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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJCFM 2025 RFP rcvd 091924 1156am2025 Request for Proposal Packet Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion This packet is for the 2025 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 may only consider complete and signed proposals that include all of the requested information and documents, and that are submitted by the deadline: FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2024 by 4:30 pm Digital Delivery only for Proposals to afmcknight(a)-co.jefferson.wa.us 2025 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 2025 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 2025. Please refer to Section 1 of this packet for 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 may not be considered by LTAC. ■ To be considered, a fully completed and signed digital application (digital signatures acceptable) must be received at afmcknight(o)_co.iefferson.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. Jefferson County is committed to the non-discriminatory treatment of all Persons in the employment and delivery of services and resources. 2025 Proposal Checklist for Tourism Promotion Activities Organization Name Jefferson County Farmers Market Event Name, if different Chimacum Farmers Market Proposed Contract Amount: $24,213.20 Proposals must completely address the questions, and all requested supplemental information must be provided. Incomplete or late proposals may 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: _x Signed and Dated Proposal Summary Sheet x Section 1 - Itemized list of proposed services and estimated costs. _x Section 2 - Proposal Questions. _x Section 3 - Proposed 2025 promotion, facility, event or activity budget. _x Section 3 — 2024 budget and year-to-date income and expense statement(s). _x Section 3 - List of names and addresses of the organization's current Board of Directors. Name and contact information for event chairperson, if applicable. x 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 electronically received and date stamped at the Jefferson County Administrator's Office, to Adiel McKnight @ afmcknightCa)co.jefferson.wa.us by FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2024. Documents submitted to the County are public records, potentially eligible for release. 2025 Proposal Checklist for Tourism Promotion Activities Proposal Deadline: FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2024 at 4:30 pm (received, not postmarked) Electronically to Email Address: afmcknight co.jefferson.wa.us 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. Organization Name Organization Address Contact Name Contact Address Day Phone E-Mail Address Facility/Event (if applicable) Total Lodging Tax Request: Estimated 2025 org. operating Jefferson County Farmers Markets PO Box 1384, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Amanda Milholland PO Box 1384, Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-379-9098 Evening or Cell Phone 360-379-9098 info@jcfmarkets.org Chimacum Farmers Market $24,213.20 budget (Incl. Lodging Tax funds) $300,000 for the Operation of the Jefferson County If asking for funds for a specific Dollar Amount event, list other cash funding sources and dollar amounts JCFM general operating funds for CFM Staff time $5,148 USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant $26 996.80 budgeted for this project. Note: This section is only due for designated for Marketing Coordinator time and specific event and festival advertising during the grant period funding requests. In -kind Port Townsend Leader print advertisement $2,000 In -kind KPTZ Radio Advertisement $1,000 In -Kind Rose Threare Advertisement $1,600 Total Project Revenue Budget LTC requests and other funds combined $54,810 $35,744.80 Did vour oraanization receive Lodaina Tax Funds from the Countv in 2024? x ves no 1 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. 9/19/2024 Sign Name: � Date: Print Name and Title: Amanda Milholland. Executive Director 1. Itemized List of Proposed Tourism Promotion Services Organization (or Event) Name: _Chimacum Farmers Market 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). Please see the attached budget with proposed promotions. 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 1-5 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. 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, 2025) 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 (2024): b.) Estimated number of tourists who will attend your event/facility this year (2025): 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? 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: x Proposed 2025 promotion, facility, event or activity budget including income and expenses. x 2024 Budget and Actual income and expense year to date statement(s). x 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. x 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. 2025 LTAC Opportunity Information 1. Jefferson County's Proposal Process - The Jefferson County LTAC solicits service proposals each year. The proposal form is attached, posted on the County's website, www.co.jefferson.wa.us and may also be requested by calling the Jefferson County Commissioner's Office at the Courthouse, (360) 385-9102. This year, the Committee will review proposals on OCTOBER 17, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Applicants are asked to attend the OCTOMBER 17, 2024 meeting beginning at 11:00 a.m. The County will provide meeting information for all complete applications. At that meeting, each proposing agency will answer questions from the Committee regarding their proposal. