HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 TPA RFP
2022 Request for Proposal Packet
Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion
2022 Proposal Guidelines: Tourism Promotion Activities
The Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is accepting proposals from
government agencies and non-profit organizations for tourism promotion to be provided during
calendar year 2022 and paid for from the County’s lodging tax fund. The Committee will make
recommendations to the Jefferson County Commissioners within one month following the proposal
deadline. All decisions for use of the lodging tax will be made by the Jefferson County
Commissioners.
■ Proposals from government agencies or non-profit organizations are to be for tourism
promotion during calendar year 2022. Please refer to Section 1 of this packet for a
examples of eligible tourism promotion activities for this funding round.
■ At the time of implementation, tourism related activities within proposals must comply with
federal, state, and county laws and requirements, including county Public Health
direction. NOTE: Jefferson County may not use public funds in any way that can be construed
as a gift to an individual or organization.
■ Proposals must completely address the questions, and all requested supplemental information
must be provided. Incomplete proposals will not be considered by LTAC.
■ To be considered, a fully completed and signed digital application (digital signatures
acceptable) must be received at afmcknight@co.jefferson.wa.us by the deadline listed above.
■ The preferred format for a digital application is a single PDF file attached to an email. If
necessary, multiple files in either PDF or Microsoft Word may be attached to a single email as
a complete digital application.
■ All documents filed with the County are public records, potentially eligible for release.
This packet is for the 2022 TOURISM PROMOTION SERVICE PROPOSALS
to be funded by the Jefferson County Lodging Tax. Under Jefferson
County guidelines, you must be a NON-PROFIT or GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCY to be eligible to be funded by the Jefferson County Lodging Tax.
The Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will only consider
complete and signed proposals that include all of the requested
information and documents, and that are submitted by the deadline:
OCTOBER 29, 2021 by 4:30 pm
Digital Delivery only for Proposals to afmcknight@co.jefferson.wa.us
Jefferson County is committed to the non-discriminatory treatment of all
Persons in the employment and delivery of services and resources.
2022 Proposal Checklist for Tourism Promotion Activities
Organization Name
Event Name, if different
Proposed Contract Amount:
$
Proposals must completely address the questions, and all requested supplemental
information must be provided. Incomplete or late proposals will not be considered by the
Jefferson County LTAC.
To be eligible for consideration, your application must be signed, dated, and include the following
items in the listed order.
Check each item submitted:
_______ Signed and Dated Proposal Summary Sheet
_______ Section 1 - Itemized list of proposed services and estimated costs.
_______ Section 2 - Proposal Questions.
_______ Section 3 - Proposed 2022 promotion, facility, event or activity budget.
_______ Section 3 – 2021 budget and year-to-date income and expense statement(s).
_______ Section 3 - List of names and addresses of the organization’s current Board of Directors.
Name and contact information for event chairperson, if applicable.
_______ Section 3 - Optional work samples such as season brochures, promotional materials,
reviews, news/magazine articles, etc. (maximum of 5 separate pieces)
To be considered, a fully completed and signed original application with supporting documents
must be received and date stamped at the Jefferson County Administrator’s Office, 1820 Jefferson
Street, P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368 by October 29, 2021.
Documents submitted to the County are public records, potentially eligible for release.
The Production Alliance
2022 Season of Events
75,000
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2022 Proposal Checklist for Tourism Promotion Activities
Proposal Deadline: October 29, 2021 at 4:30 pm (received, not postmarked)
Address To: Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend WA 98368
Delivery Address: Jefferson County, County Administrator’s Office,
1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Organization Name
Organization Address
Contact Name
Contact Address
Day Phone Evening or Cell Phone
E-Mail Address
Facility/Event (if applicable)
Total Lodging Tax Request: $:
Estimated 2022 org. operating
budget (Incl. Lodging Tax funds)
$: _________________
If asking for funds for a specific
event, list other cash funding
sources and dollar amounts
budgeted for this project.
Note: This section is only due for
specific event and festival
funding requests.
