City of Ephrata Today and Tomorrow
Transcription
City of Ephrata Today and Tomorrow
CITY OF Ephrata Today and Tomorrow A Tactical Plan for the Central Business District and Community Revitalization Prepared for: The Grant County Economic Development Council, with support provided by the USDA Forest Service Prepared by: Burke Marketing Veradale, Washington July 1, 2003 City of Ephrata, Washington Today and Tomorrow A Tactical Plan for Central Business District and Community Revitalization Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................1 Ephrata Today Defining the Central Business District ..........................................................................................................................................2 CBD Map.........................................................................................................................................................................................3 Why is Ephrata's Central Business District So Important?...........................................................................................................4 CBD Building Inventory and Business Count...............................................................................................................................5 A New Ephrata Plan of Attack- The Strategy National Main Street CBD Management Model...........................................................................................................................6 The Main Street Philosophy...........................................................................................................................................................6 A New Ephrata Plan of Attack- The Tactics Organization Implementing Core Area Revitalization Organization ........................................................................................................6 Ephrata Chamber of Commerce 2001 - 2002 Operating Budget ........................................................................................7 Reliable Program Funding - Parking Business Improvement Area......................................................................................8 Ephrata PBIA Example Budget...............................................................................................................................................9 Chamber proposes new "Business Improvement District" Article....................................................................................10 PBIA Area Boundary Map.....................................................................................................................................................11 PBIA Area Boundary Map with Block Numbers.................................................................................................................12 CBD Property Values............................................................................................................................................................13 CBD Ownership and Value..................................................................................................................................................14 Economic Restructuring Ephrata Business Retention and Expansion Recommendations .......................................................................................14 Step 1 Establish a Business Retention Team ..............................................................................................................14 Step 2: Know the Market..............................................................................................................................................14 Step 3: Create a Market Position Statement and Market Driven Strategies for the District .....................................14 Step 4: Identify Key Businesses....................................................................................................................................14 Step 5: Offer Needed Business Assistance...................................................................................................................15 Step 6: Promote Downtown Businesses to Targeted Markets....................................................................................15 Step 7: Help Businesses Identify and Develop Opportunities for Growth and Expansion .....................................15 Step 8: Recognize Early Warning Signs of Business Failure .......................................................................................15 Step 9: Plan for Business Transition .....................................................................................................................15, 16 Step 10: Support Your Downtown Businesses Personally............................................................................................16 General Tips for Independent Retailers .........................................................................................................................16 Potential Property Development Financing Partners....................................................................................................16 Downtown Design and Aesthetics Streetscape Opportunities- Character and Personality ......................................................................................................16 Identify Store Front and Building Opportunities...............................................................................................................17 Central Business District Parking ........................................................................................................................................17 Ephrata Central business district Parking Inventory..........................................................................................................18 Ephrata Core Area Maintenance..........................................................................................................................................19 Core Area Signage Highway Signage .............................................................................................................................................................20 Directional Signage .........................................................................................................................................................20 Window Displays and Merchant Signage ......................................................................................................................20 Table of Contents (continued) Downtown Marketing Plan and Campaign Budget Organization/Corporate Communications Needs Corporate Mark (Logo) ...................................................................................................................................................21 Association Sales Materials .............................................................................................................................................21 Organizational Newsletter ..............................................................................................................................................21 Define Target Market and Market Position .........................................................................................................................21 Primary and Secondary Markets ..........................................................................................................................................21 Ephrata City and County Government Workforce and Major Employers...................................................................22 Tourism and Visitors .......................................................................................................................................................22 Grant County Tourism Economic Impact .....................................................................................................................22 Timing/Annual Retail/Service Business Promotion Plan...................................................................................................23 Know Your Market Area..................................................................................................................................................23 Ephrata Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count by the four Quarters of 2002...............................................................23 Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count (2001 - 2002)......................................................................................................23 Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count for Ephrata (2001 - 2002)...................................................................................24 Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 1st Quarter, 2002 ...............................................................................................24 Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 2nd Quarter, 2002 .............................................................................................24 Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 3rd Quarter, 2002 ..............................................................................................24 Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 4th Quarter, 2002 ..............................................................................................24 Community Traffic Building Calendar of Events ..........................................................................................................25 Ephrata 2003 Community Event/Activity Calendar .....................................................................................................25 On-Going Community Public Relations ....................................................................................................................................27 Ephrata Tomorrow A Planned/Retirement Community.............................................................................................................................................28 Ephrata's Positive Characteristics .......................................................................................................................................28 The Ephrata Airport......................................................................................................................................................................28 Mountain Bike Festival/Race........................................................................................................................................................29 Report Recommendations ....................................................................................................................................................................29 Organizing Task Force...........................................................................................................................................................................29 Ephrata Entrepreneurs: All under 36 years old..........................................................................................................................29 Appendix Chapter 35.87A RCW Parking and Improvement Area Ephrata PBIA Individual Parcel Values Examples of Planned/Retirement Community Sales Materials Stone Ridge Sales Page Stone Ridge Sales Brochures Resort at Moses Point News Release All report photographs (except Columbia Basin Hospital) were taken in Ephrata, Washington, between March 2003 and July 2003 and were taken by J. Craig Sweat Photography, Spokane, Washington. Graphic design by Denise Adam Graphic Design, Veradale, Washington. Report prepared by: Burke Marketing 4720 S. Progress Court Veradale, Washington 99037 (509) 921-5579 Phone (509) 921-5979 FAX bburke@burkemarketing.com sustainable program funding appear to be Ephrata's most immediate challenges. We will concentrate this report on those areas. Introduction First we would like to express our sincere thanks to the following individuals and organizations for their assistance in the preparation of this study. Laure Grammer, GIS Administrator/System Analyst Grant County GIS & Information Technologies Grant County Assessor's Office Lynne Gross, GIS Coordinator Grant County GIS & Information Technologies Grant County Assessor's Office The Grant County Economic Development Council, with continuing financial support from the USDA Forest Service, retained Burke Marketing to prepare a tactical Central Business District and Community revitalization plan for the City of Ephrata, Washington. Ephrata, county seat of Grant County, is a rural community located in Central Washington between Seattle and Spokane. Megan Smith, GIS Technician/Analyst Grant County GIS & Information Technologies Grant County Assessor's Office Terry L. Brewer, Executive Director Grant County Economic Development Council Specifically, Burke Marketing was asked to visit Ephrata and study the following issues: Jeffrey G. Fletcher, Publisher Grant County Journal • Define an Implementing Organization for Revitalization Effort • Define new Economic Restructuring Plan for the CBD • CBD Design and Aesthetics • Community and CBD Marketing • Identify Potential Investing Partners and Additional Benefits • Potential Job Building • Identify possible Program Funding- Business Improvement District The goal of this report is to take into account previous studies/commissioned reports that were discovered researching our project and build upon that information to create a new Ephrata revitalization plan. The community needs a realistic and implementable plan with the specific tactics of: community organization, community marketing, economic restructuring and improved community design and aesthetics. Carol O'Callaghan, Reporter Grant County Journal Jim Cherf, City Manager City of Ephrata The Honorable Deborah Moore, Grant County Commissioner Grant County, District 3 Vivian Peterson, Senior Planner Planning and Community Development City of Ephrata Rita Tuller Director Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Fran Wolff, Owner Zoe Vintage Furnishings/Home Decor/Garden Bob Richardson Advertising Manager Grant County Journal Ephrata is not unlike hundreds of other smaller U. S. communities that continue to wrestle with the issues of community viability, economic stability and quality of life. Again, not unlike those other communities; community communication and