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding which proposals to fund, and at what funding levels within available revenues. The review of the LTAC recommendations and final decision about how to use the lodging tax monies is made by the County Commissioners. Each agency will be notified of the status of their proposal. Contracts are prepared by the County and sent to agencies. 2. Available Funding for 2025 Organizations submitting proposals should be aware that a total of approximately $900,000 in lodging tax awards will be available for allocation to eligible tourism promotion activities through this RFP. This amount also includes $5,051 in staff administrative costs to manage the grants and to process invoices. County Ordinance 02-0622-98 provides for distribution of Lodging Tax as follows: • The lodging tax funds are to be used for targeted and/or regional promotion, the operation and maintenance of organizations operating tourist related facilities and their costs for local promotional activities. • Not more than 25% for the development of tourism related facilities. 3. Definitions - By state law, lodging tax funds may only be used for tourism promotion and the acquisition and/or operation, including maintenance, of tourism -related facilities. The following definitions are copied verbatim from RCW 67.28.080. Note: State law changed in 2007 to include "operation" of tourism events in the definition of "tourism promotion." "Tourism" means economic activity resulting from tourists, which may include sales of overnight lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs. "Tourist" means a person who travels from a place of residence to a different town, city, county, state, or country, for purposes of business, pleasure, recreation, education, arts, heritage, or culture. "Tourism promotion" means activities, operations, and expenditures designed to increase tourism, including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism; operating tourism promotion agencies; and funding the marketing of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. "Tourism -related facility" means real or tangible personal property with a usable life of three or more years, or constructed with volunteer labor that is: (a)(i) Owned by a public entity; (ii) owned by a nonprofit organization described under section 501(c)(3) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended; or (iii) owned by a nonprofit organization described under section 501(c)(6) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, a business organization, destination marketing organization, main street organization, lodging association, or chamber of commerce and (b) used to support tourism, performing arts, or to accommodate tourist activities. 4. Proposal Evaluation Criteria — Jefferson County Policy Statement for Use of the Lodging Tax. Jefferson County's Lodging Tax Fund will be the primary source of county funding for activities, operations, and expenditures designed to increase tourism. The County does not make any multi -year commitments with Lodging Tax funds. However, service providers are not limited or prohibited from making repeat annual requests of the same nature. The County intends to maintain a reserve in the Fund, and will assess on an annual basis how much of the Fund to appropriate in a given year. The Jefferson County Commissioners have created a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to conduct an annual process to solicit and recommend Lodging Tax funded services for the County Commissioners consideration. Jefferson County will only consider proposals for use of the Lodging Tax from public and non-profit agencies. The Fund will ONLY be used for the following purposes: The promotion of emerging or on -going tourism events, facilities, and activities by government or non-profit agencies so as to attract and draw tourists to unincorporated Jefferson County from outside Jefferson County. 2. Operation of a tourism promotion agency (such as a visitor and convention bureau); 3. The marketing of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists to unincorporated Jefferson County from outside Jefferson County. 4. Capital and/or operating costs for tourism facilities owned by a public entity or a non-profit organization as defined in State law RCW 67.28.080.1(7) — Tourism Related Facility. 5. Administrative costs to support tourism events, facilities and activities. Other Criteria. HIGH PRIORITY will be given to tourism activities that ■ Promote Jefferson County and/or events, activities, and places in the County to potential tourists from outside Jefferson County. ■ Have demonstrated potential or high potential from the Committee's perspective to result in overnight stays by tourists in lodging establishments within the unincorporated areas Jefferson County. ■ Have demonstrated potential or high potential from the Committee's perspective to result in documented economic benefit to Jefferson County. ■ Have a demonstrated history of success in Jefferson County, or are proposed by a group with a demonstrated history or high potential of success with similar activities. ■ Minimize duplication of services where appropriate and encourage cooperative marketing and/or includes an element of cooperation or partnership. ■ Provide, maintain, operate, or enhance County -owned tourism facilities or infrastructure. RESPONSIBILITIES: On or before January 31; April 30; July 31; October 31, 2025; and January 31, 2026, provide to the COUNTY: • A quarterly report of the use, services, programs and activities of organization for the prior quarter under this Agreement; • A quarterly financial statement detailing revenues, expenses and cash balances for the prior quarter; and for the final quarter report, the financial statement shall also include a detailed financial statement for all 2025. On or before January 31, 2025 OR upon execution of this agreement, whichever is later, provide to the COUNTY: 0 A billing invoice requesting payment of Hotel -Motel Funding for the first half of the current year. 2. For a minimum of six (6) years, maintain documented proof of payments made, contracts executed, and other expenditures authorized under this Agreement. Upon reasonable notice, provide access to County or State representatives to audit those records. 