Dollar Amount
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total Project Revenue Budget $
Did your organization receive Lodging Tax Funds from the County in 2021? _____yes _____ no
I understand that if my organization’s proposal for tourism promotion activities is approved by the County that my
organization will enter into a contract with the County to provide the contracted services up to the maximum contract
amount. I understand that the proposal herein is a public record potentially eligible for public release.
Sign Name:
Date:
Print Name and Title:
Please type (10 point or larger) or legibly print in ink. To be considered: all questions must be answered; all
requested documents provided; this form must be signed and dated.
The Production Alliance
870 Martin Road, Port Townend, WA 98368
Megan Claflin, Director of Development
870 Martin Road, Port Townend, WA 98368
360-305-8488 360-305-8488
megan@theproductionalliance.org
N/A
X
Donations
Service Contracts
Megan Claflin, Director of Development
75,000
10/29/2021
$175,000
10,000
Billable Expenses 10,000
Vendor & Booth Fees 5,000
Event Sponsorships 5,000
Season Sponsorships 20,000
40,000
Ticket Sales / Admission 10,000 10,000
1. Itemized List of Proposed Tourism Promotion Services
Organization (or Event) Name: ________________________________________
In the following space or on a separate sheet of paper, please specify each proposed tourism
promotion, facility, event or activity, including quantities and costs (see examples at bottom of page).
Examples of how to list your proposed tourism promotion services or event (please be as specific AS
POSSIBLE about the services, quantities, the tourism market, distribution method, and cost):
10,000 promotional rack cards for I-5 corridor from Portland to Bellingham, April - June 2018…………$1,835
The rack cards will promote an event/hotel/restaurant promotional package.
Design and printing……………………………………………………………….…. $1,250
Distribution by XYZ Company……………………………………………………… $ 500
5 hours of staff time at $17.00 per hour to write copy, edit and proof the cards…...$ 85
1/3 page black and white event promotional advertisement in XYZ Magazine, July 2018 edition.……. $1,500
XYZ Magazine has 250,000 subscribers in western and northwest states. This 1/3-page ad
will be part of a full-page advertisement being coordinated by the VCB. XYZ Magazine will match
the value of the advertisement with a feature article on Jefferson County and the event in the same edition.
The Production Alliance
See attached
Website Development & Design $10,000
Videography & Photography $15,000
Marketing & Advertising $20,000
Graphic Design & Printing $10,000
Administration of Tourism Events $15,000
Event Equipment $5,000
Total LTAC Funded Expenditures $75,000
Website Development & Design
●Improved plug-ins for live streaming and multimedia libraries
●Enhanced analytic tools to track visitor demographics and improve site performance
●Online reservations system for Tent•acity including calendar of availability
●Online ticketing and merchandise sales
●Event-specific QR Codes to online surveys for tracking participant data
●Improved profiles for production partners
●Widgets for cross-promotional and joint marketing “getaway packages” with other
event/festival partners and JeffCo hospitality industry
Videography & Photography
●Videographer(s) for complete Season of Events, plus collection of other major
events/festival activities, “sense of place”, and points of interest to include in TPA’s
“JeffCo Alive” series
●Photographers(s) for complete Season of Events including assignments specific to
content creation for TPA’s website, social media, and print/digital advertising
●Development of a “Tourist Takes” photo/video booth at key events to capture dynamic
feedback from visitors
●Development of 30- to 60-second teaser reels for event promotion on social media
●60- to 180-second videos for full event information and promotion on Instagram,
Facebook, and YouTube
●5- to 7-minute “correspondent” or on-the-scene reporter style post-event productions for
TPA’s “JeffCo Alive” series
Marketing & Advertising
●Marketing consultant(s), currently Seattle-based with affiliate firm in Portland
●Public Relations consultant(s), currently Seattle-based with affiliate firm in Portland
●Targeted digital advertising on:
○YouTube
○Facebook
○Instagram
○Google AdWords
○Major metropolitan news sites
○Popular arts, culture, and travel blogs
●Print advertising in key regional publications i.e.
