All Applications are due to Boonville City Hall, 401 Main St., by 5 p.m. CST on Monday, December 5, 2016.

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1 Boonville Tourism Commission 320 First St. Boonville, MO Dear Applicant(s): First let us thank you for your enthusiasm to create, market, and produce worthwhile events and projects that give back to Boonville/Cooper County. The Boonville Tourism Commission welcomes your application and encourages you to first read the Boonville Missouri Bed Tax Information and Processes. It may give you some insight to filling out your project application. The mission of the Boonville Tourism Commission is to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Boonville and Cooper County by: expanding current tourism attractions and supporting new attractions; supporting the wise use and enjoyment of our natural, cultural, and historic resources; and promoting Boonville and Cooper County as a tourist destination in regional markets through the use of research-based marketing. All requests for funding will be given equal consideration during the regular funding process which takes place in November and December of each fiscal year. The fiscal year begins April 1, 2017 and ends March 31, Your project/event must be held within that time, and the funds must be spent within that time, unless specific permission has been granted by the Tourism Commission. There is no guarantee that a project will receive funding. Similarly, there is no guarantee that projects can be funded at all or even partially based upon the reserve funds that the Tourism Commission maintains throughout the year if an application is received outside of the regular funding cycle. Any annual event that has been held within the last five years will not receive funding if the grant request is received outside of the annual funding cycle. All Applications are due to Boonville City Hall, 401 Main St., by 5 p.m. CST on Monday, December 5, Questions concerning the application can be directed toward Katie Gibson, Tourism Director, at or by katie.gibson@boonville-mo.org. Thank you, Boonville Tourism Commission

2 FISCAL YEAR PROJECT APPLICATION CITY OF BOONVILLE TOURISM ENHANCEMENT FUND Applicant: Street Address: City: State: Zip: Name of Person Submitting the Application: Title: Best phone: Fax: Service Area of Organization: Project/Event Location: Address of Location: Project Director: Title: Best phone: Fax: Date(s) of Project/Event: Project Title and Brief Description: Grant Amount Requested: Check one: Marketing Event Education Project Facility Development Project Temporary Infrastructure Event Devpt. Project

3 Incorporation Status of the Organization a) Incorporated in the State of Missouri as a domestic not-for-profit corporation under Chapter 355 RsMO on the following date: b) Incorporated under the laws of another state and allowed to operate in Missouri as a foreign not-for-profit corporation under Chapter 255 RsMO on the following date: c) Not incorporated separately but operating as a local chapter, branch, or division of the following parent organization: Parent Organization: Address: _ Contact: Title: Best Phone: Fax: d) Incorporated as a Tax-Exempt 501 (c) 3 or (c) 6 with the IRS: a. Date Approved: b. Date Application Submitted: Please attach the following documents to this application: 1. Most current certificate of good standing 2. Project/Event budget NOTE: If requesting marketing funds, please also include a detailed marketing plan and marketing budget (where you will market, the media you will use, and how much you will spend) 3. List of the current board members. Include Name, Board Position, Best Phone, and term dates for each board member. 4. If applying for internship funds, attach a current job description.

4 Describe, as fully as possible in the space given, the project/event you propose, its need in Boonville/Cooper County, whether it is a new or expanded effort, and any other information you feel will assist in evaluating your application. If the product requires additional city assistance (i.e. from Parks or Public Works) please indicate what City assistance is required and the status of the approval from the appropriate departments. Do not exceed this page and do not use smaller than 10-point font. This is to certify that I have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of this organization to file this Tourism Enhancement application with the Boonville Tourism Commission. Name (please print): Title: Signature: Date: REMINDER! Please keep a copy of the entire completed application and attachments for your own records.

