DDA Meeting 1.20.2022

Detailed briefing

DDA Meeting 1.20.2022 - Ice Fest advertising was reviewed. The proposed Light 96.3 package includes event commercials, live promotional announcements, website and newsletter listings, Facebook posts, and Lisa’s Fun Blog promotion. Its stated media value is $2,800, with a $500 cost to the DDA; the station would be the event’s exclusive radio advertiser. The discussion indicated the group would proceed with the radio advertising. Print advertising and a possible pre-event newspaper ad were also discussed. - Ice Fest sponsorship and expense estimates were presented. The event had received a $2,000 Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau sponsorship and $4,500 in Blizzard sponsorships. Snowflake sponsorships were estimated at 30 sponsors and $12,750, but the presenter said those were not final numbers. The projected balance was $5,996. Participation was described as lower than the prior year, when there were about 44 sponsors/sculptures, although larger sponsors had been secured. - Members discussed using DDA funds for an Ice Fest activity, potentially an interactive ice feature such as tic-tac-toe, ring toss, or cornhole. Members said the activity should stay within the approximate $5,000 budget level. The promotions committee was to select an appropriate option, while avoiding large gatherings; small family or existing-group interactions were considered more acceptable. One participant offered to cover a newspaper ad. - The director reported potential major cost reductions for the merchants walkway/patio-plaza project. A participant said his company could donate equipment and labor for demolition, grading and fencing, with trucking for disposal identified as a remaining cost, subject to a site review, safety plan and work plan. Another person reportedly offered free dumpster/removal service and was preparing a quote for brick-walkway and retaining-wall repairs, along with a 10 percent materials discount. - The student representative has begun assisting with DDA social media, including business promotion and Ice Fest posts. Members discussed using past Ice Fest photos, creating or updating a Facebook event page, recognizing sponsors, and linking promotion to the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau for lodging information. A downtown email/newsletter effort was also described as in progress. - The lighting project remains delayed because the first delivered globes were incorrect. Correct replacements are awaited before installation can begin. The director also contacted Franklin Energy about possible light discounts or rebates. The 2022 budget presentation projected $101,850 in income, about $96,150 in expenses, and an ending fund balance of $107,660; the planned expenses include $25,000 for lighting but not the merchants walkway project. Worth watching: - Whether Ice Fest sponsorship totals and the final event budget meet projections. - The promotions committee’s selection of a DDA-supported Ice Fest activity. - Site review, cost estimates and scheduling for the merchants walkway project, plus arrival of correct lighting globes. Upcoming: The promotions committee was expected to discuss Ice Fest activity options at its next meeting; no date was stated. Why it matters: The DDA is using sponsorships, donated services and targeted promotion to support Ice Fest and advance downtown improvements while preserving fund balance.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.