○PT & JC Leader Getaway Guide
○PDN Olympic Peninsula Visitor Guide, Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter
○WSDOT Ferries
●Banners & Signage along Highway 19, 20, 101 and 104
●Postering in major metropolitan areas i.e. Bellingham, Seattle, Portland
Graphic Design & Printing
●Visual artist commissions for event-specific collateral and merchandise
●Graphic design for:
○Website
○Social Media
○Bulk mail marketing
○Event brochures
○Posters (8.5” x 11”, 11” x 17”, 18” x 24”)
○Flyers and handbills for Street Team
○Banners and signage
○Merchandise
●Printing
●Postage
Equipment
●10’ x 10’ Easy-Up Event Tents (Most requested rental item, most frequently damaged)
●Build out of event equipment storage unit and 24’ equipment trailer
●External harddrive for multi-media library storage and backups
Administration & Tourism Event Operations
●Recruitment and training of event staff
●Payroll/HR
●Permitting, licensing, event insurance
●Consultant and vendor management
●Logistical support roles in non-TPA events
2. Proposal Questions
Please confine your answers to no more than one page for each question.
1. Tell us about your promotion, facility, event or activity and why you think it will increase
tourists traveling to and staying in Jefferson County. Include a general description of the
promotion, facility, event or activity including its purpose, history, etc.), and describe your
organization’s track record.
2. If this is a continuing promotion, facility or event, how is it different than in the past?
3. Describe how you intend to market/promote your promotion, facility, event or activity to
potential tourists who reside outside Jefferson County.
a) If an event, the date of the event:
b) The timeline for the tourism promotion activity you are proposing (e.g. May through July, 2022)
c) Target Audience
d) Promotion methods you intend to use to reach the target audience.
e) Describe how you will promote overnight stays at Jefferson County lodging establishments.
f) If you intend to collaborate with another agency or non-profit to provide these services, please
state the name of the organization and describe the nature of the collaboration:
4. How will you measure the effectiveness of your promotion, facility, event or activity?
Also, describe how you will document and report to the County the economic impact from
your event/facility. (State law requires the County to report annually to the State Department of
Community Development and Economic Trade about the number of lodging stays and economic
benefit from tourists generated by use of Lodging Tax proceeds for tourism promotion.)
5. What economic impact can we expect in Jefferson County from your proposed promotion,
facility, event or activity?
a.) Actual or estimated number of tourists at your event/facility last year (2021):
b.) Estimated number of tourists who will attend your event/facility this year (2022):
c.) Projected economic impact in Jefferson County from your event/facility (e.g. number of tourists
who will stay overnight in Jefferson County-based lodging establishments; economic impact for
Jefferson County restaurants, community facilities, amenities, events, and businesses).
6. Describe your organization’s area of expertise. Do you provide a unique service?
1. Tell us about your promotion, facility, event or activity and why you think it will increase tourists
traveling to and staying in Jefferson County. Include a general description of the promotion,
facility, event or activity including its purpose, history, etc.), and describe your organization’s track
record.
The Production Alliance (“TPA”) requests $75,000 from the Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee (“Committee”) to market our 2022 Season of Events. Funds awarded empower our alliance to
promote Jefferson County as a destination for distinct arts and cultural heritage experiences, and to aid
post-pandemic recovery of the County’s creative economy.
Each year, TPA builds on our development of engaging multimedia packages featuring dynamic content
capable of feeding into marketing campaigns for the next 1-3 years, and effectively bolstering the
County’s reputation as a unique destination for tourists year-round. Led by TPA’s Leadership Team, our
network of filmmakers, photographers, website and graphic designers, and artists is poised to produce
live-streamed and/or pre-recorded concerts, demonstrations, presentations, performances, tastings, and
tours that build community through celebration, as well as, print and digital marketing campaigns.
TPA strives to be an asset to our community by facilitating a robust season of free community events and
has more than 10-years of experience and a history of success in event management and community
engagement. Our network includes more than 30 businesses, 36 nonprofit organizations, 12 public
agencies, 125 artists and entrepreneurs, 250 adult and youth volunteers.
Our 2022 Season of Events includes:
Tent•acity | Year-Round 2022|
• Established 2021 • 2021 (Proposed) Operating Budget: $35,000
Program Vision: A suite of outdoor gathering equipment and sanitation mentioned managed and operated
by TPA to support public events and festivals in Jefferson County.
