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Home My WebLink AboutReg 2018-06-18 Item 2B - Appointments - Lodging Tax Advisory CommitteeCOUNCIL AGF;NDA SYNOPSIS fiat( clrzleeling Dale Prepared ny Alaxor)- igloo Council review 06/18/18 BJM C.Vrk( ;( )10 — 0/scuff/on .11Ig Dale A foiion Dale 6/18/18 — Resolufioll ,A [/g Dau Ordinance ,1Iif;Dale — Bid 'braid cllic,Dale Public I learinp, ,11ig Dale n Other ,11n;l)ale ,110, SPONS( )1t Corinci/ A1a/or 7 i IR DCD E1imiv e F 1 'ire 11c 17 Pc.', -R Police 7111- — Court SPONS( )13:S State Law requires that the City Council, review the membership of the lodging tax SCNINIARY advisory committee annually and make changes as appropriate (RCW 67.28. 1817). The Committee Chair is recommending that six existing members be reappointed and two new members be appointed to fill vacant positions. RNVIIA\111) BY I C.O.W. Mtg. — CDN Comm Finance Comm. pi Public Safety Comm. Trans &Infrastructure 7 Arts Comm. 1 1 Parks Comm. r Planning Comm. DATE: N/A COMMITTEF CHAIR: N/A RECOMMENDATIONS: SPoNsoit/ADmiN. Commilmil Kathy Hougardy, Chair of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee ITEM INFORMATION ITEM No. 2.B. STAFF SI( NsoR B. MILES ORR;INALAGNNDA DATK: 6/18/18 ITNNITITI,k 2018 Lodging Tax Committee Appointments C.Vrk( ;( )10 — 0/scuff/on .11Ig Dale A foiion Dale 6/18/18 — Resolufioll ,A [/g Dau Ordinance ,1Iif;Dale — Bid 'braid cllic,Dale Public I learinp, ,11ig Dale n Other ,11n;l)ale ,110, SPONS( )1t Corinci/ A1a/or 7 i IR DCD E1imiv e F 1 'ire 11c 17 Pc.', -R Police 7111- — Court SPONS( )13:S State Law requires that the City Council, review the membership of the lodging tax SCNINIARY advisory committee annually and make changes as appropriate (RCW 67.28. 1817). The Committee Chair is recommending that six existing members be reappointed and two new members be appointed to fill vacant positions. RNVIIA\111) BY I C.O.W. Mtg. — CDN Comm Finance Comm. pi Public Safety Comm. Trans &Infrastructure 7 Arts Comm. 1 1 Parks Comm. r Planning Comm. DATE: N/A COMMITTEF CHAIR: N/A RECOMMENDATIONS: SPoNsoit/ADmiN. Commilmil Kathy Hougardy, Chair of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee N/A COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE INPIADITkRk Ri(/iiKi l) AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED $N/A $N/A $N/A Fund Source: N/A Comments: MTG. DATE RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION 06/18/18 MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS 06/18/18 Informational Memorandum dated 06/08/18 Appointment Application from Asia Wen Appointment Application from Mike West 4 City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Kathy Hougardy, City Councilmember and LTAC Chair BY: Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager DATE: June 8, 2018 SUBJECT: 2018 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee ISSUE I am recommending that the City Council reappoint six existing members and appoint two new members to the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). BACKGROUND The City imposes a 1% lodging tax on the certain overnight stays at area hotels and motels. In 2018, the City's budget estimates that the City will receive approximately $755,000 in lodging tax funds. Under Washington State law, lodging tax proceeds can only be used for tourism promotion (overnight and day visitors) and other tourism related activities (RCW 67.28.1816). In order to collect the lodging tax and spend the funds collected, the City is required by State Law to have a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. The Committee makes recommendations to the City Council on any request to use lodging funds, including requests by the City. The City Council can accept or reject any of the LTAC recommendations. The City's LTAC has nine members. Four of the members are representatives of businesses that are required to collect the tax (hoteliers), four are persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by the tax (non -hoteliers); and one member is a City elected official who serves as the LTAC chair, traditionally the elected official has been a City Councilmember. State Law requires that the City Council, "review the membership of the advisory committee annually and make changes as appropriate (RCW 67.28. 