Morris Thompson Cul-

tural & Visitors Center

Fountainhead Antique

Auto Museum Despite the global reces-sion, FCVB has had multi-ple achievements in 2009 including:

Frontier Airlines just

announced that it would service the Fair-banks market four times a week from May 14 through September 12, 2010. This deci-sion was the culmina-tion of years of collabo-ration between the Fairbanks International Airport and FCVB to lure a low-cost carrier to our community. We hope that you will con-tribute to the success of these flights by choosing to fly Frontier this summer!

2009 was a challenging year for the travel industry in Fairbanks as well as throughout Alaska and the nation. For the first time since 2002, our bed tax revenues are down. 2010 looks to be equally chal-lenging. This winter, Japan Airlines will halve the num-ber of charters to Fair-banks from 18 to nine. And next summer, we an-ticipate a 30% reduction in capacity for cruise land tours using the rail belt due to the redeployment of two ships from the Gulf of Alaska waters to outside of Alaska.

In October, we hosted the Alaska Travel Industry As-sociation’s annual conven-tion. In preparing for the 500-plus attendees, we reflected on the past five years since the group last met here. Some of the infrastructure improve-ments that have been made in our community, primarily because of a suc-cessful travel industry, in-cluded:

new Alaska Railroad

Fairbanks passenger depot

expanded/new Univer-

sity of Alaska Museum of the North

expanded/new Fair-

banks International Airport

five new hotels

(although two others have closed, there is a net increase in guest rooms)

2009 Highlights

P O I N T S O F

I N T E R E S T :

Board of

Directors

2

Board Chair and

President & CEO

3

Local Mayors 4

Committees 5

Departments 6

Financials 18

2 0 0 9

A N N U A L

R E P O R T

YEAR FNSB CITY COMBINED

2003 1,413,876 1,805,682 3,219,558

2004 1,553,132 2,142,759 3,695,891

2005 1,520,968 2,376,095 3,897,063

2006 1,584,038 2,606,629 4,190,667

2007 1,803,678 2,685,417 4,489,095

2008 1,815,223 2,750,492 4,565,715

2009 1,562,807 2,364,118 3,926,925

Bed Tax Receipts

2009 Executive Officers

Andy Anger, Chair

UAF Tanana Valley Campus

Mary Richards, Chair Elect

All Seasons Bed & Breakfast Inn

Suzy Fischer, Treasurer

Riverboat Discovery &

El Dorado Gold Mine

Buzzy Chiu, Secretary

Bridgewater Hotel

Kristin Wells, Past Chair

Denali Princess Wilderness

Lodge

Deb Hickok, President & CEO

Fairbanks Convention

& Visitors Bureau

June Rogers

Fairbanks Arts Association

Matt Atkinson

Northern Alaska Tour Company

Matt Divens

Princess Tours

Shelbie Umphenour

Interior Alaska Fish Processors

Ramona Oxendine

Santa’s-Vagabond Travel

Michael Davis

Denali ATV Adventures

Adam Barth

Gray Line of Alaska

Susan Kramer

Executive Events

Rebecca Morse

If Only…A fine store

Mark Clark

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

Tammie Wilson (Ex Officio)

FNSB Representative

Emily Bratcher (Ex Officio)

Fairbanks City Council Representative

2009 Board Members

P A G E 2

Highlights (continued) FCVB had its first full year of being

in the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center and is open seven days/week from 8am – 9pm in sum-mer and until 5pm winter.

In May, the Alaska Federation of

Natives Board of Directors chose Fairbanks as the site of the 2010 Convention. We look forward to the continued support of the Fair-banks community in hosting this important gathering.

The FCVB contracted – in collabo-

ration with the Fairbanks Arts Asso-ciation – with Conventions, Sports & Leisure (CSL) conduct a feasibility study for a convention center and/or performing arts center. A power-point of a preliminary report was presented by CSL to a variety of stakeholders in September.

The FCVB successfully won the bid

for 2012 Outdoor Writers Associa-tion of America annual conference.

Inquiries are up 28% over 2008. A

conversion study conducted by an outside research firm deemed that the FCVB generation of inquiries through our promotional efforts was incredibly efficient and cost-effective.

