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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2002-053 Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau Agreement (re: Yakima Wine Information Center Operation / Yakima Center)RESOLUTION NO. R 2002 - 53 A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau, a non-profit corporation, authorizing said organization to manage, operate and maintain the Yakima Wine Information Center. WHEREAS, the City is in the process of designing and constructing the Yakima Wine Information Center ("Center") at 101 North Fair Avenue, Yakima, Washington, for the purpose of promoting tourist activities vital to the local economy; and WHEREAS, the City does not have the personnel or resources necessary to manage, operate and maintain the Center; and WHEREAS, the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau is a non-profit corporation whose membership represents the hospitality industry, for which the Bureau serves as a focus of efforts to promote convention and tourist activities which are vital to the local economy; and WHEREAS, the Bureau has the experience and expertise to manage, operate and maintain the Center, and is willing to do so in accordance with the terms and conditions of the attached agreement; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it to be in the best interest of the City of Yakima to authorize execution of an agreement between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau in a form substantially similar to the attached agreement, now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau, a non-profit corporation, authorizing said organization to manage, operate and maintain the Yakima Wine Information Center. The form of the final agreement (1k)res/comm dev-wine info center-apr 02.pm shall be subject to review and approval of the City Attorney and shall be substantially similar to the attached agreement. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 7th day of May, 2002. ATTEST: ict),..e.„fr, /88_4_,..A.z.„ City Clerk (1k)res/comm dev-wine info center-apr 02.pm //46( ary Place, Mayor YAKIMA WINE INFORMATION CENTER MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTION AGREEMENT This Yakima Wine Information Center Management and Promotion Agreem (hereinafter the "Agreement") is executed this /.v day of MimC/1 and between the CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON, a municipal corporation (hereinafter the "City"), and the YAKIMA VALLEY VISITORS AND CONVENTION BUREAU, a Washington non-profit corporation (hereinafter "Bureau"). Whereas, the City is in the process of designing and constructing the Yakima Wine Information Center ("Center") at 101 North Fair Avenue, Yakima, Washington. The Center shall be used to promote tourist activities vital to the local economy. The City desires to have the Bureau manage and promote the Center in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Whereas, the Bureau is a non-profit corporation whose membership represents the hospitality industry, for which the Bureau serves as a focus of efforts to promote convention and tourist activities which are vital to the local economy. The Bureau is willing to manage and promote the Yakima Wine Information Center in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and conditions set forth herein, it is agreed by and between the City and the Bureau as follows: 1. Management and Operation Duties. The Bureau shall manage, operate and maintain the Yakima Wine Information Center located at 101 North Fair Avenue, Yakima, Washington. A legal description of the real property upon which the Center shall be located is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference. The Executive Director of the Bureau shall serve as Center Manager. The Bureau shall provide all personnel and general staff necessary for the operation of the Center. The Bureau shall be solely responsible for all associated costs and expenses of managing and operating the Center. The Center shall be managed, operated and maintained by the Bureau for the purpose of promoting tourist activities within the City and the Yakima Valley. The Bureau shall manage, operate and maintain the Center in full compliance with any and all terms, conditions, restrictions, limitation and other requirements imposed/mandated by the Washington State Department of Transportation. 1 2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall commence upon full execution by the parties and shall continue in duration until terminated by either party. Either party may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, by providing the other party with written notice of termination at least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the termination date. 3. WSDOT Fees/Charges. To the extent that the City is required to pay the Washington State Department of Transportation ("WSDOT") any fees, charges or other compensation related to, or associated with the operation of the Center, the Bureau shall reimburse the City for such fees, charges, or other compensation within thirty (30) calendar days of payment by the City to WSDOT. 