5 BOONVILLE, MISSOURI TOURISM BED TAX INFORMATION AND PROCESS TOURISM COMMISSION MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Boonville Tourism Commission is to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Boonville and Cooper County by: expanding current tourism attractions and supporting new attractions; supporting the wise use and enjoyment of our natural, cultural, and historic resources; and promoting Boonville and Cooper County as a tourist destination in regional markets through the use of research-based marketing. INTRODUCTION 1. Tourism is an important and growing industry in the State of Missouri, and we in Boonville and Cooper County have a great deal to offer to our visitors. Our wide variety of tourist attractions range from historic and natural treasures and cultural events to the Isle of Capri and Warm Springs Ranch. 2. As of 2013, Tourism was an $14.6 billion industry in Missouri, supported 285,114 jobs, and provided 1.2 billion in state and local taxes each year, making tourism one of the largest industries in the state. Missouri receives $3.21 in state tax revenues from every dollar invested in the Missouri Division of Tourism budget. 3. In FY 2013, the total expenditures in 17 Tourism-Related SIC codes in Cooper County was $16,151,023. There were 869 Cooper County citizens in tourism-related employment. 4. The enabling legislation for Boonville s bed tax specifies what a bed tax is and how it shall be levied. The legislation is not specific on how the funds will be used, only specifying that, The revenue received from the tax shall be deposited in a special fund and used solely to promote tourism. 5. The intent of this document is to set forth a mission, goals, operations, rules, and funding guidelines for the bed tax. This document will be reviewed every three years or as needed. 6. The Boonville Tourism Commission is made up of five voting members, appointed by the Mayor for a term of three years. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month, at Noon, and on an as needed basis, at Boonville City Hall. Roberts Rules of Order are used. The Boonville Tourism Commission is supported by a Tourism Director.

6 STATE OF MISSOURI ENABLING LEGISLATION Upon adoption of the tourism sales tax, there shall be established a tourism commission to consist of five members appointed by the governing body of the city or county. Of these five members, one will be a representative of the hotel and motel industry and two shall be active in the tourism industry; the remaining members of the commission will be members of local general business interests in the city or county. One member of the city or county governing body shall serve as liaison in a nonvoting capacity. All members shall be a resident of the city or county. Members of the tourism commission will be appointed for a term of three years; but, of the members first appointed, one shall be appointed for a term of one year, two shall be appointed for a term of two years, and two shall be appointed for a term of three years. Members of the commission may serve no more than two consecutive terms. The members will serve without compensation. 2. The revenue received from the tax shall be deposited in a special fund and used solely to promote tourism. The commission shall administer the moneys within the limits of the budget approved by the city or county governing body. CONFLICT OF INTEREST All members, including those who are active in the tourism industry, hotel/motel industry and local business, must at the time proposals for funding are being judged, and/or at the time that any tourism moneys are being allocated, indicate if they have a conflict of interest. This conflict can include, but is not limited to, monetary gain through tourism spending or for grant funding for an entity engaged in the competition with which the member has a vested interest or familial ties within the first degree with any person conflicted in the competition. It is the member s responsibility to point out any conflict or potential conflict of interest that is occurring or may occur. If any conflict of interest does occur, the conflicted members must excuse themselves from the area of discussion until the comment period is completed. Conflicted members may not comment on any proposal or issue, nor may they vote on any proposal or issue with which they have conflicts. It is also required that all entities requesting tourism grant funding disclose the names of all board members. Violation of this section may result in the removal of the violator, at the discretion of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Boonville, and/or the disqualification of a tourism grant request.