FCVB nominated Condor Airlines

for the Governor’s 2009 North Star Award for International Excellence. Once awarded, the FCVB accepted on behalf of the Frankfurt-based airline because Condor representa-tives were unable to attend a May ceremony. The FCVB coordinated a reception in Fairbanks to present

the award to Condor dignitaries in July.

FCVB launched a new state-of-the-

art website www.explorefairbanks.com in Octo-ber. Staff is creating demand from the visitor of the future by tweeting, blogging and increasing our fans on Facebook. Check us out on-line!

The FCVB hosted a total of 29

press tours for domestic and inter-national media.

Japan Airlines saw their most ambi-

tious winter 2008/2009 charter sea-son in with a total of 18 groups in Fairbanks, carrying more than 4,000 Japanese visitors. Additionally in August and September 2009, JAL operated five flights to Fairbanks accommodating nine different groups totaling over 2,700 passen-gers, an increase of 300 passen-gers compared to 2008.

FCVB staff is involved in Rotary,

Kiwanis, Lions and serve in many other volunteer capacities through-out our community. In addition, the FCVB coordinated the Alaska Travel industry’s Walk for Charity on May 8. Since 2001, seven Charity Walks here have raised $178,156 for local charities.

Due to an anticipated decline in bed

tax, the Administration worked dili-gently with the FCVB Management Team to reduce the 2009 projected budget by $500,000. Five-and-one-half year-round positions who left through attrition were not replaced, putting additional workload on FCVB existing staff.

P A G E 3

2009 Board Chair and

President and CEO

―Persistence‖ and ―forward thinking‖ were the underlying themes driving the activities of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitor Bureau in 2009. In 2008, the tourism industry world-wide was hit hard by the global economic recession. Fairbanks and the Interior of Alaska were no exceptions. Clearly, the aim for 2009 was to stop the slide, turn it around and aim the bow of our tourism ship back into the prosperous waters of a growing industry. In order to succeed we – the membership, staff and the board of the FCVB - concluded that we needed to be persistent, forward thinking and just simply continue to work hard with fewer re-sources in the marketing activities in which we knew we were able to make a difference. Embrac-ing persistence was essential as sliding bed tax receipts meant substantial cuts to the overall budget of our organization forcing hard choices while competing in an even fiercer marketing environment of a tempo-rally shrinking market. We also knew that to outpace the competition we needed to be aggressively forward thinking in exploring and implementing new marketing strategies in order to capitalize on the changing behavior of the traveling public as a result of the economic downturn. Taking shorter vacations, traveling closer to home, booking short notice or last minute and shopping for bargains were the apparent consumer trends in the industry in 2009. Responding to these trends, 2009 saw the launch of the completely redesigned FCVB website ―ExploreFairbanks.com‖ incorporating our new branding message ―Light, Energy and Warmth‖ and new sections for shorter vacation options, in-state travel, value options and last minute specials. In addition Twitter, YouTube and blog-ging were even more substantially incorporated into FCVB’s online messaging and marketing tools. A convention study was executed to analyze the effectiveness of the FCVB advertising and direct mail efforts to insure the highest return for each dollar spent. The success of the Condor / Thomas Cook direct air service from Germany in the summer and the direct air service by JAL from Japan during the winter months encouraged us to pursue direct air services via a low cost carrier from the ―Lower 48 States.‖ Several years of collaboration between the Airport and FCVB paid off with the announcement of seasonal summer service from Denver by Frontier Airlines. In an effort to reach all corners of the world, but with limited resources, the FCVB Advertising and Public Relations Department attracted a record number of media and press professionals to Fairbanks and the Interior in 2009. Based on their experiences, these professionals are spreading the message of beautiful Fairbanks and Interior Alaska on a global dimension through their articles and publications. While visitation in most tourism sectors was down, the persistent and tireless efforts of the FCVB Meeting and Con-vention Department increased the meeting events booked for 2009 over previous years. In addition, the department secured the AFN Convention to be held in Fairbanks for 2010 and the Outdoor Writers Association of America Con-vention for 2012. The above are just a few examples of the many activities pursued by the FCVB staff on a day-to-day basis. At the end of the day for 2009 ―persistence‖ and ―forward thinking‖ paid off in curbing a deeper slide and setting the groundwork for turning the tourism ship around. As a positive sign for what the future may hold, inquiries into Fairbanks as a desti-nation was 28% over 2008. FCVB’s reaction to new trends and the development of new strategies to capture the changing market is paying off. Thank you FCVB staff for your tireless efforts, FCVB membership for continuous broad based support, and fellow board members for direction and input in guiding the FCVB for the benefit of our community and tourism industry. Warm Regards, Andy Anger Deb Hickok 2009 Chair, FCVB Board of Directors FCVB President and CEO

