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Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County
Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council
February 8, 2022 (DRAFT)
The February 8, 2022 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, was
called to order at 10:02 AM by TCC Chair Bill Roney. Noting that a quorum was in attendance.
Council members present: Bill Roney, Marsha Massey, Diana Smeland, Aaron Terada, Cleone
Telling, Crystie Kisler, present.
Valued Partners: Commissioner Greg Brotherton, Anji Scalf, Arlene Alen
TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively
Consent Agenda Approval of January 11, 2022, TCC minutes and current TCC budget, JeffCo. and
Olympic Peninsula Room Tax reports were presented. The Consent Agenda was moved and
approved by unanimous consent.
CALL TO ORDER
CONSENT
AGENDA
Commissioner’s Update – Commissioner Brotherton’s highlights included updates regarding
• February 22 scheduled launch of the Kingston Express, Route #14 transits shuttle connecting to
the Kingston to Seattle foot passenger ferry.
• Approved merger of N. Hood Canal Chamber with E. Jefferson County Chamber, and pending
plans for continued VIC services in Quilcene and Brinnon.
• Emergency prep for generator at Brinnon Fire Station and county-wide need for assessing and
improving indoor air exchange in public buildings.
• BoCC approved Christina Maloney’s appointment to membership on TCC.
OPTC Highlights – Marsha shared various items of OPTC information, including:
• Lee Taylor is acting Superintendent for Olympic National Park, where highlights include
o Improvements to Heart of the Hills contact station
o Scheduled summer repaving work at Ruby Beach
• Ongoing 2022 Travel planner – progression towards April production goal, in parallel with WA
State travel guide
• Olympia’s legislative session progress reviewed. SB 5513 proposing use of LTAC revenues for
workforce housing failed to get out to committee. HJB1530 regarding WA Wine industry
license plate – with revenues going to WA State tourism - got out of Transportation
committee.
• WA Film office funding support is needed
Marketing Report
Steve Reviewed with TCC the following:
• Reviewed general sentiment related to pandemic turning into endemic after two-years
• Current schedule for mid-March end of proof of vaccine mandate for indoor Food & Bev.
• Jan. 2022 LTAX revenue 30% higher than 2021 across Peninsula. Off to another good start!
• Review of select global markets tourism recovery, and boosted collaboration from locals, as
well as EU tourism commissions agreement to implement new success metrics – beyond
traditional ‘heads in beds’ to data on ‘social, environmental and economic impacts of tourism’
• Reviewed ongoing collaborative Fall-Winter OPTC lead marketing campaign with TCC February
‘romance’ themed print and digital ads
Area Updates:
West End – Bill and Marsha shared that Kalaloch is still working under an interim GM.
COMMISSIONER
UPDATE
OPTC REPORT
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT
AREA UPDATES
Forks VIC reported that 2021 was their 3rd highest guest count, and January 2022 has just come in
as their best January ever!
Aaron – Shared Fort Flagler & Marrowstone news, including, Park is seeing weekend pick-up in
camping. They are stocking up on seasonal supplies, and will soon start season staff hiring.
Awaiting infrastructure expansion of internet and groundbreaking for new contact station.
WSPR Commission tour went well. Seasonal housing, boat launch design and Mystery Bay boat
ramp repairs are all underway.
Crystie – Shared that they are pretty much “head down and focused internally on ‘holes, goals, and
roles’. Lots of core staff turn-over at Finnriver. Seeking new market manager
• Prepping for post-vac-mandate customer service and operations, including a new flow for
patio being considered.
• Feb. 13 pop-up circus event has sold-out.
• CSA pick-up / food hub at Finnriver being developed.
Cleone – Gave Worthington Park and Quilcene museum updates, including.
• Worthington House looking for reservation and management services.
• Working on pricing and logistics for upcoming events
• Keeping Quilcene Caffeinated, PNW Brew Espresso has opened in Quilcene.
Port Ludlow – Diana shared highlights including:
• The Fireside Restaurant features Wednesday themed meals – February is weekly Pasta
specials, March will be “Fresh” e.g. fish, spring veggies, etc. (Yum!)
• Popular Winter golf tourneys are underway, including March 19 St. Patty’s Day fun.
• Inn occupancy continues to improve.
• Their website is featuring expanded event listings, including Port Ludlow performing arts &
concert series event details.
Gateway VIC – Bill reported:
• VIC welcomed visitors from 13 different states and 2 foreign countries in January.
• First motorcycle club ride of the year stopped into the VIC
• Starting the contracted ADA railing work this Saturday.
JeffCo. Historic Society – Anji updates included.
Port Townsend museum currently undergoing woodwork refinishing and exhibit refresh. Will
reopen soon with new exhibit on Chinese immigrant influence on PacNW
• Seasonal reopening’s of Rothchild House and CO’s Quarters coming soon, with Rothchild house
scheduled for a new roof this spring.
• May 6-8 is Victorian Festival
• Lots of HVAC and water heater repairs and/or replacements at JCHS facilities.
• Looking for volunteer recruitment to support spring seasonal reopening’s.
PT Chamber/City Marketing – Arlene shared regarding N. Hood Canal and E. Jefferson Chamber
MOU. A series of “Reimagine” events as follow-up to the JeffCo. Cares campaign. Supporting a
large July Bike Across the Bay event. And Annual Chamber leadership awards celebration in May.
Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 11:33 AM
Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 10:00 AM location/mode TBD
AREA UPDATES
(Cont.)
ADJORN