3. Funding provided by this Agreement may only be expended on the services described in Section 1 of this Agreement. Any monies used for other services or purposes shall be refunded to Jefferson County Hotel/Motel Fund. Any monies under -expended of the total funding allocated under this Agreement shall be refunded to Jefferson County by January 31, 2025. 4. By February 28t" of each year provide the following information by reference for the previous year. a. Each festival, event, or tourism facility owned and/or operated by organization. b. The amount of lodging tax revenue allocated for expenditure (whether actually expended or not) by organization on each festival, event or tourism facility. c. Estimated number of tourists served at each festival, event or tourism facility. ("Tourist" includes persons traveling more than 50 miles to the location of the event, festival or facility and overnight stays in the area). d. Estimated lodging stays. ("Lodging" refers to commercial lodging such as hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, or commercial campgrounds). e. Measurements that demonstrate the impact of increased tourism attributable to the event, festival or facility. 5. Scheduled Site Visits LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS In developing its recommendations, the Committee considers: ■ The estimated amount of lodging tax receipts for the coming year provided by the County Administrator's Office. ■ Operational adaptations or pivots that ensure future organizational success of tourism related activities and promotion. ■ Thoroughness and completeness of the proposal. ■ The relationship of proposed services to the areas of high priority identified by the Committee. ■ Percent of the proposal request to the event/facility promotions budget and overall revenues. ■ Percent of increase over prior year Jefferson County Lodging Tax funded proposal if any. ■ Projected economic impact within the unincorporated Jefferson County, in particular projected overnight stays to be generated in lodging establishments in the unincorporated areas of Jefferson County. ■ Requirements in State law for use of the tax, and the definitions in State RCW 67.28.080 for "tourism," "tourist," "tourism promotion," and "tourism -related facility." ■ The applicant's history of promotion success, reporting history and financial stability. ■ Committee member general knowledge of the community and tourism -related activities. NOT CONSIDERED are requests for ■ Services to be provided beyond calendar year 2025. ■ Proposals from for -profit businesses (however, a government or nonprofit agency contracting with the County may itself contract with for -profit businesses as third -party vendors). ■ Promotional activities that reach a target audience solely located within Jefferson County. NOTE: 1. On February 2, 2006, the State of Washington Attorney General's Office issued Opinion #AGO 2006 #4, which clarifies that a municipality may NOT provide advance payment to private organizations for tourism promotion. Payment must occur after the services have been performed and documentation in keeping with the contract is submitted to the County. 2. The County may not pay for donated or volunteer services or pay more than the actual cost incurred by the contracting agency to provide the service. 5. Background Information — Jefferson County's Lodging Tax. The Lodging Tax is an excise (sales) tax authorized by State law in RCW 67.28, Public Stadium, Convention, Arts and Tourism Facilities. In 1998, the State Legislature amended Chapter 67.28 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to allow local governments to assess an additional 2% tax on lodging for tourism promotion and/or tourism -related facilities (sometimes referred to as "the new 2%"). In April 1999, the County Commission, by Ordinance, increased the County's Lodging Tax from a 2% to a 4% tax as allowed by RCW 67.28. Jefferson County's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Per RCW 67.28.1817, the State requires that local governments collecting the Lodging Tax establish a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee consisting of at least five (5) members: The Chair — a member of the County Commission or their designee 2 members — representing the lodging industry 2 members — representing activities authorized to be funded by said tax The Committee's role is advisory in nature, with the Committee's purpose being to advise the County Commissioners. The Committee must select the candidates from amongst the applicants applying for use of revenues and provide a list of such candidates and recommended amounts of funding to the County Commissioners for final determination. In 1998, the Jefferson County Commissioners created such a Committee, and asked the Committee to establish an annual process to solicit and review proposals for tourism services eligible for lodging tax funding. Committee members are appointed by the County Commissioners as part of the County's regular advisory committee appointment process. For additional information, contact County Administrator's