that we provide is right on our web page. From member- ship listings with hot links to your web page to tide and weather reports. From local event listings and tourist attrac-