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GNW
Wrap-Up Meeting
February
26, 2007
St. Joseph Area
Chamber of Commerce
The wrap-up meeting for 2007 Great Northwest Day at the Capitol was held on Monday, February 26, 2007.
The committee relayed that the overall response they had from attendees was good and positive.
Several committee members expressed concern regarding the customer service provided by the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Primary issues revolved around room reservations and problems with setting up for main event. It was agreed that if the parties involved would provide written explanation of issues, that the committee chairs would send a letter to the Hammond Franchise.
A review of expenses was given by Deb Powers. With only a few smaller expenses left to be accounted for and one sponsor and some registration fees to collect, it is anticipated that the event will need to use approximately $3,000 from the carry over balance.
The committee reviewed the survey results returned by both legislators and attendees. Responses from both surveys placed satisfaction levels well above the 90% level on all but 1 or 2 questions.
Suggestions were offered by committee members for continuing to maintain the quality of the event.
- It was suggested that host/hostesses be added to our greeting process. This will step up the level of VIP treatment provided to our legislators.
- In order to alleviate legislators from waiting in long food lines one side of the buffet table will be designated for their use only, and a host will be stationed at the beginning of the line to direct.
- Coordination of booth set up needs “tweaking.” The committee will add a few more people to assist and make sure the room is ready for people to begin setting up community booths prior to their entering the room.
- Registration forms for the 2008 event will ask for responses as to what components of the event each participant will attend. This will make for more cost effective food ordering.
- The panel discussion during the luncheon was popular, but needs to be pared down as far as time and number of participants—paying attention to redundancy.
- The committee agreed they would like to keep the Mardi Gras theme and the same band for 2008. It was decided to go back to beginning music at 5:00 and asking the band to make sure recorded
music is played during breaks.
Discussion was held regarding:
- A media policy. A draft media policy was presented for discussion. There was no formal decision made, but all agreed that a policy needed to be put into place for the 2008 event.
- In order to increase revenues, locating a sponsor for the pre-event legislator dinner was discussed. The sponsorship committee will pursue.
- The committee reinforced a decision made on January 14, 2005 regarding payment for reservations. Once the registration deadline has past, all reservations that have been made must be paid for by the community or individual placing the reservation, regardless of whether or not that participant ends up attending.
- The issues committee will research other locations for the pre-event legislative dinner.
Ann Schlueter will assist Mark Garges as Co-Chair of the 2008 event. The dates have been set and the rooms reserved for the 5th and 6th of February with the legislative dinner to be held on the 4th. Other Chairs remaining in their positions: Events—Natalie Leonard-Redmond, Issues—Shellby Hendee, Marketing and Public Relations – Lisa Luke, and Corporate Sponsorships – Deb Powers.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cyndra Lorey
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For
more information, contact:
Deb Powers, Director of Healthy Communities
Heartland Foundation
518 S. 6th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501
Phone: 816-271-7185
Toll-Free: 1-800-447-1083
Fax: 816-271-7269
Email
GNW
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