Fairbanks North Star Borough

P A G E 4 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau’s continued successful efforts to market Fairbanks and the Interior has helped stabilize our local econ-omy from the effects of national eco-nomic trends. The tourism and con-vention sector of our local economy creates significant opportunities for all our citizens. The community invest-ments in FCVB are funds well spent

ist traffic for our local businesses.

Thank you for your ongoing, successful ef-forts, and how it benefits our Interior culture, economy and employment opportunities.

Douglas W. Isaacson, Mayor City of North Pole

Greatly aided by the FCVB helping to spearhead support in the Interior, the Governor and the Legislature appro-priated more funds for tourism and positive news in the national press helped to bring a bounce to otherwise declining Interior Alaska tourism fore-casts. North Pole relies heavily on tourism, whether from the local popu-lation or from the traveler to the Inte-rior. Working with the FCVB helps the City of North Pole generate more tour-

information and re-sources available to all through the Fairbanks Convention and Visi-tors Center. Thank you, FCVB! Terry Strle, Mayor City of Fairbanks

The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau continued to successfully draw visitors to the interior despite the recent economic downturn. The collaborative efforts of the staff make magic happen for visitors and businesses alike and the results are noteworthy and visible. The 2009 year was one of achievement and fulfillment for FCVB. The energy and heart put into marketing the interior shows through in the comprehensive and technologically up-to-date

City of Fairbanks

City of North Pole

which continue to attract visitors and business to our community. Congratulations on another good year. Thank you for your vision, achievement and professionalism. Luke Hopkins, Mayor Fairbanks North Star Borough

2009 FCVB Committees

P A G E 5 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Advertising & Public Relations Committee Buzzy Chiu, Chair, Fountainhead Hotels Carter Crawford, Crawford Communications Kerynn Fisher, University of Alaska Museum of the North Christina Jensen, First National Bank Alaska Jill Marshall, Marshall Arts Shelbie Umphenour, Interior Alaska Fish Processors Tourism Committee Buzzy Chiu, Chair, Fountainhead Hotels Scot Baer, Golden North Motel Matt Divens, Princess Tours Suzy Fischer, Riverboat Discovery & El Dorado Gold Mine Scott Reisland, Denali Grizzly Bear Resort Yvonne Temple, Alpine Lodge Mike Davis, Denali ATV Adventures Meetings & Conventions Committee Mark Clark, Chair, Holiday Inn Express Dustin Adams, Regency Fairbanks Hotel Berta Amico, Fairbanks Springhill Suites by Marriott Denise Ferree, Chena Hot Springs Resort Deborah Hansen, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge Becky Kunkle, Fountainhead Hotels Scott Covington, Westmark Hotel & Conference Center Helen Renfrew, Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge Diane Shoemaker, Fountainhead Hotels Yvonne Temple, Alpine Lodge Rita Valentine, Avis Rent A Car Patty Weaver, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge Vivian Bubbel, The Pumphouse Restaurant and Saloon Kalinka Guffaston?, River’s Edge Resort Matt Tonnies, Silver Gulch Brewery Karren Pearson, Fairbanks Springhill Suites by Marriott Visitor Services & Membership Committee Jason Avery, Chair, Pioneer Park Amy Geiger, Fairbanks Downtown Association Alison Short, Holland America Princess Alaska Tours Irene Meyer, GoNorth Alaska Travel Center Rebecca Morse, If Only...A fine store Ramona Oxendine, Santa’s-Vagabond Travel

