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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAug2024 TCC Meeting Minutes DRAFT v.09012024 Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County Minutes of Meeting of the Coordinating Council August 13, 2024 (DRAFT) The August 13, 2024 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, convening as a hybrid meeting - was called to order at 2:00 PM by TCC Chair Diana Smeland. A quorum was in attendance. Council members present: Diana Smeland (chair), Bethany Smith, Marsha Masey, Cleone Telling, Amy Neil, Crystie Kisler Valued Partners: Jessie Short TCC Marketing Coordinator: Steve Shively No Public Comments received Approval of Agenda was approved with consensus. Consent Agenda Consisting of TCC July 9, 2024 Meeting minutes, as well as the current TCC budget, and JeffCo. Hotel Room Tax budget reports were all approved by consent without objections. Approved. OPTC Report – Marsha shared the with TCC on going updates. Highlights included Updates from the August meeting of OPTC, covering various topics such as the challenges of accessing public lands, available grants and awards from the State of Washington Tourism, the renewal of a Fall/Winter marketing campaign for the Olympic Peninsula, and the progress of the tourism master plan. She also highlighted the ongoing success of OPTC’s media coverage and the upcoming familiarization tours planned in August and September. The spring campaign recap with Expedia was discussed, emphasizing the its impact on room inventory. Industry trends were also touched on, including the shorter booking window and the effects of tourism on various global destinations. Marsha also mentioned the ongoing progress of the tourism master plan and the upcoming installation of welcome signage in conjunction with a roundabout near the Hood Canal Bridge. Tourism Master Plan conversation revolved around the strategic implications of budget allocation for OPTC and the need for clear decision-making processes. the proposal that all LTACs set aside 1% of their funds for tourism master plan deliverables, TCC Marketing Report - Marketing Report – Steve Shively provided TCC with updates of ongoing projects, report highlighted successful promotional activities. Key mentions including: • Current North America @TALK content creators FAM tour in south county. Heading tonight to Port Ludlow. With emphasis on content and article for Bleisure market travel opportunities. , highlighting the collaboration with North America Talk and the theme of leisure travel, work, rest, and recharge. • Reviewed a report regarding the value of Family Travel segment, contracted by the near state-leading decline in Jefferson County youth. • News regarding the roundabouts on SR 104, including a meetup for the Paradise roundabout and the consideration of possible “welcome” signage. Steve also highlighted new book featuring Mystery Bay on Marrowstone Island, and encouraging all to attend the State of Washington Tourism Conference in Vancouver, WA on October 7-9. New Business –TCC agreed to review last years TCC LTAC application in anticipation of 2025 RFP process. With discussion regarding current LTAC thoughts on Olympic Peninsula Tourism Master Plan, and rolls of both TCC and OPTC in best communicating the funding needs to LTAC. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENTS CONSENT AGENDA OPTC REPORT TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT NEW BUSINESS Additional new business is to convene a special meeting of TCC on Tuesday, October, 15 2PM due to the conflict with those attending the Vancouver SWT Conference, October 7-9. TCC approved calendaring the Special Meeting, October 15. Area Reports – Tri-Area’s Bethany Smith reported that her team had a busy month with numerous weddings and a retreat at Old Alcohol Plant Inn. Key points included: • Team had a busy month with numerous weddings and a retreat. Although the staff is tired from the workload, everything went well. They're now looking forward to hosting events in 2025, including leveraging the shoulder season related events. Overall, it's been a busy but positive period. • The Seattle Times featured a new author’s book centered on a haunted house located on Marrowstone Island’s Mystery Bay, a Washington State Park, part of Ranger Aaron and team’s Fort Flagler area. The mystery story plays up the Island’s solitary one-lane road, and talks about neighboring Irondale, Hadlock, and Chimacum. There is hope that the book will achieve popularity similar to the Twilight series, and Old Alcohol Plant Inn is working with author Sherry Priest on a book signing and reading. • Aaron provided these Fort Flagler updates: both good and bad news regarding Flagler. The good news is that the upper campground road realignment project is finally moving forward. However, the bad news is that the upper campground will be closed starting mid-August, significantly reducing available inventory by 60%. This comes on top of group accommodations already being out of order. The closure will likely last until the rainy season in the fall, but during the winter, only the beach campground is typically used. Chimacum – Crystie Kisler reported: • Crystie reported that August has been busy, with cloudy weather humorously dubbed "Foggust." Finnriver