If you re involved in something significant, it s uphill all the way. ANNUAL REPORT FY

Transcription

1 If you re involved in something significant, it s uphill all the way. ANNUAL REPORT FY

2 GALLATIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS ANNUAL REPORT A Review of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 ignificant -- definition important -- has an alternative meaning I particularly favor: of or relating to observations that are unlikely to occur by chance and that therefore indicate a systematic cause. Gallatin County Fairgrounds experienced unprecedented growth this fiscal year. The Fair Board did not remain isolated to one particular event or activity. Instead, this leadership team (including the Fairgrounds staff, Gallatin County Commissioners and key Gallatin County officers) embraced an entire body of change. This financial report shows a clear reflection of that momentum, and why a systemic cause was a wise business decision. In the fall strategic planning session, the Fair Board chose to begin focusing on the WHY as part of its ambition. As Steven Covey once said, He who has a why can deal with any what or how. Why does a community maintain, promote and grow a Fairgrounds? Our WHY was identified as: To provide the community with a gathering place for diverse groups. To provide a place for trade a fairgrounds creates an economy. To foster youth development and champion our role as a hub for Gallatin County youth. Each point reflects the unique nature of a fairgrounds. Steeped in agricultural history and family values, it must be a place that is capable of reflecting today s diverse publics while building an economic engine for the community just as it did 100 years ago. One wonderful example is the annual Big Sky Country State Fair--newly branded, rich in agricultural offerings, and providing a wide variety of entertainment and competitions for all ages. My father always used to say that it was a dangerous thing to become a Jack of all trades, and a master of none. I might contest that in this business, Jack is a pretty smart guy. Focusing on the WHY means constantly taking the pulse of all that is evolving in our region, and then producing the best multipurpose facilities to serve as many as possible. Our challenge is to keep our mission in constant focus, while envisioning what can be. Lori K. Cox, CFE General Manager Gallatin County Fair Board Jeff Wade, Chair Brenda York, Vice Chair Conrad Anker Michael Everts K.C. McLaughlin Ann Marie Moran Tim Stefan Office Lori Cox, General Manager Dennis Voeller, Facilities Director Rachel May, Finance Manager Linda Blomback, Office Manager Operations Kole Kuntz, Foreman Phil Hamel Kevin Fischer Gallatin County Fairgrounds ~ 901 N Black, Bozeman MT ~ p) ~ e) fairgrounds@gallatin.mt.gov

3 MILESTONES Jul 15 Oak Street entrance completed. The Fair draws 36,281 patrons and offers all entertainment free with Fair admission. Aug 15 Dec 15 Jan 16 Feb 16 Mar 16 May 16 Instituted new booking and AP software, Ungerboeck, to streamline efficiencies and align with the County s Eden system. The international Bozeman Ice Festival held in Anderson Arena. Bozeman Stampede wins Montana PRCA Rodeo of the Year. The Fair changes its name to Big Sky Country State Fair. Plans solidified to move MSU Extension home to Fairgrounds campus. Multipurpose Building planning launched with Populous. IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS facility investments for a total of $182,351 in capital improvements INCREASE IN TAXPAYER SUPPORT total value of donated space to Gallatin County 4-H increase in gate revenues increase in concession sales TOTAL FACILITY RENTALS INCREASE IN CLIENTS FACILITIES MASTER PLAN BIG SKY COUNTRY STATE FAIR Capital improvements to the physical plant doubled over FY The year began finishing the Oak Street entrance including a paved road running along the west side of the baseball stadium and connecting the new north parking lot with the south lot off of Tamarack. An equine performance arena was built on the north side of Anderson Arena and major fencing renovations included relocating the dog park and motor sports area. We also began work on electrical upgrades, including power for key facilities such as box offices and crows nests, and improvement to landscaping from lawns to tree placement. Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association continued work on their second ice structure. Dubbed The Ice Barn, the building is intended for year-round skating. The Fairgrounds increased their value of donated space to other county departments, such as the Sheriff s Office and the Elections Department, by 110%. With the Fairgrounds Master Plan in hand, the Fair Board determined its top priorities for the next three years. 1. Multipurpose Building -- at number one, this building is needed to grow critically-needed revenues for future capital improvements. The building will serve a wide range of publics -- youth athletic clubs, livestock events, trade shows, conferences, sporting events, equestrian shows, rodeo and reunions, to name just a few. 2. Oak Street Entrance -- With the CTAP Trail winding its way across the north side of the Fairgrounds, the new Oak Street entrance now needs lighting and signage for safety and visibility. 3. Greenspace -- Seeding new lawn areas, improving foliage, beautification of entrances and rentable greens were identified as top priorities. Without a doubt, the 2015 Fair experienced an unprecedented growth rate. Attendance was up an estimated 34% and concessionaire sales were up 67%. Changes to pedestrian flow, cash handle at the gates, placement of Food Row, carnival location and the addition of night shows and other hot entertainment features contributed to the positive numbers. Guests seemed to receive the changes with favor, indicating that the business model was a favorable turn in the right direction. Later that winter, the Fair Board elected to change the name from Gallatin County Fair to improve regional attractability for guests, competitors and entertainers. This vision is designed to match the growth of Gallatin County with the goal of becoming one of the largest events in Montana.

