HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 17, 1997 (98)AGENDA TITLE: Authorization to Cancel Contract for the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau
(LCVB) as per Request from the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors.
MEETING DATE: December 17, 1997
SUBMITTED BY: Deputy City Manager
ACTION: That the City Council terminate the contract for the Lodi Conference and
Visitors Bureau (LCVB) effective December 31, 1997.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City of Lodi entered into a contract on June 30, 1995 with the Lodi
District Chamber of Commerce to establish the Lodi Conference and
Visitors Bureau. The LCVB was established and funded by the City of
Lodi with the caveat that the LCVB seek additional sponsors to minimize the City's financial participation.
The LCVB, although able to generate enthusiasm and interest in the Bureau, was not able to identify
alternative funding sources.
Subsequently, the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met September 16, 1997 to
discuss the viability of the LCVB and voted to terminate the Contract with the City of Lodi. The Board has
requested (See attached letter) that the City uphold their recommendation and terminate the contract
effective December 31, 1997.
The City contributed $75,000 to the LCVB this year of which approximately half of the funds will be
returned to the City of Lodi.
FUNDING: None
JSK:br
Attachment
Respectfully,
J net S. Keeter
Deputy City Manager
APPROVED:
H. &xon Flynn -- CKY Manager
11/25/97 12:10 FAX 3340523 LODI CHAMBER 1A 02
September 30, 1997
City Manager, Dixon Flynn
Mayor, Phillip A. Pennino
Council Members, Jack A Sieglock, Stephen J. Mann, David Warner, Keith Land
Lodi City Hall
P.O. Sox 3005
Lodi, CA 95241-1910
Subject- Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau
Gentlemen.
Over the past few months, I have spent considerable tune evaluating the perfgrmance and
progress of the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau (LCVB).
While we have made significant strides in promoting the City of Lodi as a tourist center
and increased the city's visibility, I have struWed to find a true measuring device which
can give us definitive proof that we are achieving an adequate return on our investment.
Further, and more importantly, by virtue of the Contract entered into on June 30, 1995
between the City of Lodi and the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce which established
the LCVB, it is stated explicitly that, "the LCVB is expected m seek additional sponsors
to increase the size and scope of the program and to lower the level of the City's,
participation."
Iu reality, sponsorship funding for the LCVB has been, and will continue to be, difficult
to obtain (in any significant amount) as a means to reduce the City's level of
participation, while expecting growth of the program. Since Lodi is not a recognized
tourist town like Napa, Santa Cruz or Monterey, the perceived value to sponsor the
LCVB by local motels and restaurants is very low.
Gentlemen, with this said, the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, at
their September 16th meeting, voted to terminate the Contract between the City of Lodi
and the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce effective December 31, 1997 on my
recommendation. I
35 S. Scheol Strew- P.O. Box 386 - Lodi, CA 95241 - PHONE (209) 367-7840 • FAX (209) 334-0528
NOV-25-1957 11:03 334052E P.02
11/25/97 12:10 FAX 3940528 LODI CHAMBER (ib 03
City Manager, Dixon Flynn
-2-
September 30, 1997
While this was a difficult decision for the Board to make, it was made in the best interest
of the City and the Chamber. This decision does not in any way indicate failure, but a
redirection of resources and vision. In fact, the high level of enemy, professionalism and
dedication of the Bureau Director have been admirable.
It remains the intent of the Chamber to continue to promote tourism through. our Tourism
Committee and to continue our joust efforts with the City in deve3oping strategic planning
for economic development Should the City of Lodi elect to continue the LCVB under its
jurisdiction., the Chamber will give our full support in promoting the LCVB.
On behalf of the Board, I respectfully ask that the Council upheld the Board's VWC LQ
terminate the Contract effective December 31, 1997_ Your understanding and support in
this matter is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Les Dabdtz
Executive Director
cc: Bruce Sasaki, Board President
NOV-25-199? 11:03 3340528 P.03
CITY COUNCIL
JACK A. SIEGLOCK, Mayor CITY OF L O D I
KEITH LAND,
Mayor Pro Tempore CITY HALL, 221 WEST PINE STREET
STEPHEN J. MANN P.O. BOX 3006
PHILLIP A. PENNINO LODI, CALIFORNIA 95241-1910
DAVID P. WARNER (209) 333-6702
FAX (209) 333-6807
December 22, 1997
Les Dabritz, Executive Director
Lodi District Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 386
Lodi, CA 95241
RE: Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau (LCVB) Contract
H. DIXON FLYNN
City Manager
ALICE M. REIMCHE
City Clerk
RANDALL A. HAYS
City Attorney
At its regular meeting of December 17, 1997 the Lodi City Council voted to uphold the
recommendation of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in terminating the contract
regarding the Conference and Visitors Bureau.
As you know, the City of Lodi entered into a contract on June 30, 1995 with the Lodi District
Chamber of Commerce establishing the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau. The LCVB was
funded by the City of Lodi with the caveat that the LCVB seek additional sponsors to minimize
the City's financial participation. Although able to generate enthusiasm and interest in the
Bureau, the LCVB was unable to identify alternative funding sources.
Subsequently, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met on September 16, 1997 to
discuss the viability of the LCVB and voted to terminate the contract with the City of Lodi, thus
bringing the item to the Council for final action.
The City of Lodi contributed $75,000 to the LCVB this year, with approximately half of the
funding expended to date. Any unused funds should at this time revert back to the City of Lodi.
Returned funds should be sent to the following:
City of Lodi
c/o Alice Reimche, City Clerk
P.O. Box 3006
Lodi, CA 95241-1910
Please feel free to call me, or City Clerk Reimche, should you have any questions, comments or
concerns regarding this matter.
Very truly yours,
Jack A. Sieglock
Mayor
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