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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM041218Tourism Coordinating Council —Jefferson County Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council April 12, 2018 (DRAFT) The April 12, 2018 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, was called to order at 10:06am by TCC Chair Roney noting a quorum was present. • Voting Members present were: Bill Roney, Marsha Massey, Joy Baisch, Shannon Tilley, Cleone Telling and Crystie Kisler • TCC friends present: Christina Pivarnik • TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively Minutes from previous meetings were reviewed, and a vote to approve TCC minutes from the meetings conducted on February 13, 2018 moved by Joy Baisch and seconded by Cleone Telling. The March 13, 2018, were moved by Shannon Tilley and seconded by Joy Baisch. Approval for both motions was unanimous. Steve reviewed the TCC 2017 March financials with council. Noting that March's Hotel/Motel Lodging Tax results exceeded budgeted amounts by 11.3%, bringing the YTD for 2018 within 1.21 of targeted budget projections. The Lodging sector is currently preforming stronger than other County sales tax generating sectors which are tracking 2.471 below YTD expectations. Approval of past February TCC Financial report and current March TCC reports was moved by Bill Roney and seconded by Crystie Kisler. Approval for both actions was unanimous. OPTC Update: Marsha Massey updated TCC on OPTC's recent meeting, highlighted by the wildly successful recognition and appreciation of over 20 priceless volunteers in attendance, and all enjoyed a lovely luncheon by the Fort Worden culinary team. Informative briefings were presented at OPTC by Ken Stringer of Olympic Peninsula Bicycle Alliance and Penny Wagner of Olympic National Park. Marsha shared details on a number of current OPTC Spring Campaigns underway, including wonderful press received from the Travel edition of the Wall Street Journal, Times Square "big board" impressions, and upcoming attendance at Travel & Words, Lacey Military show and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association. The Waterfall Trails brochure reprint is coming off the press, and the OPTC website is progressing nicely with vendor JayRay and website subcommittee, including TCC representation from: Steve, Bill, Marsha and Christina. Steve shared March marketing highlights and insights of promotional results with TCC. Reviewed topics included: • Bill signing bliss for state wide tourism marketing with Marsha, Christina and Steve in attendance to witness Governor's signature. "Finally!" • National Marine Sanctuary policy and designation advocacy work in "the other" Washington by Steve. • TCC's Facebook page has crossed the 3K "Likes" threshold strong. Enjoying MTD Facebook February over March 2018 growth of +2.55% • Current TCC marketing is in with Statehood Media's 1889 Washington Magazine, Thunderbull's Community Festivals & Event's annual publication, OutdoorsNW's big Annual Event Guide, Experience WA banner ads, and both banner ads and sponsored content in Seattle Refined Seattle . • Remnant ad opportunity taken in Homeport Seattle 2018, the official cruise passenger's guide on each of the 11 cruise ships sailing 212 PacNW vessel calls this season. CALL TO ORDER MINUTES REVIEWED TCC FINANCIALS REVIEWED OPTC UPDATE TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT • LTAC Supplemental funding opportunity submittal was reviewed. This opportunity arrived after the March TCC meeting, with a due date before TCC's scheduled April meeting. TCC MARKETING Steve submitted a responsive supplemental in support of promoting October's Apple & COORDINATORS Cider Festival, Piloting a Sustainable Tourism education and assessment program and REPORT (cont.) building capacity for addressing new OlympicPeinsula.org website and other digital marketing efforts of TCC. LTAC will meet April 20 and determine supplemental funding awards. • TCC reviewed the updated Leader Getaway Guide accommodations matrix and submitted full page ad illustrated with photos thanks to the talents of Bill Roney and Tommy Farris. Area Updates: Port Ludlow — Shannon reported on some of MANY events and activities taking place. Including: • Marina has been busy with a full Rendezvous moorage schedule. AREA UPDATES • The golf course is off winter play and welcoming golfers this spring. A popular ladies golf clinic season had kicked off with Kathryn Simerly, PGA. Part of a great vibe with plenty of new clinics and classes. • The Inn had a slow March, looking forward to welcoming the Tall Ships in May 9-14, plenty of educational offerings and cross -promotional events with Mothers Day, etc. • Upcoming wine dinners and Wed. Night Dinners Farm Supers April - September • Working on a "Dome zone" wrap on Washington State Ferries. Depending on how promotion works, might be interested in exploring a co-op with TCC and other Peninsula tourism partners. Gateway VIC — Bill shared that the Jefferson County Activity Planner Map has been printed. Gateway Visitors Center's LTAC supplement budget request was in proposed increased digital marketing efforts. Visitor count improving thanks to the milder weather. Volunteers are doing a great job of keeping up with pace. Bill gave praise for Penny of Olympic NPS and the helpful Hwy 101 road updates related to Lake Crescent construction. Brinnon —Joy reported limited power and communications throughout the area due to power pole replacement project. Pleasant Harbor's master resort plan is coming under final hearings. Dosewallips State Park continues to remain busy as does trailhead access to Rocky Brook Falls. Awaiting seasonal openings of US Forest camp grounds. Quilcene — Clone shared information of ongoing progress and new interpretative materials at the Worthington House. Port Townsend Marketing —Christina reported: • Excited for Staircase road work underway up in the Lake Cushman area. • Arlene Alen has arrived as the new Chamber Director. • Ongoing Water Street construction marketing being coordinated with Mainstreet. Overall smooth travels up and down Water Street. • Upcoming: PT Farmers Market opening Saturday — complete with parade of kids (goat and human "kids"). • RevitalizeWA 2018 conference will feature Port Townsend Main Street, Northwest Maritime Center, and Fort Worden. Elected officials in attendance will include Gov. Jay Inslee. Tri -Areas — Crystie reported on final preparations of Farmers market walking map of Chimacum AREA UPDATES Valley. Addition of Instagram account for Olympic Discovery Trail, Finnriver tasting pavilion now (cont.) open seasonally until 913M, and activation of largest solar power array in Jefferson County. ADJORN Adjournment - There being no further business the TCC meeting was adjourned at 12:03 pm Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday May 8, 10AM at the Inn at Port Ludlow.