Last year, FNM began to feel the financial instability of our economy through the loss of sponsorship dollars for the celebration. We worked creatively, sought new revenue sources, and worked as efficiently and as smart as possible.  Here is what we did for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.....

 FNM 2009 Program changes: Here is what we did last year

•ED offered to cut her salary and did in May 2008. Development writer offered and took a cut in pay in Jan. 2009.

•Cut up to 45% administrative costs (these were cuts in staff, slashed operating expenses, reduced print costs) from the 2008- 2009 budget

•Searched and secured new funding for artworks! outreach program with Celebration costs included in proposals

•Continued to offer low cost buttons and special packages to have the celebration affordable and inclusive for all

•Sought the City of Monterey's advice on how to cut City costs for the Celebration

•Secured in-kind donation for large expense items- such as generators, port-a-lets, dumpsters

•Worked with the artists and the production staff to trim expenses to the bare essentials-

•Changed venues to decrease costs, renegotiated fees for venues

Through all of this last year, we creatively sought solutions to keep the performance and visual arts program intact and to present a quality event for all. FNM 2010 Proposed Program changes: Here is what we are recommending:

•Cut operating costs- where we can, and sublease half of the FNM office  space to another nonprofit

•Cut the Parade- this decreases the Police fees by $6700. and will cut  from the public works fees.

•Decrease the Celebration footprint- without impact to program, number of seats to number of tickets- look to cut the number of streets closed

•          A.  Pacific Street - keep our partnership with the the art museum, afternoon programs on Pacific-

•          B. Cut the Custom House Venue- costs alone are a good reason but the ice rink has first option and has said they will want the entire plaza.

•          C. Review all the venues- keeping in mind that we must have enough venues and seating for ticket holders, keep Conference center, Wells Fargo, Golden State Theater- look to partner with more of the hotels for venues and promotions 

•          D. Consider an indoor finale venue(s)- with an option to charge additional fee for the finale (as a lot of other fn's do...especially cold weather FN)

•Increase partnerships with arts nonprofits bringing their art to FNM for lower costs in event program budget and to share our audience with them

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

•Increase the number of partnerships with the hotels downtown- last year, Portola Plaza and Casa Mundras sold tickets and they had room packages- a win-win situation for ticket sales, promotions and advertising

•Begin FNM promotions earlier this year, promote the historic downtown Monterey on everything and include the City of Monterey website in all promotions

•Press Relations- Increase and begin earlier this year with more staff support- target articles in San Jose Mercury (who articles), SF Chronicle and Pink Pages, smaller bay area and south bay newspapers, monthly magazines, online social networks and chambers.

•Increase TV- with south bay and Gilroy targeted

•Partner with local and regional tourism council to promote FNM- local hotel packages- FNM program-partner with those pr orgs that are doing stay local press

Together, we will not only survive, we can grow and reinvent the way we do things to be more creative!  Please, do not hesitate to contact Ellen Martin if you have questions, issues, or concerns. Consider joining FNM as a Board member, steering committee person, or project coordinator to produce the best FNM ever! It is my believe, that when we come together and join to creatively produce our community arts celebration- we can have the best yet- and have fun knowing we made a difference!!

Please join us, by voicing your support of FNM and the partnership that FNM has had with the City of Monterey these past 16 years.  SEE OUR DRAFT LETTERS UNDER FORMS- WRITE A LETTER TODAY!

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