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CHAMBER OF <br /> COMMERCE <br /> Dear Santa Ana City Council, <br /> Please accept this letter in support of the renewal of the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District <br /> (SATMD). <br /> As a community leader who played an integral role in forming the SATMD in 2021, and as a former <br /> member of the Travel Santa Ana Board of Directors, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact <br /> Travel Santa Ana has had on the City of Santa Ana over the past four years.These accomplishments <br /> include: <br /> • Developing a brand for the destination that reflects Santa Ana's diversity. <br /> • Executing inclusive, strategic marketing efforts that promote the city's assets and <br /> uniqueness. <br /> • Establishing a Marketing Advisory Group to create synergy among Santa Ana marketers. <br /> • Curating a Public Art Guide featuring more than 200 murals throughout the city. <br /> • Supporting our local restaurants through their partnership with Orange County Restaurant <br /> Association. <br /> • Creating the"Santa Ana Enthusiast"ambassador program. <br /> Travel Santa Ana's strategic sales and marketing efforts continue to elevate the perception of our <br /> city, attracting visitors to our hotels, restaurants, attractions,retail businesses,and events. <br /> An estimated 90% of DMOs operate under 10-year agreements, and Travel Santa Ana should be no <br /> exception.The organization has proven invaluable in supporting hoteliers and the local tourism <br /> industry and should be allowed to continue its efforts without operational disruption. <br /> In addition,the proposed incremental increase would allow Travel Santa Ana the flexibility to <br /> address specific challenges—such as recovering from a downturn in tourism—or to expand <br /> marketing efforts into new or underserved markets,while adapting strategies to enhance <br /> destination competitiveness and further bolster the local economy. <br /> For these reasons, I strongly urge the Santa Ana City Council to approve the renewal of the SATMD <br /> and support the continued success of Travel Santa Ana.The organization has demonstrated its <br /> commitment to enhancing the city's visibility, economic vitality, and cultural vibrancy.With the <br /> renewal and proposed funding structure,Travel Santa Ana will be well-positioned to build on its <br /> accomplishments and further contribute to the prosperity of our community. <br /> Thank you for your consideration. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> � <br /> David L. Elliott <br /> President/CEO <br /> Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce <br />