organization, core-area revitalization, program of work development, economic restructuring and Shelly Baer Advertising Sales Grant County Journal Other Resources and Information Gathering Grant County Economic Development Council Grant County Selected Economic Data Grant County, Washington Profile Ephrata, Washington Area Profile Grant County Tourism Commission Economic Impact of Grant County Tourism November 1, 2002 Department of Revenue Washington State National Main Street Center National Trust for Historic Preservation Washington, DC Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 1 Grant County Journal, Weekly Newspaper Ephrata, Washington Their success will all depend on creating an aggressive plan and building support. Strategic Plan for Economic Development in the Ephrata and Soap Lake Region Prepared by Elesco, Ltd. And Real Estate Economics January, 2001 For this study we define the CBD differently than past studies. Instead of just eight or ten central blocks, we see Ephrata's core area as very linear in nature and consisting of 34 whole and half blocks that run adjacent to Basin Street (Ephrata's main street). Defining the CBD in this larger dimension includes a greater group of potential investing partners, more opportunity and increases the beneficiaries of any new local revitalization effort. Central Business District Market and Revitalization Study: Preparing for Opportunities Prepared by: The Gilmore Research Group Seattle, Washington May 1992 Burke Community Visits (75 Man-on-the-Street/Secret Shopper Public Interviews) February 5, 2003 February 19, 2003 March 18, 2003 March 27, 2003 May 7, 2003 May 16, 2003 June 12, 2003 June 18, 2003 February 6, 2003 March 4, 2003 March 19, 2003 April 16, 2003 May 8, 2003 May 29, 2003 June 14, 2003 As part of this new project we would also include all the of businesses and properties on Basin Street from 12th Avenue SW to 6th Avenue NW. Additionally included are the businesses and properties on the side streets of 6th Avenue SW, 5th Avenue SW, 4th Avenue SW, 3rd Avenue SW, 2nd Avenue SW, 1st Avenue SW, Division Avenue West, 1st Avenue NW, 2nd Avenue NW, 3rd Avenue NW, 4th Avenue NW, 5th Avenue NW and 6th Avenue NW...between Alder Street NW on the south, C Street SW to the north and all businesses and properties both sides of Alder Street running parallel to Basin (see following map). Some vacant and residential parcels of these blocks have been eliminated for future programming and funding reasons. For further information, please contact: Bill Burke, Burke Marketing, (509) 921-5579, or email: bburke@burkemarketing.com. Ephrata Today Defining the Central Business District Because of its obvious importance to the employment and tax base of the community and to complete the core area geographically, we have also included the Grant County Government/Courthouse/Jail complex that extends past D Street SW. For information gathering purposes and description of community features, we have included new Ephrata CBD maps. The whole and half blocks have been numbered for further definition and description (please refer to the City of Ephrata maps for specific boundaries). Compared to past studies this more clearly defines our targeted benefit area. This area truly is the heart of the Ephrata community. After several community visits and review of other recent community development plans, we believe that the future success of the Ephrata community begins in its Central Business District (CBD). The most obvious opportunities are there. Investments have been made by many and it's time to take advantage of these expenditures. It's not going to be easy. Ephrata community revitalization will take a change of community attitude, new citizen priorities, and much more local and earned support. We have seen communities in far worst shape regroup and find greater community success. Ephrata has many opportunities. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 2 City of Ephrata, Washington 6th Av e. N W Str ee t Ba sin 3rd Av e. N W Ald er Str eet NW 4th Av e. N W NW NW CS tre et DS tre et ES tre et NW Central Business District NW 5th Av e. N W SW 4th Av e. S W 6th Av e. S W Parkway Blvd. CS t. S W 9th Av e. S W 10t hA ve. SW SE 8th Av e. S W 5th Av e. S W So uth eas tB lvd . AS tre et 7th Av e. S W Ald er 3rd Av e. S W Div isio nA ve. E Str eet 2n dA ve .S W SW CS tre et SW 1st Av e. S W AS tre et Div isio nA ve. We st DS tre et ES tre et SW 1st Av e. N W NE 2n dA ve. NW 11t hA ve. SW A St. SE 12t hA ve. SW SR 282 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 3 Keep profits in town. Chain businesses send profits out of town Supports local families with family-owned businesses Supports local community projects, such as ball teams, family activities and schools Provide an extremely stable economic foundation, as opposed to a few large businesses and chains with no ties to stay in the community Why is Ephrata's Central Business District So Important? Why should the community invest in downtown Ephrata? In response, here are a few reasons why this commercial district is an important and worthwhile investment in the future economic health and quality of life in Ephrata. • A revitalized Downtown Ephrata increases the community's options for goods and services. Whether for basic staples, like clothing, food and professional services or less traditional functions such as housing and entertainment, Ephrata must rely upon its CBD. • Downtown Ephrata provides an important civic forum where members of the community can congregate. Parades, special events and celebrations held there reinforce an intangible sense of community. When planned as trafficbuilding strategies, these events will ring CBD cash registers. • Downtown Ephrata is a symbol of community economic health, local quality of life, pride, and community history. These are all factors in industrial, commercial and professional recruitment. • A vital CBD retains and creates jobs, which also means a stronger tax base. Long-term revitalization establishes capable businesses that use public services and provide tax revenues for the community. There are plenty of vacant lots and vacant buildings in the Ephrata CBD just waiting for this kind of growth. • Downtown Ephrata is also a good incubator for new small businesses. The building blocks of a healthy economy are in the Ephrata CBD. Strip centers and malls are often too expensive for new entrepreneurs. • A Revitalized Downtown Ephrata will become a tourist attraction. By virtue of its location on the way to the Grand Coulee Dam, the character of its buildings, potential selection of unique businesses, and great community events, downtown Ephrata could have real commercial appeal. Commercial Appeal = Jobs and Return on Investment. During our community visits we conducted on-site counts of many of the particular elements/features that make up Ephrata's Central Business District, including On- and Off-Street Parking Counts, Building Inventories and Business Counts, and Current Vacancy Counts. The Grant County Assessor's Office provided us with up-to-date Property Taxing Values and Current Market Values quoted in our report. Some quick Ephrata CBD facts to consider: • Ephrata CBD Land Use 193 buildings within the benefit area 50 Service Businesses 118 Retail Businesses 11 Government Buildings 14 Major Vacancies (ground level) 43 Residences (trailers and single homes counted, second floor apartments are not included) 29 Vacant Lots • A vital CBD reduces sprawl. Concentrating retail in one area uses community resources wisely, such as infrastructure, tax dollars and land. With resources in short supply, this is a real issue in a community the size of Ephrata. • A healthy CBD protects property values. Whether in downtown Ephrata or in the surrounding residential neighborhoods, buying property is an investment. There needs to be stability to realize a fair return on that investment. • The traditional commercial district is an ideal location for independent businesses, which in turn: Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 4 Ephrata Business Plan 5 Burke Marketing 7/03 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 3 2 1 2 3 9 17 17 4 5 2 2 2 3 4 2 8 4 0 1 2 193 1 14 1 1 11 7 0 3 5 0 3 2 1 5 0 0 5 2 1 2 10 2 1 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Totals Vacancies 29 Total Block # 50 1 0 0 2 6 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 8 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 5 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 4 Service 118 0 0 0 2 2 1 3 2 2 0 1 2 2 8 13 3 3 2 1 2 3 4 2 2 6 8 7 1 2 4 3 1 3 23 Retail 11 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Government 43 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 5 1 0 5 7 7 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 Residential Ephrata Central Business District Building Inventory and Business Count (as of 7/1/03) 29 1 0 0 5 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 2 3 0 Vacant Lots Safeway Building Department/Fire Marshal/County Parking Lots Grant County Court House Methodist Church/Funeral Home Eagles Lodge Half Block Half Block Ephrata Florist Half Block Chrysler Dealer Half Block Vacant Excell Store AmericanWest Bank Half Block Library/Bell Hotel/Grant County PUD/WA Mutual Bureau of Reclamation Vacant JC Penneys/US Bank Country Deli Movie Theater (11) Apt. Building Half Block Basin Fitness WA State Hwy. Patrol/Mini Storage Mama Yum Yums/Mini Storage Laundry/Large Unpaved Lot Post Office/Rotary Plaza WA Trust Bank/ Sun Basin Plaza Retail ERC/City Hall/Les Schwab Rite Aid Moore Furniture (18) Trailor Park Warehouse (34) Trailor Park/Sherlyn Motel Block Identifier Self-help: Only local leadership can initiate long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort. • Ephrata CBD Parking Counts On-Street (estimated based upon single car/truck - 21 ft. long) 963 On-Street Vehicle Parking Spaces Off-Street (painted or measured) 100 Off-Street Vehicle Parking Spaces RV Parking Up to 35 Special Recreational Vehicle Parking Spaces Public/private partnership: Every local Main Street program needs the support and expertise of both the public and private sectors. For an effective partnership, each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the other. • Ephrata CBD Property Values Taxing Value $9,756,600.00 Market Value $47,402,9555.00 Margin or Difference $37,646,355.00 Identifying and capitalizing on existing assets: One of the National Main Street Center's key goals is to help communities recognize and make the best use of their unique offerings. Local assets provide the solid foundation for a successful Main Street initiative. Quality: From storefront design to promotional campaigns to special events, quality must be the main goal. A New Ephrata Plan of Attack – The Strategy Change: Changing community attitudes and habits is essential to bring about a commercial district renaissance. A carefully planned Main Street program will help shift public perceptions and practices to support and sustain the revitalization process. National Main Street CBD Management Model Action-oriented: Frequent visible changes in the look and activities of the commercial district will reinforce the perception of positive change. Small, but dramatic improvements early in the process will remind the community that the revitalization effort is under way. With local conditions as they are, we would suggest that the Ephrata community organize a self-initiated Main Street program to revitalize the CBD. The Main Street program's success is based on a comprehensive strategy of work, tailored to local needs and opportunities, in four broad areas, called the Main Street Four Point Approach: A New Ephrata Plan of Attack – The Tactics Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process. I. Organization Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning. Implementing Core Area Revitalization Organization We strongly believe that the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce should be the implementing organization for any new community revitalization effort. Ephrata is not a large community. Resources, both human and financial, are in limited supply. Creating more competition for those resources, thus confusing any community and/or governmental support, would be wasteful and wrong. Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors. Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities -- and challenges from outlying development. The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce has a paid Executive Director, a part time-volunteer staff, an eleven-member board of directors, an executive committee of five officers, and 203 business, organization, and individual memberships. Based upon their 2003 program of work, Chamber staff and board of directors are doing a good job. Membership dues, commissions on sales, interest on banking, and donations produce $20,806 in program organization funding annually. The Chamber's seven promotional events (Annual Auction, Annual Banquet, Christmas Campaign, Ehprata Pride Campaign, Farmers Appreciation and Tourism Campaigns (the Annual Auction being the largest)) produce another $45,115 for a total annual program of work budget of $65,921 (Please see attached Chamber Budget for more detail). Every penny raised is used, so where will the money come from for a new more aggressive program of work? The Main Street Philosophy The National Main Street Center's experience in helping communities like Ephrata bring their downtown's back to life has shown time and time again that the Main Street Four Point Approach succeeds only when combined with the following eight principles: Comprehensive: A single project cannot revitalize a downtown or commercial neighborhood. An ongoing series of initiatives is vital to build community support and create lasting progress. Incremental: Small projects make a big difference. They demonstrate that "things are happening" on Main Street and hone the skills and confidence the program will need to tackle more complex problems. