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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM060920Tourism Coordinating Council —Jefferson County Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council June 9, 2020 (DRAFT) The June 9 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, was called CALL TO ORDER to order at 10:03 am by TCC Chair Roney, noting a quorum was present with Council members Sarah Parry — proxy for Crystie Kisler, Marsha Massey, Cleone Telling, and Bill Roney in attendance. Partners Present: Commissioner Greg Brotherton, Christina Pivarnik TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively Consent Agenda Approval of May 12, TCC minutes and current TCC Financials were approved by CONSENT AGENDA consent JeffCo. Highlights - Commissioner Greg Brotherton provided the following JeffCo. BoCC (Board of County Commissioners) highlights — related to COVID-19: • Phase 2 variance progress and ongoing issues related to safe and sustainable reopening. COMMISSIONERS • Anticipate Phase 3 consideration as soon as June 13, based on a regional approach inclusive REPORT of Kitsap and Clallam counties. • BoCC did accept JeffCo. LTAC's revised 2020 allocations to marketing and events, inclusive of TCC's. Amended agreements between TCC and JeffCo. will be coming. • Greg agreed and acknowledged the challenges over Phase 2's conditional overnight camping variance being dependent on Clallam. The overall definition of a campground for transient (tourist) activity vs. "long term" resident space. • Jefferson County's masking directive from Dr. Locke and challenges of education and enforcement also exist. • A recently completed masking PSA video and TCC's help in a Phase 3 "Welcome Back" campaign will be most appreciated. • Greg updated TCC on the Chambers "JeffCoCares" campaign, inclusive of its "pledge" and partnered business education and resources. OPTC REPORT OPTC Highlights — Marsha shared various items of OPTC information, including: • Penny Wagner of Olympic NPS and Susan Gardner of Olympic Nat Forest updated OPTC on current re -opening plans. Place based, and dependent on local community status. Examples include Seal Rock Forest campground north of Brinnon awaiting JeffCo. Phase 2 camping prior to re -opening this newly updated ADA compliant campground. Reopening access to Hurricane Ridge and West end — tentatively — targeted for various mid and late June dates. • Marsha shared details of soft reopening's at both Port Angeles and NPS Visitor Centers. • Marsha shared updated travel industry survey and sentiment reports. • WTA is promoting an "explore your own back yard" Staycation campaign for this summer. New Business — Bill and Steve shared with TCC the revised 2020 budget based upon LTAC and BoCC's COVID-19 impact requests. The revised TCC 2020 budget is $136,950, down from previously approved $200,000. This revised 2020 TCC budget was accepted by consent. Marketing Report TCC MARKETING Steve provided a TCC briefing of COVID-19 marketing highs and lows, including: COORDINATORS • Communicating the switching "off' shutdown of all travel was unified and easy. REPORT Conversely, clearly communicating the "Reopening" message within various phases, and phrases of messaging is a much larger challenge. • Studies show that travelers trust the CDC over any other 'brand' when it comes to safe 'welcome back' travel messaging. TCC MARKETING • Moving forward, restoring the 'Experience' in previously crowded festivals and events will COORDINATORS be amongst the biggest challenge. REPORT (Cont.) • Balancing the demonstrated environmental restoration with the need for visitors' support and advocacy for restoration/preservation will be the new sustainability balance sought. • Steve reviewed with TCC a number for early re -opening trends taking place around the globe as well as across the U.S. including: • Consumer uptick in "COVID Campers" as RV's are again popular with travelers. • PSRC's 2020 Regional Passenger Only Ferry survey included Olympic Peninsula routes. • Lessons learned from Grays Harbor County's Memorial Day Phase 2, pointed to extended length of stay and little or no price resistance for available lodging accommodations. • Sound Publishing awarded TCC a matched marketing grant for digital and print use to the I- 5 corridor `Staycation' audience. • TCC's involvement continues with the production and distribution of "Welcome Back" tools, including face masks, apps, and placement of Jefferson Co. lodging guide and display ad in the revised PT Leader's annual "Getaway" printed guide. Area Updates: AREA UPDATES Gateway VIC — Bill noted: • Early re -opening plans include not inviting back volunteers in view of dangers of contact for his largely at risk volunteers and the current public discord. • Bill is executing reopening strategizes for safe and sustainable operations. Steps include installation of counter sneeze guards. A point of contact at doorway (ensuring maximum ventilation). Expansion of wifi as a public resource. • A visitor's check -in app. as well as a `menu board' featuring top travel brochure offerings. Tri-Areas—Sarah shared information, including: • Chimacum Corner Store and other Chimacum retailers are committed to innovative re - openings, i.e. special hours for seniors. • Finnriver is expanding reopening by late June. Converting from current curbside pick-up to expanded kitchen offerings. • Alternative operations will most likely include expanded table service and reduction of how tastings are offered. All still 'works in progress' Quilcene — Brinnon — Cleon reported: • Highlights of all 17 graduating high school seniors, and community rallying around them. • Murdock Grant awarded to Worthington House for funding towards parking lot. • Septic planning underway. Day use reopening and wedding hosting still being explored. • "Gravel Unravel" race canceled for 2020. Already on books for 2021. WTA — Marsh shared: • WTA working on a state-wide October 15 hybrid conference. Consisting of combined virtual online meeting and smaller regional satellite gatherings of people • Christian will continue with WTA one more year as Olympic Peninsula rep and state communications. • Tommy Farris has accepted the Outdoor rec seat on WTA, beginning July 1. • State-wide tourism economics are now via Longwoods. Different reporting from what Dean Runyon and Associates previously provided. ADJORN Adjournment - There being no further business the TCC meeting was adjourned at 12:04 PM Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday July 14, 2020 —10:00 AM at location TBD (the Inn at Port Ludlow if "Stay At Home" order has been lifted. Otherwise via Zoom).