HomeMy WebLinkAboutM031318Tourism Coordinating Council —Jefferson County
Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council
March 13, 2018 (DRAFT)
The March 13, 2018 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County,
was called to order at 10:08am by TCC Chair Roney noted a quorum was not present.
Voting Members present were: Bill Roney, Marsha Massey, Joy Baisch
TCC friends present: Commissioner Kathleen Kler, Christina Pivarnik
TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively
Minutes from previous meeting were reviewed, minor corrections noted. A vote to approve
TCC minutes from the meeting conducted on February 13, 2018, was tabled.
Steve reviewed the TCC 2017 February financials with council. Noting that February's
Hotel/Motel Lodging Tax failed to exceed budget for the first time in over 24 months. Missing
budget amount by 4.3%. Marsha commented that Clallam and Sequim were also flat for the
period. Steve speculated that one or two accommodations may have been off -cycle for their
year-end reporting. Commissioner Kler noted that the Jefferson Co. LTAC has presented the
revised Lodging Tax application to BoCC for approval. And a supplemental LTAC grant funding
round will be going out soon, with anticipated application deadline of April 11.
Approval of February TCC Financial report tabled due to lack of quorum.
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
REVIEWED
TCC FINANCIALS
REVIEWED
Commissioners Report: Commissioner Kler reported that besides the new and improved LTAC COMMISSIONERSREPORT
application and 2018 supplemental funding opportunities, County has her plate full with Black
Point Master Planning hearing process, Moratorium set for expansion of existing or
development of new gun range permits.
OPTC Update: Marsha Massey updated TCC on OPTC's approval to send comments to BOEM
National OSC Oil & Gas Leasing Program proposal, supporting Olympic Coast National Marine OPTC UPDATE
Sanctuary (OCNMSAC) and modeled after TCC's similar correspondence.
Marsha shared that the Spring OPTC ads are up, including digital AAA ads anticipating a large
volume of responses.
The new Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner is out. It will be the signature piece in OPTC's annual
mailing to over 230 regional VIC's and AAA info centers. (TCC will again subscribe to have the
Activity Planner included in their mailing.)
The April 5 OPTC meeting will be a Fort Worden, with a celebration of all Olympic Peninsula
tourism volunteers featured.
Steve and Bill, Christina and Marsha continue work as part of the OPTC Web Committee
working with JayRay on the new OlympicPeninsula.org website design process.
New Business: Bill briefed TCC on the 2018 Jefferson County Activity Planner Map refresh and NEW BUSINESS
printing schedule. 42,000 units have been ordered for printing. Bill is working with the Port
Townsend Leader on their Getaway Guide publication and TCC's annual display ad along with
our accommodations matrix.
Christina noted that she will again be joining representatives of OPTC to attend the "Travel and
Words" conference. Calling for details of story worthy travel journalism pitches, and any NEW BUSINESS
Jefferson County goodies that could be donated for an auctioned gift basket. (Cont.)
Steve shared January marketing highlights and insights into promotional results with TCC.
Reviewed topics included:
• Glee that state tourism marketing bill E4 SSB 5251— 2017 -18 has progressed to Governor's TCC MARKETING
desk for signature. "Yippie Yeah!" COORDINATORS
• Steve reviewed his OCNMSAC leadership in Washington DC as part of four Sanctuaries that REPORT
made appropriations Hill Climb and delivered letters of BOEM opposition and tourism
materials to many of our congressional representatives.
• MTD Facebook January 2017 vs. January 2018 saw essentially flat growth from a .755%
increase for Enjoy Olympic Peninsula.
• Current TCC marketing is in with Statehood Media's 1889 Washington Magazine, Hood
Canal's Tracing the Fjord Magazine, 2018 Washington State Visitors Guide, and an upcoming
Seattle Refined digital campaign consisting of display media and sponsored content,
scheduled to launch April 1.
• TCC reviewed some commissioned aerial photography shot recently. Still too early to
capture the much sought after "bountiful" agritourism features of the Chimacum Valley.
Plenty of photo opts later this spring!
Area Updates: AREA UPDATES
Gateway VIC — Bill shared that the Gateway Visitors Center was open and well -staffed by
volunteers. Visitor count improving thanks to the milder weather. Gateway parking lot
resurfacing on schedule.
Brinnon — Joy reported that Dosewallips State Park continues to remain busy as does trailhead
access to Rocky Brook Falls.
Port Townsend Marketing — Christina reported:
• Looking forward to joining Governor's tourism bill signing celebration.
• Victorian Festival next weekend.
• A welcome to Arlene Alen, who arrived as the new Chamber Director.
• Next step is hiring VIC Manager through Jefferson County Chamber to implement transition
with City of PT regarding future marketing role.
• Ongoing Mainstreet construction marketing being coordinated with Mainstreet. Overall
smooth travels up and down Main Street.
Adjournment - There being no further business the TCC meeting was adjourned at 11:38 am
ADJORN
Next meeting of TCC is scheduled for THURSDAY April 12, 2018 10AM at the Jefferson County
Library 620 Cedar Ave, Port Hadlock, WA 98339
NOTE: April adjusted meeting date and location from TCC's typical schedule