Office Jefferson County Courthouse 1820 Jefferson Street PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Ph: 360-385-9102; Fax: 360-385-9382 e-mail: afmcknight .co.jefferson.wa.us - END - JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS PORT TOWNSEND • CHIMACUM September 19, 2024 2. Proposal Questions 1. Purpose, History, and Organization Track Record Thank you, LTAC board members, for supporting the Chimacum Farmers Market (CFM). With your continued investment in promotion, we are growing our vendor, tourist, and local shopper base for a more sustainable market and local economy. Your investments in regional promotions, signage, live music, and kid's activities is critical to the success of the CFM. Please join us again in 2025 as a CFM partner. The 501 (c) 3 non-profit Jefferson County Farmers Markets (JCFM) operates the Port Townsend Farmers Market (PTFM) and the CFM. Our mission is to support local farmers and artisans with vibrant marketplaces that cultivate community and provide access to healthy food for all. JCFM has a successful 32-year track record of operating vibrant farmers markets in Jefferson County. We support small business success and local economic growth through our marketplaces by directly connecting makers and growers with our community and visitors alike. Our two farmers markets serve more than 100 small farm, food, and art businesses this year, providing affordable commerce and community gathering space. The CFM operates on Sundays from 10am-2pm, June through October. The Market will celebrate 17 years of operation in 2025. Founded by the Chimacum Grange in 2008, the CFM has made a home for itself in the grass next to the Chimacum Corner Farmstand since 2010. JCFM took over the operation of the CFM in 2010 to support its growth. More than 40 farm, food, and art vendors participat in the CFM this year, offering fresh, locally grown, and artisan foods, as well as high -quality arts and crafts. JCFM creates a vibrant community space that brings visitors and locals back for more. Live music, culinary demonstrations, kids' activities, and product quality and diversity make our farmers market stand out. Our farmers markets helped establish Jefferson County as an agricultural, food, and arts destination, attracting about 63,000 shoppers annually between our two locations. JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS PORT TOWNSEND • CHIMACUM While small business sales at the PTFM and CFM totaled $1.7M last year, the economic impact of our farmers markets far exceeds this number. Neighboring businesses report that Market days are their strongest sales days. Your partnership in promoting the CFM is a crucial component to the success of our local economy. 2. What is Different with the CFM and our Promotions for the 2025 Season The CFM and our marketing approach differ from past years in the following ways: Vendor base is growth. Last year, we broke a record with 30 participating CFM businesses, more than any prior CFM season. This year, we have again broken the record in business participation in the CFM with 40+ farm, food, and arts vendors. While not all of these entrepreneurs are at the market every week, the number of participant businesses weekly is greater than during any previous season. This change marks a significant shift for the CFM, our vendors, and the community. Local farmers, food makers, and artists see the CFM as a place to establish and grow their businesses. Shoppers are attracted to the diversity of products and larger market size. With more vendors, the CFM covers the majority of its base operation costs through vendor fees. JCFM keeps vendor fees low to help incubate local small businesses and ensure that they bring home the majority of every dollar earned at the market. The flat weekly $20 fee charged to CFM vendors covers the equipment and most of the management and administrative costs required to keep this market operational. In past years, CFM fees have covered only a fraction of the market's operation cost. LTAC's investment in the CFM has been critical to this growth. Your support for our regional marketing, way -finding banners, live music, and kids' activities have helped put the CFM and Jefferson County on the map for tourists and locals alike. In 2024, small businesses participating at the CFM have (so far) generated 20% more revenue than last year. This growth reflects more consistent and greater shopper attendance, increased visibility of the market, and economic growth that starts at the CFM and ripples out to Jefferson County lodging and business establishments. Thank you! Please help us continue growing in 2025. JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS PORT TOWNSEND • CHIMACUM Marketing consistency and quality. Over the last two years, we professional ized our marketing approach with support from a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant (which is funded through September 2025). We hired a part-time marketing coordinator who created an advertising calendar and established brand and voice consistency. In 2024, we leveraged FMPP grant funds to secure a State of Washington Tourism (SWT) grant, which supports JCFM in developing a beautiful photo library featuring our farmers markets and vendors. The 2025 season will be the last we are guaranteed to have a marketing professional on our team. Utilizing the photos produced with SWT dollars and the expertise of our marketing coordinator, we will produce beautiful and engaging print, social media, and digital advertisements in 2025. 