Alliance for Vibrancy Agenda Packet 5-19-14

Alliance for Vibrancy
May 19, 2014
3:30p - 5:00p
29 Pearl Street, NW Suite #1
Agenda
1.
Call to order (3:30)
2.
Approval of Minutes: 04/21/14 (3:35) ………………………………………… Rosen
3.
Special Events Advisory Council Update (3:37) ………………………………………… Van Driel
4.
GR Film Fest: Post-Event Evaluation (3:50) ………………………………………… Van Driel
5.
Review of Budget Recommendations for FY 2015 (4:05) …………………………………… Cech
6.
FY15 Project Plan (4:15) …………………………………… Cech
7.
Alliance Updates (4:35) ………………………………………… DGRI Staff
• Investment
• Livability
8.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Update (4:40) ………………………………………… Cech
9.
Meeting Evaluation Survey (4:45) ………………………………………… Cech
10.
Next Meeting – June 16 (4:47)
11.
Public Comment (4:50)
12.
Adjournment (5:00)
Alliance for Vibrancy
Minutes – April 21st, 2014
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Alliance for Vibrancy
April 21, 2014
1.
Call to Order- The meeting was called to order at 3:37pm by Dr. David Rosen
2.
Members Present: Christian Gaines, Jane Gietzen, Janet Korn, Brandy Moeller, Dennis
Moosbrugger, Evette Pittman, Joanne Roehm, Dr. David Rosen, Scott Stenstrom, Eddie
Tadlock
Members Absent: Kate Betts, Kim Bode, Mimi Fritz, Chad LeRoux, Teresa Thome
Others Present: Melvin Eledge, Audrey Sundstrom, Nick Nortier, Kayem Dunn, Mary
Sierawski, Murphy Ackerman, Kim Van Driel, Mandy Cech, Greg Peacock, Kristopher
Larson
3.
Approval of March Minutes-
4.
Mini Grant Funding Recommendations-
Motion: Brandy Moeller, supported by Scott Stenstrom, moved to approve the March
17, 2014 minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
•
Simply Living
Greg Peacock explained to the Alliance that he operates a small music company
called Live Music and has been looking to operate an event that will engage the
Alliance for Vibrancy
Minutes – April 21st, 2014
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
community. Peacock has worked with the Downtown Market to offer free classes to
encourage residents of Heritage Hill, the Southeast, and Southwest neighborhood to
come Downtown and to become comfortable with the area. This event will also have
music and vendors providing free services to help educate the public on what
Downtown has to offer.
Moeller asked Van Driel and Cech for a balance of the remaining funds available for
the rest of the fiscal year. Van Driel explained that mini-grants do not come out of the
same line item as the larger event grants.
Motion: Janet Korn, supported by Jane Gietzen, moved to fund the Simply Living
event in the amount of $1,000 for eligible expenses identified in the event grant
application. Motion carried unanimously.
5.
Development of Funding Recommendations for FY 2015•
Avenue for the Arts: First Friday Gallery Hop
Van Driel updated the Alliance that the Avenue for the Arts has withdrawn their
application.
•
Grand Rapids Original Swing Society
Van Driel explained that while Steve Zaagman was not available to present at this
meeting but that he had presented at the previous meeting. Zaagman’s original
request was for $4,958 dollars that will be used to cover police and security for the
event. Van Driel also added that the Swing Society is a City co-sponsored event,
which means the City covers half of the event costs.
Motion: Jane Gietzen, supported by Janet Korn, moved to fund the Grand Rapids
Original Swing Society in the amount of $4,958 for City-related expenses for FY15
event dates. Motion carried unanimously.
•
GRandJazzFest
Audrey Sundstrom gave a brief update as an overview of the presentation that she
gave at the previous meeting. Dr. Rosen added that this is the final year that the
GRandJazzFest qualifies for the grant funding. Sundstrom explained that
GRandJazzFest received a $10,000 flat grant its first year and a $20,000 match grant
its second year. Gietzen asked if the match grant helped GRandJazzFest to secure
Alliance for Vibrancy
Minutes – April 21st, 2014
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
other funding. Sundstrom explained that she did not believe the match grant or the
DDA funding helped GRandJazzFest to secure any additional funding. Van Driel
explained to the Alliance that GRandJazzFest is currently eligible for a grant covering
20% of their final budget.