4. Property Taxes. The Bureau shall be responsible for and shall pay all property taxes, real and personal, on the subject property, if any, and shall pay them as they come due, and shall hold the City harmless therefrom. 5. Utilities. The Bureau shall be responsible for and shall pay all charges for lights, heat, gas, telephone, water, power and any other utilities associated with the management and operation of the Center, and shall not allow any charge(s) therefore to become delinquent or to become liens upon the property or any part thereof, and all charges of whatsoever nature against the property caused in the course of management and operation of the Center by the Bureau shall be paid before delinquency. 6. Building Operation and Maintenance. The Bureau shall keep and maintain all portions of the Center and surrounding grounds in an attractive, clean, sanitary, and usable condition at all times. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to: keeping the sidewalks and the parking area of the Center free and clear of snow, ice, and other obstructions; keeping the grass, lawn, flowers, and shrubbery of the Center adequately watered and in good order and condition; replacement of broken glass; maintaining all wiring, lighting fixtures, plumbing, drainage, heating, and air conditioning in good order and condition; and repair of damage resulting from vandalism or accidents. The costs and expenses of said maintenance should be the sole responsibility of the Bureau. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Bureau shall surrender the Center surrounding premises to the City in as good a condition as such were 2 at the commencement of the Agreement, reasonable wear and tear excepted. 7. Major Repairs. No alterations, remodeling, major repairs (repairs in excess of $2,500.00), and capital improvements to the Center and the surrounding grounds will be performed or constructed without the written approval of the City. The costs and expenses of such alterations, remodels, major repairs, and/or capitol improvements shall be mutually agreed to by and between the City and the Bureau prior to the commencement of such alterations, remodels, major repairs, and/or capitol improvements. 8. Records and Accounts. The Bureau shall maintain (in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices) books, accounts, records, documents and other materials related directly or indirectly to the costs, expenses and revenues of the management, operation and maintenance of the Center under this Agreement. All such books, accounts, records, documents and other materials shall be subject to inspection and audit at reasonable times by representatives of the City and/ or of the Washington State Auditor. The Bureau shall make such books, accounts, records, documents and other materials available and afford the proper facilities for such inspection and/or audit within forty-eight (48) hours of inspection/ audit notification from City representatives and/ or the Washington State Auditor. Such books, accounts, records, documents and other materials may be copied by representatives of the City and/or of the Washington State Auditor as part of such an inspection/audit. The Bureau shall preserve and make available all such books, accounts, records, documents and other materials for a period of at least three (3) years after termination of this Agreement. 9. Insurance. a. Commercial Liability Insurance. On or before the date this Agreement is fully executed by the parties, the Bureau shall provide the City with a certificate of insurance as proof of commercial liability insurance with a minimum liability limit of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) combined single limit bodily injury and property damage. The certificate shall clearly state who the provider is, the amount of coverage, the policy number, and when the policy and provisions provided are in effect (any statement in the certificate to the effect of "this certificate is issued as a matter of information only and confers no right upon the certificate holder" shall be deleted). Said policy shall be in effect for the duration of this Agreement. The policy shall name the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, and employees as additional insureds, and shall contain a clause that the insurer will not cancel or change the insurance without first giving the City thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice (any language in the clause to the effect of "but failure to 3 mail such notice shall impose no obligation or liability of any kind upon the company" shall be crossed out and initialed by the insurance agent). The insurance shall be with an insurance company or companies rated A -VII or higher in Best's Guide and admitted in the State of Washington. b. Fire Casualty & Extended Coverage Insurance. The City shall maintain all necessary fire, casualty and extended coverage insurance on the Center and its contents in such amount as the City deems appropriate. Any funds derived from such insurance shall be used to repair or replace the damaged items or property, except should the property as a whole be damaged to the extent of over fifty percent (50%) of its value, either party may cancel this Agreement by written notice to the other within sixty (60) days following the damage. 