3. Promotional Strategy During the 2025 season, JCFM will continue growing the CFM through engaging promotion leading up to the season and through the season's end— May through October. LTAC-funded advertisements will target people from the Seattle area, the Olympic Peninsula, British Columbia, and national visitors of all ages. We will combine in -kind and USDA grant dollars with LTAC's investment to increase the reach of our marketing using a multifaceted approach— print, digital, social media, and video. Messages and Strategy: 1. Co -market promotion: Our flagship market, the PTFM, has better name recognition outside of Jefferson County than the CFM. Promoting our markets together helps place the CFM for visitors, gives the market added credibility, and improves the PTFM's visibility. 2. Advertising Messages: Our advertising messages promote Jefferson County as an agricultural, artisan food, and arts destination with taglines including "Explore the flavors of Jefferson County," "40+ Farm, Artisan Food and Arts Vendors," and "Meet me at the Market." We will include information about our food access programs, product selection, and live music and activities to show the diversity of the Market's offerings and the inclusivity of the CFM for people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. 3. Beautiful Images: We will pair advertising messages with stunning images taken by four local professional photographers that tell the story of the CFM JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS PORT TOWNSEND • CHIMACUM and our agricultural, artisan food, and arts community. These photos were paid for with SWT grant funds. Our digital advertising provides viewer metrics and is one of our focus areas. Through digital advertisements with the Seattle Times and Stranger, we reach about 1,612,727 readers. We plan to continue advertising with the Waterside Magazine, which is distributed on ferries across Washington and British Columbia, as well as at visitor centers and airports. The Waterside reaches an audience of about 100,000 people. Our social media posts featuring videos have the highest engagement of all our posts. As a bonus, we share videos with regional partners such as the Olympic Culinary Loop, the State of Washington Tourism, and the Washington State Farmers Market Association. We also utilize in -kind sponsorship from the Rose Theatre to showcase our videos locally on the big screen for moviegoers. Through these methods, we have reached 25,158 viewers, and thousands more see our videos thanks to partner sharing. JCFM strives to create a repeat shopper base. Curating a great shopping experience brings locals and tourists back for more. Next year we will host weekly live music and monthly kids' activities to engage shoppers and help the CFM stand out. 4. Effectiveness of Promotion During the 2025 season, we will use tracking methods that have been effective for our markets. JCFM uses a combination of shopper surveys, customer counts and sales tracking to measure attendance and the Market's economic impact. Metrics from our digital advertisements and distribution for our print advertisement help us gauge the number of people reached through our promotions. On Sundays, we count every single shopper who enters the market. There is one primary entry point for the CFM that is visible from the Market Information Booth. This allows us to track every shopper entering the market using a hand tally counter. We track where shoppers come from and what brings them to the market with a once -a -month dot survey. Shoppers answered a five -question survey using dot JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS PORT TOWNSEND • CHIMACUM stickers to vote on their answers from a series of possible answers written on flip chart paper. We ask questions, including where shoppers live, what is their primary reason for visiting the market, how much they plan to spend at the market, and if they are staying at local lodging. Using this survey during the 2024 season, we saw that more than half of CFM visitors live outside of Jefferson County in locations as close as other parts of the Olympic Peninsula and as far as internationally. A total of 20% of CFM shoppers reported staying at local lodging or camping. Market vendors report their sales information to JCFM weekly. We use this information to monitor the success of the CFM as a sales venue for small businesses as well as the Market's economic impact on these businesses. We will report the CFM sales, attendance, and visitor survey data annually to the Jefferson County LTAC committee through our final grant report. Through our LTAC-sponsored advertising, we reach approximately 1,906,000 viewers in Washington and British Columbia as well as visitors to the state. We review the viewer/reader metrics of the publications we advertise in annually to help us choose how to get the biggest impact from our marketing dollars. 5. Economic Impacts While the CFM operates through October of this year, we can provide an attendance estimate based on the season to date. Taking our average attendance and multiplying it by our 22 CFM dates this year, we estimate serving about 10,500 shoppers in 2024. Approximately 50% of our shoppers live more than 50 miles away. That is about 5,250 shoppers from 50+ miles visiting the CFM annually. We anticipate that we will have similar CFM attendance next year. With about 20% of these shoppers (1,050 people) staying at local lodging, we estimate that the economic benefit of the CFM to lodging establishments equates to at least $210,000— that is $200 per CFM shopper/lodging guest this season. We estimate that the CFM will have a similar economic benefit for county lodging establishments in 2025. It is also essential to note the impact of the CFM on participating businesses. Last year, CFM businesses generated $152,965 in direct sales to market shoppers. This year, we are seeing a 20% increase in sales over 2023. If this trend continues JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS PORT TOWNSEND • CHIMACUM through the end of the season, we anticipate CFM vendors will generate approximately $183,000 in market sales. This revenue supports local jobs, and small businesses while also rippling out to benefit our greater local economy. 