Motion: Eddie Tadlock, supported by Christian Gaines, moved to fund the
GRandJazzFest in the amount of $18,960 for eligible activities identified in the
event grant application. Motion carried unanimously.
6.
Priority setting and Budget DiscussionCech updated the Alliance on the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year. Cech
explained that with the help of the Alliance, staff will take recommendations and priorities
to the DDA Board for approval. Cech presented a list of projects that Alliance members
and staff have expressed interest in, as well as estimated costs for each project. Some of
these include: an updated website, a mobile app, a Downtown workforce program,
holiday décor expansion, and public space activation. Tadlock asked if improvements to
the river walk fell under the purview of the Alliance for Vibrancy. Larson explained that
things such as infrastructure fall under the Alliance for Investment for planning and
Alliance for Livability for activation. Korn asked where the 50% of funding for City cosponsored events comes from. Larson explained that the costs are absorbed by the City
of Grand Rapids and the various departments involved in providing services to events. Dr.
Rosen asked Cech and Van Driel if they had laid the various events out on a calendar to
ensure that there is programming across all four seasons. Larson explained that this is a
goal for the Alliance for Vibrancy and they will begin to fill in the gaps in the upcoming
year. Gaines asked about the funding requested for the GoSite and what DGRI would
consider success for a $50,000 contribution. Larson explained that there is not a measure
in place, and that the GoSite will be an item that the Alliance for Vibrancy will have to
evaluate. Gietzen asked if the budget items provided by Cech and Van Driel are already
finalized. Larson explained that all Alliances are still reviewing their preliminary budgets
with hopes of receiving suggestions from their respective members before bringing it for
approval to the DDA Board. Gaines suggested adding a line item for development
education for events to help wean them off of grant support. Roehm added that there is a
great potential for mentoring these groups to become sustainable and to learn how to
monetize their events. Larson expressed his hope that DGRI would begin organizing
profitable events that could in turn support other events.
Alliance for Vibrancy
Minutes – April 21st, 2014
7.
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Alliance Updates Update• Investment
Kelly gave a brief updated on the Alliance for Investment. He informed the Alliance for
Vibrancy that their chair is Nick Monoyios from The Rapid. Kelly explained that his Alliance is
currently reviewing and refining different development programs that are currently in place.
Another priority of the Alliance for Investment has been the Downtown Plan and their
upcoming budget process. Kelly also explained that the parklet manual has been completed
and through the Streetscape Program, the DDA can fund up to 50% of the parklet cost.
• Livability
Kirk explained that the Alliance for Livability is currently doing background work to bring all of
its members up to date on the budget process. Kirk explained that his Alliance is discussing
what a livable Downtown means and how that translates into a list of projects and priorities.
Gaines asked if the Alliance for Livability is looking into a recycling program for the
Downtown area. Kirk responded that they are currently working on a more comprehensive
long-term plan for recycling. Kirk added that the Alliance for Livability is looking into
improving the DASH routes to make it easier to get from the Michigan St. hill into the City.
Tadlock asked when the BRT system is scheduled for service. Kirk explained that all
construction should be completed by June and the routes in service by August.
8.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Update
•
Spring/Summer Activities Calendar
Upcoming activities-Cech informed the Alliance that the International Downtown
Association Midwest Conference will be held in Downtown Grand Rapids on May 5th and
6th with tickets now available to the public.
Movies in the Park- Van Driel explained that the first movie will be held on June 6th, and
that she is currently accepting applications for vendors.
State of the Downtown with Annual Report release- Cech informed the Alliance that
DGRI will be holding its first State of the Downtown event on June 26th. Save the dates
will be sent out in the coming month.
Grandwich- The Grandwich kick-off will be in July and put on by DGRI in partnership
with Neighborhood Business Ventures.
Special Events Advisory Council- Van Driel explained that focus groups were held to
discover events that the public felt were successful, and what events they believed were
missing Downtown. She explained that the results from survey will be compiled and
Alliance for Vibrancy
Minutes – April 21st, 2014
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
provided at the next Alliance meeting.
9.
Meeting Evaluation Survey and Future Agenda Items-
10.
Next Meeting – May 19, 2014
11.