10. Hold Harmless and Indemnification. (a) The Bureau agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its officers, elected officials, employees and agents from any and all claims, demands, losses, liens, liabilities, penalties, fines, lawsuits, and other proceedings and all judgments, awards, costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements) caused by or occurring by reason of any negligent act and/or omission of the Bureau, its officers, employees, agents, and/ or subcontractors, arising out of or in connection with management, operation and maintenance of the Center under this Agreement. (b) In the event that both the Bureau and the City are negligent, the Bureau's liability for indemnification of the City shall be limited to the contributory negligence for any resulting suits, actions, claims, liability, damages, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) that can be apportioned to the Bureau, its officers, employees, agents, and/ or subcontractors. (c) Nothing contained in this Section or this Agreement shall be construed to vest a right of indemnification in any third party. (d) The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. 11. No Liability Insurance provided by City. It is understood the City does not maintain liability insurance for the Bureau and/ or its officers, employees, agents, instructors, and/ or subcontractors. 12. Report of Activities. 4 The Bureau shall submit to the City Council during February of each year a written report addressing management, operational and promotion aspects of its performance of this Agreement during the prior year. 13. Inspection of Center and Surrounding Premises. The City and its agents or designates shall have the right to enter and inspect the Center and surrounding premises at all reasonable times. 14. Independent Contractor. In performing this agreement, the Bureau is an independent contractor, not subject to control or direction from the City except for such oversight as is herein described and set forth by City ordinance. All employees at the Center shall be employees of the Bureau and shall make no claim of City employment nor shall claim against the City any related employment benefits, social security, and/ or retirement benefits. 15. Taxes and Assessments. The Bureau shall be solely responsible for compensating its officers, employees, agents, and/ or subcontractors and for paying all related taxes, deductions, and assessments, including but not limited to, federal income tax, FICA, social security tax, assessments for unemployment and industrial injury, and other deductions from income which may be required by law or assessed against either party as a result of the Bureau's management, operation and maintenance of the Center. In the event the City is assessed a tax or assessment as a result of this Agreement, the Bureau shall pay the same before it becomes due. 16. Non -Discrimination. During the performance of this Agreement, the Bureau shall not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, creed, marital status, political affiliation, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap. This provision shall include but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment, advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, and the management, operation and maintenance of the Center under this Agreement. 17. The Americans With Disabilities Act. The Bureau shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (ADA), and its implementing regulations, and Washington State's anti - 5 discrimination law as contained in RCW Chapter 49.60 ("WLAD") and its implementing regulations, with regard to the management, operation and maintenance of the Center under this Agreement. The ADA and the WLAD provide comprehensive civil rights to individuals with disabilities in the area of employment, public accommodations, public transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. 18. Compliance With Law. The Bureau shall manage, operate and maintain the Center under this Agreement in full compliance with any and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations adopted or promulgated by any governmental agency or regulatory body, whether federal, state, local, or otherwise. 19. Assignment. This Agreement, or any interest herein, or claim hereunder, shall not be assigned or transferred in whole or in part by the Bureau to any other person or entity without the prior written consent of the City. In the event that such prior written consent to an assignment is granted, then the assignee shall assume all duties, obligations, and liabilities of the Bureau as stated herein. 20. Severability. If any portion of the Agreement is changed per mutual agreement or any portion is held invalid, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. 21. Non -Waiver. The waiver by the Bureau or the City of the breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by either party or prevent either party thereafter enforcing any such provision. 