08-15-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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• In response to a question from Council Member Dieter, the pulstar ad cost was $1,600. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. Andres stated that advertising creates conversations. Mr. Andres noted that he has had talks representatives of the following venues [Century Center 40%, Palais 30% CFHF 20% and Regional Museum of Art 10%] in promoting their food services with the "We Shine Downtown" brochure (copy attached) resulting and several upcoming television ads. Center Plate contributed$15,000 of the $30,000 cost. Mr. Andres then passed out a multi-page handout on the Morris Marquee (copy attached) and noted that steel will be delivered for it on September 20th and that it will be unveiled on October 20th. The marquee should generate 20%more traffic. Mr. Andres stated that he has reduced the net loss each year since began in February of 2000, however he is unable to control the costs for utilities and insurance. The proposed budget is short $208,407; however other venues in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, etc. have million dollar gaps. He believes that the economic impact to the downtown from the Morris is $3 million per year. This is the 3rd year of operation of the Palais Royale since it was renovated and re-opended. It is not at the level he would like however he is taking steps to make corrections in the sales area, food & beverage & marketing. They do not get hotel/motel revenue. In 2004,they believe that 1,000 rooms were booked at the Marriot as a result of events at the Palais Royale. He is also looking into small children theater events and more events on the Jon R. Hunt Plaza. Mr. Andres stated that the Morris, the Palais and the Bistro are one of the brightest stars which South Bend has. In response to a question from Council Member Kelly, Mr. Andres stated that they have looked into promoting events on their own but it is very chancy. He did speak with the State Board of Accounts and it would be permissible if there was a different promotion line created and if a % of the venue would be in the 416 Fund. He has not seen anything that would be worth the risk. The Mayor noted that discussions with the symphony and their board have been ongoing where they would be asked to move to St. Mary's or the DeBartolo Center for practices to give more flexibility to book more events. Mr. Andres noted that"more arts begets more art". Council President Pfeifer noted that the pictures he has presented in the various handouts reflects diversity of the community and she thanked him for those efforts. There being no further business to come before the Personnel and Finance Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 5:27 p.m. Res ,dilly submitted, )Y Co er Rolan Kell Cha. erson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachments August 15,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 7-