Volunteers and staff of the SteamPlant Event Center are working hand-in-hand to accomplish the goals set for 2009. One important goal – to increase revenue by increasing the number of events held at the center – has resulted in higher numbers of meetings, community forums, weddings, concerts and workshops hosted by the SteamPlant. With input from the SteamPlant Commission, the SteamPlant continues to target marketing efforts to expand its use.
The sales efforts of staff, combined with exposure created by regional marketing strategies, has attracted many statewide groups who have brought their meetings and workshops to Salida. Events, such as destination weddings at the SteamPlant, are responsible for boosting the local economy with sales of more than 1,200 hotel rooms or rental homes, hundreds of restaurant meals, increased business for local caterers and numerous retail sales. The SteamPlant staff tracks this information by surveying all clients during event follow-ups.
Another goal, to increase volunteer participation at events held in the theater, has not only achieved success, it has resulted in additional Friends of the SteamPlant volunteer involvement with the theater’s Paquette gallery and the outdoor Sculpture Garden. Additionally, volunteers are helping document the evolving history of this historic facility. In celebration of our volunteers, the SteamPlant will host a party in their honor on Aug. 15 with refreshments and live jazz on the plaza.
Another important goal of staff and the Friends of the SteamPlant is to expand the offerings of cultural and community events. Already this year we’ve hosted a diverse variety of concerts, ranging from opera and classical to bluegrass, rock and gypsy music. Stageleft Theater Company continues to offer excellent theater productions at the SteamPlant, working with SteamPlant staff they are now attracting motor coach tours from outside the county.
The SteamPlant’s goal to establish a series of Art Education events is currently in the planning stage, and discussions are underway with local art groups to provide demonstrations, workshops and classes that will be open to the community.
To further increase the SteamPlant’s exposure, a complete makeover of the main website is in progress. Also, a new website tailored to SteamPlant weddings and receptions will launch in September. Both websites will include many user-driven features such as allowing clients to blog about their experiences and post photos of their events.
The Salida community’s vision for the SteamPlant facility was to create a space for community events and also attract outside events that would provide a positive impact to the local economy. As you can tell from the happenings so far, the SteamPlant is well on its way toward making this vision and the goals that have been set a reality.
For more information on the SteamPlant facilities, upcoming events or volunteer opportunities, contact the SteamPlant office at 530-0933 or visit the website.
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