1817)." This annual review requirement is also found in Tukwila Municipal Code 2.35.020 (D). DISCUSSION In order to meet the requirements of State Law and the City Council's adopted resolution, I am recommending that the following individuals be reappointed to the LTAC to continue to serve until May 31, 2019. I am also recommending two new appointments to the Committee, copies of the applications for the new appointments are attached for your ease of reference. 5 City Council RE: 2018/19 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee June 8, 2018 Page 2 Position Name Note Position #1 Elected Official Appointed annually by the Council President. Traditionally, the appointee is a City Councilmember. Position #2 (Business Collecting Tax) Miesa Berry lam recommending reappointmentofMs.Berryto Position 2She isthe General Managerofthe Homewood Suites by Hilton and hasserved onthe LTAC since 2009. Position #3 (Business Collecting Tax) Jim Davis lam recommending reappointment ofMr. Davisto Position 3. HeistheGeneral Manager ofthe Doubletree Suites and has served on the LTAC since 2013. Position #4 (Business Collecting Tax) Asia Wen Position 4 is currently vacant due to the resignation of Owen Leinbach.| am recommending thatAaiawith Wen, the ownership group of the America's Best on Interurban Ave South be appointed to the position. Position #5 (Business Collecting Tax) Mike West Position 5 is currently vacant due to the resignation of Jamie Randall. 1 am recommending that Mike West be appointed. Mr. West is currently the general manager of the new Hotel lnterurban, which opened in May. Position #6 (Funded by Tax) Ben Oliver 1 am recommending reappointment of Mr. Oliverto Position S.HaistheGeneral Manager ofStarfire Sports and has served on the LTAC since 2015. Position #7 {FundedbyTax) Becky Smith | am recommending reappointment of Ms. Smith to Position 7.KAa.Snoithisthe District (�enena|Manager for VVestfim|dSouthoenter. Ms. Smith has served on the LTAC since 2017. Position #8 (Funded by Tax) Dan Lee 1 am recommending reappointment of Mr. Leeto Position 8 Heiathe co-owner and CE{}of{}din Brevving—onopanyundhaaeervadontheLTACsince 2016. Position #9 (Funded by Tax) Ashley Messmer 1 am recommending reappointment of Ms. Messmer to Position 9Ms.K8essnneris�nnp|ovedvviththe��useurn ^ ofHightandhasbeenontheLT/\Csinma2017. RECOMMENDATION | am recommending the appointments and reappointments as listed above at the June 18, 2018 Council meeting with terms to expire on May 31, 2019. ATTACHMENTS • Appointment Application for Asia Wen • Appointment Application for Mike West 6 nfoMomomoAC Appts-Reappts (2018).docx City of Tukwila Tukwila City Hall 6200 Southcenter Blvd Tukwila, WA 98188 Phone: (206) 433-1800 Fax: (206) 433-1833 Application for Appointment BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS RECEIVED Email: BoardsCommstukwilawa.qov Website: www.tukwilawa.qov Please complete the ENTIRE application form. Applicants may attach a cover letter and/or a resume totaling no more than three pages. NAME: Wen ADDRESS: Last DATE: 3/21/18 Asia First Q M.I. 111111 Street City Zip MAILING ADDRESS (if different):1111111111111111. HOME PHONE:MI= CELL/MOBILE PHONE: JDA Epicurean Group LLC EMPLOYER: Please check all that apply to you within the City of Tukwila limits: O Resident E] Business Owner/Representative 0 School District Representative 0 High School Student I wish to be considered for appointment to the following board or commission (check all that apply) COMMISSIONS: BOARDS & COMMITTEES: o Arts 0 Community Police O Civil Service 0 Human Services o Equity & Social Justice 0 Library O Park 0 Lodging Tax O Planning 0 Other/Special Committee: HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON ONE OF THESE BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS? 0 Yes 0 No If "yes", please list: AVAILABLE TO ATTEND MEETINGS: 0 Daytime 0 Evenings Please contact me regarding other City of Tukwila volunteer opportunities (check box): FOR CITY USE ONLY: INTERVIEW DATE: APPOINTED 11 Yes Lil No TERM EXPIRES: 7 Asia Wen BOARDS/CQMMISSIONS APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT Professional/Community Activities (organizations, clubs, service groups, etc): Currently, am the manager at Sunrise Garden Suites, formerly known as Americas Best Value Inn Tukwila. Please refer to my resume for previous professional history. Hobbies/Interests: Digital marketing, strategic development, arts and culture, circus aerials Qualifications as related to this position: My family owns several properties located in the Tukwila/Seatac area. We acquired the Americas Best