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I PROJECT PURPOSE The purpose of the project is to better serve Lexington's - visitors and maximize revenues from the tourism industry. This programmatic analysis should assist the Town in understanding the heed, the market, similar projects, current conditions, future opportunities and the financial feasibility of the project. Best practices have been researched. With our historic public- private partnership with the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, our Visitors Center must recognize the impo_rtmit rol the Chamber of Commerce plays in attracting and retaining businesses and in accommodating the needs of Our commercial sector. METHODS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION Since July 2011, the Tourism Committee has been conducting this Programmatic Needs Assessment. Architectural standards for doing include: 1. Conduct a Clap Analysis: • Determine what the current situation is, • Outline the desired situation, and • Analyze what is the difference, or "gap," bethveenl current and desired conditions. Identify Possible Solutions And Opportunities. • Review existing data and reports • Assess existing program and space allocation • Review surveys about visitor needs • Conduct interviews with stakeholders • Host a public meeting • Distribute a short survey via the internet to understand 3. Research best practices from comparable communities. i lie steps taken to follow these industry standards for needs assessment began with a self - analysis of our Tourism program. Over several months the Tourism Committee created a Mission and Vision Statement which was voted oil November 28, 2011 (see Appendix A). Five public hearings were held over two tourism seasons to allow Opportunity for stakeholders to consider the needs while observing actual practices in between the meetings. Three of those meetings were for the general public (see Appendices B C and F). One meeting was focused on the prospective of local businesses (see Appendix D). In order to maximize participation ill this meeting, the Lexington Chamber of Connnerce, Lexington Retailers, and the Tourism Connnittee sent the invitation to Lexington businesses. One of the meetings was held between the Board of Directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, the Lexington Historical Society, and the Tourism Committee (see Appendix E). Thus meeting was particularly lilstrLi%tiVc as it deilrorlstrated the amount Of llnsnitorrnation that has circulated amongst the members of the respective organizations. It was a constructive meeting that opened a dialogue that we plan to continue independent of this projeet Best practice research was conducted over the inter net, by interviewing colleagues in the industry, and by attending educational seminars and programs. Several members of the Tourism Conlin Ittee participated Ili MOTT's Tourism U as well as regional conferences. May 7, 2013 -6-