Seaside tourism panel approves $5,000 grant for Beach Books' 20th anniversary

The Seaside Tourism Advisory Committee voted to award a $5,000 grant to Beach Books to support marketing and commemorative merchandise for the independent bookstore's 20th anniversary. A committee member moved the grant; another seconded, and the chair called for the vote, which passed with a recorded vocal “Aye.”

Committee members discussed the elements the grant would fund during an earlier presentation: a marketing package that includes online placements and co-branded social posts, and production of a commemorative tote bag featuring a Jane Mount design, with Beach Books covering any cost over the grant amount. A staff member summarized the proposed budget and explained that the marketing package would include sponsored content and headline ad impressions on OregonLive and co-branded social posts.

The committee debated whether the anniversary request set a precedent for other businesses seeking one-off promotional grants and whether the application contained sufficient detail about expected visitor counts and overnight stays. A member said they would have liked to see a clearer schedule of events tied to the promotion; others noted the grant application stated that Beach Books would cover expenses not covered by the grant. Committee members agreed the business’s 20-year milestone made the request worthy of consideration in this case.

The motion on the floor—"Motion to grant the $5,000 to Beach Books for their anniversary event"—was seconded and then approved by voice vote. The committee did not record individual named votes in the minutes.

Staff said the grant deadline for the current cycle is Dec. 5 and that awarded funds can be spent after that date within the program rules. The committee will forward its recommendation to the city for final processing under the city’s grant procedures.

The committee chair instructed staff to include the approved grant recommendation when the advisory committee’s final draft of bylaws and powers is forwarded to city council for review.