Va|ue|nnnn|nharurbanAve|asLyeacConsequenUy.wehavoodirectsbakainthegrowthend development of Tukwila as a community. Shaping the reputation and image of Tukwila in the years to come will directly impact all of the businesses and residents who live here. My background in digital marketing strategy may provide a valuable perspective in how best to shape the perception of Tukwila in the future. Other comments/additional information for consideration: Based on some personal conversations, it seems that Tukwila is poised to revamp its image and really capitalize on the influx of people, investment and talent coming into the Greater Seattle Area. Having someone on the team who is a digital native when it comes to marketing, may be very helpful when it comes to assessing technological initiatives and marketing costs. 3/21/18 Date Note: Upon submission, all nformaton on this form becomes public record, For further clarification regarding this application or Asia Wen CONTACT EDUCATION MASTER OF SCIENCE: INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT 2011 King's College London London, UK BACHELOR OF ARTS: ENGLISH LITERATURE 2008 University of Washington Seattle, WA ABOUT Crcativp, results -driven marketer with nearly 7 years of years of visible accomplishments in creating, branding, and commercializing products. Engaging public speaker with cornpelling presentation competencies. Entrepreneurial and familiar with the uncertainty of a startup and the challenges of a growth environment. Ready to approach every task with autunomy, ownership of work, and a strong sense of responsibility. CORE QUALIFICATIONS • Marketing Strategy Development & Implementation • Content Strategy & Creation � Trade Show & Event Marketing • Social Media Marketing & Community Building PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Blogging • SE0&SEM • Brand Strategy • Email Marketing • Marketing Automation GENERAL MANAGER JDA Epicurean Group LLC 1 Seattle, WA Feb 2016 Present Responsible for strategic planning and marketing strategy for family real estate investment business, and managing transitions of ongoing husinesses Cu ieNiig'EtiHirrAGMrel- for newly acquired hotel • Reorganized and reformed and renovate a property with years of deferred or poorly performed maintenace • Managing the ongoing restructuring of best practices, policies and expectations during remodeling of property in preparation for repositioning of the hotel MARKETING MANAGER Hotchy4cdl Scutt/e, WA 1 Dec 2015 Feb 2016 Created all marketing automation protocols, customer personas and journoys, brand cxpericnce, and marketing strategy for medical equipment co9@8sed inbound leads by 20%, with 55 out of 265 total deals originating from digital marketing efforts • Incorporated integrated marketing strategies to drive greater engagernent at trade shows and conferences, resulting in 35% increase in qualified leads • Consolidated processes and enforced rigorous data management measures, cutting low -margin, off -brand products and developing more distribution networks DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & INVESTOR RELATIONS A/oksonEnt«rpr/sos' Seattle, N/A1 Feb 2014- Dec 2015 Leveraged personal network of high net worth contacts from China to broker deals in real estate investment and commercial development • Personally closed $3.000.000 of commercial property deals in first year • Prepared and presented business and marketing plans to key investors and industry figures on Griffen projcct, sccurinQ$500'000 in first round funding SKILLS Microsoft Office Suite Salesforce Admin nubSvot(Ma,kchng & CRM) Google *uwo,u,& Analytics Facebook Ads Linkcd|oAds Twitter Ads LANGUAGES English (Fluent) Spanish (Proficient) Mandarin (Conversationally proficient) MISCELLANEOUS Licensed real estate broker Circus Aerialist 2011 UK National Bachata Cornpetition Runner Up Trinity ColJege TEFL Certified SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (SEO) SPECIALIST [DKGlobal Digital Marketing (F.K.A. Cobu/t)1 Seattle, N4\I jon 2013- Feb 2014 Developed SEO and content strategies for a portfolio of automotive dealerships ° Consistently achieved rankings within top 5 search results for targeted keywords in Google and Bing • Maintained ranking consistency through Pnnda. Penguin and Hummingbird updates to the Google algorithm CHIEF MARKETER & BRAND STRATEGIST BombsheUer1 Sootdo, WA I Mar 2013- Feb 2014 Original member of the startup team for a proof of concept