FEBRUARY 23, 2010

Agenda Item No. 11

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VISITOR INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AT THE POTTER PARK ZOO

RESOLUTION #10-040

WHEREAS, citizens of Ingham County have invested several million dollars in improvements to the Potter Park Zoo; and 

WHEREAS, increasing visitation and positive visitor experiences at the Zoo are believed to be key elements to a successful renewal millage in 2010; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoo and Zoo Marketing Committee wish to develop incentive programs internally and with outside partners to increase visitation at Potter Park Zoo; and

WHEREAS, the Zoo Marketing Committee is developing three promotions ~ Mom’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and College Day; and 

WHEREAS, building strong relationships with sectors of the community is good for the Potter Park Zoo, Ingham County, and the State of Michigan; and

WHEREAS, all proposed incentives have been reviewed by the Zoo Financial Coordinator and Zoo Director prior to recommending them to the Parks Director; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoo Board and the Parks & Recreation Commission supported the concept of visitor incentive programs by passing resolutions at their February meetings.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners approves the following visitor incentive programs for Ingham County residents at the Potter Park Zoo:

Promotion	Fees	Marketing
Mom’s Day	Mothers and children are free	Will be contacting moms’ groups and other companies who are targeting mothers with potential sponsorship opportunities.  We will also be seeking media sponsors to help offset marketing costs.
Grandparent’s Day	Grandparent and Grandchildren are free	Will be seeking sponsorships to help offset the costs of marketing and admissions – we have already received positive feedback from AARP
College Day	½ off one adult admission with student ID	Marketed using primarily earned media.  Flyers will be distributed around campuses.

FEBRUARY 23, 2010

Agenda Item No. 11

RESOLUTION #10-040

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Potter Park Zoo staff is directed to provide statistical feedback regarding the viability of all incentive programs to the Potter Park Zoo Board and the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission.

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Copedge, Schor, Celentino, Grebner, McGrain, Vickers

     Nays:  None     Absent:  None          Approved  2/16/10

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Grebner, Tennis, Bahar-Cook, Schor, Holman, Dougan

     Nays:  None     Absent:  None          Approved  2/17/10