4 The 2015 Gallatin County Fair (rebranded later that winter to Big Sky Country State Fair) invoked a new business model. All entertainment -- outside of the carnival, food and beverage sales -- became free with Fair admission. The Fair shifted its pedestrian traffic to accommodate two main gates. As a result, Food Row was developed, spiking sales and creating a welcome entry to the Fair just off of A Gate. Revenue partners such as carnival, concessionaires and commercial vendors are a valuable component of a fair s business plan. When they are successful, so is a fair. Some of this improvement included North Star Amusements moving to Denecke Park, adding the new G-Force ride. This million-dollar thrill was the first super-spectacular ride in Bozeman and a hit with carnival fans. Marketing efforts increased in 2015 with a new website, heavy radio buys and targeted print. Guests were welcomed with a new Visitors Guide to help them navigate the Fair through schedules and attraction locations. Competitive exhibit totals and commercial vendor sales were weak as expected as not all divisions of the Fair could be tackled the first year. Change in these areas will arrive in upcoming years Revenues: Partners Carnival July 13-19, 2015 Gallatin County Fairgrounds SNAPSHOT Admissions Revenues: $182,282 Attendance: 36,219 Biggest Day-Saturday: 10,698 Barnyard Brawl: 2,629 Hot For Teacher: 1,073 Terri Clark: 3,396 Bozeman Roundup: 2,255 Volumes Commercial Vendors: 45 Concessionaires: 14 Competitive Exhibits: H Market Sale Animals: 242 Tribute band Hot for Teacher played Thursday night and country artist Terri Clark performed Friday night -- concerts were free as part of the new business model. Concessionaires Adult Beverages Revenues: Additional Sales $22,500 20,000 17,500 15,000 12,500 10,000 7,500 5,000 2,500 0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000 $300,000 Contestant Sales: Day Contestant Sales: Week Commercial Vendor Sales RV Space Sales Sponsorship Sales Entry Fees Event Commissions Partners gross earnings. The Fair earns a variable percentage from each. Programming Monday-Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Grounds Entertainment Kids Pedal Tractor Pulls Meet The Animals Hypnotist Michael Mezmer Magician Keith Raymond Musicians Lloyd & Willy Juggler Randy Cabral Yankee Joe s Young Guns Wild West Fun Park 4-H Horse Show 4-H Animal Shows Barnyard Brawl 4-H Animal Shows Hot For Teacher Truck Pull 4-H Market Sale Terri Clark Motocross Draft Horse Show Bozeman Roundup Mud Bog Draft Horse Show Demolition Derby

5 CLIENTS SHARE ABOUT INTERIM EVENTS Gallatin County Fairgrounds increased its interim event marketing nearly three times the previous year s figures. Focused on awareness, the Fairgrounds used guerilla marketing tactics to promote various rental facilities. Here is what a few customers had to say about their rental experience: Since launching the Bozeman Stampede in 2010, we have experienced a solid growth rate from guests, to sponsors, to event days. We will expand to three nightly performances in The affordable rate structure and ability to work with a flexible crew at the Fairgrounds makes this event successful for us. Nearly all of our proceeds go to support Gallatin County 4-H, MSU Bobcat Rodeo and Bridger Mountain High School Rodeo. We appreciate the Fairgrounds for helping us turn our event into something the entire community looks forward to every August! Aaron Odegard BS Rodeo Ric Andersen Photography The Gallatin County Fairgrounds was the ideal venue for our wedding reception. With over 350 guests planning to join us on New Year s Eve, we knew that we needed a spacious area. The fairgrounds met that priority, but it also contributed to the warm, elegant setting we wanted for our mountain wedding. Our guests also appreciated being just minutes away from their hotels and having ample parking. The staff was phenomenal, promptly answering requests for more chairs as last minute guests were added, and sprinkling extra salt as the sidewalks were covered by new snowfall the day before. We had more fun than anyone deserves to have on their wedding day! Morgan & Nathan Williams I wanted to thank all of you for your help when we hold the gun shows three times a year at the Fairgrounds! Your crew is top notch--and on top of all my needs during a very busy weekend at the shows. Everyone there makes sure I have everything I need and are pleasant to work with...thanks again! Bryan Gillette Gillette Promotions Gun Show I ve been renting annually from the Fairgrounds for over four years now. My clients enjoy being part of an active Fairgrounds community. Fairgrounds management is a big reason why I choose them for various activities including sanctioned trials and dog events. The staff is incredibly easy to work with and have a can do attitude. It s simply a bonus that they are all nice people. Carolyn Murray Canny Canine

6 Gallatin County Fairgrounds Financial Report PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FY15-16 FY14-15 FY13-14 INCOME Interim Events: Operating Revenues 383, , , Gallatin County Fair (Big Sky Country State Fair) 340, , , WinterFest NA 16, , Taxes (personal, real) (state entitlement) 489, , , TOTAL INCOME 1,213, ,111, ,067, EXPENSES Interim Events: Operating Costs 860, , , Gallatin County Fair (Big Sky Country State Fair) 295, , , WinterFest NA 16, , Ag Center 13, , , TOTAL EXPENSES 1,169, ,114, ,090, NET INCOME/LOSS 44, (3,058.03) (22,629.63) *FY15-16: 2015 Gallatin County Fair; FY14-15: 2014 Gallatin County Fair; FY13-14: 2013 Gallatin County Fair This summary was extracted from the financial statements ending June 30, 2016, audited by external auditor Anderson Zurmuehlen. ASSETS ~ LIABILITIES ~ EQUITIES YEAR END JUNE 30, 2016 ASSETS Cash Operational 135, Parking Improvement 43, Improvement Funds 71, Other Cash Taxes Receivable 33, TOTAL ASSETS 284, IMPROVEMENT FUNDS ACCOUNT DISTRIBUTION For every ticket sold, a percentage is retained to our improvement fund. This fund supplies resources to improve facilities from maintenance work to capital investments. $21, $8, $ LIABILITIES Accounts Payable 35, All Wages Payable 18, Security Deposits Payable 00 Deferred Revenue 14, EQUITIES Committed Fund Balance 201, Unassigned Fund 14, Facilities Equipment Parking TOTAL EQUITIES & LIABILITIES 284,192.49