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Home My WebLink AboutM061218 Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council June 12, 2018 (DRAFT) The June 12, 2018 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, was called to order at 10:09 am by TCC Chair Roney, noting a quorum was present. • Voting Members present were: Bill Roney, Marsha Massey, Joy Baisch, Shannon Tilley, and Crystie Kisler • Partners Present: Commissioner Kathleen Kler, Christina Pivarnik • TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively CALL TO ORDER Minutes from previous meetings were reviewed, and a vote to approve TCC minutes from the meetings conducted on May 8, 2018 were moved by Joy Shannon and seconded by Shannon. Approval for motion was unanimous. MINUTES REVIEWED Steve reviewed the TCC 2017 May financials with TCC. Noting that May’s Hotel/Motel Lodging Tax results exceeded budgeted amounts by 16.3%, bringing the YTD for 2018 5.9% ahead of targeted YTD budget projections. The Jefferson County Lodging sector is currently preforming stronger than other County sales tax generating sectors which are tracking .34% below YTD expectations. Approval of the May TCC Financial report was moved by moved by Joy Shannon and seconded by Shannon. Approval for action was unanimous. Commissioner’s Update: Commissioner Kler discussed the multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction coordinated response to the recent tragic vacation cabin explosion in Brinnon. JeffCo. is preparing a response to the newly announced “National Sword” and China's restrictions on the import of future recyclable materials generated within Jefferson County. Impacts and messaging were discussed for both residents and future visitors on need for new thinking related to sustainable waste management is needed. BoCC has reached Master Plan Resort Development with Statesman’s Black Point (aka Pleasant Harbor). After 12 years and extensive SEPA, public and tribal involvement, the final agreement was being mutually worked on all the way to the final vote. OPTC Update: Marsha Massey updated TCC on OPTC’s recent meeting, highlighted by: • Good meeting with every partner in full-gear for a busy summer ahead. • Excellent NPS and NFS briefings regarding Lake Crescent road work and recreational areas open for visitors. • Changes to mailing support is working well. Travel Planner mailed fulfillment requests nearly 2,800 for month – over 800 ahead of any previous mailing count. • Currently hosting individual FAM tour with Chinese and UK product mangers. • Marsha reflected on having just returned from the 50th U.S. Travel Association’s IPW in Colorado. IPW is the leading international inbound travel trade show, driving $4.7 billion in future travel to the United States. It is a national showcase of America, where U.S. travel exhibitors connect with travel buyers and media from more than 70 countries to promote their product, negotiate future business and build relationships. As part of the WTA booth, 77 scheduled appointments were hosted, with 5 of them being receptive tour operators. • OPTC website continues detailed work with vendor JayRay and website subcommittee, including TCC representation from: Steve, Bill, Marsha and Christina. Late July is targeted launch. TCC FINANCIALS REVIEWED COMMISSIONER UPDATE OPTC UPDATE Steve shared recent marketing highlights and insights of promotional results with TCC. Reviewed topics included: • Attendance at Norwegian Cruise Line’s launch of mammoth Bliss on Seattle to Alaska run. • Review of WSF displays by Port Ludlow. • TCC print ads in official cruise passenger guide “Homeport Seattle” and WA State’s official state visitors guide. • TCC’s print ad in the Olympic Culinary Loop MAP. • TCC’s full page print, plus two-page Accommodations listing in the PT Leader’s “Getaway”. • Review of social media impressions, with special emphasis on the impact of the “Chimacum Valley Bounty” commissioned video, all supporting UTrip itinerary planning Call-to-Action campaign. Resulting in over 825 user generated personal Chimacum Valley Culinary trip itineraries created to date. • Progress on Sustainable Tourism Initiative supported through LTAC supplemental funding. • Steve also briefed TCC on the Community Content Connection initiative. Facilitating the desire that TCC Community Representatives will curate monthly content in order to help populate Jefferson County’s section of OlympicPeninsula.org, and other supporting digital tourism promotion platforms. Area Updates: Port Townsend & WTA– Christina reported that thanks to Steampunk, Centrum events and R2AK the city is racing into peak summer season. • PT VIC is staffing up with a newly hired VIC manager, Lisa, and Renee as a new office manager. • RFP is being developed for upcoming transition between City and Chamber. • Christina is now WTA’s communications chair for state, helping process all media inquiries. Inclusive of Canada’s salvos related to recent statements by the Trump administration. • WTA is awaiting Governor’s appointment of Tourism Marketing authority. • 2019 WA State Travel Visitor’s Guide will begin planning later this month. Port Ludlow – Shannon reported on some of MANY events and activities taking place. Including: • Tyler Sweet’s entire team of golf Pros are keeping the course and offerings well-staffed and busy. • Already welcoming in-season summer travelers. Noting a younger demographic of traveler. • Good group business filling the Inn. • Inbound groups include a repeat visit by Lamborghini owners • Every weekend is busy welcoming boaters Rendezvous in the marina. • Always looking for staff! • Gateway VIC – Bill shared that the Jefferson County Gateway VIC is picking up in activity. • Lots of visitor interest being expressed in relocation information and details. • Shelly Leavens has been named as the new Executive Director of Jefferson Historical Society. Welcome! • Volunteers are doing a great job of keeping up with pace. TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT AREA UPDATES Brinnon – Joy reported that: • Seal Rock campground’s seasonal openings is welcome, along with all US Forest camp grounds, noting that Falls View Campground will not open this season. • Dosewallips State Park continues to remain busy as does trailhead access to Rocky Brook Falls. • ShrimpFest, Brinnon community sales sold out by noon Saturday. Thanks to the community in an effort to help Brinnon Parks & Rec. Tri Areas – Crystie shared information of ongoing programs, including information on: • Keg and I tap house has opened! • Grange revival underway. Thanks to new blood on the committee bringing new energy and program offerings. Stay tuned for Grange’s 100th Anniversary this fall. • Chimacum Interdependence Day with the Shaky Hand String Band – Saturday, Jul 14, 12:00pm - 9:00pm July 14 at Finnriver. • Chimacum Farmstand’s walkable map is out. Limited print run. TCC encouraged Crystie to consider a digital PDF format for broader distribution. • Working on a Sustainable Farming Internships and Apprenticeship with Willowood Farm, Coupeville. Many details still to work out. West End - Bill and Marsha shared on Kalaloch updates, and Joe’s report that the lodge is essentially sold out until mid-September. • Kathleen offered a good shout out for hospitality experienced at the South Shore Lake Quinault Salmon House Restaurant and Rain Forest Resort Village. Glad to have these historic examples of motor lodges remain. Adjournment - There being no further business the TCC meeting was adjourned at 12:08AM Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday August 23 – NOTE Date Change - 10AM at the Inn at Port Ludlow. AREA UPDATES (Cont.) ADJORN