Urban/Rural Committee * Matt Atkinson, Chair, Northern Alaska Tour Company * Note: This committee was not active in 2009 to allow the staff to focus on the move to the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center. Finance & Planning Committee Mary Richards, Chair, All Seasons Bed & Breakfast Inn Andy Anger, UAF Tanana Valley Campus Buzzy Chiu, Fountainhead Hotels Suzy Fischer, Riverboat Discovery & El Dorado Gold Mine Rebecca Morse, If Only…A fine store Kristin Wells, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge June Rogers, Fairbanks Arts Association Matt Atkinson, Northern Alaska Tour Company Mark Clark, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Audit Committee June Rogers, Chair, Fairbanks Arts Association Matt Divens, Princess Tours Jennifer Imus, Wells Fargo Christina Jensen, First National Bank Alaska Public Policy Advisory Committee Matt Divens, Chair, Princess Tours Andy Anger, UAF Tanana Valley Campus Adam Barth, Gray Line of Alaska Buzzy Chiu, Fountainhead Hotels Amy Geiger, University of Alaska Museum of the North Mary Richards, All Seasons Bed & Breakfast Inn

P A G E 6

President and CEO:

Deb Hickok

Director of Finance & Administration:

Lisa Auvil,

Cathi Wojtanek

Data Entry and Accounting Coordinator:

Corinne Jankowski

Finance and Administrative Coordinator:

Janet Thorpe

Executive and Tourism Coordinator:

Karen Gaunt,

Ashley Ritenour

Executive Coordinator:

Lynn Fanjeaud

Administration Department

The Administration Department manages the Bureau’s strategic plan-

ning and marketing functions, budgets

and finances, contract management,

purchasing, building and facilities, per-

sonnel policies and procedures, staff

development and training, special pro-

jects, and represents the Bureau to the

community. The Department facilitates

an efficient, effective working environ-

ment and provides administrative and

technical support to the entire organi-

zation. Administration directs and

manages the day-to-day financial, ac-

counting and purchasing functions of

the Bureau, receivables, payables,

revenues, and expenses.

Administration

Department Staff

A successful nomination by FCVB yielded the Governors North Star Award for International Excellence for Condor Airlines.

P A G E 7 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Fairbanks Chapter and the FCVB worked collaboratively to host a successful Community Night at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center for ATIA’s annual convention.

Working to Build a Better Fairbanks

Frontier Airlines announced that it would service the Fairbanks market four times a week from May 14 through September 12, 2010. This decision was the culmination of years of collaboration between the Fairbanks Interna-tional Airport and FCVB to lure a low-cost carrier to our community. The FCVB contracted – in collaboration with the Fairbanks Arts Association – with Conventions, Sports & Leisure (CSL) in 2008 to conduct a feasibility study for a convention center and/or performing arts center. A powerpoint of a preliminary report was presented by CSL to a variety of stakeholders in September. Due to an anticipated decline in bed tax, the Administration worked dili-gently with the FCVB Management Team to reduce the 2009 projected budget by $500,000. Five-and-one-half year-round positions who left through attrition were not replaced, putting additional workload on FCVB existing staff.

Provided Statewide and Local Leadership

President and CEO served as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and as Chair of the organization’s Membership Committee and in October, was made Vice Chair of ATIA President and CEO was appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Council of Destination Organizations, a council of the Washington D.C.-based United States Travel Association Maintained a fiscally-responsible budget. The Director of Finance and Ad-ministration implemented more sophisticated use of financial reporting soft-ware. The Audit Committee met regularly.

P A G E 8

Vice President of Marketing: Karen Lundquist Public Relations Coordinator: Susan Keltner, Julia Jacobson

Advertising Coordinator: Kasey Nightingale Internet Coordinator: Chris Harper Branding and Production Coordinator:

Angie Cerny

Advertising and Public Relations

The Advertising and Public

Relations Department executes

a proactive, year-round public rela-

tions program to ensure ongoing,

positive coverage of Fairbanks as a

visitor destination.

We sell Fairbanks aggressively to all

target markets – domestic, interna-

tional and in-state. In everything we

do, we strive to generate increased

inquiries from independent travelers.