is hosting two major events: the String &Shadow Puppet Theater on August 23-24, and a Chekhov performance by Theater in the Orchard from Salt Fire. The cidery has had great energy with plenty of wonderful music and food. They're also starting to think about fall and winter. • In the broader community, Chimacum had a successful Interdependence Day and is planning for future events, including a craft fair in December. Crystie mentioned on-farm workshops at the granary, focusing on baking with local grains, and is seeking to fill 12 student spots per session in conjunction with a Chimacum School partnership. She also inquired about the Moon Cafe opening in Hadlock and noted the Chimacum Farmers Market has been lively, with harvest season approaching. Quilcene – Cleone Telling shared: • Cleone reported that the Quilcene Historical Museum relies heavily on LTAC funding and aims to preserve as much as possible. The recent circus event at Worthington Park had a successful turnout of around 400 attendees, while the Western-themed wine tasting event also went well. • Security updates were necessary at Worthington Park due to a theft of about $2,500 worth of equipment. As a result, more cameras and security systems have been installed at the museum and outbuildings. • Cleone also shared that they are working on a heritage fund for Worthington Park, with 65% of the $170,000 goal already raised. The funds will be used for landscaping, paving, earthquake reinforcement for the museum, and maintenance on the stage. They are also exploring the idea of a wedding tent to extend the season and provide cover during rainstorms. AREA UPDATES • Caitlin Friedman is now the new communications chair for Worthington Park, replacing Brian Cullen, and will serve as Cleone's alternate during the winter. Kalaloch – West End – Amy Neil reported that it's the busy summer season, often referred to as "angry August" in the industry. The Kalaloch area is fully booked for the next couple of months, with many weddings taking place, but no major events or changes. • Traffic is terrible due to construction between her location and Forks, doubling the typical Forks to Kalaloch trip from about 35 minutes to almost an hour. • She's looking forward to the end of summer and less traffic when kids go back to school, especially at the Hoh rainforest entrance. Gateway Visitor Information Center (VIC) – Steve reported: • The Gateway VIC was temporarily closed during WSDOT’s SR19-104 roundabout construction, is now back in business with 6-day/week operations. • Collaborating with the county to put up signage originally from the Port Townsend Visitor Center. • There has been a staffing change, with Sherry transitioning out after accepting a position with North Hood Canal Chamber. She will continue to help during busy weekends through August. Christina Putnam, a Disney hospitality graduate, will take over as the new lead at the Gateway, and Steve is excited about her expertise. • Visitor numbers are up and doing well. Port Ludlow - Diana Smeland provided updates on the Port Ludlow area. Key points included: • The resort is bustling with activity in August, welcoming many new visitors. • Port Ludlow is preparing for the Dove House Charity Tournament this Friday, with the resort donating $1,000 from golf sign sales. • The marina is busy with visits from Signature Yachts, Edmonds Yacht Club, Hidden Harbor, and Perry Boats. • A family of content creators recently stayed at the Inn, trading photos and videos for their experience, including kayak rentals and a Puget Sound Express tour. They are expected to post about their stay soon. • In September, the Jefferson County Farm Tour will take place, and the Lady Washington ship will visit Port Ludlow, offering boat tours and sailing but no battle reenactments. The resort will also host a "French Connection Celler Masters Dinner" on September 26th. Brinnon - Dan Ventura reported attending the Port Angeles workshop for the Recompete grant, where he connected with officials from Forks and discussed the impact of Twilight tourism. He plans to arrange a trip to Forks to learn more about their tourism strategies. • Dan highlighted efforts to promote Brinnon and Quilcene with a clearer focus on their offerings. Sherry Saner has joined the North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce as a full-time executive assistant, which will enhance support for local tourism businesses. • Dan also mentioned the frequent sightings of orcas in Dabob Bay and Quilcene, hoping to develop the area as a whale-watching destination in the coming years. • Pleasant Harbor Marina Resort may receive its initial development permit soon, potentially increasing tourism, especially with itinerant construction workers staying in the area. • Expansion at the Halfway House, which partnered with Heritage Distillery to create a new outdoor seating area with whiskey barrels. Further developments, pending permitting, will be coming. AREA UPDATES (Cont.) Additional Opportunity for Public Comment - no public comments received. Adjournment – Diana adjourned TCC meeting at 3:33 PM Next called meeting of TCC is Tuesday August 13, 2024 – 2:00 PM scheduled as a hybrid – in- person from Port Ludlow and/or via Zoom access. Respectively Submitted – Steve Shively PUBLIC COMMENTS ADJORN NEXT MEETING