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 6 Ephrata Chamber of Commerce (example September 2001 - August 2002 Budget) Amount Sub-totals Total Income Bank Interest Chamber Member Dues Commission Sales Colcza Cola Trailways Bus Tickets Donations Copier usage $ 138.32 $ 19,120.00 $ $ $ $ 442.74 902.74 202.09 $ 20,805.89 Promotions/Events Auction Banquet Christmas Campaign Ephrata Pride Campaign Farmers Appreciation Fat Stock Tourism $ 27,989.50 $ 1,473.00 $ 4,739.48 $ 200.00 $ 2,785.00 $ 7,490.00 $ 437.67 $ 45,114.65 $ 65,920.54 Expenses Advertising Bank Fees Contributions Dues & Subscriptions Ephrata Float Association Equipment Rental General Supllies Goodwill Insurance Business Liability Medical Licenses & Fees Luncheons Miscellaneous Office Equipment Office Supplies Internet Provider Website Other Outside Services Payroll Expens Payroll Taxes Postage Professional Fees Rent Telephone Training//Connferences Utilities $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 326.87 525.00 205.00 331.55 2,361.31 158.16 - $ 1,132.44 $ 3,494.04 $ 10.00 $ 15.00 $ 399.66 $ $ 1,743.97 $ 375.00 $ 488.80 $ 223.65 $ 20,044.77 $ 290.80 $ 1,664.18 $ 350.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 1,708.71 $ 128.50 $ $ 37,177.41 Promotions/Events After Hours Auction Banquet Business Development Candidates Forum Christmas Campaign Ephrata Pride Campaign Farmers Appreciation Fat Stock Food Bank Round Table Tourism Other Promotions $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 10.00 4,352.17 1,252.65 60.39 6,153.06 1,632.34 1,396.35 8,295.11 97.96 872.81 202.80 $ 24,325.64 $ 61,503.05 $ 4,417.49 Net Income Before Other Expenses Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 7 Presently, the Ephrata Chamber's organizational structure includes eight standing committees. This Chamber of Commerce relies heavily on creating revenue through its major community events and the group's organizational structure reflects it. Standing committees include the following: • • • • • • • • Downtown property owners initiate PBIAs for various reasons. Often the impetus is the loss of a major retailer or several storefront vacancies. Other catalysts include the impending arrival of large discount department stores on the outskirts of town or in near by communities (sounds just like Ephrata). It could also be because progressive local management is seeking to revitalize the community center, stabilizing the property tax base, and boosting civic pride. Executive Committee Legislative Committee Christmas Committee Annual Auction Committee Membership Committee Ephrata Pride Committee Farmers Appreciation Campaign Farmers Market Committee The Washington State Legislature hereby authorizes all counties and all incorporated cities and towns, including unclassified cities and towns operating under special charters: (1) To establish, after a petition submitted by the operators responsible for sixty percent of the assessments by businesses and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects within the area, parking and business improvement areas, hereafter referred to as area or areas, for the following purposes: (a) The acquisition, construction or maintenance of parking facilities for the benefit of the area; (b) Decoration of any public place in the area; (c) Sponsorship or promotion of public events which are to take place on or in public places in the area; (d) Furnishing of music in any public place in the area; (e) Providing professional management, planning, economic development, and promotion for the area, including the management and promotion of retail trade activities in the area; or (f) Providing maintenance and security for common, public areas. (2) To levy special assessments on all businesses and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects within the area and specially benefited by a parking and business improvement area to pay in whole or in part the damages or costs created by CBD revitalization. (A complete copy of Chapter 35.87A RCW of the Washington State Revised Code of Washington is attached) The City of Ephrata shall have the sole discretion as to how the revenue derived from the special assessments are to be used within the scope of the purposes of its creation. However, the legislative authority may appoint existing advisory boards or commissions to make recommendations as to its use, or they may create a new advisory board or commission for the purpose. For reasons already stated, the City of Ephrata should contract with the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce to administer the operation of a parking and business improvement area. We would not suggest eliminating any of the Chamber's important projects, especially the profitable ones, but instead growing the organization to a new level within the community, one with greater expectations and greater abilities. In addition to the moneys raised through membership dues and fund-raisers, our new community revitalization campaign will need a greater and more reliable funding source. Too much staff time is used raising money for salaries and program. It leaves little time for anything else. If things are going to really improve in Ephrata, they will need to increase: project management and staff, the number of program investing partners, and the level of overall program funding. The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will need to reorganize to take on this new CBD specific responsibility. Any changes from their current action plan should be mission statement/program-of-work driven. Following the Main Street approach means at least four (4) new committees need to be formed: • PBIA Advisory Board • Economic Restructuring/Business Recruitment & Retention Team • Marketing Committee • Design Committee Reliable Program Funding Parking Business Improvement Area Although there are many opportunities to find outside funding, Ephratans are going to have to look among themselves first to get the ball rolling. They can't raise funding the same old way in downtown, because it just doesn't work anymore. Ephrata will have to be more aggressive. Washington State allows communities to create Parking and Business Improvement Areas to aid general economic development and neighborhood revitalization, and to facilitate the cooperation of merchants, businesses, and residential property owners which assists trade, economic viability/development and community livability. A Parking and Business Improvement Area is a downtown management tactic and financing tool that allows commercial districts to develop, fund , and administer programs and services targeted solely within the district. The key to their success is the participation by the private sector businesses and property owners who recognize the benefit of a private sector solution to downtown management and improvement. Downtown property owners within the district add an assessment to their existing real estate property tax to fund the additional services and programs that they have designed and the PBIA will implement to improve the local business climate. The municipality provides its power to raise and collect revenues to operate the PBIA, thus making it a true public-private partnership. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 8 Ephrata PBIA Example Budget (July 7, 2003) Income Membership and Dues Earned Income/Commission on Sales Interest on Banking Income From Events New Summer Event Series Grant Co. Tourism Commission Grant Miscellaneous Corporate Sponsorships Total Before District Funding PBIA Contract Funding $ 20,000.00 $ 1,750.00 $ 250.00 $ 45,114.65 $ 15,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 87,114.65 77,885.35 $ 165,000.00 Expenses Administrative Staff Payroll Taxes/Expenses Medical Program Insurance (Business Liability) Office Rent Suppies Utilities Equipment Professional Dues & Contributions Postage $ 27,500.00 $ 450.00 $ 3,950.00 $ 1,750.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,100.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 2,750.00 $ 47,000.00 Organization Communications Corporate Mark/Letterhead Artwork Revitalization Package Monthly Newsletter Production Mailing List/Postage $ $ $ $ 1,500.00 8,500.00 1,200.00 2,150.00 $ 13,350.00 CBD Design Entry Signage Parking Signage Building Maintenance and Façade Series CBD Cleaning Program Parking Education Campaign Winter/Holiday Decoration 4th of July Flags $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 12,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 9,500.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 39,000.00 Marketing Public Relations Campaign Winter/Spring Retail/Service Promotion Spring/Summer Retail/Service Promotion Summer/Fall Retail/Service Promotion Fall/Winter Retail/Service Promotion $ $ $ $ $ 2,500.00 1,000.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 2,500.00 $ 6,500.00 Traffic-Building Events Annual Event Calendar Actual Events New Summer Series $ 950.00 $ 29,500.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 55,450.00 Economic Restructuring CBD Vacancy Listing Organization Sales Piece Training and Assistance $ $ $ 1,200.00 2,500.00 $ 3,700.00 $ 165,000.00 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 9 Chamber proposes new 'Business Improvement District' Stores, businesses would be assessed to enable coordination of promotion, design of commercial area by Jay Thorwaldson A special assessment district designed to create a "shopping-center environment" in downtown Palo Alto will be proposed to the city next week by a group of merchants and businesspeople. Every business within the "Business Improvement District" boundaries would be assessed an annual fee of between $150 and $500 in order to raise an operating budget of about $200,000, according to Cornelia Pendleton, a member of the Chamber of Commerce committee proposing the new district. "This is a way for us to become organized to promote downtown" as a place to visit and shop, she said. Funds could be used to develop a cohesive signage and directory system and do special events. The budget would be enough to hire one staff member, and the district would be administered through the city -- with no connection with the Chamber. One problem, Pendleton said, is that no one is precisely sure how many businesses there are in downtown Palo Alto -- the city has no business-license tax and thus has no record of active businesses. She said a best guess is that there are more than 800 businesses in the affected area. Details of the plan are to be announced at a meeting Wednesday morning of the Business Improvement District Committee of the Downtown Marketing Committee, chaired by Stephanie Wansek, general manager of the Cardinal Hotel. A letter is to be sent out to businesses next week. Additional meetings to explain the plan to downtown businesses are being scheduled for Aug. 21, Aug. 28 and Sept. 18. The proposal would be presented officially to the City Council in October, Pendleton said. The district would cover all businesses -- not just retail merchants and restaurants -- but also financial-management companies, law firms and others. The 10-member committee has been quietly looking into the creation of the district for more than a year. The Chamber board voted to support the concept in November, and committee members have been meeting with business owners and managers to assess support. A 51 percent level of opposition from businesses in the proposed district -- as in any special assessment district -- would defeat the proposal. "The majority of businesses contacted so far have been very positive," Pendleton said, adding that most see benefits that would outweigh the costs. It would be the second special assessment district covering the downtown area -- after the Downtown Parking Assessment District created decades ago to finance parking garages. The districts would overlap, but there would be significant variations in the boundary lines, including a loop to encompass Whole Foods Market. The Downtown Marketing Committee of the Chamber was created more than a decade ago to coordinate promotional efforts for downtown retail businesses and restaurants. But without a regular source of funds, members had to solicit donations from businesses for each event or project -- a time-consuming and often frustrating job, Pendleton said. Jay Thorwaldson is editor of the Weekly. He can be e-mailed at . Palo Alto Online Publication Date: Friday, July 26, 2002 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 10 City of Ephrata, Washington Ald er Str eet NW Str ee t 3rd Av e. N W Ba sin CS tre et DS tre et 4th Av e. N W NW NW NW 5th Av e. N W ES tre et NW Central Business District Proposed Parking and Business Improvement Area Boundary 6th Av e. N W SW 4th Av e. S W 6th Av e. S W Parkway Blvd. CS t. S W 9th Av e. S W 10t hA ve. SW SE 8th Av e. S W 5th Av e. S W So uth eas tB lvd . AS tre et 7th Av e. S W Ald er 3rd Av e. S W Div isio nA ve. E Str eet 2n dA ve .S W SW CS tre et SW 1st Av e. S W AS tre et Div isio nA ve. We st DS tre et ES tre et SW 1st Av e. N W NE 2n dA ve. NW 11t hA ve. SW A St. SE 12t hA ve. SW SR 282 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 11 City of Ephrata, Washington 6th Av e. N W 15 5th Av e. N W 19 18 SW 6 28 29 31 12t hA ve. SW SR 282 2 NE AS tre et SE 27 1 A St. SE Parkway Blvd. CS t. S W 9th Av e. S W 10t hA ve. SW 30 4 So uth eas tB lvd . AS tre et 3 8th Av e. S W 11t hA ve. SW Ald er 5 Div isio nA ve. E Str eet 23 5th Av e. S W Av e. S W 7 SW SW CS tre et DS tre et ES tre et SW 22 24 26 8 2n dA ve .S W 4th Av e. S W 6th 9 1st Av e. S W 3rd Av e. S W 25 11 10 20 21 12 2n dA ve. NW 1st Av e. N W Div isio nA ve. We st 34 13 Ald er Str eet NW Str ee t 17 3rd Av e. N W Ba sin 32 33 4th Av e. N W NW CS tre et DS tre et ES tre et NW NW NW 16 Central Business District Proposed Parking and Business Improvement Area Boundary with Block Numbers 7th Av e. S W 14 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 12 Ephrata Central Business District Property Values (as of 7/1/03) Taxing Value Block # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Totals Market Value Difference $ 1,581,275.00 $ 4,568,845.00 $ 2,987,570.00 $ 855,725.00 $ 1,545,835.00 $ 690,110.00 $ 243,750.00 $ 540,450.00 $ 296,700.00 $ 243,750.00 $ 566,855.00 $ 323,105.00 $ 322,375.00 $ 1,128,885.00 $ 806,510.00 $ 470,395.00 $ 1,586,115.00 $ 1,115,720.00 $ 279,375.00 $ 1,159,895.00 $ 880,520.00 $ 297,505.00 $ 1,182,755.00 $ 885,250.00 $ 372,375.00 $ 1,575,995.00 $ 1,203,620.00 $ 251,650.00 $ 899,570.00 $ 647,920.00 $ 245,650.00 $ 673,725.00 $ 428,075.00 $ 179,040.00 $ 647,160.00 $ 468,120.00 $ 188,950.00 $ 711,150.00 $ 522,200.00 $ 212,310.00 $ 699,845.00 $ 487,535.00 $ 105,400.00 $ 169,400.00 $ 64,000.00 $ 119,500.00 $ 642,650.00 $ 523,150.00 $ 146,200.00 $ 601,060.00 $ 454,860.00 $ 170,500.00 $ 516,500.00 $ 346,000.00 $ 383,500.00 $ 1,280,410.00 $ 896,910.00 $ 273,050.00 $ 2,875,980.00 $ 2,602,930.00 $ 419,875.00 $ 7,116,675.00 $ 6,696,800.00 $ 158,600.00 $ 661,620.00 $ 503,020.00 $ 210,000.00 $ 788,280.00 $ 578,280.00 $ 187,500.00 $ 560,950.00 $ 373,450.00 $ 146,250.00 $ 242,530.00 $ 96,280.00 $ 146,250.00 $ 206,250.00 $ 60,000.00 $ 159,500.00 $ 387,500.00 $ 228,000.00 $ 233,750.00 $ 336,735.00 $ 102,985.00 $ 81,000.00 $ 127,100.00 $ 46,100.00 $ 219,800.00 $ 800,700.00 $ 580,900.00 $ 223,000.00 $ 510,500.00 $ 287,500.00 $ 105,500.00 $ 1,007,800.00 $ 902,300.00 $ 289,300.00 $ 10,518,300.00 $ 10,229,000.00 $ 234,000.00 $ 564,935.00 $ 330,935.00 $ 9,756,600.00 $ 47,402,955.00 $ 37,646,355.00 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 13 In some cities, the establishment of a business improvement area has been quite controversial. Questions have been raised concerning the constitutionality of chapter 35.87A RCW (which authorizes PBIAs), and two state supreme court cases have ruled on its validity. See City of Seattle v. Rogers Clothing for Men, Inc., 114 Wn.2d 213 (1990) and Bellevue Plaza v. Bellevue, 121 Wn.2d 397 (1993). In both cases, the court affirmed the authority of cities to utilize the provisions of ch. 35.87A RCW to establish parking and business improvement areas. Step 2: Know the Market Market analysis data that has been assembled in earlier studies and in sections of this report can be used by the retention team to help existing businesses make more informed day-to-day operating decisions. These decisions can relate to inventory, merchandising, advertising and other topics. In addition, data can be used to help make decisions related to location and business expansion. The following information is particularly useful in business retention efforts: CBD Ownership and Value • Characteristics of the business district • Description of the Trade Area • Characteristics of existing and potential customers • Trends and Future Opportunities Members of the retention team should be given a copy of the market analysis or it should be made available on-line. Supplemental information such as detailed demographic reports, lifestyle segmentation profiles, and consumer survey data should also be made available. As it was mentioned in an earlier report, one of Ephrata's great opportunities to revitalize is the fact that a great percentage of the property ownership in the CBD is locally owned. Easily 70% or more of the CBD, as we describe it geographically, is owned by local individuals with a strong relationship to the community's success. This is an unusually high percentage and the advantage is that local ownership is more likely to reinvest than an absentee owner will. This gives a PBIA Funding strategy much more chance of approval and support. We wonder if many people living and working in Ephrata understand how valuable Ephrata's CBD property has become? Step 3: Create a Market Position Statement and Market Driven Strategies for the District An effective marketing position statement identifies realistic opportunities, primary target markets, trade area and the desired business mix for the district. It can also identify niche markets as defined by both products and/or consumer groups. The position statement is derived from the community's vision for the commercial district, the market analysis, and the business district's competitive position in the marketplace. Subsequent sections of this guidebook provide guidance in defining targeted niche markets and developing marketing plan recommendations including a marketing position statement. II. Economic Restructuring Ephrata Business Retention and Expansion Recommendations One of the most effective business restructuring tools the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce/PBIA can offer is a program to assist existing businesses in their efforts to become or remain profitable within the business district. It is typically less costly and time intensive to help retain an existing business than it is to try to recruit a new one. Further, the success of existing businesses provides proof of the economic viability of a district. Accordingly, every opportunity should be given to existing business operators first. Step 4: Identify Key Businesses While it is important to offer retention assistance to all business, there may be certain businesses that are critical to the economic vibrancy of the district. These are typically important businesses that create street life, pedestrian traffic and a sense of vitality. Typically they relate to the primary target markets identified in the market position statement described earlier. These businesses can include but are not limited to: Businesses at risk include those facing financial difficulty, owner/operator retirement, or vulnerability to new competition. Others include businesses that believe they can be more profitable operating in a different location outside of the business district. • • • • • • • • • Anchors and traffic generators Long-standing businesses in the community Creative, model businesses Large employers New businesses with growth potential Minority-owned businesses Businesses that serve an ethnic or minority market Businesses that serve downtown residents Businesses that are important to the primary retention strategies • Unusual businesses that add character to the district Businesses with expansion potential must not be forgotten. The competitiveness of many retail and service categories requires businesses to constantly look for ways to retain and attract new customers. A business must stay on top of market data and trends if it hopes to maintain or build market share. A comprehensive and formalized business expansion and retention program can be used to help a community's existing businesses survive and grow. The University Of MinnesotaExtension has developed a nationally recognized program that brings local leaders and development groups together with extension educators and university faculty to help communities explore options for strengthening local businesses. Step 1: Establish a Business Retention Team A business retention committee (team) should be assembled and given the responsibility for developing retention strategies and coordinating business assistance activities. The committee should include four or five individuals skilled in small business banking, marketing and accounting. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 14 • Expanding existing space or relocating within the district • Opening boutique shops with niche product lines inside other businesses • Opening under one-ownership "companion" shops that support each other • Opening a complementary new business Step 5: Offer Needed Business Assistance The retention effort should address specific types of assistance identified by key businesses. Typical areas of focus may include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Store presentation and window display Merchandise presentation Merchandise selection Locating buying groups Customer service Developing/updating business plans Accounting and record keeping Compliance with local, state and federal regulations Inventory control Computer usage Web site development Personnel management and training Financial incentives Local code enforcement and public policy Improving advertising and promotion Identifying and capturing new markets; and planning for business expansion Assistance can be provided through group workshops, oneon-one counseling, and making available a lending library of books and resource materials. Local assistance can be provided by the local university extension educators, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselors, Main Street program business specialists, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), chamber of commerce and other public or private small business professionals. Often a recruitment team can use the market analysis to provide assistance in how to penetrate the existing market more effectively. This may simply be assistance to help businesses serve existing customers better and bring back lost customers. For those seeking additional space, encourage the geographic clustering of businesses to increase sales by helping businesses benefit from each other's customers. Identify products, services and other businesses for cross-promotion. This includes identifying ways to help one business complement another. Plan new, market driven events that not only bring foot traffic to the business district during business hours, but also consumers. These consumers should represent the targeted market segments most important to the business district as identified in the marketing plan recommendations. Step 8: Recognize Early Warning Signs of Business Failure The business retention team should identify struggling businesses as early as possible before it is too late to provide meaningful intervention. Often these businesses will exhibit signs of difficulty or "red flags." These warning signals can include: • • • • • • • • • • • Step 6: Promote Downtown Businesses to Targeted Markets To help the retention effort, the district's promotional activities must be consistent with the market analysis data and the resulting marketing strategies for the district (see step 3). Effective promotion of special events and activities requires knowing the best ways to reach targeted consumer groups. To help attract the targeted markets, work to improve the district's overall image and identity through public relations, business standards, and maintenance of public areas and private property. Step 7: Help Businesses Identify and Develop Opportunities for Growth and Expansion Low or slow moving inventory Cut backs in staff Cut back in hours Drop-off in advertising Poor interior and exterior maintenance Negative attitudes Slow payment records or other banker information On-the-street rumors Poor performance of another business in the same cluster An owner's personal crisis or major lifestyle change A business owner nearing retirement with no transition plan As personal business difficulties are usually a very sensitive and confidential issue, the retention team needs to approach the subject operator in a gentle manner. The team should assess any specific needs of businesses and offer assistance when possible. The retention team can be of great assistance to the district by helping businesses identify opportunities for growth and expansion. These opportunities can include: A common cause for business failure today is the intense competition from national discounters and category killers that sell the same products or services. • Attracting more customers through improved marketing effectiveness • Building a repeat customer base • Motivating existing customers to spend more money • Identifying new markets for current product lines through increased market knowledge • Adding new product lines or services to capture a wider market range • Identifying and adapting to business and marketing trends; Repositioning and differentiating the business by changing its image and product mix to capture new markets Step 9: Plan for Business Transition If a business owner plans to sell, close or retire, it is important to find this out as early as possible. The retention team's role here could include: Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 15 • Pricing strategies. Be creative through repackaging and relabeling items. Instead of sale prices, consider issuance of gift coupons for future purchases. Don't be preoccupied with low prices. • Serving as a liaison between business owner and potential buyers or broker • Identifying potential buyers • Developing financial incentives for purchase • Helping set up an employee buy-in program • Providing information and resources to business owners • Helping business owners prepare marketing materials • Working with media on advertising and public relations during the transition Potential Property Development Financing Partners For the benefit of the property owners and businesses in the CBD, the new PBIA should also create new business relationships with business financing organizations. Low interest loan pools, local banking products, and outside investor group funding are just a few ways to create the money needed for façade renovation, building improvements, inventories, and new merchandising equipment. Here is a partial list of potential new Ephrata partners. Assisting with business transition requires special skills in commercial brokering and real estate. If no one on the retention team has this expertise, it may be necessary to bring someone else on board or gradually acquire information on how to facilitate successful business sales. Bank of the West Ephrata, Washington Step 10: Support Your Downtown Businesses Personally US Bank Ephrata, Washington For the retention team to maintain credibility when working with local businesses, its members need to be seen shopping, dining and conducting business on a regular basis in the district. Becoming active participants in the downtown marketplace provides additional opportunities for visual monitoring, keeps communication channels open, and builds relationships that are an intangible but essential key to making business retention efforts succeed. Washington Mutual Bank Ephrata, Washington Washington Trust Bank Ephrata, Washington AmericanWest Bank Ephrata, Washington Northwest Business Development Association Spokane, Washington General Tips for Independent Retailers Grand County Economic Development Council Moses Lake, Washington Independent retailers can build their own strategies once they understand the competitive strengths and weakness of the national discounters. A prerequisite is a positive attitude and willingness to make periodic change. Independent retailers should take advantage of the fact that they can be flexible and unique. Some general tips include: Downtown Design and Aesthetics • Know your customers and competition. Use your trade association to the full extent possible. Know how to pick only those customers and products that make you money. Conduct a market analysis. • Offer a unique and responsive product line. Localize and customize your product line and respond to changing consumer wants quickly. While you can't offer the selection of big stores, you can find out what local consumers really want. • Offer quality and value. Offer a fresh package of values that compares favorably to the large stores. Make sure that less than 30% of your products are price sensitive commodity items. • Create destination density. Work with neighboring downtown businesses to create and jointly promote the downtown area as a consumer-friendly place where people satisfy several shopping needs. • Be service and customer driven. Provide excellent customeroriented service such as custom order capability, acceptance of credit cards and convenient store hours. Customer relations including greeting customers are vital. • Renew your image. A unified, consistent, and clean image is critical. Use visual merchandising through window displays and store organization. Consider fresh paint, sidewalk improvements and flowers or landscaping. Streetscape Opportunities – Character and Personality The streets, sidewalks, alleys and utilities found in the Ephrata CBD appear to be in good condition, but there are very few amenities and routine cleaning is not being done. Benches, trash cans, and informational signage are in short supply and offer no way for the potential customer to just sit and enjoy the Ephrata CBD. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 16 Trees line Ephrata's CBD streets, but their care seems a bit dubious. Trimming has been done that doesn't really improve the look or health of the trees. The CBD must be relying on the City to care for this urban forest and cost of this maintenance is an obvious issue. Some communities we have worked in create local support groups for CBD trees and seasonal plantings. A flower club or non-profit group, based in horticultural practices and appreciation, take over the care of the tree population and work with the adjacent property owner to care and maintain this valuable CBD asset. Also, with some leadership, a program can evolve into caring for holiday decorations and other CBD beautification/enhancements. Identify Store Front and Building Opportunities There are several interesting buildings in the Ephrata CBD. Unfortunately, years of covering them up with homemade signage, inappropriate painting, false facades and a general lack of maintenance makes it hard to know how special many core area buildings could be. Without any guidance, there is no set standard for design or quality, and it shows. Ron's Quick Lube, Zoe, The Bell Hotel, and the Lauzier Foundation Building are great examples of fine street facades. They look like the owners care for their property, invest in maintaining the assets and all show the level of quality that is possible in Ephrata. Brag about them and use their owner's commitment to show others how important the overall look of the CBD translates to business profits and customer loyalty. Central Business District Parking As with many communities we have worked with, CBD parking in Ephrata is an issue currently before the City Council. Parking is perceived to be a problem affecting the business district. A visual analysis was conducted of the parking supply during several different time periods. The first period was from 8 to 9 am on weekdays. There was no significant shortage. The next period studied was weekdays from noon to 1 pm. Demand was the strongest during this time, but short-term parking was still available. A third period from 3 pm to 6 pm was monitored. A fourth weekend period was studied from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday. Observations indicate that there is more than adequate parking available. Today there are more than 1,000 individual parking spaces on and off street in the Ephrata CBD. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 17 Ephrata Central Business District Parking Inventory (as of 7/1/03) On-Street Count Block # South North West East total by block 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 0 0 0 18 15 10 12 15 13 12 11 13 12 20 7 12 12 10 10 10 10 17 15 6 15 15 11 7 8 15 14 12 12 9 18 15 14 6 0 10 5 8 8 10 13 10 13 12 0 0 0 0 13 15 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 17 0 8 0 15 4 7 5 9 6 11 10 7 0 0 3 0 6 5 9 9 12 2 0 4 5 5 3 5 1 0 0 7 16 8 10 0 15 2 0 7 11 13 12 11 7 5 10 0 0 5 0 4 4 9 10 10 6 0 5 5 1 0 4 0 0 5 12 8 28 23 29 41 19 34 33 45 39 44 41 35 35 32 10 17 18 19 36 43 42 39 21 10 25 25 15 12 13 15 14 29 40 42 Totals 378 212 182 191 963 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 18 Ephrata Core Area Maintenance The Ephrata CBD needs a maintenance strategy. The visitors to the CBD saw this year's Christmas decorations up until mid to late February. Sidewalk washing, window washing and curb cleanup go undone for several weeks. Weeds, un-watered areas, and litter are creating eyesores. There are many unattended vacant lots. This is not acceptable in quality communities. The CBD must lead the way when it comes to maintenance and cleaning, especially in today's competitive marketplace. With the Grant County Courthouse and Jail located in the CBD, it makes them a logical partner for a new CBD maintenance plan. Working with the Grant County Courts, people serving time in jail, or those sentenced to community service, could work to clean and preserve the inviting appearance of Ephrata. Share the cost with the County and City. This is another very visible public-private partnership with benefits for all involved. It gives the County's jail guest something to do, it raises a little money for the City/County, and it keeps Ephrata looking inviting and open for business. Spokane has a good program to emulate. It is managed by the Downtown Spokane Partnership and the Spokane County Courts. "Good ideas are borrowed, Great ideas are stolen". Steal this one. Coupled with three off-street lots and over 20 vacant lots in the district, core-area parking is not Ephrata's business development problem. Ephrata's parking challenge can best be addressed through appropriate signage, employer/employee education and management of this valuable, but adequate, core area asset. Adequate, available and convenient parking should be mentioned in every CBD merchandising advertisement or news story. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 19 In Bartow, Florida, every Friday morning the businesses that line the core-area streets wash their sidewalks, windows and store fronts. They maintain their trees and flower plantings at the same time. After the cleaning is done a city street washer comes by and finishes the job. Bartow starts clean and beautiful every Friday morning. This tradition has been very good for the merchants and the property owners. Their program has built camaraderie within the group and mutual appreciation between the businesses and their community. Core Area Signage Highway Signage Ephrata's signage issues begin at the intersection of Highways 17 and 282 and continues into the core area. If you had the choice of going to the Grand Coulee Dam or some town named Ephrata; which way are you going to go? This intersection area is a great location for a quality sign that invites you, no, challenges you, to visit Ephrata. Opportunity missed. The Basalt Column signs, as you get closer to town, are interesting, but ineffective and appear as if they are falling down. At the intersection of Highway 282 and 283 there is nothing that merchandises the CBD or directs you to the features of the community. Window Displays and Merchant Signage Very few of the Ephrata businesses rotate their window displays with any regularity. That's a shame. Good window displays are probably the easiest and least expensive way to alert your loyal customer base that there is something new in the store. Great window displays don't have to be large, just thought provoking, entertaining and merchandising in nature. A few merchant workshops on visual merchandising and product presentation would be easy to arrange. If there is a sign ordinance in the City of Ephrata, it is not being enforced. Painted out merchant signs are left up for months, maybe even years after an establishment has closed. Home-made crude signs on store fronts in the CBD aren't quaint, they are embarrassing. This practice and acceptance conveys a message of: lack of faith in the business climate, lack of enforcement of community codes, and definitely erodes the positive CBD business environment into a place where businesses go to die. This should be unacceptable. Directional Signage The modest Ephrata directional signage helps, but it's not enough. Where's the Courthouse? the PUD? the Library? the Hospital? Visitor Information or the Chamber of Commerce? There is still a major sign on Basin that says the Chamber of Commerce is located in the building, but it's not. It has moved to Alder Street. I'll bet Ephrata visitors don't really appreciate that little inconvenience. What about; off-street parking for RVs, public bathrooms, parks and trails, the new pool/aquatic center, law enforcement, etc., etc? People need to be able to find these places. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 20 Along the main streets of Ephrata are many opportunities for wall murals. These walls give the community a chance to tell its story: Who you are, where you come from, what's important to Ephrata, and the history of the community. But if you are going to establish a mural plan, you will need to establish rules and set levels of professionalism and quality. Also, Ephrata gets very warm in the summer. Any mural application must take the weather into consideration with a realistic, long-running maintenance plan. The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce will be expected to answer these questions and many more. Develop a professionally created piece and distribute it to all rate payers/PBIA businesses and property owners. Make it available to community leaders and all other interested and potentially supportive groups and individuals. Establish the community's revitalization goals, tell the complete story in print and pictures and start building support. Organizational Newsletter Downtown Marketing Plan and Campaign Budget Organization/Corporate Communications Needs The Ephrata effort has got to be a continuing story with new developments and opportunities every month. That's why you should reconfigure your newsletter. It needs to be much more exciting and opportunity oriented. Each month there should be an important CBD story/opportunity that is available no where else. After the group has reorganized and approved its new, more aggressive Program of Work, it will need to start communicating with the community, governments, and its potential market. Define Target Market and Market Position Corporate Logo In an effort to stretch marketing funds, Ephrata needs to target advertising campaigns to specific audiences: Primary, Secondary, Remainder of Grant County, Major Employer/Employees and the growing Tourism and Visitor's markets. Where will all of our customers come from? Specifically speaking: CITY OF Ephrata Primary and Secondary Markets Ephrata needs to re-assess who its target audience is. When you combine the population bases of the Ephrata and the closeby communities of Quincy and Soap Lake, the potential consumer base doubles. Add in Moses Lake and Grand Coulee and the customer base is increased by 400%. If we have good products, in a good location, priced properly, they will come. We just have to let them know Ephrata has what they want and is ready to receive them. Add in the rest of Grant County and the Tourism/Visitor base and the Ephrata market has grown by 1,000%. We have included the Retail Sales Taxes report for Grant County and selected communities to illustrate the potential retail sales that could be happening in the Ephrata CBD. Start by redesigning the corporate mark (logo). Get a professional involved right from the start. This will save time and money. Corporate marks are not just a name and a pretty image, they have a job to do. Establish design goals to work from. • It must convey confidence, now and into the future • It must represent reality, the true essence of the Ephrata community • It must be easy to be used in all forms of media (print and broadcast) • It must be uniquely recognizable, effective, and efficient Another customer base going unorganized are the employees of the major employers in the community. These people are very identifiable, have good or better jobs and need the goods and service Ephrata should offer. Is anybody advertising to them? Population Counts Primary Target Communities Ephrata 6,808 Quincy 5,044 Soap Lake 1,733 13,585 Secondary Target Communities Moses Lake 27,650 Grand Coulee 897 28,547 Remainder Grant County 32,566 We have used a simple Ephrata logo in our report. It is to be offered as an example of the commercial art possibilities. Association Sales Materials Very early on, the group will need a good sales/information package. It tells the complete Ephrata PBIA story, and is used to win new support. Printed information about the revitalization effort will be needed, corporate in look and very business-like. • • • • • • • • Who's involved? What are we doing? Why are we doing it? When? Who's going to benefit? How much will it cost me? And the community? How do I get involved? How will we measure our success? Total Grant County 74,698 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 21 Ephrata City and County Government Workforce and Major Employers Employer Grant County PUD Grant County Walmart Ephrata School District Columbia Basin Hospital City of Ephrata Ephrata Steel Fabricators Forum Truss Molitor Packing The Washington State Highway 17 Visitor Profile reflects this trend. This was a survey profiling visitors along Highway 17 using tourism venues at Othello, Warden, Moses Lake, Ephrata, Coulee City and Coulee Dam July-October 2000. Of the respondents, 70% were traveling away from home and staying overnight in Washington State; one third (34%) were overnighting along Highway 17. Employee Count 577 565 340 242 160 138 30 19 15 Of the One Third staying on Highway 17, one third of them were in the 35-54-age category. The average age was 42. Their average household income was $69,789 and more than half Tourism and Visitors Tourism remains a strong economic driver in Grant County and has grown significantly in importance to the county economy. Ephrata needs to get a greater share of this traffic. Many of the tactics described in this report will help slow visitor traffic, getting them to stop and buy. (51%) were traveling with children. While almost 10% were international travelers, almost 80% of these were Canadian. The average length