HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/04/20 MASON COUNTY LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
411 North 5t"Street,Shelton,WA 98584
Wednesday,April 20,2022 8:00 a.m.
Members in attendance via Zoom: Chair Sharon Trask,Shaun Tucker, Heidi McCutcheon, Pam Volz and
Duane Wilson. Also in attendance was Liz Arbaugh, Deidre Peterson and Rachel Hansen. Absent:
Nathan Welch.
Chair Trask called the meeting to order at 8:12 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
Pam/Heidi moved and seconded to approve the October 20, 2021 and January 19, 2022 minutes.
Motion carried.
2022 1st Quarter Reports
Mason County Historical Society Museum—Liz Arbaugh presented the lsth quarter report. The museum
caters to the cultural tourists and local visitors. Attendance in March 2022 was about 30%more than
pre-pandemic. Preserving the photos of W.S. Heckman is the focus of the Museum in 2022 using grant
funds. Another project is developing history resources for children and families. Liz presented
information on a number of exhibits.
North Mason Chamber of Commerce—Pam Voltz presented the lsth quarter report. They are preparing
for the summer season with a focus on the opening of the fishing season. They also advertise the free
park days. The Union VIC will be staffed on the weekends and are planning for the pumpkin catapult in
the fall. Pam reviewed visitor counts and website traffic.
Northwest Event Organizers,Tourism Development—Rachel Hansen presented the 2022 1s'Quarter
Report. Lodging tax revenue has been increasing. Rachel shared website analytics including Facebook
traffic. Rachel uses some paid Facebook ads to attract new viewers and frequently posts information on
a variety of events that have been very successful. Rachel participates in many of the local events and
she has developed an annual event schedule. Rachell will attend the Travel &Adventure Show in
California in May and share the costs with Scenic WA. She will be one of two organizations from
Washington. Rachel has developed the following websites: Waterfalltrail.org; Shellfishtrail.org and
Olympicbirdtrail.com. Along with the websites she has developing brochures and partnerships and it all
ties back to ExploreHoodCanal.com. Rachel is also working on multimedia enrichment events such as
videos, articles and podcasts. She has found that story telling articles are popular. The Hansen's
purchased the Hoodsport Columbia Bank building on Highway 101 and her idea is to do a proof-of
concept and implement a micro Welcome Center. The concept is to be a resource for a variety of visitor
information, dining, activities, lodging with a goal of guest retention. She plans to provide Uracco coffee
and menu items from Xinh Dwelley and partner with local vendors. This location will provide services
that are not provided by the existing Hoodsport VIC. She has a goal of creating a bigger event center.
Shaun asked if Rachel will apply for lodging tax dollars for this location. Rachel responded she may be
asking for additional funding. There was discussion about how a Welcome Center would be successful.
Shelton Mason Chamber of Commerce—Heidi McCutcheon presented the VIC 1st quarter report. They
are currently open 5 days a week and after Memorial Day will be open 7 days a week. Visitors, map
sales and phone calls are increasing.
J
LTAC Meeting Minutes—April 20, 2022
Duane asked what events the Chambers are planning. Heidi—Bite of Mason County in July and they will
participate in Oyster Fest. Pam will be communicating with Rachel on events in the north end of the
County.
Other Business-none
Public Comment-none
Calendar-The next meeting is July 20, 2022 at 9 a.m. (change of time).The 2022 meeting schedule will
be the 3rd Wednesday, 9 a.m. every quarter—January,April,July and October.
Adiourn
The meeting ended at 9:31 a.m.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
ATTEST: 1
LTAC Clerk Chair