SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU SONOMACOUNTY.COM

The Destination Marketing Organization for Sonoma

Country

Kenneth J. Fischang, CHME, CMPPresident/CEO

SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU SONOMACOUNTY.COM

Revenue Sources

Board Seats For Sale33%

Cities Partnering1%

BIA Assesments 66%

BIA Assesments

Board Seats ForSale

Cities Partnering

SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU SONOMACOUNTY.COM

About the Business Improvement Area….

• “BIA” was formed in 2004. Found in CA Streets and Highways code.

• The County Board of Supervisors passes ordinance:– Adopted in all unincorporated areas of the County (e.g.

Forestville, Sonoma Valley…) and– The city limits of cities that choose to be part of the BIA

• How join the BIA?– City council passes resolution for city/town to join BIA– If resolution passes, City is in, and works with County on

how to collect and disburse money– 2% assessment on all lodging businesses who gross more

than $350,000 Annually

SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU SONOMACOUNTY.COM

Board Seats For Sale

• “Pay to Play” organization• The County of Sonoma is the biggest

player• Cost per Board seat figured annually based

on Destination Marketing Organization revenues of the immediate prior year.

SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU SONOMACOUNTY.COM SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU SONOMACOUNTY.COM

City Funding

• Cities are challenged to fund SCTB on an annual basis with 100% of the funds going to collaborative SCTB marketing programs– Destiny Accounts– Tradeshows– Travel writers/Planners– Local promotions for businesses