Cake Picnic | May 2022 | est. 2013
• Established 2013 • Average Attendance: 2,500 • 2021 Operating Budget: $5,500
Event Vision: Celebrating community spirit through delicious artisan cake
Old School Fourth | July 2022
• Established 2015 • Average Attendance: 3,000 • 2019 Operating Budget: $40,000
• Event Vision: Celebrating the nostalgic traditions of summertime Americana.
All County Picnic | August 2022 | est. 2013
• Established 2013 • Average Attendance: 1,000 • 2021 Operating Budget: $6,000
• Event Vision: Celebrating community resilience and emergency preparedness
Jefferson County Farm Tour | September 2022 | est. 2003
• Established 2003 • Average Attendance: 1,500 • 2021 Operating Budget: $10,500
• Event Vision: Celebrating locally grown food, fiber and farm-made products
Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival | October 2022
• Established 2017 • Average Attendance: 1,500 • 2021 Operating Budget: $21,000
• Event Vision: Celebrate the season, taste the region
Chimacum Arts & Crafts Fair| December 2022 | est. 1986
• Established 1986 • Average Attendance: 3,000 • 2021 (Proposed) Operating Budget: $22,500
• Event Vision: Artists supporting education in Jefferson County
First Night| December 2022 | est. 2013
• Established 2013 • Average Attendance: 3,000 • 2021 (Proposed) Operating Budget: $15,000
• Event Vision: A celebration of light and momentum into the New Year
2. If this is a continuing promotion, facility or event, how is it different than in the past?
TPA’s mission is to create joy, to inspire engagement, to build resilient communities. Through inclusive
and dynamic gatherings, we celebrate cultural heritage and "sense of place" as conduits for positive
social change and improved quality of life.Our team is dedicated to bringing this mission to fruition in
new and innovative ways.
Live, in-person events are designed to reflect TPA’s mission and values, and those of our production
partners. Each year, we engage new visual and performing artists, design new and more dynamic event
layouts, increase activities for children and families, and empower youth and emerging adults to join our
team to ensure our events have something for everyone.
TPA’s robust suite of professional services and our event equipment library serves tourism-related events
countywide. With partnerships and logistical support roles in Brinnon, Quilcene, Chimacum, and the
greater Port Townsend area, TPA anticipates supporting the following events in 2022:
●Strange Brewfest
●Rhododendron Festival & Rhody Run
●Shrimpfest
●Brass Screw Steampunk
●Hadlock Block Party
●Uptown Street Fair
●Plays in the Park (KCPT)
●Olympic Music Festival
●Departure Festival
●THING Northwest (STG)
●PT Film Festival
●PT Main Street
●Chimacum Rock Harvest Concert
●PT Wooden Boat Festival
●Quilcene Fair & Parade
●Kinetic Sculpture Race
3. Describe how you intend to market/promote your promotion, facility, event or activity to
potential tourists who reside outside Jefferson County.
a) If an event, the date of the event:See Question 1
b) The timeline for the tourism promotion activity you are proposing (e.g. May through July, 2022)
December 2021: 2021 Season of Event Montage highlighting all of the previous years activities and
promoting those to come in 2022. Video shared on YouTube, social media, website, and by our network.
QI (January - March):
●Convene East Puget Sound marketing and public relations contacts, along with production
partners to vet new and existing avenues for reaching target audiences in relation to event vision.
●Filmmakers, videographers, photographers, web and graphic designers, and artists convened to
establish 2022 art, scope of work, and project timeline for 2022 Marketing Plan.
●Advertising in regional publications purchased and designed.
●Event teasers developed for on-air radio promotions.
●2021 film and stills developed into 30- to 60-second reels for Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
QII (April - June):
●Website and social media pages updated with 2022 art and event descriptions.
●Reels roll out bimonthly.
●Print advertising in regional publications, postering, street team engaged.
●On-air radio interviews.
●Filming and photography for new content begins.
●Bulk mail marketing collateral designed, printed.
QIII (July-September):
●Events finalized, scripts and marketing materials sent to consultants locally and in King County.
●Targeted advertising on social media. Earned media push. On-air radio interviews.
●Print advertising in regional publications, postering, street team engaged.