6. Organization's Area of Expertise We are experts in hosting farmers markets, live music, and events that unite our community, support our local economy, and incubate local small businesses. JCFM is well-connected in our community and has strong partnerships with our vendors, shoppers, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Collaboration is one of our superpowers. We partner with local professional photographers and videographers who provide high -quality photos and videos. We interview our vendors and share their stories in our newsletter and the Leader. Local photographers and videographers capture the feel of our markets with beautiful images taken at market throughout the season and on participating farms. Our videos are playful and fresh. See the two videos we created this season here and here. Our storytelling, bright and authentic photos, and videos make our marketing stand out. Farmers markets provide a unique and highly sought-after opportunity for direct human connection to our food, arts, and culture. Our markets are desirable tourist locations and have the potential to be an even greater draw to the County with continued LTAC support. LTAC grant funds empower JCFM to reach a greater audience, which in turn supports our markets in driving tourism and revenue for our community. Your support is essential for our continued marketing efforts. Thank you for considering our proposal. Please contact me if you have any questions, Amanda Millholland, JCFM Executive Director, info@jcfmarkets.org, 360-379-9098. 1. Itemized List of Proposed Tourism Promotion Services Chimacum Farmers Market (CFM) Promotion Budget LTAC 2025 Promotion Type Funding Source Cost Reach Notes 6,500 readers Leader, Visitor guide 70,000 reach, 40,000 PDN Leader, PDN, Visitor Guide, readers across the Co -promote the Port Townsend and Chimacum Chamber Map LTAC $3,000.00 Peninsula Farmers Markets (CFM) 21,158 viewers quarterly, 6.9k Facebook followers, Facebook/Instagram LTAC $500.00 2.7 Instagram Followers Weekly boosted post ads, May -October 12,000 subscribers, Reaching visitors to the Olympic Peninsula 60,000 brochures through distribution at visitor center, local Olympic Culinary Loop LTAC $435.00 distributed regionally lodging, and more 2,500 distributed to local lodging, visitor centers Rack Cards LTAC $1,500.00 2,500 readers and at our markets 25,000 magazines distributed to 600+ Waterside Magazine on locations in Washington Year -long distribution on WA and BC Ferries, Washington Ferries and in and British Columbia and along I-5 from Seattle to Vancouver in high - Visitor Centers LTAC $1,800.00 reaching 100,000 readers traffic hotel lobbies, airports, and visitor centers 21,158 quarterly social Aired on social media regionally, shared in our media viewers + 4,000 weekly newsletter, website and on the Rose Video production LTAC $3,500.00 Rose Theatre views Theatre screen Seattle Stranger digital Digital advertisement in the Food and Drink, advertising LTAC $2,500.00 1,340,000 readers features/news and events sections Seattle Times digital $11 per 1,000 impressions run over the course advertisement LTAC $3,000.00 272,727 impressions of the market season Kids' Activities LTAC $375.00 -10,500 market shoppers $75 per month, 5 months Live Music Fund LTAC $4,400.00 -10,500 market shopper Live music stipend, $200 per week, 22 weeks Staff time for conducting LTAC customer tracking at $24 per hour x 4 hours per week CFM Site Manager LTAC $2,112.00 -10,500 market shoppers June -October Market Administration and 1 hours per week, 22 weeks at $40, market Oversight LTAC $880.00 oversight, grant reporting Payroll Tax LTAC $211.20 For billable staff hours at 10% Total Request LTAC $24,213.20 JCFM General Operating Funds Staff time for the coordination, leadership and paid with CFM hosting of the Chimacum Farmers Market, at CFM Site Manager vendor fees $3,168.00 -10,500 market shoppers $24 per hour x 5 hours per week May -October JCFM General Operating Funds paid with CFM Music Coordinator Stipend vendor fees $1,100.00 -10,500 market shoppers Coordinating the CFM music program JCFM General Operating Funds Market Administration and paid with CFM 1 hours per week, 22 weeks at $40, market Oversight vendor fees $880.00 oversight, grant reporting Port Townsend Leader print advertisement In -kind $2,000.00 6,500 local subscribers Two donated 1/2 page ads 6,500 Leader Port Townsend Leader and USDA Farmers subscribers, 40,000 PDN Peninsula Daily News (PDN) Market Promotion readers across the Co -promote our farmers markets throughout the print advertisement Program Grant $8,000.00 Peninsula season KPTZ-Radio promotion In -kind $1,000.00 12,000 listeners Weekly spot on KPTZ, April -December USDA Farmers 21,158 viewers quarterly, Market Promotion 6.9k Facebook followers, Posts promoting both Jefferson County Farmers Facebook/Instagram Program Grant $1,000.00 2.7k Instagram followers Markets 6,500 subscribers + Spring and summer postcard USDA Farmers distributed to local Posts promoting both Jefferson County Farmers insert in the Leader and local Market Promotion lodging and visitor Markets. This is a multi -year grant with secure lodging Program Grant $3,000.00 centers reaching funding through 9/2025. The video produced with LTAC grant funds will be shown on the Rose Theatre