We continually refine our programs to

maximize editorial in all mediums and

to evaluate based on research.

Advertising and

Public Relations

Department Staff

The FCVB’s targeted advertising program successfully reached potential visitors, meeting planners and the local community as examples, through eblasts, websites, magazines and newspapers.

P A G E 9 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Public Relations Efforts Yield Results Facilitated 9 international and 22 domestic press tours Participated in 3 media marketplaces – Outdoor Writers Association of

America (OWAA), Northwest Outdoor Writers Association (NOWA) and

Alaska Media Road Show

Secured the 2012 OWAA national conference for Fairbanks – first time

ever in Alaska

Conversion Study Reflects Exceptional Numbers Overall visitor conversion rate increased by 3%

FCVB generated visitors increased by 26%

Overall cost per conversion decreased by 34%

Overall return on investment increased by 43%

Website Finishes Strong Launched new explorefairbanks.com website in conjunction with Louder

Design

Experienced first positive growth to the website in all areas in third quarter

of 2009

Added value vacations section in response to economic downturn

Advertising Expands Its Reach Increased cooperative marketing programs in seasonal/event campaigns,

mileage auctions and consumer publications

Visitor inquiries up by 28% over 2008

100,000 visitors guides sent out in direct mail program

Key Collateral Produced 35,000 2009-2010 Winter Guides executed

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) selected Fairbanks as the site of its 2012 annual conference. Conference planners visit Fairbanks yields significant results worldwide.

AP Travel Editor visit to Fairbanks yields significant results worldwide.

P A G E 1 0

Director of Tourism: Colin Lawrence Tourism Sales Manager: Liz Johnson

Executive and Tourism Coordinator: Karen Gaunt, Ashley Ritenour

Tourism Department

The Tourism Department’s objec-

tive is to promote Fairbanks and Interior

Alaska as a visitor destination, both do-

mestically and internationally. The goal

is to increase the number of independ-

ent visitors and package tour visitors to

the Fairbanks area and increase the

length of their stay. To accomplish this,

Tourism reaches independent travelers

through domestic and international ad-

vertising placements with direct mail

campaigns targeted at tour operators,

travel agents and potential independent

travelers to Alaska. The Department

also manages a new contract for repre-

sentation in German Speaking Europe.

In addition, the Tourism Department at-

tends travel and consumer trade shows

to promote Fairbanks as a visitor desti-

nation. Tourism brings the Fairbanks

message to tour operators and travel

agents through direct sales and trade

shows and serves as the link between

members and these markets.

Tourism

Department Staff

Tourism Department staff work a

variety of different venues to

include travel shows, sales

missions, marketplaces and

trade shows.

P A G E 1 1 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

AAA, Travel Agent, and Tour Operator Contacts 39 contacts with AAAs 113 contacts with Travel Agents including both international and domestic 7 Niche Club and Bank Travel contacts 23 new and 37 repeat domestic and international contacts (not including all trade show contacts)

International Sales Missions China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM) in Beijing, China ATIA Korea and Japan (Seoul, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka) TIA See America Week in Japan and exhibited at the JATA World Fair in Tokyo, Japan International Travel Fair (ITF) in Taipei, Taiwan ATIA Europe Sales Mission to Zurich, Switzerland, Munich, Hamburg, Dus-seldorf, and Frankfurt in Germany, and London in the United Kingdom ITB in Berlin, Germany

Domestic Sales Missions Adventures in Travel Expo in New York City American Bus Association Marketplace in January in Charlotte, North Carolina Go West Travel Summit in Albuquerque, New Mexico Travel Industry Association of America International Pow Wow held in Mi-ami, FL National Tour Association annual convention in Reno, Nevada

Familiarization Tours (FAMs) Japan Airlines winter Tour Operator FAM ATIA International winter FAM in March with participants from Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom Dertour summer FAM for top selling agents Nippon Travel Agency LA office FAM ATIA German Speaking Europe representative Condor Airlines summer Tour Operator FAM Canusa FAM (with All Alaska Tours) ATIA International summer FAM in August and September with partici-pants from Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom

International tour operator FAMs (familiarization tours) showcase both summer

and winter product and provide hands-on activities and site inspections.

