09/22/2017 - Minutes
City of Port Orchard
216 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 876-4407 • FAX (360) 895-9029
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
September 22, 2017; 5:30 p.m. at City Hall
Committee Members present: Chair Fred Chang; Lorraine Olsen, Mrs. Howe’s Bed and
Breakfast; Matt Murphy, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce; Shelia Cline, Arthritis
Foundation/ Jingle Bell Run, and Deputy City Clerk Jenine Floyd.
Applicants spoke to the Committee explaining their proposal which are as follows:
Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce – Explore Port Orchard – Tourism & Visitor Marketing
Matt Murphy, Executive Director, presented the application, noting Explore Port Orchard has
several members including the Chamber, Port of Bremerton, POBSA, Fathoms O’ Fun, City of
Port Orchard and the Sidney Museum. Through online and printing resources, they promote
activities in the area. In addition, they are members of Washington Tourism Alliance which
allows them to highlight certain events. They are asking $18,995 in lodging tax funds.
Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce – Seagull Calling Festival
Matt Murphy, Executive Director, presented the application, noting the Festival is part of the
Kitsap Harbor Festival. This year, they would like to include a Marine Swap Meet. The Festival
will take place on Saturday, and the Swap Meet will take place on Sunday. They are asking
$3,200 in lodging tax funds.
Fathoms O’ Fun Festival – Events/Operations and Marketing
Sharron King, President, asked the committee to consider an application to fund the Seagull
Splat Run, Grand Parade, Summer Festival, Dinghy Derby & Crew Regatta, 4th of July Fireworks,
and Festival by the Bay. She is considering options for the carnival at the waterfront. In
addition, she updated the expense amounts listed on their application. They are asking $30,000
in lodging tax funds.
Kitsap Mustang Club – Mustangs on the Waterfront
Susan Stadshaug, Show Chair, and Al Black, President, asked the committee to consider an
application to fund the Mustangs on the Waterfront event. This is an annual car show in
downtown Port Orchard, and is held on the last Sunday in July. They are asking $1,500 in
lodging tax funds.
Port Orchard Bay Street Association – Tourism Marketing
Kathleen Wilson, President, and Christine Stansbery, Treasurer, presented the application,
noting POBSA advertises in several regional and state publications. They are focused in bringing
tourists to downtown Port Orchard. This request is for marketing when specific events are not
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planned. Additionally, they are looking to redesign their website. They are asking $10,533 in
lodging tax funds.
Port Orchard Bay Street Association – Events
Kathleen Wilson, President, and Christine Stansbery, Treasurer, presented the application and
noted the following events are scheduled in 2018; Flower Festival, Ladies Night Out, Taste of
Port Orchard, Art & Antique Show, and the Festival of Chimes and Lights. They are asking
$24,553.22 in lodging tax funds.
Saints Car Club – The Cruz
Terry Bontrager, Director, presented the application, noting they are asking for funds to
supplement marketing for their event. They are asking $2,300 in lodging tax funds.
Sidney Museum and Arts Associate
Christine Stansbery and Luella Hauenstein presented the application, noting the Sidney Arts
Museum has been an organization in Port Orchard since 1972. It is an art and historic cultural
center. They advertise in regional and state publications. They market through social media and
print. They are asking $5,070 in lodging tax funds.
Visit Kitsap Peninsula
Patty Graf-Hoke, Director, presented the application, noting they help to market local events in
Port Orchard by providing affordable publications. This includes website and printed materials.
They are asking $12,000 in lodging tax funds.
Arthritis Foundation/Jingle Bell Run
Sheila Cline, Development Director, presented the application, noting they are seeking funding
for promoting the event with posters, rack cards and other advertising. She discussed how the
Foundation has changed how much is allowed for advertising. They are requesting $1,500 in
lodging tax funds.
Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce – Visitor Services
Matt Murphy, Executive Director, presented the application, noting the Chamber, through
telephone calls, website and email, will respond to requests for information on Port Orchard.
They are the local visitor information center. They are requesting $8,463 in lodging tax funds.
City of Port Orchard – Summer Event Foot Ferry Services
Deputy City Clerk Floyd presented the application, noting the ferry runs Memorial Day weekend
through Labor Day weekend. She provided the ferry counts to the committee. The additional
hours include Saturday, Sunday and special events. In the past, the City, Kitsap County and City
of Bremerton have partnered for the service. They are requesting $8,000 in lodging tax funds.
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There being no further business, Chair Chang adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Audio only
was successful.
Next meeting: October 5, 2017
c: Council/Mayor/Department Directors