HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb2024 TCC Minutes DRAFT v.03012024
Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County
Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council
February 13, 2024 (DRAFT)
The February 13, 2024 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County,
convening as a hybrid meeting- was called to order at 2:03 PM by TCC Chair Diana Smeland. A
quorum was in attendance.
Council members present: Diana Smeland, Aaron Terada, Crystie Kisler, Cleone Telling, Marsha
Masey, Dan Ventura
Valued Partners: Shelly Leavens, Dana Petrick, Jessie Short
TCC Marketing Coordinator: Steve Shively
No Public Comments received.
Approval of Agenda was approved with consensus.
Consent Agenda Consisting of TCC January 9, 2024 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 led a discussion on the state of tourism in Port Angeles, Jefferson County,
and Forks, highlighting the impact of the Black Ball Ferry being out for the whole month and the
lack of snow on visitor numbers. 2023 Year end lodging tax levels, E-News stats, FAM tours 2023
plus 2024 in the works.
Current OPTC advertising was reviewed, including fall/winter “the Coast is Clear” campaign.
Ongoing WA Legislative session updates
Save the date – April 8-9 for return of the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Summit, featuring 5-Year
Master Plan revel. It was noted that this necessitate consideration of a special April meeting of TCC
Marketing Report - Steve – Steve presented the marketing report, highlighting the success of the
fall winter campaign and the substantial engagement it generated. The meeting also delved into
the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the region, highlighting the availability of
charging stations and partnerships with hotel chains.
Steve Shively and Aljolynn Sperbe of Visit Kitsap Co. are collaborating on a SWT grant proposal for
a joint Kitsap-Jefferson County project to refresh our shared segment of the Cascade Marine Trails,
which spans from Olympia to the Canadian border. Steve also discussed the tourism master plan
and the conflict with the TCC meeting in April, proposing schedule revisions to help ensure TCC
attendance at the tourism summit for the Olympic Peninsula. The meeting also covered LTAC
funding and reporting, updates on various projects, and the impact of bluff erosion on the Kalaloch
property.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
CONSENT
AGENDA
OPTC REPORT
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT
New Business – No new business
Area Updates:
Tri-Areas – Marrowstone – Aaron provided updates on increasing camping activity, construction
plans for a welcome station, renovations at the upper campground and hospital, upcoming
weddings, and the opening of the Nordland store as a co-op.
Chimacum – Crystie shared updates on projects, including the Chimacum Valley Grainery’s
microbrewery license and support for the Longhouse for the People project.
NEW BUSINESS
AREA UPDATES
Amy shared Bluff Erosion and Cabin Removal at Kalaloch, mentioning that they are mostly
concentrated in one section of the bluff. Amy confirmed that the cabins will be demolished and not
repurposed. The discussion also touches on the potential long-term plan to build new cabins, but
the process is expected to be complex and time-consuming.
Campground and Park Updates Amy shared the challenges of managing reservations for a highly
sought-after campsite, along with updates on power outages and various upcoming events
West End – Forks – Marsha provided insights into the impact of the Black Ball Ferry being out for
the whole month on tourism in Port Angeles and the west end of Jefferson County, as well as the
softening of tourism in Forks due to rain and lack of snow. She also mentions the upcoming
Quileute welcoming the whales event on April 12th and encourages attendance.
Quilcene – Cleone discussed museum storage volunteers have finished up 30 square foot addition
for storage at the museum, upcoming weddings, and landscaping at Worthington Park and
Quilcene museum.
Brinnon – Dan will follow up with Clayton White and Matt Tyler regarding the need for
improvements at the Quilcene campground and potential support from the county.
Dan will coordinate with Matt Tyler, the Director of County Parks and Rec, regarding the Quilcene
campground amenities and groundskeeping needs. Dan also discussed Fjord Fest meetings and the
Pleasant Harbor Resort project, as well as the growth of SCUBA activities in the area.
Port Townsend - Shelly Leavens shares updates on various State of Washington grants, letters of
support for local organizations, collaborations with the arts and culture plan, and a meeting with
Washington Filmworks to attract filmmakers to Port Townsend
Port Ludlow – Diana shared exciting news of Sunday Prime Rib dinner specials. Their sales team
showing at multiple-wedding shows around region. Area events include: First Friday tours at NW
School Wooden Boat, the Port Ludlow performing Arts welcoming 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 March 12, 2024 – 2:00 PM scheduled as a hybrid – in-person
from Port Ludlow or via Zoom access.
Respectively Submitted – Steve Shively
AREA UPDATES
(cont.)
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
ADJORN
NEXT MEETING