●Bulk mail marketing to presort, mails.
QIV (October -December)
●Rinse and repeat of QI-QII for final events of the year.
●Begin archiving content and developing 2022 montage.
c) Target Audience
TPA prides itself on dynamic and inclusive events with engaging elements for all-ages.
d) Promotion methods you intend to use to reach the target audience.
●Earned Media through print and broadcast channels
●Cross-promotions and joint marketing via Event Steering Committee networks
●Targeted social media and digital advertising
●Postering along the I-5 Corridor and on the WA State Ferries (if program is reinstated)
e) Describe how you will promote overnight stays at Jefferson County lodging establishments.
Engage the Tourism Coordinating Council, Chamber of Commerce, PT Main Street, and local
accommodations, restaurants, and bars to establish cross-promotional and joint marketing opportunities.
f) If you intend to collaborate with another agency or non-profit to provide these services, please
state the name of the organization and describe the nature of the collaboration:
TPA is an alliance of artists and creative entrepreneurs. We facilitate collaborative event production with
more than 37 local businesses, 32 non-profit organizations, 12 public agencies, 125 regional vendors,
250+ adult and youth volunteers. Please see our website for a comprehensive list.
4. How will you measure the effectiveness of your promotion, facility, event or activity?
Also, describe how you will document and report to the County the economic impact from your
event/facility. (State law requires the County to report annually to the State Department of
Community Development and Economic Trade about the number of lodging stays and economic
benefit from tourists generated by use of Lodging Tax proceeds for tourism promotion.)
Volunteers assist TPA staff at each event in counting the total number of visitors utilizing a clicker at the
primary venue/location entrances.
For events with multiple locations, we provide each visitor with a custom sticker to display on their
person so individuals are not recounted. Comparing the total number of stickers distributed to the total
recorded clicks at the end of each event day provides a double-check system that improves accuracy.
At all events we display signage and interact person-to-person to promote our brief surveys (print and
online) that capture an individual's home Zip Code and other details critical to LTAC reporting. In 2022,
We are developing QR Codes for our Season of Events to increase participation and improve accuracy.
5. What economic impact can we expect in Jefferson County from your proposed promotion,
facility, event or activity?
Funds awarded empower our alliance to promote Jefferson County as a destination for arts and cultural
heritage experiences, and to aid post-pandemic recovery of the County’s creative economy.More than
90% of TPA’s 2021 Operating Budget, including LTAC funding, was reinvested into local businesses and
professional services, with the remainder utilized to bolster print and digital promotions along the I-5
Corridor with the help of our Seattle-based marketing/PR consultants.
a.) Actual or estimated number of tourists at your event/facility last year (2021):
Year to Date for 2021 is approximately 15,000 total event participants. We anticipate that count to be
closer to 20,000 by year's end with two major events left. TPA estimates that about 15-25% of our event
attendees are tourists visiting Jefferson County.
b.) Estimated number of tourists who will attend your event/facility this year (2022):
If in 2022, public health and safety protocols allow TPA and other major festivals to resume, we can
revive larger events and increase that number to 20,000-25,000. TPA estimates that about 15-25% of our
event attendees are tourists visiting Jefferson County.
c.) Projected economic impact in Jefferson County from your event/facility (e.g. number of tourists
who will stay overnight in Jefferson County-based lodging establishments; economic impact for
Jefferson County restaurants, community facilities, amenities, events, and businesses).
TPA estimates that about 10-15% of tourists attending our events stay in overnight accommodations. An
increasing number of tourists in 2019 and 2021 report that they are staying locally with friends or family
due to a lack of availability or affordability of local accommodations.
6. Describe your organization’s area of expertise. Do you provide a unique service?
Our Network -TPA’s strength lies in our network of artists, gig workers, and entrepreneurs who serve as
stewards of Jefferson County’s cultural heritage and creative economy.
Communications -TPA represents the next generation of community leaders and conveners with skills
and experience in emerging communications technology and digital/social marketing strategies to engage
broader audiences and grow Jefferson County’s reputation in the digital age.