of stay on Highway 17 was 3.6 nights. Half of the overnighters were camping and 2 out of 3 of these campers were using an RV. The largest groups of travelers by far come from Washington State (54%). Of them, the majority is from King County (27%), Snohomish (15%) and Pierce (11%). The only other U.S. states of any significant numbers are California with 5% and Oregon with 3%. More travelers come from Canada than states outside of Washington. According to the Washington State report on Canadian Travel to Washington State, travelers from British Columbia spent nearly 250 million dollars in Washington State in 1997. Washington is only slightly behind California as the highest visited state and dollars spent. Washington beats Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona and Florida for BC travel money. This does not hold true of the other provinces, Capturing only 3.7% of Alberta's overnight travel expenditures and coming in 30th and insignificant for Ontario. A very low proportion of these Canadian visitors bring children, 2 of 5 pleasure travelers are over 55 and this group is growing in Canada as well as in the United States. Grant County Tourism Economic Impact The significant statistics taken from the Washington State County Travel Impact statement 1991-2000 and the Washington State Lodging Tax Report 1994-2000 regarding Grant County are as follows: Why do travelers visit Grant County? Answers to the Highway 17 Visitor Profile varied. Many overnight visitors gave multiple answers when asked "Most Important Reason" for visit. Outdoor recreation and historic/cultural site were nearly even at 46% and 45% respectively. Another 40% answered "tour Highway 17", 21% responded "view wildlife" and 14% fit the category of "business." • Destination spending, excluding air transportation, has grown from 101.9 million dollars in 1991 to 128.9 million dollars in 2000 for Grant County. • Employment directly generated by travel spending totals over 2,500 jobs, nearly 6% of all jobs in Grant County. • Local taxes generated by travel spending equals 1.8 million dollars, double what it was in 1991. • Distribution of State-Shared Hotel/Motel Taxes doubled for Grant County from the period of 1996 through 2000. • Distribution of Additional Hotel/Motel Taxes rose over 20% for Moses Lake alone from 1998 through 2000. Overnight visitor activities include sightseeing (73%), historic/cultural site (54%), shopping (36%), hiking (35%), wildlife viewing (31%), watersports (28%), fishing (22%), boating (19%), festival/event (17%), bird watching (13%), golf (10%), cycling/mt. bike (9%) and hunting (4%). Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 22 Journal and using both their 3,200 paid circulation newspaper and the 9,354 free distribution circulation publications will cover the primary marketing target very well. A combination buy with the Columbia Basin Herald could be used for the secondary market. With some aggressive negotiations with both newspapers, the PBIA could contract with member advertisers and create a cost savings incentive for advertiser participation. Cooperative advertising will help everyone save money and increase Ephrata advertising lineage in the area publications. More Marketing = More Customers. In reviewing the past six months of the Grant County Journal we find no consistent advertising from the Ephrata CBD. Safeway, Walmart , Big R, Les Schwab Tires, Schuck's Auto Supply, Rite Aid, Able Building Supply and the local Dodge Dealer are the market's larger advertisers, but there is never a united advertising message from the Ephrata CBD. Based upon our on-the-streetinterviews, many people find the CBD lacking in selection, consistency of open store hours and a perceived lack of customer service. Shopping for many of the essentials is done out of the CBD, and for some, completely out of the community. A consistent, well-produced advertising program could go a long way to change these beliefs and practices. Know Your Market Area Ephrata Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count by the four Quarters of 2002 2001 2002 Quarter/Season Information Information %Change 1st QuarterWinter/Spring 910 22,744,804 879 23,620,855 3.9% 2nd QuarterSpring/Summer 967 21,396,427 950 27,461,169 28.3% 3rd QuarterSummer/Fall 888 23,087,535 955 26,114,710 13.1% 4th QuarterFall/Winter 991 29,831,320 1,059 27,281,704 -8.5% How these travelers are influenced on their travel plans is also telling. While traveling, 59% answered "YES" to changing their itinerary because of a brochure picked up along the way. Word of Mouth rated 50% influence and Visitor Centers were credited with 44% influence. Influence on their itinerary by overnight visitors came from family/friends (34%), the internet (24%), Chamber-CVB (15%), State Tourism (13%) Direct Mail (8%) and TV, newspaper and magazines each at 6%. The internet has grown in use with 71% reporting getting information for this trip and 45% getting rates and making reservations. Travel spending in Washington State totaled approximately $10.8 billion in 2001. Since 1991, travel spending has grown 4.5% annually, two times the rate of inflation. Visitors to Washington State spend the following: • • • • • • • TAXABLE RETAIL SALES AND UNIT COUNT Annual Comparison 1996 - 2001 $2.4 billion on food and beverage $2.0 billion on air transportation $1.5 billion on accommodations $1.6 billion on retail purchases $1.5 billion on ground transportation $1.3 billion on recreation $524 million at food stores Year 2001 Ephrata Year 2000 Visitors to Washington made 67.8 million trips and spent 148.2 million visitor days in the state, an average of 2.19 days per visit. Grant County has proved very successful in marketing itself for tourism. Ephrata Year 1999 Ephrata Year 1998 Ephrata Timing/Annual Retail/Service Business Promotion Plan Year 1997 Ephrata Year 1996 Ephrata Based upon information from the Washington State Department of Revenue, it can be summarized that the community of Ephrata has a very traditional retail sales curve. Retail sales in the area follow traditional retail sales cycles based upon; seasons of the year, major holidays, major events and major employer pay days. Ephrata should take advantage of these trends when planning its retail/service promotion. Working with the Grant County CY 01 Unit Count CY 01 Taxable Retail Sales CY 02 Unit Count CY 02 Taxable Retail Sales Percent Change 1,517 74,646,184 1,545 97,008,665 30.0% 1,500 75,396,844 1,517 74,646,184 -1.0% 1,500 71,815,691 1,500 75,396,844 5.0% 1,490 73,390,279 1,500 71,815,691 -2.1% 1,400 67,042,883 1,490 73,390,279 9.5% 1,338 62,286,425 1,400 67,042,883 7.6% Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count Calendar Year, 1996 - 2001 Report Washington State Department of Revenue Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 23 TAXABLE RETAIL SALES AND UNIT COUNT For All Cities and Counties in Washington State By Calendar Year Comparison Uninc. Grant Co. Coulee City Electric City Ephrata George Grand Coulee Hartline Krupp Mattawa Moses Lake Quincy Royal City Soap Lake Warden Wilson Creek Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 3rd Quarter, 2002 For All Cities and Counties in Washington State Comparison of Q3/01 to Q3/02 CY 01 Unit Count CY 01 Taxable Retail Sales CY 02 Unit Count CY 02 Taxable Retail Sales Percent Change 1,279 418 296 1,545 269 568 132 62 572 3,057 1,290 527 477 624 143 151,862,708 8,175,983 2,632,615 97,008,665 4,025,868 20,077,819 418,437 99,978 15,633,408 383,675,330 56,855,031 12,073,896 7,108,177 11,698,887 787,993 1,345 436 274 1,544 271 596 144 70 633 3,225 1,333 546 510 633 146 123,002,392 5,218,533 2,200,108 104,459,942 4,249,457 18,821,209 422,209 109,663 13,290,768 367,844,275 55,760,676 11,862,081 6,003,210 12,950,178 850,765 -19.0% -36.2% -16.4% 7.7% 5.6% -6.3% 0.9% 9.7% -15.0% -4.1% -1.9% -1.8% -15.5% 10.7% 8.0% Q3 01 Q3 01 Unit Taxable Unit Count Retail Sales Uninc. Grant Co. Coulee City Electric City Ephrata George Grand Coulee Hartline Krupp Mattawa Moses Lake Quincy Royal City Soap Lake Warden Wilson Creek Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count Calendar Year, 2002 Report Washington State Department of Revenue Uninc. Grant Co. Coulee City Electric City Ephrata George Grand Coulee Hartline Krupp Mattawa Moses Lake Quincy Royal City Soap Lake Warden Wilson Creek Q1 01 Taxable Retail Sales Q1 02 Unit Count 709 205 112 910 124 313 66 34 302 1,896 722 288 269 348 70 19,641,822 1,324,249 378,413 22,744,804 656,275 4,127,197 86,569 26,173 2,378,073 87,932,912 11,503,045 2,265,030 2,269,562 2,341,681 174,908 687 224 127 879 133 347 58 27 326 1,965 754 295 265 381 69 Uninc. Grant Co. Coulee City Electric City Ephrata George Grand Coulee Hartline Krupp Mattawa Moses Lake Quincy Royal City Soap Lake Warden Wilson Creek 12.2% -11.1% -10.7% 3.9% 61.4% -2.8% -30.0% -51.1% 3.6% -7.0% 0.8% -1.5% - 49.8% 15.9% -34.7% 772 221 153 955 156 340 72 38 354 2,033 800 318 292 369 79 37,188,760 1,637,163 815,494 26,114,710 1,009,376 5,163,071 107,564 29,020 4,266,823 96,353,909 15,108,294 3,638,147 1,853,662 3,729,735 248,379 -30.4% -33.8% 2.3% 13.1% -6.5% 0.2% -27.5% -10.6% -27.6% -3.7% -4.9% -5.2% 4.4% 5.7% 40.6% Q4 01 Unit Count Q4 01 Taxable Retail Sales Q4 02 Unit Count Q4 02 Taxable Retail Sales Percent Change 821 246 180 991 160 365 66 34 342 2,132 809 317 277 388 73 36,705,575 2,032,312 763,467 29,831,320 1,420,810 6,057,845 61,422 24,874 2,953,461 96,798,481 14,335,543 3,030,036 1,355,554 3,090,797 209,046 874 242 157 1,059 146 384 99 36 381 2,200 855 337 333 403 80 28,128,936 1,076,579 389,603 27,281,704 928,205 4,593,874 195,240 39,922 3,192,551 92,507,041 13,315,439 2,789,887 1,485,257 3,204,106 270,162 -23.4% -47.0% -49.0% -8.5% -34.7% -24.2% 217.9% 60.5% 8.1% -4.4% -7.1% -7.9% 9.6% 3.7% 29.2% Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count Quarter 4, 2002 Report Washington State Department of Revenue Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count Quarter 1, 2002 Report Washington State Department of Revenue The year Walmart located in Ephrata, retail sales taxes increased by nearly 30%. Imagine what effect a revitalized CBD could have on the local economy. Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 2nd Quarter, 2002 For All Cities and Counties in Washington State Comparison of Q2/01 to Q2/02 Uninc. Grant Co. Coulee City Electric City Ephrata George Grand Coulee Hartline Krupp Mattawa Moses Lake Quincy Royal City Soap Lake Warden Wilson Creek Change Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 4th Quarter, 2002 For All Cities and Counties in Washington State Comparison of Q4/01 to Q4/02 Q1 02 Taxable Percent Retail Sales Change 22,036,203 1,176,601 337,898 23,620,855 1,058,926 4,011,686 60,557 12,795 2,464,156 81,737,148 11,589,651 2,231,437 1,138,373 2,715,134 114,200 53,415,301 2,473,685 797,227 23,087,535 1,079,955 5,152,178 148,463 32,448 5,894,532 100,030,487 15,891,426 3,837,451 1,775,785 3,528,667 176,621 Q3 02 Percent Retail Sales Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count Quarter 3, 2002 Report Washington State Department of Revenue Taxable Retail Sales And Unit Count 1st Quarter, 2002 For All Cities and Counties in Washington State Comparison of Q1/01 to Q1/02 Q1 01 Unit Count 753 213 151 888 129 315 69 30 321 1,966 791 293 277 374 76 Q3 02 Taxable Count Q2 01 Unit Count Q2 01 Taxable Retail Sales Q2 02 Unit Count Q2 02 Taxable Retail Sales Percent Change 772 242 145 967 146 320 59 30 326 1,998 775 289 281 359 69 42,157,557 2,347,795 695,216 21,396,427 875,866 4,771,005 122,333 16,490 4,412,163 99,405,729 15,263,661 2,943,954 1,770,944 2,815,300 227,712 767 238 148 950 153 364 56 36 348 2,083 811 297 267 366 79 35,776,507 1,333,502 657,449 27,461,169 1,255,803 5,106,823 59,284 28,153 3,372,163 97,664,568 15,774,165 3,207,738 1,554,642 3,333,870 218,095 -15.1% -43.2% -5.4% 28.3% 43.4% 7.0% -51.5% 70.7% -23.6% -1.8% 3.3% 9.0% -12.2% 18.4% -4.2% Taxable Retail Sales and Unit Count Quarter 2, 2002 Report Washington State Department of Revenue Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 24 Community Traffic Building Calendar of Events Community events should be considered as traffic-building opportunities, but only if that is part of the event plan. It won't just happen. We just attended the recent Ephrata Sage and Sun Festival. It was a charming event, but it probably did nothing to increase sales for the retail and service businesses in the CBD. Most businesses were closed while hundreds of potential customers lined the streets for the parade. As soon as the parade was over, virtually everyone headed up to the Courthouse for the other event activities. Basin Street returned to a vacant street with very little foot traffic. Plan for consumers to participate at the event and in the stores. There shoud be great window displays, employees working the front of the store and signs that say "Our Bathrooms are Open". Getting the event audience to stay around awhile and shop at home should be part of every CBD traffic-building event. Ephrata 2003 Community Event/Activity Calendar Date Event Name January 1 Beezley Hill Climb- Hat Contest, Parks & Rec. February 8 Coulee Corridor "Big Event" 22 Farmer’s Appreciation Dinner March 22 Canal Caper April 12 Ephrata Community Easter Egg Hunt 19 Ephrata Lions Fishing Derby 25 "Taste of the Basin" Food & Wines Auction May 2 Beezley Burn Race 3 Pro 4 NW Pickups, Hornets, Hobby Stocks, and C.R.O.W. 10 NW Bump to Pass, Hornets, Mini Stocks. Street Stocks 14-17 Aerobatics Apple Cup Championships 17 NW Outlaw St. Stock Series, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, C.R.O.W. 24 Memorial Day - Demo Derby 31 NW Bump to Pass, Hornets, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks, C.R.O.W. June 7 N.S.R.A. – Rebel Jackson Memorial, Street Stock, Hornets 12-15 “Sage-N-Sun Festival” 13-15 Grant Co. Living Museum 14 SAGE and SUN 2nd Annual MUD BOGS 14 Lion's Fun Run 21 Pro4 NW Pickups, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks 21 Farmer’s Market 29-30 Region 8 Soaring Championships 28 NW Outlaw Compacts, Hornets, Street Stocks, C.R.O.W. July 1-6 Region 8 Glider Soaring Championships 5 NW Modifieds, Hornets, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks 12 Mid Season Races - all local classes 19 Pro4 NW Pickups, Hornets, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks 26 Hornets, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, C.R.O.W. August 2 Central WA Late Model