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Mason County
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
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Minutes
Commission Chambers, 411 N 5th Street, Shelton,WA 98584
July 16, 2025 —9:00 a.m.
Meeting was held hybrid—in-person and via Zoom. Members in attendance: Chair Sharon Trask,
McKenzie Smith,Jennifer Beierle,Rachel Hanson,Jeff Slakey,Randy Collins,Deidra Peterson,
Elizabeth Arbaugh,John DeLeva,Taylor Jacobs, and Cami Olson.Absent: Kerry London-Meyers and
Duane Wilson
1. Chair Trask called the meeting to order.
2. Approval of the April 16,May 5, and May 29,2025,Meeting Minutes
Deidre/Rachel moved and seconded to approve the April 16,May 5, and May 29, 2025,meeting
minutes. Motion carried.
3. 2"d Quarter Reports from NEO and VICs
Rachel,NW Event Organizers(NEO),discussed the Fjord Crossing event and fires in Mason
County.Wildfire notices are on the website. Rachel shared the tourism report which included
2024 tourism statistics for Washington state,tax offsets,value of tourism,progressive web app
(WildSideWA),website traffic, email marketing,room tax rates, social media statistics,projects
and goals,the Travel and Words event, and Fjord magazine statistics.
Jeff discussed the WildSideWA app. Current key features include information on the Bear Gulch
fire and upcoming events. Since conception, a little over a year ago,there have been about 800
downloads with individuals spending 4-5 minutes on the app per use.The engagement rate is
50%and mobile usage is 70%. Jeff also shared the top searches. Kiosks will be at local events.
Elizabeth,Mason County Historical Society Museum, shared tourism visitor counts, social media
and online traffic,activities and events,and the next upcoming exhibit—Vintage Roots: Mason
County's Wine Heritage.A new staff person has been hired and will assist with social media.
Deidre, Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, shared the 2nd quarter report. Highlights
included Visitor Information Center(VIC) services, social media and online statistics, interior
caboose renovations,Hood Canal VIC visitors, strategy and looking ahead, and goals update.
There are still supply shortages with maps.
4. Other Business
Taylor discussed coordinated marketing events for all year round,with a focus on the off season,
and sharing content. Rachel added the scenic loop drives are very popular and on social media,
tagging other social media accounts. Taylor noticed an increased interest in corporate retreats.
With filling the gaps in fall and winter, is there validity as a corporate destination?Rachel shared
for corporate destinations; it has primarily been Alderbrook. John added that the best window
would be fall and spring due to potential cancellations.
5. Public Comment
No public comment.
6. Calendar
The next meeting is October 15,2025, at 9:00 a.m.
7. Meeting was adjourned.
ATTEST: LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
/s/ /s/
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Clerk Chair
LTAC: July 16,2025 1 Page 2 of 2