Support of diverse local traditions -TPA’s robust suite of professional services and our event equipment
library serve cultural heritage and tourism-related events countywide; with partnerships and logistical
support roles in Brinnon, Quilcene, Chimacum, and the greater Port Townsend area.
Adaptability -TPA is adaptable and innovative. Of Jefferson County’s many arts and culture
organizations and festival producers, TPA was one of the only organizations to successfully execute
in-person tourism-related events in 2020 and 2021.
3. Background Information about Your Organization
Attach the following items to your proposal in the order listed:
(Note: To be considered by the Committee, all of the listed information must be included with your
proposal.)
Attachments:
▬ Proposed 2022 promotion, facility, event or activity budget including income and expenses.
▬ 2021 Budget and Actual income and expense year to date statement(s).
▬ List of names and addresses of the organization’s Board of Directors as of the date the
proposal is filed. Also, if the proposal is for the marketing of an event and there is a
chairperson for the event (either volunteer or paid), list that individual’s name, address and
phone number.
▬ If you desire, you may provide samples of promotion materials such as brochures or
promotional materials (maximum of five).
Note: Staff will verify Incorporation status of the non-profit agencies who submit service proposals by
checking the Washington Secretary of State’s on-line corporation records.
2022 Budget LTAC Funded
Revenue
Donations $10,000
Government Grants $75,000 $75,000
Grants (not government)$0
Service Income-
Billable Expenses $10,000
Vendor & Booth Fees $5,000
Event Sponsorship $5,000
Season Sponsorship $20,000
Service Contracts $40,000
Ticket Sales / Admission $10,000
Total Service Income $90,000
Total Revenue $175,000 $75,000
Expenditures
Administrative-
Bank Charges & Fees $50
Dues & subscriptions $1,000
Insurance $1,000
Permit Fees $1,000
Shipping, Freight & Delivery $250
Taxes & Licenses $1,500
Web Development & Design $10,000 $10,000
Web Hosting $150
Total Administrative $14,950 $10,000
Management
Director of Development $12,000 $5,000
Director of Operations $12,000 $5,000
Event Coordinator $15,000 $5,000
Misc. Event Contractors $15,000
Total Management $54,000 $15,000
Advertising & Marketing
Marketing & PR Contractors $5,000 $5,000
Radio & Television Advertising $3,000 $3,000
Digital Advertising $7,500 $5,000
Graphic Design $5,000 $2,500
Print Advertising $7,500 $5,000
Print Materials - Posters, flyers, banners $5,000 $2,500
Street Team $3,000 $2,000
Videographer & Photographer $25,000 $20,000
Total Advertising & Marketing $61,000 $45,000
Entertainment Services
Musicians / Performing Artists $10,000
Sound / Light Engineer $5,000
Total Entertainment Services $15,000
Equipment & Supplies
Construction Materials / Small Tools $1,000
Decorations $1,000
Equipment Purchase $10,000 $5,000
Equipment Rental $1,000
Equipment Repairs $250
Food & Beverage $5,000
Misc. Supplies $2,500
Promotional Items / Swag $5,000
Total Equipment & Supplies $25,750 $5,000
Meals & Entertainment $1,000
Networking / Professional Development $100
Rent & Lease $1,000
Volunteer stipend $500
Projected Expenditures $173,300
LTAC Funded Expenditures $75,000
Projected Revenue $175,000
Projected NET Revenue $1,700
2021 Budget Actuals to Date (QIII-2021)
Revenue
Donations $10,000 $8,025
Government Grants $35,000 $19,394
Grants (not government)$0 $16,000
Service Income-
Billable Expenses $66,554 $66,554
Vendor & Booth Fees $3,000 $0
Event Sponsorship $4,500 $3,000
Season Sponsorship $15,000 $17,500
Service Contracts $28,310 $27,580
Ticket Sales / Admission $3,000 $992
Total Service Income $120,364 $115,626
Total Revenue $165,364 $159,045
Expenditures
Administrative-
Bank Charges & Fees $50 $48
Dues & subscriptions $1,000 $1,032
Insurance $1,000 $1,024
Permit Fees $1,000 $956
Shipping, Freight & Delivery $250 $64
Taxes & Licenses $1,500 $1,187
Web Development & Design $5,000 $9,330
Web Hosting $150 $107
Total Administrative $9,950 $13,748
Management
Director of Development $10,000 $4,500