Public Comment
Nick Nortier introduced himself to the Alliance and informed them that he is currently
working with Bill Kirk on public art in the Downtown.
12.
AdjournmentDr. David Rosen adjourned the meeting at 4:58 p. m.
Minutes taken by:
Murphy Ackerman
Administrative Assistant
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Downtown Event Grant Application
Post Event Evaluation
This form is to be filled out after the event. It should be turned in with receipts for approved expenses
for reimbursement.
Event Name: __Grand Rapids Film Festival__________
Contact Person: ___Jen Shaneberger____________________________________
Date of Event___April 9-13, 2014________________________
o Actual Start time _________ Actual End Time ___________
 Describe the Project/Event, its successes and challenges.
GRFF is a 501c3 whose work culminates annually with a 5 day festival. The event continues to grow,
adding new partners, enveloping competing events (ie. Michigan Film Festival) and deepening
community reach by expanding the audience base and student involvement opportunities. This
growth has been consistent since 2011 when the festival restructured and moved downtown. It was
exceptionally noticeable in the 2014 edition due to:
 Enhanced partnership with KCAD leveraging the universities resources in faculty, students
and facility. This brought:
o our animated PSA
o the Fashion for Film Showcase featuring Bernadine Vida, costume designer
o Kelley Baker, sound designer
o WNF as our educational hub
 New downtown venues
o WMCAT for the Sponsor Party
o Pyramid Scheme for Fashion for Film and edgy films
o J.Gardella’s for Young Professionals Trivia
o BOB Eve for the Award Ceremony
o GR Public Museum for family friendly films
o McFadden’s for Special Olympics film
o Tavern on the Square for closing party
 New intern program boasting 9 interns
 Additional board and committee members
 Increased attendance, from 400 in 2013 to 900 for 2014
The immediate challenges for the festival remain in building the organizing committee to well
represent the regional content creating community and building the audience. Though we added
new board and committee members, many film-community members are still not lending their
voice to shape the festival or even attending. Though this year was a tremendous increase on the
disappointing 2013 attendance numbers, there is still much work to be done in public relations and
leveraging our university network. A final challenge area was in negotiating with the downtown
venues. GRFF needs to establish a three year commitment with core venues so that organizers can
structure their public relations and fund raising efforts. In many ways, the festival feels new and
emerging. With a few more years at the current rate of growth, the community impact can be wildly
significant.
 Describe the Goals of the Project/Event and how they were met.
1. To expose Michigan, and particularly Grand Rapids, to independent and industry filmmakers while
continuing to elevate Grand Rapids as a center for cinematic arts. Grand Rapids has incredible
resources, locations, and talent to offer within its own city limits, as well as within a 60-mile drive in
any direction.
-GRFF brought 43 films to downtown, beautiful national and international films that would not
otherwise be screened in GR. 12 filmmakers attended screenings and visited our downtown
locations.
2. To stimulate and perpetuate aspiring and professional filmmakers by giving them a venue for the
expression of their voice through cinematic arts—a voice that resonates through films that are
inspiring, message-driven, or challenging.
We had several stimulating educational events on topics like crowdsourcing, commercial video
work, costume and sound design. We screened 43 films in unique spaces, offering Q&A following.
3. To create networking opportunities for students, professors, and industry professionals that will
enable the creation, completion, and distribution of quality projects.
The production workshop is a great example of this. It brought together several university
professors to create this short film through a collaborative pro-shoot demonstration. The fashion for
film showcase and fashion career day is another example of this. Additionally, the roundtables and
panel discussions open dialogues between area professors and students. l
4. To give viewing audiences quality independent movies which raise the bar for cinematic arts.
We screened 46 quality films from all over the world.
5. To build an event that continues to bring fun, newcomers, dollars, exposure, and recognition to
Grand Rapids.
We had a lot of fun events this year, and brought 900 people to downtown where they purchased
food and beverages. Over the 5 day period, 900 people came downtown to participate in the various
events. Exposure was given to the downtown venues through radio advertising, print articles and
television mentions.
6. To support the local film industry, a growing asset for economic development in our state, by
helping to attract an educated and creative workforce.
This was demonstrated through public relations and marketing exposure for film related
professionals; continuing education events like panels and lectures; and by exhibiting regionally
made works.
