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Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County
Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council
October 12, 2021 (DRAFT)
The October 12, 2021 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County,
was called to order at 10:01 AM by TCC Chair Bill Roney. Noting that a quorum was in
attendance. The Chair welcomed Andy as the new owner of Beach Cottages at Marrowstone.
Council members present: Bill Roney, Marsha Massey, Diana Smeland, Aaron Terada, Crystie
Kisler, present.
Members excused: Cleon Telling
Partners present: Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour, Bethany Smith, and Andy Nordstrom
TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively
Consent Agenda Approval of September 14, 2021, TCC minutes and current JeffCo. and Olympic
Peninsula Room Tax reports were presented. The Consent Agenda was moved for approval by
Bill, seconded by Bethany, and approved by unanimous consent.
CALL TO ORDER
CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner’s Update – Heidi’s update to TCC included information related to:
• Continued preparations for 2022 LTAC grant application process. Estimates of $900,000
total funds to be available for allocation.
• Status of offer extended to top candidate for County Administrator position.
• Progress continues on Mill Road unhoused shelter property development.
• Status of necessary reduction in COVID cases before Dr. Berry lifts current temporary
proof-of vaccination mandate for indoor F&B customers.
• Working on biennial budget, census related redistricting, Port Hadlock sewer and
various Port issues throughout County.
OPTC Highlights – Marsha shared various items of OPTC information, including:
• Fall co-opt marketing campaign has launched. Adding drive-market audience focus in
Portland via KATU2 (ABC-affiliated television station). Building upon successful Spring
campaigns extremely high media impressions across all channels.
• Mike Moe of WTA reported on IPW trade summit in Vegas. Forecasts for 2022-23 return
of international travel
• Update on current status, and resulting impacts, for Black Ball ferry and Canadian travel
restrictions.
• Reviewed DMA West destination analyst’s readership conversion study related to
impacts of printed travel planners. Findings indicate that print is not dead yet!
Marketing Report
Steve Reviewed with TCC the following:
• Ongoing monitoring of WA State’s COVID ‘Roller Coaster’ ride toward recovery.
• Reviewed the Conflict De-Escalation tips and tools joints produced and distributed.
• Early post Summer findings prove that Road Trips, and esp. RV’s continue popularity.
• Study showing the power of partnering visitors towards a pledge of #RecreateResponsibily
vs. larger and louder signs ‘shouting’ NO, results in better compliance.
• Service level worker shortage will continue to impact restaurant and other segments of the
hospitality and leisure industries.
COMMISSIONER
UPDATE
OPTC REPORT
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT
• Current TCC marketing campaign results were reviewed, including results from Septembers
Eat Local – Olympic Peninsula campaign, and preliminary results from successful Apple &
Cider and Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festivals.
New Business: TCC strategized and took ACTION, approving the submitting of presented 2022
budget to LTAC of $295,00 (with $30,000 earmarked for collaborative strategic planning
consultation). Approved by unanimous consent.
Area Updates:
Tri-Areas - Chimacum Valley & Marrowstone Island & Tri-Areas
Bethany – shared updates included Bethany’s sad announcement that she’ll be leaving Old
Alcohol Plant, relocating to Silverdale. TCC thanks Bethany for her years of partnership and
good participation. Bayside Housing welcomes Heather Dudley as development director. Spirits
has Oktoberfest plans on their menu.
Aaron – shared Fort Flagler & Marrowstone news, including, Park has closed upper campground
for season. Lower campground remains open with 90% occupancy mid-week, 100% weekends.
Retreat Center buildings remains closed, maintenance work begins on Theater. Friends of FF
have volunteered to restore the Mystery Bay Picnic Shelter. Norland Store restoration begins.
Crystie, shared the following Chimacum and Finnriver news including: “Muddling through,
continued bumpy road of pandemic and vaccine mandate, coupled with lots of staff turnover
and hiring gaps.”
Apple & Cider was more lively than expected. Planning outdoor Halloween event.
Excited for new WSU Extension Director and the hiring announcement of Melissa O’Neill as ED
of the Chimacum Center, focused on rural arts events.
Westend – Marsha noted that Lissy in Forks reported a very successful – sold out - Forever
Twilight weekend, full of plenty of pivots due to COVID
Port Ludlow - Diana shared:
• Weekly Wednesday Farm Suppers returning to the Fireside. Service gaps necessitate
Monday and Tuesday closure.
• October 27 Comfort Meal menu of Fish & Chips, Slaw ad Turtle Pie will be a favorite!
• Group business remains mixed with lots of rescheduling or cancelations.
• Winter Rates and seasonal maintenance at the golf-course beginning soon.
Gateway VIC – Bill reported:
• Sept. welcomed more out of state vs. in-state visitors at the VIC
• Still looking at deferred ADA maintenance waiting on contractor, supplies and good weather
to all collaborate.
• Always thankful for the small yet dedicated crew of VIC volunteers.
WTA/WTMA – Marsha shared:
• New State level WTA website and branding coming soon.
• Due to COVID there will be no Oct. State Tourism Summit – Oct. 21-22 at SeaTac in 2021
Adjournment - There being no further business the TCC meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM
Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday November 9, 2021 – 10:00 AM location/mode TBD
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT (Cont.)
NEW BUSINESS
AREA UPDATES
ADJORN