22. Notices. Unless stated otherwise herein, all notices and demands shall be in writing and sent or hand -delivered to the parties at their addresses as follows: To City: 6 City Manager City of Yakima 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima, WA 98901 To Bureau: or to such addresses as the parties may hereafter designate in writing. Notices and/or demands shall be sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid or hand -delivered. Such notices shall be deemed effective when mailed or hand -delivered at the addresses specified above. 23. Survival. Any provision of this Agreement which imposes an obligation after termination or expiration of this Agreement shall survive the term or expiration of this Agreement and shall be binding on the parties to this Agreement. 24. Integration and Supersession. This Agreement sets forth all of the terms, conditions, and agreements of the parties relative to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all such former agreements which are hereby declared terminated and of no further force and effect upon the execution and delivery hereof. There are no terms, conditions, or agreements with respect thereto, except as herein provided and no amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless reduced to writing and executed by the parties. 25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington. 26. Venue. The venue for any action to enforce or interpret this Agreement shall lie in the Superior Court of Washington for Yakima County, Washington. 7 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON By: Date: City Manager er YAKIMA VALLEY VISITORS AND CONVENTION BUREAU, INC. By: 0.- e-0 President of the Board Date: v7/0-3 ATTEST: Date: City Clerk CITY CONTRACT NO: /7":.'3 / RESOLUTION HOb ..kf? el'.S3 8 Cent Date: 3 ' t.`� •� 4410 «< Gateway to Wine Conn 4110. 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C AS ES7A2L/SNED � BY PROPERTY DEEDS. 2 333,170 . 30 FT. 281'I.� W E yAKIMA ill9 f. 'X.13,5'765.040 SITE F4LWG AAD 1A K10.AB swim COY 1.5 A 5l4 SW COP, NE1/4 NE1/4 194149 549'07£ 4x77' (0) ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 4 UTILITIES SHALL BE 04EDERGROUN7 70 774E EXTENT PHYSICALLY PO£S/BLE. E g R.1081.00' . 03.08• N.�y1pIGHT OF 010 WAY UNE "M„ UNE 1,82 (E7 ALL UT/LIT0 EASEMENTS A5 SHOWN HEREON MAY BE ALTERED PURSUANT 7O A DOCUMENT 5EPERATELY RECORDED CONTAINING A5 -BAIT DRAWINGS SHOWING PLACEMENT OF EASEMENTS. 44 (A/ ALL LOTS CREATED BY THS PLAT ARE SUBJECT 78 RECIPROCAL NON-EXCLUSIVE ACCESS AAD PARKING EASE050T4 AS WELL A5 A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A5 TO ALL SHARED FACILITIES, S�IN/�0110100 I01771/�OT LIMITED T7 PARKGG LAAD- (B) ALL ONII)RAPPR1,CHESAND 370120 QAAREE 5U9/ECTINAGE L/ 705C/TY OF YAKIMA OR W115/EIN67CM' STATE DEPARTMENT OF 7RANSPOR747R1Y APPROVAL. AND SHALL COMPLY W/7N THE PLAN O4 RECOV'0 WITH THE CT' OF WOW DATED MARCH 14 1994, AS REVISED SEPTEMBER 2,1994• 01- M30 lood t0/ NOTICES; O 6 G: di (W 71400 PLAT REPLACES ALL PREVIOUS RECORDED PLATS FOR 7Fµ5 PROPERTY, (01 ALL BUILDINGS FOR WHICH BUILDING PERMITS ARE MOORED SHALL REQUIRE A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY. WHICH MILL NOT BE BUNTED BY 714E CITY Q'• 042944 Um SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETKW OF THE FAIR AVE0/E EXTENSION AMCLLa0NG WATER A/D SEWER ALMA 040047KYL LOTS 4 9 AND 10 ARE EXCEPTED FROM 71µS REOUIREME7IT, ix -75 .6L 140/1 103E BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. c For Meeting of May 7, 2002 ITEM TITLE: Consideration of a Resolution authorizing an agreement to operate the Yakima Wine Information Center SUBMITTED BY: Department. of Community and Economic Development - CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE:/J$Vl hiam R. Cook, CED Department Director, 575-6227. SUMMARY EXPLANATION: Attached is the Yakima Wine Information Center Management and Promotion Agreement for the Yakima Gateway to Wine Country located at 101 North Fair Avenue, Yakima, Washington. This agreement is between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau to manage, operate and maintain the Yakima Wine Information Center. The Center shall be used to promote tourist activities vital to the local economy. The Bureau shall be solely responsible for all associated costs and expenses of managing and operating the Center including building operation and maintenance of the surrounding grounds. Please note the legal description will be added at a later date. Resolution X Ordinance Contract X Other (Specify) Funding Source APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: 3 City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve Agreement. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: COUNCIL ACTION: Resolution adopted. RESOLUTION NO. R-2002-53 Fulfilling the Promise of Wine Country The Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center Executive Summary The Visitors Information Center THE OPPORTUNITY IS NOW Although relatively young, the Washington wine industry has more than doubled in size during the past decade and as a result ranks second nationally in total wine production. A new study shows that the Washington State wine industry is growing rapidly and has become a major player in the state's economy with a $2.4 billion impact and a workforce of more than 11,000. Recently, Washington was named the worldwide "Wine Region of the Year for 2001" by a major industry publication. The growth of the wine industry has created an opportunity to enhance and expand tourism in the Yakima Valley. To capture this market, the region needs a prominent visitor center to attract and acquaint the increasing number of visitors with the diverse characteristics of the region, especially our history and its significance and impact on the state's economy and history. Existing visitor information centers lack both visibility and convenient access, and there is a severe shortage of facilities that make alternative modes of transportation more convenient. Yakima is located at the geographic entrance to the state's first two designated appellations: Yakima Valley and Columbia Valley. The Yakima Valley Appellation is Washington's first approved viticulture area, established in 1983. The foothills of the Cascades form the western boundary with the area extending east to the Kiona Hills near Richland. The Yakima River and the Roza and Sunnyside canals form a network of irrigation that has led to the state's highest percentage of vineyard plantings per square mile. iii THE INFORMATION CENTER Capitalizing on this emerging opportunity, the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau and the City of Yakima, with the endorsement of the Washington Wine Commission and the Washington Office of Tourism Development, have secured $350,000 in federal funding to develop the Gateway to Wine Country Visitor Information Center. The Yakima Valley Appellation is bi-sected by Interstate 82, which provides a convenient arterial route for tourists to visit the many wineries concentrated in the area. Located at the western end of the appellation, and directly off of an interstate exit, the Gateway to Wine Country Visitor Center will provide optimal visibility and accessibility. The Center will provide valuable information and education to travelers in a diverse array of subjects, including: • Travel information for tourists including maps, most convenient route connections, popular bicycle and pedestrian routes, charter transportation, traffic advisories and points of historical and cultural significance. • Wine country visitor information, including viticulture education, history of the industry, featured events, travel information and directions. • Community profiles and calendars of events for cities and towns throughout Washington Wine Country. • History of culture, agriculture and heritage in Central Washington. iv STRATEGIC LOCATION The center will be located on Fair Avenue between Exits #33a and #33b. The City of Yakima has recently built a Park and Ride immediately north of the proposed VIC property. The Center is strategically located at the eastern entrance to the Yakima appellation to capture westbound tourism traffic from the Puget Sound region, which is where most Yakima Valley tourism traffic originates. Located near the confluence of several regional corridors with I-82, the Center will serve to "push" traffic through these important corridors, including US 12, HWY 97, SR 24, SR 241, SR 22, and Wine Country Road. All of these corridors are also significant corridors to the wine industry in Eastern Washington. Regardless of the final destination, the Center will provide information on restaurants, hotels, shopping, attractions, and wineries. It will also have public restrooms available to visitors. The facility will provide local businesses an opportunity to be highlighted to visitors offering a potential for new business sales. The Center will also serve as an information hub for other regions in Washington State. This includes Visitor Guides and brochures on regions and attractions in Washington State, thereby encouraging travel and tourism throughout the State. v Interior Components The facility will include a visitor information counter, extensive shelving, brochure display areas, and a product show room. A large illuminated display map featuring our region will be placed on the main wall behind the reception area The purpose of the map is to feature the region and its assets. This includes directions, travel distances, attractions, hotel and dining facilities, and other services available to tourists from Yakima to Walla Walla. The visitor information counter will offer an appropriate area for travel counselors to meet the public. The counter will serve as the business center with a computer, Internet, copy services, fax and telephone. Shelving on the walls will allow display and distribution of Visitor Guides, brochures, maps, etc. A product showroom will display items featuring the Valley. vi Exterior Components The exterior design of the center evokes a strong Wine Country image using simple forms and Yakima materials. The facility is compact and designed for best interior function and high visibility from the freeway. Clerestory windows provide light and allow for maximization of display walls within the facility. Exterior walls feature native basalt stone. A trellis extending across the front offers shade, vines and a memorable feature to the design_ Budget allowing, a