Challenge, Mini Stocks, C.R.O.W., NW Bump/Pass 9 Hornets, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks 23 Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, C.R.O.W. 30 WA Midget Racing Assoc., Golden Wheels, Canadian Old Timers, C.R.O.W. September 6 NW Bump to Pass, Hornets, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks 13 Season Championships, all classes 20 Grant Co. Living Pioneer Days October 4 ST. Rose of Lima Champagne Auction "Harvest on Basin Street" November 11 Veterans Day Parade December 6 Christmas "Mint Explosion", 6 Arts and Crafts Bazaar 25 Location Contact Phone Number Ephrata (509) 754-4426 ERC ERC (509) 754-4656 (509) 754-4656 Grandview Heights (509) 754-5506 Ephrata Ephrata Ephrata (509) 754-4656 (509) 754-4656 (509) 754-4656 Ephrata Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park Port of Ephrata Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park (509) 754-4426 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-3508 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Ephrata Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Port of Ephrata Ephrata Raceway Park (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-4656 (509) 754-3334 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-4656 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-2011 (509) 754-3508 (509) 754-9377 Port of Ephrata Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park (509) 754-3508 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata Raceway Park Ephrata (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-9377 (509) 754-4656 St.Rose School Ephrata (509) 754-4656 (509) 754-4656 Ephrata (509) 754-4656 Ephrata ERC (509) 754-4656 (509) 246-9315 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 One new event idea we are suggesting is actually a series of summer activities. Targeted at the primary, secondary and visitor/tourist audiences, these activities will add life to the Ephrata streets. The Ephrata Plaza with the Rock Park Coffee House next door makes for an excellent event venue. Currently it does not appear as if the Plaza is programmed on any kind of consistent basis. Change this and this venue combination can become the community's special meeting place and can expose potential customers to the ever-improving Ephrata CBD. For more information about Ephrata community events contact: Ephrata Chamber of Commerce PO Box 275 Ephrata, WA 98823 (509-754-4656) fax-509-754-5788 echamber@bossig.com www.ephratawachamber.com Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 26 On-Going Community Public Relations Much too often the only news reported about the Central Business District is negative. Ephrata needs to counteract this with a timely, newsworthy public relations campaign. People really do care about the community and their downtown. Well written stories about CBD professionals, core-area activities and profitable businesses makes for great editorial copy. News Releases about Ephrata economic development, parking, retail stores, local retail sales trends and local business expansion are highly sought after stories. The Ephrata PBIA needs to establish a partnership relationship with local Ephrata and other regional media. Once reports recognize that there is a reliable source that provides fact and photographs with support follow-up information, they use it. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 27 Ephrata Tomorrow A Planned/Retirement Community If there was a way to: • • • • • • Revitalize an active Central Business District Add 500 middle class families to Ephrata Rebuild the Hospital and Expand Care Facilities Build a New Golf Course Improve Community Parks and Paths/Trails Enlarge the audience for the new Community Swimming Pool • Build a new property tax base • Not negatively impact the local schools • Build 500 New Homes over the next 7 years Establish a focus group to study the cost and benefits of this idea. Studies have suggested this idea for Ephrata; just maybe it has merit. The Ephrata Airport .......would Ephrata do it? It has been recommended in several previous studies that Ephrata consider becoming a planned community for the active seniors- 55 years old and older. We would agree. Ephrata has plenty to offer and this idea has plenty to offer Ephrata. This population group is growing quicker than any other portion of American society and they have money to spend and invest. They'll need a home. A combined effort with Soap Lake could locate an affiliated spa, taking advantage of the world famous “healing waters” of Soap Lake. Ephrata’s positive characteristics: • • • • • • • • • • • The Ephrata Port District and Municipal Airport are an ideal manufacturing location for a sporting goods company. Why not gliders, ultra-lights, camping gear, camp trailers, tents, boats, mountain climbing equipment, parkas, gloves, boots, skis, ropes, the list goes on. • • • • • • Low crime rate Good medical facilities Inexpensive land to develop Relatively inexpensive homes Inexpensive services offered Great weather (not that much different than many sun belt desert communities). Close to major metropolitan areas, but not too close. World-class recreation and outdoor sportsman attractions. Private airport Close to higher education Located on a major highway, close to a major freeway There are sites available Distribution is easy Inexpensive labor Regional recreation reputation A welcoming governmental environment A ready customer base in the Northwest region and the Pacific Rim counties Establish a focus group to study the cost and benefits of this idea. Job creation is very competitive. It's time for Ephrata to go out and find some new investing partners. Ephrata Municipal Airport Weather Station of the U.S. Weather Service Located in Ephrata in Grant County, Washington, Ephrata Municipal Airport is at an elevation of 1259 feet and was established as a weather station on 01 Feb 1935. From 1971 to 2000, the following average readings were recorded: Months of the Year JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC YEAR Average High Temp. 34.3 42.1 53.6 63.6 72.8 80.5 88.2 87.6 78.1 63.3 45.0 34.4 62.0 Average Low Temp. 21.7 27.1 33.2 39.6 47.9 54.9 61.2 60.3 51.2 40.1 30.3 22.5 40.8 Monthly Precipitation .83 .78 .75 .43 .64 .51 .44 .25 .37 .47 1.03 1.19 7.69 Heating Degree Days 1148 850 668 405 182 60 17 13 123 416 821 1133 5836 Cooling Degree Days 0 0 0 3 37 141 316 289 112 2 0 0 900 Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 28 Mountain Bike Festival/Race priorities, a group of loyal investing partners and a constituency that is willing to follow and assist. We believe that Ephrata has this potential. The Ephrata area would be a great location for a mountain bike/bicycle race festival. The highway between Quincy and Soap Lake going through Ephrata is perfect. The hills to the north could offer a challenging downhill course. Needed hotel/motel rooms and other hospitality providers are in the immediate area and Ephrata businesses have the supplies and inventories needed. This event could be a week-long festival with sanctioning ties to the U.S. Olympic team bringing additional news coverage to the community and presenting Ephrata to a world-wide audience While researching this report several names of community leaders emerged. Organizing this group and establishing commonly-held community goals would be a great start to the revitalization of Ephrata and the community central business district. Rita Tuller - Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, Director work phone (509) 754-4656 Jack Patrick - Real Estate, work phone (509) 754-9511 Lowell Moore - Owner of Moore Furniture and CBD property work phone (509) 754-4755 Gary Ramm - Owners of Binger's Oil work phone (509) 754-4606 Hank Worden-Edward Jones Investments Work phone (509) 754-4370 Randy Boroff - Owners of Britches & Rhinestones Boutique/Community Promoter work phone (509) 754-1241 Dave Canfield - Community Activist and Investor work phone (509) 754-2027 Wayne & Judy Woodmansee - Retired home phone (509) 754-0526 Chelan Kleyn and Dad Mike Tabler , Lauzier Foundation/Attorney work phone (509) 754-3209 Jim Cherf, Immediate Past-City Manager City of Ephrata Deborah Moore - Grant County Commissioner, District 3 work phone (509) 754-2011 Vivian Peterson - Senior Planner Planning and Community Development, City of Ephrata work phone (509) 754-4601 Fran Wolff - Owner, Zoe Vintage Furnishings/Home Decor/Garden work phone (509) 754-4404 Bob Richardson Advertising Manager Grant County Journal work phone (509) 754-4636 A task force should be established to look into the possibilities and potential sponsorships. Report Recommendations 1. Create interest and support for a new Ephrata Central Business District (CBD) revitalization campaign. 2. Redefine the CBD into a larger unit. 3. Create a self-initiated Main Street Program. 4. Encourage the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce to manage this new program. 5. Research the possibilities of creating a Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA). 6. Establish PBIA. 7. Ephrata Chamber of Commerce contacts with the City of Ephrata for funding and management of the PBIA. 8. Reorganize the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce using National Main Street Center Four-Point Approach and PBIA organizational requirements. 9. Develop new Program of Work. 10. Establish business retention/expansion team. 11. Develop CBD design and aesthetics guidelines. 12. Offer building design workshops. 13. Create a new Ephrata CBD parking strategy. 14. Create an Ephrata CBD maintenance plan. 15. Create Ephrata CBD signage guidelines and enforce sign ordinance. 16. Offer visual merchandising workshop. 17. Create a new Ephrata marketing plan and implement. 18. Explore possibilities of a planned/retirement community. 19. Continue to find Ephrata Airport industry partner. 20. Explore the possibilities of an Ephrata based Mountain Bike Festival/Race. Ephrata Entrepreneurs: All under 36 years old Brian & Wendy Turnbull Rock Park Coffee Shop Owners work phone (509) 754-0300 Shane Heston Works for Canfield Insurance work phone (509) 754-2027 Organizing Task Force Eric & Betty Homer home phone (509) 754-0273 This brings us to the end of our report. It is obvious to us that Ephrata needs to reorganize its business component and chart a new future. There is much to build upon and with the right leadership, everything we have suggested in these pages is possible to accomplish. As we have said before, this will not be easy. Community renaissance takes dedicated leadership, new Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 29 Appendix Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 State of Washington Revised Code of Washington Chapter 35.87A RCW PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREAS SECTIONS 35.87A.010 35.87A.020 35.87A.030 35.87A.040 35.87A.050 35.87A.060 35.87A.070 35.87A.075 35.87A.080 35.87A.090 35.87A.100 35.87A.110 35.87A.120 35.87A.130 35.87A.140 35.87A.150 35.87A.160 35.87A.170 35.87A.180 35.87A.190 35.87A.200 35.87A.210 35.87A.220 35.87A.900 Authorized -- Purposes -- Special assessments. Definitions. Initiation petition or resolution -- Contents. Resolution of intention to establish -- Contents -- Hearing. Notice of hearing. Hearings. Change of boundaries. Modification of boundaries. Special assessments -- Legislative authority may make reasonable classifications -- Assessments for separate purposes. Special assessments -- Same basis or rate for classes not required -- Factors as to parking facilities. Ordinance to establish -- Adoption -- Contents. Use of revenue -- Contracts to administer operation of area. Use of assessment proceeds restricted. Collection of assessments. Changes in assessment rates. Benefit zones -- Authorized -- Rates. Benefit zones -- Establishment, modification and disestablishment of area provisions and procedure to be followed. Exemption period for new businesses and projects. Disestablishment of area -- Hearing. Disestablishment of area -- Assets and liabilities. Bids required -- Monetary amount. Computing cost of improvement for bid requirement. Existing laws not affected -- Chapter supplemental -- Purposes may be accomplished in conjunction with other methods. Severability -- 1971 ex.s. c 45. RCW 35.87A.010 Authorized -- Purposes -- Special assessments. To aid general economic development and neighborhood revitalization, and to facilitate the cooperation of merchants, businesses, and residential property owners which assists trade, economic viability, and liveability, the legislature hereby authorizes all counties and all incorporated cities and towns, including unclassified cities and towns operating under special charters: (1) To establish, after a petition submitted by the operators responsible for sixty percent of the assessments by businesses and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects within the area, parking and business improvement areas, hereafter referred to as area or areas, for the following purposes: (a) The acquisition, construction or maintenance of parking facilities for the benefit of the area; (b) Decoration of any public place in the area; (c) Sponsorship or promotion of public events which are to take place on or in public places in the area; (d) Furnishing of music in any public place in the area; (e) Providing professional management, planning, and promotion for the area, including the management and promotion of retail trade activities in the area; or NOTES: Assessments and charges against state lands: Chapter 79.44 RCW. Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 (f) Providing maintenance and security for common, public areas. (2) To levy special assessments on all businesses and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects within the area and specially benefited by a parking and business improvement area to pay in whole or in part the damages or costs incurred therein as provided in this chapter. [2000 c 201 1; 1993 c 429 1; 1985 c 128 1; 1981 c 279 1; 1971 ex.s. c 45 1.] RCW 35.87A.020 Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Business" means all types of business, including professions. (2) "Legislative authority" means the legislative authority of any city or town including unclassified cities or towns operating under special charters or the legislative authority of any county. (3) "Multifamily residential or mixed-use project" means any building or buildings containing four or more residential units or a combination of residential and commercial units, whether title to the entire property is held in single or undivided ownership or title to individual units is held by owners who also, directly or indirectly through an association, own real property in common with the other unit owners. (4) "Residential operator" means the owner or operator of a multifamily residential or mixed-use project if title is held in single or undivided ownership, or, if title is held in a form of common interest ownership, the association of unit owners, condominium association, homeowners' association, property owners' association, or residential cooperative corporation. [1993 c 429 2; 1971 ex.s. c 45 2.] RCW 35.87A.030 Initiation petition or resolution -- Contents. For the purpose of establishing a parking and business improvement area, an initiation petition may be presented to the legislative authority having jurisdiction of the area in which the proposed parking and business improvement area is to be located or the legislative authority may by resolution initiate a parking and business improvement area. The initiation petition or resolution shall contain the following: (1) A description of the boundaries of the proposed area; (2) The proposed uses and projects to which the proposed special assessment revenues shall be put and the total estimated cost thereof; (3) The estimated rate of levy of special assessment with a proposed breakdown by class of business and multifamily residential or mixed-use project if such classification is to be used. The initiating petition shall also contain the signatures of the persons who operate businesses and residential operators in the proposed area which would pay fifty percent of the proposed special assessments. [1993 c 429 3; 1971 ex.s. c 45 3.] RCW 35.87A.040 Resolution of intention to establish -- Contents -- Hearing. The legislative authority, after receiving a valid initiation petition or after passage of an initiation resolution, shall adopt a resolution of intention to establish an area. The resolution shall state the time and place of a hearing to be held by the legislative authority to consider establishment of an area and shall restate all the information contained in the initiation petition or initiation resolution regarding boundaries, projects and uses, and estimated rates of assessment. [1971 ex.s. c 45 4.] Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 RCW 35.87A.050 Notice of hearing. Notice of a hearing held under the provisions of this chapter shall be given by: (1) One publication of the resolution of intention in a newspaper of general circulation in the city; and (2) Mailing a complete copy of the resolution of intention to each business and multifamily residential or mixed-use project in the proposed, or established, area. Publication and mailing shall be completed at least ten days prior to the time of the hearing. [1993 c 429 4; 1971 ex.s. c 45 5.] RCW 35.87A.060 Hearings. Whenever a hearing is held under this chapter, the legislative authority shall hear all protests and receive evidence for or against the proposed action. The legislative authority may continue the hearing from time to time. Proceedings shall terminate if protest is made by businesses and residential operators in the proposed area which would pay a majority of the proposed special assessments. [1993 c 429 5; 1971 ex.s. c 45 6.] RCW 35.87A.070 Change of boundaries. If the legislative authority decides to change the boundaries of the proposed area, the hearing shall be continued to a time at least fifteen days after such decision and notice shall be given as prescribed in RCW 35.87A.050, showing the boundary amendments, but no resolution of intention is required. [1971 ex.s. c 45 7.] RCW 35.87A.080 Special assessments -- Legislative authority may make reasonable classifications -- Assessments for separate purposes. For purposes of the special assessments to be imposed pursuant to this chapter, the legislative authority may make a reasonable classification of businesses and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects, giving consideration to various factors such as business and occupation taxes imposed, square footage of the business, number of employees, gross sales, or any other reasonable factor relating to the benefit received, including the degree of benefit received from parking. Whenever it is proposed that a parking and business improvement area provide more than one of the purposes listed in RCW 35.87A.010, special assessments may be imposed in a manner that measures benefit from each of the separate purposes, or any combination of the separate purposes. Special assessments shall be imposed and collected annually, or on another basis specified in the ordinance establishing the parking and business improvement area. [1993 c 429 6; 1985 c 128 2; 1981 c 279 2; 1971 ex.s. c 45 8.] RCW 35.87A.090 Special assessments -- Same basis or rate for classes not required -- Factors as to parking facilities. The special assessments need not be imposed on different classes of business and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects, as determined pursuant to RCW 35.87A.080, on the same basis or the same rate. The special assessments imposed for the purpose of the acquisition, construction or maintenance of parking facilities for the benefit of the area shall be imposed on the basis of benefit determined by the legislative authority after giving consideration to the total cost to be recovered from the businesses and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects upon which the special assessment is to be imposed, the total area within the boundaries of the parking and business improvement area, the assessed value of the land and improvements within the area, the total business volume generated within the area and within each business, and such other factors as the legislative authority may find and determine to be a reasonable measure of such benefit. [1993 c 429 7; 1971 ex.s. c 45 9.] Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 RCW 35.87A.100 Ordinance to establish -- Adoption -- Contents. If the legislative authority, following the hearing, decides to establish the proposed area, it shall adopt an ordinance to that effect. This ordinance shall contain the following information: (1) The number, date and title of the resolution of intention pursuant to which it was adopted; (2) The time and place the hearing was held concerning the formation of such area; (3) The description of the boundaries of such area; (4) A statement that the businesses and multifamily residential or mixed-use projects in the area established by the ordinance shall be subject to the provisions of the special assessments authorized by RCW 35.87A.010; (5) The initial or additional rate or levy of special assessment to be imposed with a breakdown by classification of business and multifamily residential or mixed-use project, if such classification is used; and (6) A statement that a parking and business improvement area has been established. (7) The uses to which the special assessment revenue shall be put. Uses shall conform to the uses as declared in the initiation petition presented pursuant to RCW 35.87A.030. [1993 c 429 8; 1971 ex.s. c 45 10.] RCW 35.87A.110 Use of revenue -- Contracts to administer operation of area. The legislative authority of each city or town or county shall have sole discretion as to how the revenue derived from the special assessments is to be used within the scope of the purposes; however, the legislative authority may appoint existing advisory boards or commissions to make recommendations as to its use, or the legislative authority may create a new advisory board or commission for the purpose. The legislative authority may contract with a chamber of commerce or other similar business association operating primarily within the boundaries of the legislative authority to administer the operation of a parking and business improvement area, including any funds derived pursuant thereto: PROVIDED, That such administration must comply with all applicable provisions of law including this chapter, with all county, city, or town resolutions and ordinances, and with all regulations lawfully imposed by the state auditor or other state agencies. [1971 ex.s. c 45 11.] RCW 35.87A.120 Use of assessment proceeds restricted. The special assessments levied hereunder must be for the purposes specified in the ordinances and the proceeds shall not be used for any other purpose. [1971 ex.s. c 45 12.] RCW 35.87A.130 Collection of assessments. Collections of assessments imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as otherwise prescribed by Title 35 RCW or in such other manner as the legislative authority shall determine. [1971 ex.s. c 45 13.] Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 RCW 35.87A.140 Changes in assessment rates. Changes may be made in the rate or additional rate of special assessment as specified in the ordinance establishing the area, by ordinance adopted after a hearing before the legislative authority. The legislative authority shall adopt a resolution of intention to change the rate or additional rate of special assessment at least fifteen days prior to the hearing required by this section. This resolution shall specify the proposed change and shall give the time and place of the hearing. Proceedings to change the rate or impose an additional rate of special assessments shall terminate if protest is made by businesses or multifamily residential or mixed-use projects in the proposed area which would pay a majority of the proposed increase or additional special assessments. [1993 c 429 9; 1971 ex.s. c 45 14.] RCW 35.87A.150 Benefit zones -- Authorized -- Rates. The legislative authority may, for each of the purposes set out in RCW 35.87A.010, establish and modify one or more separate benefit zones based upon the degree of benefit derived from the purpose and may impose a different rate of special assessment within each such benefit zone. [1971 ex.s. c 45 15.] RCW 35.87A.160 Benefit zones -- Establishment, modification and disestablishment of area provisions and procedure to be followed. All provisions of this chapter applicable to establishment or disestablishment of an area also apply to the establishment, modification, or disestablishment of benefit zones pursuant to *RCW 35.87A.150. The establishment or the modification of any such zone shall follow the same procedure as provided for the establishment of a parking and business improvement area and the disestablishment shall follow the same procedure as provided for disestablishment of an area. [1971 ex.s. c 45 16.] NOTES: *Reviser's note: "RCW 35.87A.150" has been translated from "section 13 of this act," as the reference to section 13, herein codified as RCW 35.87A.130, was apparently erroneous. RCW 35.87A.170 Exemption period for new businesses and projects. Businesses or multifamily residential or mixed-use projects established after the creation of an area within the area may be exempted from the special assessments imposed pursuant to this chapter for a period not exceeding one year from the date they commenced business in the area. [1993 c 429 10; 1971 ex.s. c 45 17.] RCW 35.87A.180 Disestablishment of area -- Hearing. The legislative authority may disestablish an area by ordinance after a hearing before the legislative authority. The legislative authority shall adopt a resolution of intention to disestablish the area at least fifteen days prior to the hearing required by this section. The resolution shall give the time and place of the hearing. [1971 ex.s. c 45 18.] Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03 RCW 35.87A.190 Disestablishment of area -- Assets and liabilities. Upon disestablishment of an area, any proceeds of the special assessments, or assets acquired with such proceeds, or liabilities incurred as a result of the formation of such area, shall be subject to disposition as the legislative authority shall determine: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, Any liabilities, either current or future, incurred as a result of action taken to accomplish the purposes of RCW 35.87A.010 shall not be an obligation of the general fund or any special fund of the city or town, but such liabilities shall be provided for entirely from available revenue generated from the projects or facilities authorized by RCW 35.87A.010 or from special assessments on the property specially benefited within the area. [1971 ex.s. c 45 19.] RCW 35.87A.200 Bids required -- Monetary amount. Any city or town or county authorized by this chapter to establish a parking improvement area shall call for competitive bids by appropriate public notice and award contracts, whenever the estimated cost of such work or improvement, including cost of materials, supplies and equipment, exceeds the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. [1971 ex.s. c 45 20.] RCW 35.87A.210 Computing cost of improvement for bid requirement. The cost of the improvement for the purposes of this chapter shall be aggregate of all amounts to be paid for the labor, materials and equipment on one continuous or inter-related project where work is to be performed simultaneously or in near sequence. Breaking an improvement into small units for the purposes of avoiding the minimum dollar amount prescribed in RCW 35.87A.200 is contrary to public policy and is prohibited. [1971 ex.s. c 45 21.] RCW 35.87A.220 Existing laws not affected -- Chapter supplemental -- Purposes may be accomplished in conjunction with other methods. This chapter providing for parking and business improvement areas shall not be deemed or construed to affect any existing act, or any part thereof, relating to special assessments or other powers of counties, cities and towns, but shall be supplemental thereto and concurrent therewith. The purposes and functions of parking and business improvement areas as set forth by the provisions of this chapter may be accomplished in part by the establishment of an area pursuant to this chapter and in part by any other method otherwise provided by law, including provisions for local improvements. [1971 ex.s. c 45 22.] RCW 35.87A.900 Severability -- 1971 ex.s. c 45. If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances is not affected. [1971 ex.s. c 45 23.] Ephrata Business Plan Burke Marketing 7/03