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Regular Agenda Item 3. C.
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| Regular BOS Meeting |
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| Information |
| Request/Subject |
| Approval of Economic Development Agreement and License Agreement with Discover Gila County, Inc. to manage the Tourism and Marketing Initiative. |
| Background Information |
| On March 27, 2018, Gila County began the process of a coordinated effort to promote all of the events, activities, destination sites and opportunities that exist within Gila County. Discussions included recognizing the need for this initiative to be managed in the long term by a non-profit entity in order to qualify for private donations as well as future grant opportunities to assist with expanding the effort in to a financially self-sustaining effort at some point . Following a work session in March 2018, formal stakeholder meetings throughout the county, a brand Strategy "Explore the Wild- Discover Gila County" was adopted on June 5, 2018. On October 2, 2018, a Marketing Plan and Strategy was adopted. In November 2018, a corresponding effort was initiated to create Discover Gila County, Inc., a private, non-profit entity to ensure that the marketing initiative had sustainability and representation throughout Gila County. On February 14, 2019, the website and corresponding social media campaigns were begun to promote Gila County. Discover Gila County, Inc was officially recognized as a 501(c) 3 on March 8, 2019. |
| Evaluation |
| The marketing and tourism initiative is following the strategic plan and is realizing initial success by various measures. The time has come to transfer this initiative to the non-profit that was created for this purpose. Funds have been budgeted to further this effort. Discover Gila County, Inc. has been meeting regularly to assist with decisions related to current and future efforts, and the board members have been very involved in the promotion of the tourism and marketing initiative. Tourism and marketing are clearly recognized economic development activities, and these types of initiatives are typically managed by non-profit agencies or entities. Discover Gila County, Inc. has 501(c) 3 non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service, and as such, tax deductible donations can be made to the organization for the intended purpose of promoting tourism in Gila County. Since the entire effort is largely creating content for the various online platforms, including the website and the social media platforms, licensing these platforms to the non-profit is necessary for continuity of effort. |
| Conclusion |
| Transferring the marketing and tourism initiative and the funds to maintain it to the non-profit that was created for this purpose furthers the strategic plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors. There are clear indicators that show that the tourism effort is gaining attention with tourists both domestically and abroad and is having a positive impact on the economy in Gila County. |
| Recommendation |
Staff recommends approval of the Economic Development Agreement between Gila County and Discover Gila County, Inc., and the License Agreement between Gila County and Discover Gila County, Inc.
It should be noted that this type of license agreement has to be approved by unanimous vote to be considered approved. |
| Suggested Motion |
| Information/Discussion/Action to approve an Economic Development Agreement between Gila County and Discover Gila County, Inc. for a period of four years in a not to exceed amount of $150,000 per year; approve a License Agreement between Gila County and Discover Gila County, Inc. for the marketing and tourism initiative website and all related social media platforms; and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the two agreements. (Jacque Sanders) |
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