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Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County
Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council
January 9, 2024 (DRAFT)
The January 9, 2024 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County,
convening as a hybrid meeting- was called to order at 2:08 PM by TCC Chair Diana Smeland. A
quorum was in attendance.
Council members present: Diana Smeland, Aaron Terada, Crystie Kisler, Bethany Smith, Cleone
Telling, Marsha Masey.
Valued Partners: Commissioner Greg Brotherton, Jessie Short
TCC Marketing Coordinator: Steve Shively
No Public Comments received.
Approval of Agenda was approved with consensus.
Consent Agenda Consisting of TCC December 12, 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.
Commissioner’s Update – Greg Brotherton was welcomed back to TCC, sharing these highlights:
• Replacement for Central Services Director hiring with Tracy Coleman on board!
• Roundabout construction April – late July, with approved detours is anticipated
o TCC discussed the approved WSDOT detours, with possibilities for using Oak Bay Road
for a - more scenic – and as a more logical alternative road during construction.
• Greg will be assuming Commissioner Eisenhour’s assignments with TCC, LTAC and JeffCo’s role
in the Tourism Master Plan.
• Greg welcomes TCC conversation and recommendations to LTAC regarding allocating a portion
of Lodging Tax revenue to budget of foundational programs, i.e. TCC, JCHS, and Gateway VIC,
with the balance being allocated through RFP.
• The Jefferson Transit Route 14 Kingston Express bus is now fare free, and can be promoted as
such to visitors
OPTC Report – Marsha shared these highlights:
• OPTC first meeting of year was a partners organizational meeting.
• City of PT as OPTC member has shifted back to the City vs. Chamber as voting member.
• 2023 highlights included:
o Loss of Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge – with $80M Federal pledge to rebuild
o Hood Canal Bridge and other WSDOT projects
o Opening Field Arts and Events Hall in Port Angeles
o Numbers festivals, new additions including Fungi Fest, and final THING at Fort Worden
o Record setting Alaska cruise season and SEA service
• 2023 Year end lodging tax levels, E-News stats, FAM tours 2023 plus 2024 in the works.
• Annual OPTC Advertising reviewed, including fall/winter “the Coast is Clear” campaign.
• First year of “Travel Planner lite” lure brochure, alongside the larger full-planner distribution
• WA Legislative session outlook
• Look for return of the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Summit, featuring 5-Year Master Plan revel.
Marketing Report - Steve – reviewed with TCC the following:
• Steve shared examples of current TCC print ad in Adventures NW.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
CONSENT
AGENDA
COMMISSIONER
UPDATE
OPTC REPORT
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT
• 2023 DOR LTAC revenues came in at $902,606. 13.7% above last year are projected to eclipse
$1M for JeffCo. in 2023.
• Various trends in travel and tourism were reviewed.
• Digital media metrics for social media advertising was discussed. Impressions, Average
cost/thousand (CPM), Reach, Frequency, Click-through rate (CTR) and Cost-per-click (CPC) will
be tracked.
• SWT grant offerings and possible applications for TCC’s involvement.
• WSDOT Fish passage construction in 2024, along with Roundabouts & Elwa Bridge work
• Updates on current “The Coast Is Clear” marketing campaign,
• Tie-in to TCC’s “Bounty” and “Discover & Engage” fall-winter themes with content articles from
Jess Caldwell of North America @TALK, extensive E. Jefferson itinerary exploration.
• Diana asked Marsha regarding SWT webinar on International Travel “Steps to Success”
detailing how-to for Receptive Tour operations. Link provided https://inboundtravel.org/sts-
landing-page-washington/
• Jessie asked Marsha regarding OPTC bylaws, funding partners, etc. Conversation followed up
off-line.
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT (cont.)
New Business – No new business
Area Updates:
Tri-Areas – Marrowstone – Aaron noted Fort Flagler finished electrical upgrade. Hoping to open
project on Camp Wilson retreat unit.
• New Welcome Center getting finished.
• Upper Campground Road is targeted as major project, along with
• Hospital building heat which will enable day-use reservations for meetings and banquets.
Chimacum – Crystie noted 2024 energy. Using key calendar dates to reference and build around.
• Major outdoor branded Music Festival for 2024 didn’t work due to lack of camping at farm.
• Hoping for COVID rebound year.
• Focus on hospitality and increase level of skills within hospitality service industry
• Simon with his vision for Chimacum Café,
• Fred Sharp lecture on Whales on Jan. 18
• Community Reading on Jan. 25. Looking for champions to help these succeed.
Bethany shared: Old Alcohol Plant – 2023 reported record farm stand business,
• 2024 calendar includes planning with gardeners and kitchen
• Three months Burlesque productions. Looking forward to it.
West End – Forks – Marsha noted that due to loss of power and phones at Kalaloch, the group
campsite reservations have been postponed to Jan. 16.
Quilcene – Cleone reported
• For the new year, we have two new board members added to the team. Bobbie Strohm and
Caitlin Friedman are a part of the Event and Wedding Coordinating Team.
• Three weddings re reserved for this spring and summer with more in the making. The team has
attended the Tacoma Wedding Expo and will be present at the Kitsap, Lacey and Port Angeles
gatherings.
• A Docent and Volunteer thank you party was hosted by museum board members on December
7th at the Worthington Mansion. Docents shared stories of how their families originally came
to Quilcene or Brinnon. A new exhibit about the history of transportation in the area is
planned for this spring.
• Over the winter, volunteers will be finishing the 30 square foot addition for storage at the
museum
NEW BUSINESS
AREA UPDATES
• On December 24th an Open House was held at the mansion for members of the community
and outer areas. Well attended!
Gateway VIC – Steve reported:
• Up 9.6% month-over-month
• Still working with Certified Folder on brochure
• Working upgrading alternative to WiFi service
Port Ludlow - Diana shared these highlights:
• Excited to be going to Finnriver for employee appreciation on 1/23
• Sunday Prime Rib dinner special
• Multi-wedding shows around region.
• First Friday tours at NW School Wooden Boat, starting Feb
• Port Ludlow performing Arts welcomes Good Company Electric Swing Band
• Showing at Golf Show in March
• EV charging stations (6 at Inn + 6 at golf course) coming online.
• Watch Party display and looking forward to offering Super Bowl opportunity.
Additional Opportunity for Public Comment - no public comments received.
Adjournment – Diana adjourned TCC meeting at 3:34PM
Next called meeting of TCC is Tuesday February 13, 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