Director of Operations $10,000 $7,350
Event Coordinator $10,000 $2,119
Misc. Event Contractors $15,000 $10,143
Total Management $45,000 $24,112
Advertising & Marketing
Digital Advertising $1,000 $1,230
Graphic Design $5,000 $500
Print Advertising $5,000 $4,376
Print Materials - Posters, flyers, banners $5,000 $3,875
Street Team $500 $225
Videographer & Photographer $8,000 $1,830
Total Advertising & Marketing $24,500 $12,036
Entertainment Services
Musicians / Performing Artists $5,000 $875
Sound / Light Engineer $5,000 $3,527
Total Entertainment Services $10,000 $4,402
Equipment & Supplies
Construction Materials / Small Tools $1,000 $1,389
Decorations $1,000 $1,376
Equipment Purchase $50,000 $53,135
Equipment Rental $1,000 $492
Equipment Repairs $250 $124
Food & Beverage $5,000 $3,117
Misc. Supplies $2,500 $2,141
Promotional Items / Swag $5,000 $3,454
Total Equipment & Supplies $65,750 $65,227
Meals & Entertainment $1,000 $778
Networking / Professional Development $100 $80
Rent & Lease $1,000 $980
Volunteer stipend $500 $500
Projected Expenditures $157,800
Total Expenditures TD $121,862
Projected Revenue $165,364
Total Revenue TD $159,045
Net Total TD $37,183
StrongerTowns Board of Directors
StrongerTowns is located in Port Townsend, Washington and serves all of Jefferson County. We are a
501(c)(3) nonprofit and exist primarily on the volunteer efforts of our board, advisory teams, and
wonderful community members. Founded in 2016, StrongerTowns has a goal of supporting local
initiatives that have a need for nonprofit status yet are still too nascent and experimental to warrant a full
independent corporate structure. StrongerTowns has four active programs underway—Skillmation, The
Benji Project, Becoming Professional, The Production Alliance—and is evaluating a handful more.
Martha Trolin, Chair
Martha has more than 30 years of professional experience in nonprofits. Her best projects include helping
create New Mexico’s rural continuum of care for people living with HIV, passing civil rights legislation
to include GLBTQ people, and now, Skillmation, spreading the wealth of human knowledge as far and
wide as possible. Martha was a member of Jefferson County Community Foundation’s second Women’s
Giving Circle, and has the most active Donor Advised Fund in the history of the organization.
Doug Ross, Vice Chair
Doug and his family were drawn to Port Townsend (from Vail, CO) in 2005. He manages the North
American Office for HFI Textiles (Taipei, Taiwan) offering outdoor/performance fabrics to the outdoor
recreation and active sports markets (e.g. The North Face and Under Armour). Doug enjoys his
connection with local youth through his son AJ's many sports and activities as well as his daughter
Cassie's time racing for the local high school mountain bike team.
Ben Bauermeister, Secretary
Ben has an entrepreneurial skill set that spans technical management, creative work, and business
development. His background in publishing stems from his participation in the high tech industry for over
25 years with Adobe Systems, Inc., Hewlett Packard Company, and Aldus Corporation. Most recently as
the Director for Strategic Development at Adobe his projects included direct work on the Flash Text
Layout Framework, systems for storage and retrieval of content metadata, and creating the business
model for the New York Times 2.0 reader application. His passion for innovation keeps him closely tied
to the Pacific Northwest start-up market where he seeks to strengthen communities by creating
opportunities for young professionals and local youth through education, mentorship, and life
experiences. Ben started Skillmation in 2015 with Martha Trolin and established the StrongerTowns rural
impact incubator in 2017.
Cynthia Osterman
Building up 20 years of professional experience as a mindfulness meditator, Cynthia founded the Benji
Project in 2016 to help teach teenagers techniques in stress management and emotional resilience skills.
She brings expertise in business and communications, as well as, extensive experience serving on
nonprofit boards. The Benji Project became a program of StrongerTowns in 2018.