7 BOONVILLE TOURISM COMMISSION GOALS, FY FY 2018 The overall goal of the Boonville, Missouri Tourism Commission is to increase the number of tourists coming to Boonville and Cooper County and spending at least one night in a lodging facility. To accomplish this, the Tourism Commission needs to hold to the vision of Boonville and Cooper County becoming a top small-town destination for tourists in Missouri, and disperse the bed tax moneys accordingly. Several important goals have already been accomplished: In November 2013, the people of Boonville voted to raise the bed tax from 4% to 5%, which gave Boonville additional funds to better compete in the Missouri tourism industry. Tourism intends to redesign their website (goboonville.com) in FY15. Tourism has acquired the entire Katy Depot (November 2011) and purchased the Gingrich Warehouse (December 2010) for use as a museum and visitor center. The Katy Depot has been renovated and is currently being utilized b Tourism, Missouri Preservation and the Chamber of Commerce. In December 2011, Boonville Tourism became the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Cooper County and is now eligible for matching funds from the state of Missouri. The City has received $5000 in matching advertising funds which supported our SEC marketing. Tourism will continue to request matching marketing funds. There are many steps involved in developing the tourism industry in Boonville and Cooper County. Tourism would like to accomplish the following goals in the next three fiscal years (specifics will be spelled out in each fiscal year s Annual Work Plan): 1. Increase the number of Katy Trail visitors staying in Boonville 2. Develop the Depot District Tourism Hub, including renovation and rehabilitation of the Gingrich Warehouse for use as a visitors center and museum. 3. Redesign the GoBoonville Website. 4. Review and redesign (as necessary) current brochures for accuracy as well as to increase compatibility with social media and marketing. 5. Set up and implement a revision schedule for VisitMo.com and BikeKatyTrail.com 6. Continue to promote and educate to citizens about the importance of Tourism to Boonville s economy and community through GoBoonville!, Tourism Talk, annual awards, advertising, an e-newsletter and any other opportunities 7. Complete and advertising effectiveness study 8. Utilize the Missouri State Division of Tourism to assist with advertising and research. 9. Evaluate and improve on social media opportunities. 10. Develop events that are family friendly and encourage a weekend stay. 11. Increase partnership with sports tournaments. 12. Develop and implement a schedule for regular distribution of materials to MO Welcome centers, Lake of the Ozarks and other free sites. 13. Develop and implement an marketing campaign. 14. Continue to do Familiarization tours with hotel lobby and other front line ambassadors for Boonville. 15. Partner with economic development to father support Main Street redevelopment, retail businesses, restaurants, Bed and Breakfasts and other businesses that support the tourism industry. 16. Work with local Missouri tourism agencies to promote bus tours and attend the ABA (American Bus Association) conference to advertise and network with tour opporators.

8 TOURISM GRANT GUIDELINES 1. Up to 10% of the Tourism Funds may be awarded at the yearly panel funding hearing. Another 10% will be unencumbered. These percentages may fluctuate after the yearly panel hearing and the percentage allocations may change at the discretion of the Tourism Commission. 2. Proposals will be solicited from not-for-profit entities and governmental bodies for promoting activities that affect tourism trade in the city of Boonville and Cooper County, Missouri. Organizations that do not meet the not-for-profit criteria, but feel they have a very exceptional project, may appear before the Boonville Tourism Commission for consideration of funding directly from the Commission without having to indirectly apply for funding through a not-for-profit entity. 3. All proposals will be judged on a case-by-case basis. The greatest consideration will be given to those proposals that cost effectively relate to the mission and goals of the Boonville Tourism Commission. Proposals should be well thought out and documented. New and expanded efforts are encouraged, as are projects that offer a greater percentage of matching funds. 4. All projects MUST give public recognition of the funding source, and use the Boonville Tourism Commission logo, in all advertisements, program booklets, signage at the site, and most other forms of marketing. Failure to give public recognition of funding will jeopardize future funding requests. Example: Funding, in part, for this project has been received from the City of Boonville Tourism Commission. 5. Requested funds CANNOT include money for: a. Salaries (including internships) b. Rental fees for buildings/facilities c. Food and Beverages d. Marketing within the home market (50 mile radius) e. Capital improvements for the benefit of the home market (50 mile radius) 6. ALL grant funds must be expended for the stated purpose on the application and be spent by the end of the fiscal year for which the funds were granted. ALL grant funds will be held by the Boonville Tourism Commission and no checks will be issued to recipients until the recipient sends a bill to the Tourism Office AND has fulfilled all of the grant requirements. The bill and requirements will be reviewed by the Boonville Tourism Commission and, once approved, the funds will then be released to the recipient on the regular billing cycle. 7. If funds will be used for the development of marketing materials, consideration should be given to the local businesses. 8. Competitive bidding is encouraged whenever possible and submission of bid results should be included with the final after action report. Failure to submit bid results or an explanation for why competitive bidding was not done in the after action report may result in a reduction of elimination from funding in subsequent years.

