HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec2023 TCC Minutes DRAFT v.12132023
Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County
Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council
December 12, 2023 (DRAFT)
The December 12, 2023 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County,
convening as a Zoom meeting- was called to order at 2:02 PM by TCC Chair Diana Smeland. A
quorum was in attendance.
Council members present: Diana Smeland, Dan Ventura, Aaron Terada, Crystie Kisler, Bethany
Smith, Amy Neil, Marsha Masey.
Valued Partners: Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour
TCC Marketing Coordinator: Steve Shively
No Public Comments received.
Approval of Agenda was approved with consensus.
Consent Agenda Consisting of TCC November 14, 2023 minutes, as well as the current TCC budget,
JeffCo. and Olympic Peninsula Hotel Room Tax reports were approved by consent without
objections. Moved Marsha, Second Dan. Approved.
OPTC Report – Marsha shared these highlights:
• Big December OPTC with 31 attendees. Molly Pitman NPS PIO shared that Hurricane Ridge
reopening planned in support of Winter Recreation programs.
• 2024 will be 30th anniversary of NOAA’s OCNMC with two SAC seat openings available.
• WSDOT Elwa Bridge replacement is on track, (anticipate May/June, prior to Memorial weekend
closure with nine-day closure when 113-112 detour per WSDOT), plus two SR104 Roundabouts
o WSDOT will again manage website sub-pages – with project specific details.
• Lisa Kruse is SWT new development manager, sharing news of SWT to administer EDA grants
for Tourism Recovery and Receptive Tour Operator “Steps to Success” webinars.
• Tourism Master plan is in final stages – with first rough draft read anticipated before holidays.
• OPTC marketing update going well, including 2024 eNews editorial calendar topics approved.
Commissioner’s Update – Heidi Eisenhour shared these highlights:
• Replacement for Central Services Director hiring is – hopefully - wrapping up.
• New JeffCo. strategic plan. – Thriving people = celebrating through events and programing.
Attending events and proclamations – more actionable. Including care for VIC and other
County facilities.
• 2000 acres, for carbon off-set, 950 acres, 650 acres around Dabob Bay – expanded now Natural
Rec area., + 280 acres in Mt. Walker. Lots of Forest Conservation projects included.
• Pleasant Harbor development moving ahead.
• Aquatic center – passed. Formation of a 5-7 member PDA recommended.
• January 2024 Commissioner assignments will have TCC and LTAC covered by Greg Brotherton.
TCC thanked Commissioner Eisenhour for her leadership in TCC, OPTC, LTAC and OCNMSAC.
Marketing Report - Steve – reviewed with TCC the following:
• Current DOR LTAC revenues are projected to eclipse $1M for JeffCo. in 2023.
• SWT convened Peninsulas planning meeting. proposing reconfigured state regional map.
• Lots of WSDOT Fish passage construction in 2024, along with Roundabouts & Elwa Bridge work
• Updates on current “The Coast Is Clear” marketing campaign, including Sunset.com ads
• Overview of TCC’s “Bounty” and “Discover & Engage” fall-winter themes with Dec 5-7 content
tour with Jess Caldwell of North America @TALK, extensive E. Jefferson itinerary explored.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
CONSENT
AGENDA
OPTC REPORT
COMMISSIONER
UPDATE
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT
New Business – 2023 TCC “Annual Meeting” of Council (per Bylaws Art. III, Section 2)
a) Election of officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Recorder (+ assigned Recorder) –
Continuing - Chair (Diana), Vice Chair (Cleone Telling), and Recorder Crystie – duties assigned to
and accepted by (Steve). Moved by Diana, Second offered by Dan. Approved.
b) 2024 TCC Meeting Schedule Dates: 1/9, 2/13, 3/12, 4/9, 5/14, 6/11, 7/9*, 8/13/23*,
9/10, 10/8, 11/12, 12/10 (*typically skip for summer, will meet as needs may warrant)
c) Diana sent Marketing Coordinators 2024 MOU to TCC Council members for review,
adding collecting analytics related to digital content, with goal of increased engagement across all
platforms. taking action in December on agreement. Moved by Dan, Second offered by Crystie.
Approved.
Area Updates:
Tri-Areas – Marrowstone – Aaron noted Fort Flagler is busy keeping park clean.
• Construction is half way through 3-Phase electrification of park. Supporting EV charging.
• New visitors contact station will be built in 2024.
• Hospital furnace replaced, enabling getting unit online for lodging accommodations.
Chimacum – Crystie noted excited for new farmer as of Chimacam Café,
Finnriver added dog friendly outdoor area.
Working with a major outdoor branded Music Festival for 2024.
Holiday Craft Fairs throughout Chimacum these next weekends
Student lead FEED Truck at Chimacum successfully rolling out
Bethany shared: Old Alcohol Plant – 2023 reported record farm stand business,
• Over 140,000 raised for Bayside at recent Gala
• Hosting Christmas and NYE special meals.
West End – Kalaloch – Amy – Kalaloch – Plenty of rain today, King tides starting to come in. Less
people on beach… less bluff due to tides.
• 2024 event planning and holiday happenings.
• Forks – Marsha mentioned that tickets will go on sale in January for 2024 Forever Twilight Fest!
Port Ludlow - Diana shared these highlights:
• In planning stages for 12 EV charging stations (6 at Inn + 6 at golf course)
• Owners and dogs are now OK Fireside’s veranda
• Fireside will be featuring Prime Rib Sunday’s
• Four-course Christmas eve. + take home menu options will be offered
• Friday December 22 Lighted Boat Parade
• Pleased with 50+ people at Port Ludlow’s 4th annual tree lighting event.
• New Pizza restaurant opening in Village Center soon.
Brinnon – Dan shared;
• Pleased with culinary activity: new ownership Halfway House. New leadership at Pleasant
Harbor Galley Pub, Owners of Quilbilly's Restaurant and Taproom purchased Ajax Café too!
• Good collaboration with Outdoor Adventures and the TCC @TALK content creator.
• Concerns over scope of Master Planned Resort (MPR) in the Pleasant Harbor/Black Point area
of Brinnon.
Gateway VIC – Steve reported ongoing developments with Sherry and VIC team,
• Holiday potluck was a delicious success
• Working with Certified Folder on hosting one rack of “keep filled” brochures alongside others
• Will be updating WiFi and telephone services in January.
SWT – Marsha shared IITA "Steps to Success" training program sponsored by State of WA Tourism,
starting in January. The link for registration: https://inboundtravel.org/sts-landing-page-
washington/
NEW BUSINESS
AREA UPDATES
Additional Opportunity for Public Comment - no public comments received.
Adjournment – Diana adjourned TCC meeting at 3:37PM with Happy Holiday well wishes to all!
Next called meeting of TCC is Tuesday January 9, 2024 – 2:00 PM scheduled as a hybrid – in-person
from Port Ludlow or via Zoom access.
Respectively Submitted – Steve Shively
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
ADJORN
NEXT MEETING