HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/21/2009 00 Misc Distributed at the MeetingJuly 17, 2009
Yakima Valley
Visitors & Convention Bureau
10 North 8th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
T: 509 - 575 -3010
F:509- 575 -6252
800 - 221 -0751
www.visityakima.com
TO: Yakima City Council
Downtown Futures Oversight Committee
FROM: John Cooper
RE: Convention Center Plaza Support
One week ago we hosted six meeting planners and association executives for a
focus group session, site inspections and continuing education. They represented the
WA Association of School Business Officials, WA Association of Maintenance and
Operators, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials PNW
Regional Council, Far West Agribusiness Association, WA Association for Career
and Technical Education and the WA Recreation and Park Association.
As part of our session we shared the many improvements, that have occurred
downtown and outlined future opportunities. When we discussed the details of the
proposed Convention Center outdoor plaza they were very excited and supportive.
Brit Kramer from the WA Recreation and Park Association wrote me an email
outlining how the facility would be of value to,her group (see attached).
This feedback reinforces to me that the outdoor plaza will help attract business,
generate economic activity plus provide an exciting outdoor venue downtown for our
residents.
John Cooper
From: Brit Kramer [britk@wrpatoday.org]
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2009 12:16 PM
To: John Cooper
Subject: Yakima Convention Center improvements
Hello John,
Thank you for including me in your recent retreat regarding the Yakima Visitor and Convention Bureau efforts to
improve the conference experience for meeting planners and their members. The retreat was thoughtfully facilitated
and the CVB staff and property partners were excellent hosts. I admit to have been naive about the new developments
in downtown Yakima and appreciate the fresh perspective I have for the city. The bloom program, sidewalk
improvements, new quality shops and eateries have made a transformation in my mind of your core downtown area.
Congratulations on these efforts.
As you know the Washington Recreation & Park Association has a tentative hold for meeting space in April 2013. Your
conference facility is among the largest in the state and serves our meeting space needs as we have 'grow n our trade
show to 75 exhibitors and will attract close to 250 delegates. However l was particularly interested to learn about the
planned improvements to the convention center which included an outdoor plaza on the 8`h street entrance. I believe
this improvement provides a creative space for community building with our membership and we would look to use this
space for breaks between sessions or other social opportunities. One of the primary reasons people come to our
conference is to network. The plaza will serve as a gathering point, a meeting place and.a creative entrance that will
compliment your existing meeting space. Our conference attendees will spend the greater part'of three days at the
convention center. I believe the idea for a plaza improvement area is one of the most exciting new elements yet to be
completed in Yakima.for convention visitors and will compliment and build on all the work to date.
We look forward to working with you on future conferences!
Sincerely,
Brit Kramer, CPRP, CAE
Executive Director
Washington Recreation & Park Association
4405 7th Ave SE, Suite 202, Lacey, WA 98503
Ph 360.459.9396 - Fx 360.459.4160
britknw42atoda3:.org
www.wrpatoday.org
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