clothing company aimed at using lean manufacturing and machine automation for r•na6b M-NTI-1-feS4 m of brand ambassadors and marketers • Strategized brand identity and initial target markets, which resulted in first 1 ine of designs from diverse group of artists • Built influencer community of circus aeria|ists, professional dancers, cross fit athletes and fashion bloggers FOUNDER & CEO Femme Fatale Dancer LL[ 1 6zutdc, WA 1 Oct 2009 Nov 2011 Secured exclusive US distribution rights for a Canadian dance shoe manufacturer and introduced the brand to US salsa, baUroom, and tango communities • Maintained enough profit margins to fund graduate school and expenses in London • Successfully placed FFD shoes on "Dancing with the Stars" (cast member Chelsea Hightower) through networking efforts • Built B2B relationships with multiple dance retailers in the US, including Sansha New York • Built B2C sales pipeline through event and social media marketing (Facebook.Twitter. blogs and Google Ads) integrated with live pop-up sales ENGLISH TEACHER @&CURRICULUM DEVELOPER Sunrise Education Haikou, [h/nu l Dcc2O11 Jun 2012 ENGLISH TEACHER William's En8//sh l 800co/ono.Spo/nI Sept 2008 Jun 2009 WRITING TUTOR University of Washington 'Seattle, WA 1 Oct 2007 Apr 2008 City of Tukwila Tukwila City Hall 6200 Southcenter Blvd Tukwila, WA 98188 Phone: (206) 433-1800 Fax: (206) 433-1833 Application for Appointment BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS RECEIVED Email: BoardsCommsAtukwilawagov Website: www,tukwilawagov Please complete the ENTIRE application form. Applicants may attach a cover letter and/or a resume totaling no more than three pages. 03-28-18 DATE: NAME: West Last ADDRESS: Street Michael First City Zip MAILING ADDRESS (if different): HOME PHONE: CELL/MOBILE PHONE: EMPLOYER:Columbia Hospita Please check all that apply to you within the City of Tukwila limits: O Resident 0 Business Owner/Representative O School District Representative 0 High School Student I wish to be considered for appointment to the following board or commission (check all that apply): COMMISSIONS: BOARDS & COMMITTEES: 0 Arts 0 Community Police 0 Civil Service 0 Human Services O Equity & Social Justice 0 Library O Park 0 Lodging Tax 0 Planning 0 Other/Special Committee: HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON ONE OF THESE BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS? 0 Yes 0 No If "yes", please list: AVAILABLE TO ATTEND MEETINGS: 0 Daytime ID Evenings Please contact me regarding other City of Tukwila volunteer opportunities (check box): El FOR CITY USE ONLY: INTERVIEW DATE: APPOINTED: 0 Yes 0 No TERM EXPIRES: 11 Michael | m*VVest BOARDS/COMMISSIONS APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT Professional/Community Activities (organizations, clubs, service groups, etc): I am new to the Tukwila area and am very excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Hobbies/Interests: am a father totwo young children ages 4and 1.somost of my time is spent with them, but 1 also enjoy the outdoors golfing, and cooking. Qualifications as related to this position: I am currently the General Manager for Hotel Interurban and have over 15 years experience in hospitality working in almost every capacity from hourly line level positions to executive management roles. Prior to joirling Hotel Interurban in February of this year, I have spent the last 4 years in downtown Seattle and am very familiar with the Seattle Tourism Improvement Assessment. Other comments/additional information for consideration: Being able to represent the hotels of Tukwila who are collecting this tax would be an honor and I look forward to beinc able to serve my new community. Applicant's Sinatuna O�-��L1� =~�-�~�^- /w Date Note: Upon submission, all information on this forrn becomes public record. For further clarifiction regarding this application or 12 K�^�m �A��«�� ' '^'^^~ ~~^-~� Experience General Manager Hotel Interurban Columbia Hospita|ity ' Tukwila, WA Februory 2018 to Present General Manager Hotel Sorrento Seattle, WA August ZOI7toJanuary 2Ol8 * Property revenues of $9 million * Created new events to drive Food and Beverage revenue * Re-established guest room PM program and brought in new room amenities to increase guest experience * Drove multi-year highs in customer service through a focus on personalized guest experiences *Instituted new rate strategies which drove an increase in ADR and RevPar compared to