patio area will provide space for small gatherings or meetings. Trellises and planting areas offer esthetics to outdoor space. vii SIGNAGE As a designated Visitor Information Center, the facility will be provided with interstate signage from the DOT. The interstate signage will consist of the traditional blue metal signs placed at an adequate distance from the exit, as specified by DOT. The signs will be visible to eastbound visitors prior to Exit #33a and for westbound visitors before Exit #34. It is expected that there will be a minimum of two signs prior to each exit. The signs will be built and placed by DOT. TARGET AUDIENCE Research indicates that the typical traveller to the Yakima Valley is 35-54 years old, eams an annual income of $82,000 per year, and spends 3.4 nights per average visit. Of those visiting, 52% of the visitors are men and 48% are women. In terms of marketing, the Puget Sound prevails as the largest single market for Yakima Valley with 56% of the visitors originating from the Seattle/Tacoma area Emerging travel trends fit our area well. It is expected that there will be more close -to - home, drive -to travel. With 56% of Yakima Valley visitors originating from a market 2.5 hours from Yakima, auto travel is an important segment for the local tourist industry. It has become clear that most visitors (71 %) come to visit wineries, while 51% come to the Yakima Valley to sightsee or participate in driving tours. Visitors who come to the Yakima Valley are primarily empty -nest couples (49%) and 40% of those who visit spend the night. Source: James Lillstrom and Associates, Washington Wine Country Visitor Profile 2000. OWNERSHIP & LEAD ENTITY The Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau (YVVCB), a private, non-profit corporation is recognized as Yakima's official visitor promotion agency. The property and the new Visitor Information Center will be owned by the City of Yakima. STAFFING AND HOURS OF OPERATION The Visitor Information Center will be staffed with one full-time paid staff person, and one part-time star The primary responsibility of staff is to identify, recruit, train and schedule volunteer travel counselors. Hours of operation for the Visitor Center are as follows: Month Monday - Saturday Sunday March 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Closed April 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. May 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Memorial Day 8:30 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. June 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. July 9:00 am.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Independence Day 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. August 9:00 am.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. September 9:00 am.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Labor Day 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 am. — 4:00 p.m. October 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. November - February Monday - Friday Closed 10:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. Presidents Day Weekend 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. Veterans Day Closed Thanksgiving Closed Day after Thanksgiving 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Weekend 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. December Office Closed Office Closed Christmas Day Closed ix Bronze Level Partnership $275.00 per year Silver Level Partnership $1,000.00 per year Gold Level Partnership $2,000.00 per year Basic Membership and distribution of collateral materials at both Visitor Information Centers. Basic Membership plus a 10" x 10" decorative framed picture on an engraved plaque displaying the name of the business. The picture may have awards, address, etc. incorporated within the picture. Display will be in the new Visitor Center (VIC). Business may distribute collateral materials at both Visitor Information Centers. Minimum two year term. Basic Membership plus identification as a member in a 14" x 12" display case. Sponsors can display products, awards, brochures, etc. A design review committee will approve submitted materials. Display materials will be created and maintained by sponsor. This level receives all preceding benefits including a plaque at the new VIC. Distribution of collateral materials at both Visitor Information Centers. Minimum three year term. Platinum Level Partnership $3,000.00 per year Basic Membership plus a photograph or label of choice mounted on the prominent illuminated display board surrounding the regional location map at the new VIC. A design review committee will approve submitted materials. This level includes distribution of collateral materials at both Visitor Information Centers. Minimum three year term. Diamond Partnership $5,000.00 per year Association Partnership $4,500.00 per year Basic Membership plus a four year term to support the purchase of a Wine Country Display Board at the new VIC. Business photo or label mounted on illuminated display board. This partnership also allows each business partner all of the preceding benefits including plaque, case display and distribution of collateral materials at both Visitor Information Centers. Four year term to support the new VIC. Association name and image displayed on a large decorative engraved plaque. No preceding benefits are included. This is the only sponsorship level available to associations. Showcase Illuminated Display x Decorative Plaques M n r c r r m r a m O n 7c m N I L 1 IM.... I..