7. To deliver educational programming through a demonstrative Production Workshop. This is
designed to demonstrate each step of the filmmaking process through the exercise of producing a
three minute short film from conception to completion, and connecting various panel and lecture
components into one cohesive experience. Many regional industry professionals and academics will
lend in the effort of producing this portion of the programming.
Downtown Event Grant Application
2
The Production Workshop brought together 40 individuals to complete a short film. This experience
expands networks by introducing new working relationships in a short project form.

Describe the economic impact of the event to downtown Grand Rapids. How were businesses
involved in the event? How many businesses participated? Were they successful due to the
event?
Many downtown businesses were able to partner by hosting festival events. The impact for these
venues included food and beverage sales, exposure to a new market and public relations/marketing
impressions:
o KCAD WNF building as educational hub
o WMCAT for the Sponsor Party
o Pyramid Scheme for Fashion for Film and edgy films
o J.Gardella’s for Young Professionals Trivia
o BOB Eve for the Award Ceremony
o GR Public Museum for family friendly films
o McFadden’s for Special Olympics film
o Tavern on the Square for closing party
Other businesses leveraged the public relations opportunity to build their network. Cheeky Strut for
example was pleased to reach 150 potential new costumers by donating hair and makeup for seven
of the fashion for film models. Clear Channel radio (located in the heart of downtown) was able to
use the momentum of th e festival to gain advertising dollars from Harvey Chevrolet.
The event was able to spend most of its budget on vendors within the downtown area or in the
surrounding region. The dollars that left the region where to entice talent to enhance programming.
The filmmaking community was impacted through expanded network and increased awareness of
collaborative projects. This is important because through this effort infrastructure is built that can
sustain larger budget film projects.

What was the attendance at the event? Were there any issues with safety or security? Cleaning?
Parking? Attendees? Food and beverage?
900 people attended our various events over the 5 day festival. There were no issues. All went well.

Was the event well promoted? Was the downtown logo used on all event collateral? Please list
any media tied to the event.
In addition to a 15k sponsorship package with Clear Channel Radio stations WSNX and Wood
Radio, the follow press was granted. Yes, the Downtown Logo was used, even a full page ad was
granted in our program of which we printed and distributed 2k copies.
Downtown Event Grant Application
3
Date
Source
Link
Mlive
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grandrapids/index.ssf/2013/12/state_arts_grants_to_grand_ra
p.html
MCACA grant
mLive
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grandGrand Rapids Film Festival
rapids/index.ssf/2013/12/grand_rapids_film_festival_se seeking submissions for 2014
e.html
event
GRBJ
http://www.grbj.com/articles/78616-grand-rapids-filmfestival-calls-for-submissions
1/16/2014
Mlive
https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.mlive.com/
entertainment/grandrapids/index.ssf/2014/01/35500_in_statefunded_minigran.html&ct=ga&cd=NjY0ODIyNTMzOTA5N
DEwNDkyMQ&cad=CAEYAA&usg=AFQjCNGSJtccaW3SYQ
qZikmjzd3DPOnYaw
LowellArts grant
2/12/2014
GVSU
Lanthorn
http://www.lanthorn.com/article/2014/02/gvsu-internspull-together-to-make-grff-happen
Intern article
2/17/2014
mLive
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grandGrand Rapids Film Festival
rapids/index.ssf/2014/02/grand_rapids_film_festival_an announces venues, details for
n_1.html
2014 event
3/17/2014
The Rapidian
http://therapidian.org/local-film-productioncoordinator-relishes-role-company-family
Frankie - film industry jobs
3/18/2014
Experience
Grand Rapid
http://www.experiencegr.com/blog/the-grand-rapidsfilm-festival-is-almost-here/
Festival roundup
The Rapidian
http://therapidian.org/film-festival-submissionscoordinator-encourages-community-diversity