comp set Assistant General Manager Motif Seattle, Destination Hotels Seattle, VVA August 30l6LoJuly Z0l7 * Member of Motif Seattle Executive Committee * Achieved AAA 4 -Diamond rating *Oversight of all operations of the hotel for Rooms and Food and Beverage divisions * Partnered with GM on $10 million guest room renovation * Restructured management positions in Housekeeping, Front Office, Restaurant, and Culinary General Manager - Task Force Moie|8eckett South Lake Tahoe, CA June 2016 toJuly 20l6 * Oversee $1.3 million renovation of 112 room hotel, Park Tahoe Inn *Coordinated move from two separate PMSs to Opera PMS * Ensuring construction, FFE insta||, staffing ramp up, PMS training, and rate strategy are complete on tight Iaunch date timeline * Manage separate property, 968 Park Hotel, of 58 rooms * Build/create the infrastructure to have both properties rebranded into one property * Lead the creation of the rate structure and market position of renovated property after opening * Created and designed new staffing model for entire property Director of Rooms Motif Seattle, Destination Hotels September Z0l4toJune 20I6 Seattle, WA 13 • Member of Motif Seattle Executive Committee • Selected for Destination Hotels Leadership Academy and General Manager Boot Camps • Improved service scores via Trip Advisor from #61 out of 94 hotels in Sept 2014 to #26 in Dec 20I5 • Restructured Housekeeping from PDQ operation of specialists to mixed boards to improve productivity • Increased RA productivity from 25.96 min/rm in 2014 to 20.70 min/rm in 20I5 • Enhanced majority of guest room amenities through capex funds via personal investment into selected offerings • ReduceduveraURooms|abortoI3.bY6inZOI5vs.I5.4%inZOl4whi|emekingsubstantia|non' budgeted wage increases for all of HK, Guest Services, and Night Audit • Increased loyalty program sign ups from 4,723 in 2014 to I7'388 in 2015 • Trained 93% of all associates on new Destination Hotels service pillars along side HR Director • Developed and successfully implemented a market -first for Downtown Seattle "Access Fee" at $12.95 per night for all reservations Director of Hotel Operations Washington Athletic Club - Seattle, WA January Z0I4toSeptember 2OI4 * Oversight of all hotel departments including sales, front desk, PBX, reservations, bell desk, night audit, housekeeping, concierge, and laundry * Experience working with Unite Here Local 8 union * Led initiative to establish new service standards and a refocus on daily training for standards * Developed new communication tools to share key guest and hotel information among all departments *Created and implemented a return guest recognition program * Led or oversaw all capital expenditure projects for the Inn at the WAC * Represented property along with Sales Manager at trade shows, client events and property tours * Worked with IT team in efforts to implement new online booking module • Developed new streamlined sales incentive plans Director of Food & Beverage Willows Lodge VVoodinviUe. WA December 2OlOtoJanuary Z0l4 * Member of Wiliows Lodge Executive Committee. * In charge of managing the Capital Projects for the entire property totaling $767,000 for 2013. ' Led ownership board meetings and act as a lesion to board members for all communication to them. * Oversaw the Front of House operation for The Barking Frog, Fireside Cellars and In Room Dining with revenues of $4.03 million in 2012. * Increased labor efficiencies in all outlets from 36.22% in 2011 to 35.03% in 2012 * Increased departmental profit in all outlets from 26.14% in 2011 to 28.98% in 2012 * Assisted in the designed and oversight of a $300,000 lounge renovation project in 2013. * Partnered with our Executive Chef and two support managers to continually push our team forward in service and revenue production. * Established new training program from the ground up including manuals, training timeline and tests. * Created SOPs for department to create an environment of accountability and structure. * Member of the Benchmark Hospitality Task Force for Rooms Operations to assist with openings and transition properties. 14 Rooms Manager Willows Lodge - Woodinville, WA August 2009 to December 2010 Assistant Director of Housekeeping Hotel 1000 - Seattle, WA March 2009 to August 2009 Front Office Manager Hotel 1000 - Seattle, WA February 2006 to March 2009 Education BA in Business Administration Saint Mary's College of California - Moraga, CA May 2004 15