screen as well as distributed to other local and regional Video Rose Theatre Screen In -kind $1,600.00 -4,000 viewers partners Marketing Coordinator 18 hours a week during the CFM season. Our Marketing Coordinator writes our weekly newsletter reaching 1,738 subscribers, maintains our website with 4,200 visits per month, creates social media content reaching 21,158 viewers quarterly, and designs our advertising reaching audiences in the Olympic Peninsula and greater Seattle area as well as national and international tourists. USDA Farmers Viewer estimate is conservative based on our Market Promotion weekly visitors to our farmers markets over the Marketing Coordinator Time Program Grant $13,996.80 2024 season. Other CFM Promotion Budget $35,744.80 Total Advertising Budget $54,810.00 Jefferson County Farmers Markets Income BIPOC Business Fund Friends of the Market Food Access Donations Total Friends of the Market Grant Income FMPP Grant Billable Expense Income/FMPP USDA/FMPP Total FMPP Grant Jeff Co Foundation grant Give Jefferson Love Your Neighbor - Food Access Love Your Neighbor - Technology Total Give Jefferson Total Jeff Co Foundation grant Jeff Co Lodging grant SFMNP SNAP Match State of WA Tourism State of WA Tourism Income Total State of WA Tourism WSFMA WSMA Total Grant Income Merchandise sales Merch sales - Chimacum Merch sales - Port Townsend Total Merchandise sales Misc income Service fees income Sponsors Sponsors - Community Sponsors - Food Access Total Sponsors Token Rental Fee Unapplied Cash Payments Uncategorized Income Vendor Fees Vendor income Vendor fees - Application Vendor fees - Chimacum Vendor fees - Saturday Profit and Loss January 1 - September 18, 2024 TOTAL 8,000.00 5,868.73 100.00 5,968.73 11, 078.92 31,408.87 42,487.79 9,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 19,000.00 19,000.00 15, 000.00 8,673.50 16,447.60 18, 000.00 18,000.00 75.00 12, 560.00 132,243.89 1,626.93 6, 725.96 8,352.89 1.00 3.27 11, 500.00 11, 000.00 22,500.00 1,599.16 4.00 10.37 413.40 840.00 5,699.90 70,914.18 Cash Basis Wednesday, September 18, 2024 03:26 PM GMT-07:00 TOTAL Vendor members 4,400.00 Total Vendor income 81,854.08 Total Income $260,950.79 Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Goods Sold 729.10 Merch - purchases 5,662.13 Token Reimbursement 20.00 Total Cost of Goods Sold $6,411.23 GROSS PROFIT $254,539.56 Expenses Admin & general expenses Bank fees 196.40 Bank Charges & Interest 58.31 EBT/credit/debit fees 1,969.44 Farmers Market software 2,100.00 PayPal fees 38.95 OB fees 2,795.62 Total Bank fees 7,158.72 Dues & memberships 1,795.00 Education/training 440.00 SNAP Ambassador Stipend 40.00 Total Education/training 480.00 Insurance 1,831.57 Licenses & permits 1,129.01 Meetings 1,471.71 Office Supplies 1,669.10 Postage 427.06 Printing & copies 3,533.82 Rent Rent - Port Townsend 8,369.07 Total Rent 8,369.07 Supplies & equipment 754.43 Equipment (small) 3,365.95 Equipment rental 351.14 Supplies - Chimacum 58.80 Supplies - Port Townsend 456.04 Supplies-SFMNP 6,007.38 Technology Grant Expense - LYN 1,200.00 Total Supplies & equipment 12,193.74 Survey Incentives 348.97 Utilities 267.98 Telephone/Internet 628.50 Total Utilities 896.48 Total Admin & general expenses 41,304.25 Advertising 6,992.76 Advertising - LTAC/JEFFCO 9,732.00 Advertising - LTAC/PT 4,200.00 Advertising - Port Townsend 15,537.13 Advertising - Social Media 306.52 crash Basis Wednesday, September 18, 2024 03:26 PM GMT-07:00 2/4 TOTAL Total Advertising 36,768.41 Billing fees 46.33 BIPOC Fund Payouts 7,303.50 Conference -215.00 Consulting/professional services 0.02 Bookkeeping/accounting 1,548.32 Contract labor 4,585.00 WSMA 6,771.16 Total Consulting/professional services 12,904.50 Cost of Labor 514.50 Assistant Manager 17,568.00 Bonus Pay 600.00 Market Director 47,541.61 Marketing Coordinator 19,665.00 Music Coord - Chimacum 166.66 Music Coord - Port Townsend 1,833.32 Payroll taxes 9,708.13 Site Manager 8,247.76 Total Cost of Labor 105,844.98 Education - Chef's Demos 284.50 Meals 58.09 Melio Service Fees 28.50 Musicians Guarantee 5,800.00 Repair & Maintenance 420.19 Tokens expenses Tokens - Gimme 5 11,685.00 Tokens - SNAP match 19,218.00 Tokens - VegRX 3,394.00 Total Tokens expenses 34,297.00 Travel 1,765.12 Travel Meals 298.92 Unapplied Cash Bill Payment Expense 0.00 Uncategorized Expense 5.00 Volunteer Appreciation 160.09 Total Expenses $247,074.38 NET OPERATING INCOME $7,465.18 Other Income Events income Annual Fundraiser income 44,911.83 Annual Fundraiser Sponsors 1,500.00 Total Annual Fundraiser income 46,411.83 Total Events income 46,411.83 Interest Earned 483.24 Total Other Income $46,895.07 Other Expenses Annual Fundraiser Expenses 7,873.79 Bad debt 130.19 Farm Tour 1,000.00 Over/short -1.00 Cash Basis Wednesday, September 18, 2024 03:26 PM GMT-07:00 3/4 TOTAL Total Other Expenses $9,002.98 NET OTHER INCOME $37,892.09 NET INCOME $45,357.27 Cash Basis Wednesday, September 18, 2024 03:26 PM GMT-07:00 4/4 Jefferson County Farmers Markets Budget 2024: Income BIPOC Business Fund Friends of the Market Grant Income FMPP Grant Billable Expense Income/FMPP USDA/FMPP Total FMPP Grant Jeff Co Foundation grant Love Your Neighbor Total Jeff Co Foundation grant Jeff Co Lodging grant SNAP Match WSMA Total Grant Income Merchandise sales Merch sales - Chimacum Merch sales - Port Townsend Total Merchandise sales Service fees income Sponsors Sponsors - Community Sponsors - Food Access Sponsors - Music Total Sponsors Token Rental Fee Unapplied Cash Payments Uncategorized Income Vendor Fees Vendor income Vendor fees - Application Vendor fees - Chimacum Vendor fees - Saturday Vendor members Total Vendor income Total Income Cost of Goods Sold Merch - purchases Merch Art Purchase Total Cost of Goods Sold Budqet 2024 $ 9,000.00 $ 8,000.00 $ 14,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 54,000.