Robby Morgan - film industry
jobs
3/31/2014
The Rapidian
http://therapidian.org/grand-rapids-film-festivalpresents-fashion-film
4/1/2014
GRNow
Whats Happening in April
4/1/2014
Revue
Magazine
http://issuu.com/revue_west_michigan/docs/revueapr2014-revue-issuu/43?e=6660869%2F7261621
4/1/2014
GRmag
12/15/2013
12/16/2013
12/24/2013
3/20/2014
4/4/2014
The Rapidian
Headline
Call for submissions
fashion article
event listing
http://therapidian.org/grand-rapids-film-festival-judgelooks-films-unique-stories
Downtown Event Grant Application
Daniel Dobson - film industry
jobs
4
WZZM13
http://www.wzzm13.com/videos/news/local/morningfeatures/2014/04/05/7344723/
Mlive
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grandrapids/index.ssf/2014/04/top_5_things_to_do_in_grand
_ra_30.html
Top 5
4/6/2014
Mlive
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grandrapids/index.ssf/2014/04/grand_rapids_film_festival_ai
m.html
Community building
4/6/2014
The Rapidian
http://therapidian.org/longest-game-grand-rapids
event listing
4/7/2014
MI evening
out
http://www.mieveningout.com/grand-rapids-filmfestival-aims-to-bring-together-filmmaking-community/
share of mlive article
4/7/2014
Wood Radio
http://www.woodradio.com/articles/wood-news125494/gr-film-fest-to-start-wednesday-12225715
GRFF begins
4/8/2014
Grand rapids
city
http://grandrapidscity.com/news/articles/find-filmsthat-are-out-of-the-box
share of woodtv
WoodTV8
http://woodtv.com/2014/04/07/find-films-that-are-outof-the-box/
eightwest interview with Jen
WZZM13
http://www.wzzm13.com/story/entertainment/events/2
014/04/08/grand-rapids-film-movie-festival/7427305/
films and education
WZZM13
http://www.wzzm13.com/video/3445611003001/1/Gra
nd-Rapids-Film-Festival
Take 5 interview
4/5/2014
4/6/2014
4/8/2014
4/8/2014
4/8/2014
festival round-up - downtown
focus
4/8/2014
Wood Radio
interview with Tamaryn and
Lori
4/9/2014
http://www.calvin.edu/chimes/2014/04/09/grandCalvin Chimes rapids-film-festival-to-show-film-by-calvin-students/
Moo documentary by Calvin
Students
4/9/2014
GVSU
Lanthorn
http://www.lanthorn.com/article/2014/04/grff-bringsfilms-from-across-the-world-to-grand-rapids
Mlive
http://www.mlive.com/business/westmichigan/index.ssf/2014/04/from_skateboards_to_swin
g_danc.html
DDA grant
Wood Radio
http://www.woodradio.com/articles/wood-news125494/gr-downtown-development-authority-approvesthousands-12236808
DDA grant
4/9/2014
4/9/2014
Downtown Event Grant Application
5
4/9/2014
WZZM13
http://www.wzzm13.com/story/news/local/grandrapids-central/2014/04/09/grand-rapids-filmfestival/7497543/
4/10/2014
Culture
Vulture
http://kulturevulture.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/grand
-rapids-film-festival/
home page share
4/10/2014
WJRW
film festival begins
interview with Jen
http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2014/04/21/13
14231/pinoy-director-wins-grand-rapids-filmfest
First Match best short
4/21/2014
PhilStar.com
N/A Event
Page
West Michigan
Film and Video
Alliance
http://www.wmfva.org/festivals.php
listing
Please provide copies of the marketing collateral for the event, as well as copies of media covering the
event.
Downtown Event Grant Application
6
Actual Budget and Sponsors
A. Expenditures. Please list all expense items. These are cash expenses – another 32k of inkind expenses are not reflected in the following numbers.
Description of Budget Items
Staffing
Administrative
DDA Grant Funds
0
0
Other Funds
8150
499
Total
8150
499
Hospitality
Marketing/PR
Venue
Educational programming
0
3000
0
4772.17
2297
1345
1390.97
4772.17
5297
1345
1390.97
Total Budget
$3000
$18454
$21454
Describe specifically how the DDA Grant Funds were used.
These funds will pay for our graphic artist – a Kendall Student, and our printing expenses for programs
and posters from Screaming Gnat, located in downtown.
B. Income. Please list all sources from which income was received.
Funder
1. Sponsorships
2 Grants
3 Ticket Sales
4 Submission Fees
5. Food and Beverage
Amount
$ 4500
$ 12500
$ 2651.20
$ 2176.20
$ 26.40
Total cash income
$ 21,854
Downtown Event Grant Application
7

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