Visitor Center Council Presentation - Economic Development
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Presentation and Discussion on Professional Services Agreement for Operation of a Local Visitor Information Center Economic Development Department Visitor center background • Promote local attractions, community events, dining & shopping options, lodging, and amenities • Sell merchandise/art from local businesses • Primarily operated by local chambers of commerce or visitor bureaus • A “one stop shop” for out-of-town visitors to provide a positive, first impression of the area • City has contracted with Apache Junction Area Chamber of Commerce since 1988 current operations • Operates out of Chamber facility in downtown • 9 volunteers • Accredited through Arizona Visitor Information Center (AVIC) Designation Program • Operation requirements, reporting, inspections, training • Receives exposure on official Visit Arizona publications • Positive performance reviews • One of the top-visited centers in the AVIC Program • 4.6/5 on Google (61 reviews), 4.7/5 on Tripadvisor (43 reviews) Service agreement • Current contract ends June 30th, 2026, with $58,400 as the amount due for this fiscal year • Similar to the current contract, proposed terms are a three-year agreement with options for two, one-year extensions, and 4% annual increases: • FY 26/27: $60,736.00 • FY 27/28: $63,166.00 • FY 28/29: $65,692.00 Extension Options: • FY 29/30: $68,320.00 • FY 30/31: $71,052.00 • Staff recommends continuing to contract for visitor center services with the Chamber • Anticipated to be on consent agenda for June 16th City Council Meeting Fiscal comparison • Estimated annual cost if City operated a Visitor Center, assuming 2 employees and 2,000 SF space = $171,596 • All-in cost of an employee with a $45,000 salary = $61,978 x 2 employees = $123,596 • Annual market office rent in Apache Junction = $24/SF x 2,000 SF = $48,000 • Proposed contract amount with Chamber FY 26/27 = $60,736