P A G E 1 2

Director of Meetings and Conventions: Jennifer Jolis Sports and Meetings Sales Manager: Jamal Brown (until June 12)

Meetings and Conventions Senior Sales Manager: vacant Conventions Services Coordinator:

Ginessa Peter

Meetings and Conventions

The mission of the Meetings and

Conventions Department is to

sell Fairbanks as a meeting destination,

thereby filling hotel rooms and benefit-

ting our community’s economy. The

main meetings and convention season

in Fairbanks runs from October through

April, and provides year-round facilities

a solid business base when the sum-

mer visitor season is over. The depart-

ment focuses on direct sales efforts,

supported by our business partners,

and on offering exemplary customer

service to all meeting planners.

Meetings &

Conventions

Department Staff

Local organization meeting ambassadors are recognized for their contributions of bringing groups to Fairbanks.

University meeting planners benefited from learning about the planning and support services tailored by the FCVB to meet the needs of groups large and small.

P A G E 1 3 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Meetings, Conventions and Conferences, Sporting Events Pacific Northwest Girls/Women’s Hockey Tournament, Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) of $378,000 Pacific NW Regional Forum, EEI of $216,000 25th Infantry Division Reunion, EEI of $151,900 UAF Geophysical Institute: Japan-Kamchatka-Alaska Subduction Processes, EEI $180,000 American Society of Mammalogists, EEI of $425,000

Setting the stage for 2010 and Beyond The Alaska Federation of Natives Convention and the First Alaskans Institute Eld-ers & Youth Conferences will be back in Fairbanks in October 2010 Alaska Charter School Association, 2010 DOT Community Transportation Meeting, 2010. We have been pursuing this group since 2005. National Assn. of Social Workers, AK Chapter, 2010. We have been pursuing this group since 2005. Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, 2010 Alaska Power Association, 2010 Museums of Alaska & the Alaska Historical Society joint meeting will take place in Fairbanks in 2010, the first time it has been here since 2000. US Curling Jr. Nationals, 2011 Mycological Society of America, 2011 Outdoor Writers Association of America will meet at Chena Hot Springs Resort, 2012 International Congress on Circumpolar Health, 2012

Highlights of the 2009 Efforts The department coordinated 7 major fams and 3 site inspections The department completed three sales blitzes—one to Anchorage, one to Juneau, and one to the UAF campus targeted to support staff who often do the planning for campus events Fairbanks was a sponsor at the 2009 AFN Convention in Anchorage The new meeting planning guide was presented at a City Council Meeting; a Cham-ber of Commerce GML; and a Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Meeting FCVB began offering online meeting registration as a service to meeting planners In 2009, the NCAA barred all national championships from Alaska and Hawaii be-cause of transportation costs

Groups Attend Rooms Spending Sales Leads 48 5,973 12,040 $3,917,760* Bookings 37 8,601 9,590 $7,130,800 Lost Opportunities 16 2,532 5,438 $1,793,680 Completed Events 54 6,208 2,429 $3,608,600

* Total estimated direct spending if Fairbanks were to win both the 2009 and 2010 AFN Conventions. ** Total estimated direct spending for all other leads combined, without the AFN. *** Includes AFN 2009 loss to Anchorage

P A G E 1 4

Vice President of Visitor Services and Membership: Karen Lane Manager of Visitor Services and Membership: Charity Gadapee Data Entry and Accounting Coordinator: Corinne Jankowski Visitor Information Specialists:

(FT) Steven Bigler, Yuki Kawano

(PT) Shelly Smith, Susan McMahon, Matt Hayes, Karl Swenor, Karen

Norris, Melanie Stuart, Pia Speck Visitor Information Volunteers (year-round): Hollis Hall, Al Knapp, Dale Yoder

Visitor Services Department

Visitor Services is the consumer

information source for the Fairbanks

region. In addition, the FCVB provides

Visitor Services for Interior Alaska pro-

viding travel information to visitors. It is

the priority of the Visitor Services De-

partment to provide the highest level of

service possible to visitors while they

are planning their vacation to Interior

Alaska and while they are in Fairbanks.