9 Schedule for the Application Process for the regular funding cycle of the Boonville Tourism Commission: November Request for Proposals is published in November in any and all Boonville newspapers and shall be published basically in the following format: The Boonville, Missouri Tourism Commission is requesting proposals for the April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016, disbursement of tourism promotion funding. Proposals will be accepted from not-for-profit entities and governmental bodies and, in exceptional cases, from for-profit entities for promoting activities that affect the tourist trade in Boonville and Cooper County, Missouri. Please contact the Boonville Tourism Office, 320 First St., Boonville, for a complete application packet, including funding limits, requirements, and rules. All city of Boonville programs are non-discriminatory. December 5, 5 p.m. Grant applications due to City Hall. If December 5th falls on a weekend, the due date shall be the first business day after. December/January Tourism Commission and/or Tourism staff meets/communicates with each group requesting funds. The Commission will prepare funding recommendations and forward them to the City Council before the second Monday in January. January The City Council reviews and approves/disapproves the recommendations the third Monday in January. Applicants may be requested to make presentations to the City Council. March The City Council votes on the Tourism budget. Organizations receiving grant funding attend a mandatory meeting detailing the grant process, rules, and requirements. One participant from each organization, preferably the project director, must attend the meeting or else forfeit the funding. 9. The following documents must be attached to the Tourism Application: a. A list of all officers and board members b. 501 incorporation papers or a copy of the annual report filed with the Secretary of State s office. (If grantee has provided these documents before, new copies are not required, but information that a copy has been presented before must be noted in the grant application.) c. Documentation of matching funds from other grants and fundraising activities (award letters, letter of donation from a source, etc.) d. A complete budget/financial statement of the project, including a separate marketing budget and marketing plan (when applying for marketing funds) e. Previous event summaries and budgets (for the last 1-2 events) f. A cover letter outlining the project and how it will benefit the City of Boonville and/or Cooper County 10. All recipient organizations will be required to submit an evaluation and final financial report (After Action Report) within 30 days of the completion of the project/event. This report shall include a breakdown of the number of people served for each funded project. All funds must be expended according to the stated purpose on the application by March 31 of the fiscal year. This document was created January 6, 2012 Last revised in October, 2015

10 TOURISM GRANT CHECKSHEET EVENT: Request Category Event Development Facility Development Internship Education Marketing Temporary Infrastructure Required Documents Application Budget Marketing Plan Marketing Budget Certificate of Good Standing List of Current Board Members Application Points (a minimum of 100 points is required for approval) Points Possible Score 1. Request Category Points Project is New or Expanded Effort Matching Funds Relationship to Tourism Commission Goals Potential for Positive Return on Investment Purpose of the Project is Clear Key Objectives are Outlined Target Market is Identified Target Market Meets 50 mile radius rule Project Cost is Reasonable, Well Researched and 11. A bidding process was used 10 TOTAL

11 Boonville Tourism Sample Budget Form The following is an example of the budget/marketing budget form the Tourism Commission requires in order to process your request for Tourism funds. Feel free to use this one, or use your own. If you use your own, please make sure that it includes all of the information requested below. If you have any questions, call Katie at , or stop by the Tourism office in the Katy Depot, 320 First St. 1. Event/Project Name: 2. Date of the Event/Project: 3. TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE EVENT/PROJECT 4. Where does that money come from? List all sources of income for the event/project. Examples include dues, entry fees, sponsorships, fundraisers, donations. You may also list all inkind donations. 5. If tourism funds will be the ONLY funds for this project, please check this box: 6. How much are you requesting from the Tourism Commission? 7. How will you use those funds? Either explain below or attach a budget for the tourism funds. ** IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR MARKETING FUNDS, PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE THE SECOND PAGE **

12 8. TOTAL MARKETING BUDGET FOR THE EVENT/PROJECT 9. List all planned marketing expenditures (ex: radio, TV, and print ads; brochures; posters; flyers; billboards; etc.) and the amount spent on each. MEDIA BUDGET (Sample): ½ page ad in the June issue of Missouri Life magazine $ If Tourism funds will be the ONLY funds used for marketing, please check this box: Thank you!