■■I ■.■■\ MESE, IL■..i .■■.I Iii ig Ism •■ I•■ HG uI 001!1 Alll `,i ii peVi ODD i ii DO `)u r a ME wE ))T iri WS) SAS 4 mom) 2s, i / 13'-0" 31Vld AO dol un 1VldGIa 11VA U1 r --4---i---,-- w llaaW B S1uaAa T 28'-0" Visitor Information Center YAKIMA, WASN1h6ITON Celebrate Washington's Wine Country A Vision for Our Region Our opportunity is now. The ingredients are all here. Sunshine, recreation and the craft industry of wine are key components to our economic future. Central Washington's scenery and climate make it a special destination in the Northwest. Our hills and arid climate produce a landscape of ridges, basalt outcroppings and a treeless horizon that allows one to see for great distance. Irrigation has brought forth the green valleys that sharply contrast with the dry surrounding hillsides. Sunlight is abundant. Clouds are always high and non -oppressive. Our location, only 2.5 hours from the damp forests and mist of Puget Sound, makes our scenery even more dramatic. We need only to solidify our vision and our identity. A strong common vision influences everything around it. Claiming the Wine Country as our centerpiece needs to be our vision. From Yakima and Zillah to Walla Walla, the Wine Country is a special and welcome change from western Washington. We need to speak with a cohesive voice. We can't compete with each other. We need to be unified to sell our products and to attract business from Seattle, Portland, our region, the nation and internationally. We need to think regionally. Seattle and Portland will be enhanced by the ability to showcase another area of the state. Yakima and the Wine Country will become a significant sub -destination. Working in cooperation with these metropolitan areas, we can use all the strength of Seattle and Portland's tourism efforts along with our own to bring international visitors to the Northwest and to the Wine Country. The Wine Country will energize our State and bring an experience of the upper Pacific Rim like no other destination. Yakima needs to claim its place in the State. As citizens of Eastern Washington, we know we are an honest, recreation and community oriented society, proud of our forefathers who brought irrigation to cultivate the land. We are rich in Native American culture and we understand the care and hard work of farming for generations. We know that the quality of our agriculture is as real as the people who produce it. We have an opportunity to enhance our identity dramatically. And do it with a very nice cachet. We need to get into step with the State at both a local and a regional level to claim our identity as a desirable, craft industry based community in a spectacular arid setting. All industries are related. We need to see tourism as part of a strategic plan. Tourism doesn't just benefit tourism. Tourism is exposure and image. Tourism will get high tech and manufacturing industry here faster than all the ads we could pay for and all of the land we could ever give away. People live in a place for its lifestyle and identity. The high quality of Washington wine has attracted international attention. We have license to embrace this fact, claim it, and celebrate it along with a high quality lifestyle. Everyone can help. This includes the Visitors and the Convention Center, the Chamber of Commerce, the City, the County, the State, New Vision, private industry, all can cooperate with a common goal to claim our identity as Washington's Wine Country. The result is real pride of place and real pride of industry. Viva La Wine Country! Christopher Swanson Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau Yakima, Washington Visitor Information Center FAQ'S Where is it Located? On Fair Avenue across from Pier 1 Imports next to the Park & Ride in Yakima. What is the Access? Access is directly off I-82 on the Fair Avenue Exit #33A And Westbound at Exit #34 Will there be Signage? Yes, Washington State Dept of Transportation (DOT) will provide signage prior to both Exits. Wine Country Visitor Demographics 56% from Seattle / Tacoma 71% come to see Wineries Source: James Lillstrom and Associates, Washington Wine Country Visitor Profile 2000 Traffic counts Along 1-82 According to DOT there are approximately 40,000 cars driving by this site per day. Based on counts at both Selah and Union Gap, it is estimated that approximately 18,000 cars pass through the Yakima Valley per day What is the Benefit to Business? A high quality, educational point of interest that draws off I-82 Exposure of Businesses to Travelers Directions to Businesses are Provided What is the Benefit to Travelers? Understanding of our Region Information Hub Schedules of Events Restroom Stop Hours of Operation Seasonal 7 days a week during Tourism Season What is the Square Footage of the Building? Approximately 1,600 to 2,000 sf depending on bid alternates.