HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/01/31 MASON COUNTY LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
Commissioners'Chambers
411 North 5T" Street, Shelton, WA 98584
Tuesday,January 31, 2018 9:00 a.m.
Members in Attendance: Chair Terri Drexler, Kelly Bergh, Vicki Gonzales for Duane Wilson,
Stephanie Rowland and Nathan Welch. Heidi McCutcheon arrived at 9:10 a.m. and Shaun Tucker
arrived at 9:25 a.m.
Chair Drexler called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
Approval of the October 31, 2017 meeting minutes
Kelly/Nathan moved and seconded to approve the October 31, 2017 meeting minutes. Motion
carried.
Review of Transition of Tourism Development Contract
Rachel and John Hansen, Northwest Event Organizers (NEO), were introduced as the new
contractors for tourism development. One of their goals is to build tourism product by cross-
promoting tourism amenities.
Cmmr. Drexler's vision is to someday transition this contract to a Visitor Convention Bureau.
Rachel shared a 2018 calendar that lists various events in Mason County. She then reviewed
accomplishments and their work plan: changed the video on the website to be cross-generational
and highlights various areas of Mason County; working on developing packages for wedding
venues; working with event organizers to promote events a few months in advance of the event;
working on a section for the Fjord magazine that promotes Mason County; Mason County is now
a stakeholder in the Olympic Tourism Association; NEO will attend several events and hand out
the calendars.
There was discussion between the LTAC members and Rachel on what they would like to see for
tourism promotion and Rachel explained the various methods she will use to promote events,
develop content and follow-up on the events.
Rachel received a request to share the videos and pictures. After discussion, it was agreed
videos can be shared after they are done playing on our website and pictures can be shared and
request that explorehoodcanal.com be credited.
There was a request for a detailed budget to be included in a quarterly meeting.
Discussion of the measurement of success. Cmmr. Drexler suggested that Rachel work towards
developing relationships with lodging establishments to obtain vacancy rates. Rachel pointed out
that social media followers can be measured on how engaged they are; Rachel suggested she
develop relationships with the lodging establishments to create strategies to increase lodging tax
dollars. Diane reminded the group that JLARC requires certain data be reported.
Cmmr. Drexler shared a lodging tax report and part of the problem is the lack of hotel rooms.
Nathan Welch stated he is working on developing a larger hotel in Allyn (now has one room in
Allyn) and opening an oyster bar.
Lodging Tax Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
January 31, 2018
Cmmr. Drexler reported the County owns a parcel at the corner of Highway 101 and 102 and the
plan is to surplus this property with hopes of attracting a hotel.
Other Business— none
Public Comment- none
Calendar— next meeting for 1st quarter reports will be scheduled in mid-April.
The meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
n
L AC Clerk Cmmr. Terri Drex er, Chair
LTAC Page 12