The Production Alliance Leadership Team
The origin of The Production Alliance (TPA) begins with Daniel Ortega Vaughan Milholland, a Jefferson
County native who has been producing community events since 2009. Shaped by mentorship from civic
and tribal leaders, Milholland works to inspire broadscale volunteerism and intergenerational community
development by connecting people to one another through the heritage and culture of a place. In 2019,
Milholland and a small team of entrepreneurs founded TPA under the umbrella of StrongerTowns, a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to increase the social impact of their traditions and celebrations.
The mission of TPA is to uphold cultural heritage and strengthen resiliency through inclusive, annual
gatherings that celebrate community and improve quality of life in Jefferson County. TPA aims to unify
established and new celebrations under one cohesive identity so that the whole may be greater than the
sum of its parts. Our team maintains a strong record of achievement in leading nonprofits, area
businesses, and government agencies in all aspects of community engagement and volunteer recruitment,
including a decade of success planning, marketing, and managing free public events. Members serve as
advisors to the overall development of organizational structure, brand awareness, strategic partnerships,
programmatic growth, and audience diversification. Members also serve on one or more steering
committees responsible for the planning and management of each of TPA’s community events.
Daniel Milholland, Director Of Operations
Danny is the owner and creator of Thunderbull Productions, publisher of Strait Up Magazine, manager
and booking agent for the performing arts group NANDA, and a founding member and producer of five
annual traditions on the Quimper Peninsula including: Cake Picnic, Old School 4th of July, All County
Picnic, Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival and PT Parkways. He was nominated for the Jefferson
County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year in 2016 and Citizen of the Year in 2017.
A lifelong resident of Port Townsend, Daniel comes from a line of active community members; his sister
Amanda is the Executive Director of the Jefferson County Farmers Market; his parents Doug and Nancy
have initiated numerous community led endeavors. Danny also represents The Production Alliance on the
StrongerTowns Board of Directors.
Megan Claflin, Director of Development
A Pacific Northwest native, Megan is passionate about community engagement and public discourse
around social justice, human rights, environmental stewardship, and the arts. A graduate of Western
Washington University, she worked for 10 years as an award-winning journalist and photographer before
transitioning into fundraising and development in 2014. Today, Megan works predominantly for
nonprofits and public corporations pursuing funding for capital projects and program development. She
has raised more than $14 million to date via federal, state and philanthropic sources and has effectively
advocated for campaigns at the local and state level. Megan has served on multiple nonprofit boards in
Jefferson County, most recently for KPTZ 91.9FM, co-chairing a special committee to raise $750,000 for
a new station and broadcasting studio. She has partnered with Thunderbull Productions since 2013.
Kiyota Sage, Director of Systems & Technology
Kiyota has spent the last decade working in web development and database architecture and management.
An independently contracted full stack software engineer with a lean towards front end systems, he also
serves on a team building and maintaining a proprietary CMS and event ticketing framework specializing
in seminars and registered events for nonprofit organizations. A founding member of the performing arts
group NANDA, Kiyota has partnered with Daniel Milholland to produce numerous events up and down
the West Coast.
Justine Gonzalez-berg, Director of Community Engagement
Justine is a community organizer and journalist proud to call the Olympic Peninsula her home. After
graduating from Hampshire College with a BA in Political Science and Non-Fiction Creative Writing, she
returned to the Northwest. Here, her passions for social justice and community resiliency have led Justine
to work as a campaign organizer for equitable taxes in Washington State, serve on the Board of Trustees
for Homeward Bound Community Land Trust, and become the lead coordinator for the Jefferson County
Farm Tour. She is also the co-founder of Strait Up Magazine. Justine has partnered with Thunderbull
Productions since 2016.
Dan Anderson, Equipment & Public Safety Manager
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Dan has more than 20 years of professional experience in electrical systems,
construction, and carpentry. He is an avid environmentalist and is thankful to be part of the Power Trip
Energy team, which shares his views on creating renewable energy for future generations. Dan has
partnered with Daniel Milholland since before the founding of Thunderbull Productions and specializes in
event logistics and traffic management. He is an active community volunteer, from Kitsap County Search
& Rescue to the Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and more. He is proud to call Port Townsend
home along with his wife and two daughters.