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 14,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 35,100.00 $ 12,560.00 $ 130,660.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 12,500.00 $ 13,000.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 34,500.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 800.00 $ 7,800.00 $ 106,000.00 $ 4,250.00 $ 118,850.00 $ 311,810.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 600.00 $ 4,600.00 Gross Profit Expenses Admin & general expenses Bank fees Bank Charges & Interest EBT/credit/debit fees Farmers Market software PayPal fees QB fees Total Bank fees Dues & memberships Education/training Insurance Licenses & permits Meetings Office Supplies Postage Printing & copies Rent Rent - Port Townsend Total Rent Supplies & equipment Equipment (small) Total Supplies & equipment Technology for Farm Vendors Survey Incentives Utilities Telephone/Internet Total Utilities Website Total Admin & general expenses Advertising Advertising - Chimacum Advertising - LTAC Advertising - Port Townsend Advertising - Social Media Total Advertising BIPOC Fund Payouts Conference Consulting/professional services Bookkeeping/accounting WSMA Total Bookkeeping/accounting $ 307,210.00 $ 800.00 $ 108.00 $ 3,200.00 $ 2,100.00 $ 25.00 $ 4,070.00 $ 9,503.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,518.00 $ 700.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 1,700.00 $ 270.00 $ 2,200.00 $ 600.00 $ 7,900.00 $ 8,500.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 5,300.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 300.00 $ 380.00 $ 790.00 $ 1,170.00 $ 420.00 $ 39,181.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 1,400.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 30,400.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 560.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 7,120.00 $ 9,180.00 Contract labor Total Consulting/professional services Cost of Labor Assistant Manager Bonus Pay Market Director Marketing Coordinator Music Coord - Port Townsend Payroll taxes Sick Pay Site Manager Vacation Pay Total Cost of Labor Donation to Community Education - Chef's Demos Melio Service Fees Musicians Guarantee Repair & Maintenance Tokens expenses Tokens - donated Tokens - Gimme 5 Tokens - SNAP match Tokens - VegRX Total Tokens expenses Travel Volunteer Appreciation Total Expenses Net Operating Income Other Income Events income Annual Fundraiser income Annual Fundraiser expenses Total Annual Fundraiser income Total Events income Interest Earned Miscellaneous Income Total Other Income Other Expenses Farm Tour Total Other Expenses Net Other Income Net Income $ 7,000.00 $ 16,740.00 $ 22,125.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 68,000.00 $ 24,000.00 $ 3,200.00 $ 16,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 12,480.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 152,305.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 130.00 $ 10,600.00 $ 700.00 $ 500.00 $ 14,000.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 51,500.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 300.00 $ 314,056.00 $ (6,846.00) $ 28,000.00 -17000.00 $ 11,000.00 $ 11,000.00 $ 630.00 $ 4,784.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 3,784.00 $ 3,784.00 J EFFE RSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS CHIMACUM - PORT TOWNSEND Board Membership Roster 2024 Janet Aubin, President Angela Dunham, Vice President Co-owner Stellar J Farm Marketing Professional 53 Barn Swallow Rd 1801 Rosewood St Chimacum, WA 98325 Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 821-2226 (425) 220-5500 Janet@stellarjfarm.com Angelad@outlook.com Laina Amerson, Treasurer Jessie E. Short, Secretary Accountant, Real Estate Agent Marketing, Port Ludlow Resort 307 Eddy Court 80 Warbler Ln Port Townsend, WA 98368 Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (360) 301-2952 (360) 301-0912 laina@amerson.us jshort@portludlowassociates.com Pierce Kennedy Laura Llewellyn Soft Step Farm Chimalow Produce 3059 7th St PO Box 593 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Chimacum, WA 98325 (541) 350-0636 (570) 573-3138 SoftStepFarm@gmail.com Laura@chimalowproduce.com Natalie Motson Aliza Saraco-Polner Co-owner White Lotus Farm 52 7th Ave. 3723 Beaver Valley Road Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (973) 420-4267 (425) 830-0253 asaracop@gmail.com whitelotusinn@gmail.com Julia -Ellen Spruill -Smith Ben Wilson Space Twins Provisions Retired Healthcare Technology Executive and 3723 Beaver Valley Road Entrepreneur Port Ludlow, WA 98365 1428 Rose St. (202) 468-4113 Port Townsend, WA 98368 spacetwinsprovisions@gmail.com (408) 406-1743 wilsonbe@gmail.com Elise Wright 431 Calhoun St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 713-4468 wright.elise@gmail.com ICxamplt Market Weekend Saturda PORT TOWNSEND y FARMERS MARKET 9-2 650 Tyler St S�UN(IQ CHIMACUM y FARMERS MARKET \ 10-2 9122 Rhody Dr 324 LTAk � Q AT4 SENIOR WELCOME NMI Y. �, h cum Farmers Market .�- I. j/ MEET ME Mtthe 1 — a�`�•MA KMERS FTS MARKET SEASON OPENING � June 2 10-217-.1 1 1VAI eS soatk of Port ToWKSeKd i r.• �� apf nv oei J1� veolo� PORT TOWNSEND CHIMACUM FARMERS MARKET I FARMERS MARKET Srurd,,, 9,2,m S day- loam-2pm 650 Tyler St 9122 RI od, Dlrve 80+ Vendors fresh seasonal produce eggs fish spices baked goods artisan food art & crafts SENIOR OMY Dolnpfol—dolnl SNNP MofvF up to ❑, ❑ =py o SEAgON OPESunday, June 2, 10arn-2pM NI►�G 3 jiities 30+ vendors seasonal produce fish - mushrooms - baked goods - art - live music picnic area ki