The staff follows up on all requests

from potential visitors; provides courte-

ous in-person and telephone support

with prompt, accurate information; wel-

comes individuals and groups, large

and small, to the Visitor Information

Center. This staff is known for hospital-

ity and knowledge of the area, which

ensures the success of each visitor’s

experience.

Visitor Services

Department Staff

First Fridays at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center have been popular with the local community.

FCVB Yearly Visitation

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

20042005 20062007 20082009

# o

f V

isit

ors

Independents

Tours

Totals

Please note: the chart above does not indicate the number of tour-

ists in the community. The 2009 drop in visitation at the FCVB

visitor center is a combination of decline of visitors in summer

2009 as well as the transition to a new location for the center which

will take a few years to gain awareness.

P A G E 1 5 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

The FCVB’s successful Golden Heart Greeter program recognized the contributions of its many volunteers.

Department Works Collaboratively Worked with the Downtown Association to coordinate group tour schedules with down-town based restaurateurs and shops. Implemented training Downtown for employees of Holland America Princess Alaska Tours and Royal Celebrity Tours Assisted at the World Eskimo Indian Olympics in July Had 40 active Golden Heart Greeters who contributed 850 hours Greeted 60,221 independent and 4,000 tour group visitors to the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center for our first full year at the new center Participated in the 2009 Relay for Life, raising money for the American Cancer Society Coordinated the Alaska Travel Industry Association Convention that showcased Fair-banks Increased our presence at Eielson Air Force Base with giving Fairbanks information two times a month at the Eielson First Term Airmen Briefings and participated in winter presentation at the Eielson Winter Briefings for new arrivals. We also presented winter activities and attractions at the Eielson Town Meeting with 90 attendees Participated in the UAF Fall Orientation with two different seminars and a tour of Fair-banks The Department coordinated the Fairbanks 7th Alaska Visitor Industry’s Walk for Char-ity on May 8. The walk raised $14,334 for 43 local charities. Since 2001, seven Charity Walks have raised $178,156 for local charities. In coordination with the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, hosted First Friday artist receptions at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center for 1,529 people.

Visitor Industry Walk for Charity drew great participation from local non-profit organizations.

P A G E 1 6

Vice President of Visitor Services and Membership: Karen Lane Visitor Services and Membership Coordinator:

Anna Richmond

Membership Department

Membership acts as the Bureau’s

member liaison. Membership works to

increase member support and involve-

ment and fosters relationships with

member businesses while generating

revenue from membership services.

Membership remains focused on main-

taining close working relationships with

all Bureau members from small busi-

nesses to large corporations. Staff con-

tinually updates their knowledge of

member products and services to better

serve and maximize each member’s

business investment. By working to-

gether, the Bureau and its members can

strengthen the Interior’s visitor industry

and economy.

Membership

Department Staff

The FCVB honored visitor industry leaders and staff at its annual awards banquet.

Membership Department staff provide AlaskaHost, cross-cultural communications, ask me about winter training and more to local visitor industry businesses.

P A G E 1 7 2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Department Works Collaboratively The Membership Department coordinated the Second Interior Tourism Conference. The conference focused on Customer Service and Dennis Snow, formerly of Disney, pre-sented some great workshops. Coordinated the Alaska Highway Neighbors Conference in Fairbanks in April Continued partnership with the Downtown Association by offering a joint membership pro-gram The Annual Awards Banquet was held at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center.

Annual Awards Banquet honored individuals & industry businesses The Golden Heart Award - Dixie Alexander, Athabascan Design, for her exceptional hospitality, com-mitment and effort on behalf of Fairbanks visitors. The Aurora Award - Mayor Jim Whitaker, Fairbanks North Star Borough, for all of his effort and sup-port of the local Tourism Industry. The Jim and Mary Binkley Award - Mok Kumagai, Aurora Borealis Lodge, for his creativity, innova-tion, courage and entrepreneurialism in the introduction of new and improved products and services for the benefit and enjoyment of visitors to Fairbanks. The Raven Award - Mike Cox, Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation Department, for all of his hard work at Pioneer Park. President’s Awards - Stan Stephens, Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, for more than 30 years of running a reputable and generous business in the Interior. The Gold Pan Award & FCVB Vest - Kristin Wells, 2008 FCVB Board Chair, for her exceptional com-mitment to the organization. Special FCVB staff service awards for five years of service to Shelly Smith, Kasey Gillam, Yuki Ka-wano, Jennifer Jolis. Karen Lundquist received recognition for 10 years of service with FCVB.

FAIRBANKS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

December 31, 2009 and 2008

ASSETS

2009 2008

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash $ 768,241 840,667

Receivables

Accounts receivable, less allowance for

doubtful accounts of $-0- and $-0- 36,323 4,170

Contribution receivable from City of Fairbanks 64,088 38,325

Grant receivable from Fairbanks North Star Borough - 221,744

Contract receivable from Fairbanks International Airport 14,581 -

Receivable from Morris Thompson Cultural

and Visitors Center 19,802 -

Other receivables 1,019 -

Inventory 92,725 220,236

Prepaid expenses 98,944 123,401

Total current assets 1,095,723 1,448,543

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 595,655 586,618

Less accumulated depreciation 379,903 353,827

215,752 232,792

Total assets $ 1,311,475 1,681,335

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable 131,595 44,942

Conference fee payable 19,147 -

Payroll liabilities 43,047 99,175

Deferred income 65,034 -

Unearned revenues 82,889 118,344

Total current liabilities 341,712 262,461

NET ASSETS

Unrestricted

Investment in property and equipment 215,752 232,792

Board designated for subsequent years 422,391 720,235

Board designated working capital reserve 246,609 351,868

Undesignated 85,011 113,979

Total net assets 969,763 1,418,874

$ 1,311,475 1,681,335

FAIRBANKS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES

Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS 2009 2008

Revenues, gains, and other support:

Hotel/motel contribution from City of Fairbanks $

1,444,150

1,731,631

Grants from Fairbanks North Star Borough

780,522

1,488,679

Fairbanks International Airport contract

14,581 15,310

Program income:

Advertising and Pub-lic Relations

35,877

27,943

Visitor Services

15,366

14,860

Tourism 26,251

41,299

Meetings and Con-ventions

22,911

32,432

Membership

250,531

188,687

Interest

141 1,618

Total revenues, gains and other support

2,590,330

3,542,458

Expenses:

Programs:

Advertising and Pub-lic Relations

1,200,258

1,149,933

Visitor Services

519,859

563,596

Tourism

370,722

363,032

Meetings and Con-ventions

332,979

463,762

Membership

153,968

195,577

General Administration

461,656

659,353

Total expenses

3,039,442

3,395,253

Change in net assets

(449,111)

147,205

NET ASSETS, January 1

1,418,874

1,271,669

NET ASSETS, December 31 $

969,763

1,418,874

FAIRBANKS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

2009 2008

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash received from contributions, grants, and contracts $ 2,485,687

2,813,732

Cash received from program revenue

262,507

344,569

Interest received 141

1,618

Cash paid to employees and suppliers

(2,811,725)

(3,429,745)

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

(63,390)

(269,827)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Additions to fixed assets

(9,036)

(213,923)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

(72,426)

(483,750)

CASH, January 1 840,667 1,324,417

CASH, December 31 $

768,241

840,667

RECONCILIATION OF CHANGE IN NET ASSETS TO NET CASH

PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Change in net assets

(449,111)

147,205

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets

to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

Depreciation

26,077

29,129

Changes in:

Accounts receivable

(52,974)

7,104

Contribution receivable from City of Fairbanks

(25,762)

(4,408)

Grant receivable from Fairbanks North Star Borough

221,744

(221,744)

Contract receivable from Fairbanks Interna-tional Airport (14,581)

Inventory

127,510

(175,108)

Prepaid expenses

24,458

30,457

Accounts payable

86,653

12,538

Conference fee payable 19,147

Payroll liabilities

(56,128)

68,492

Deferred income 65,034

(195,736)

Unearned revenues

(35,455)

32,244

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $

(63,390)

(269,827)