Tourism Committee, Marshall Chamber of Commerce
October 18, 2007
Committee members present: Stan Moore, Arline Borchers,
Angie Wells, Rose Anne Huck, Bill Riggins, Ken Yowell and Cynthia Crawford Reporter: Rachel Harper Guests: Pam Thomeczek, Betty Lenz, Micki Uhrig, Marlyn
Martin, Don Borgman.
Arline Borchers moved and it was seconded to approve the September minutes.
Motion passed.
Next meeting is November 15, 2007. 9 a.m. in the Saline County Extension
Center.
Quilt Show Chair Marlyn Martin presented an enthusiastic report of the
September 2007 show. Participation was up 200 people. 96 reported learning
about the show from the KC Star. 200 bookmarks were turned in for $1 off
admission. The group complimented the Quilt Guild for their enthusiasm
and for their success. The group is setting the pace for collecting key
data like participant’s home town/state. They also collect how learn
about the quilt show. This is a win/win partnership.
Don Borgman, Lexington, announced that an ExCEED project has been approved
and will include Saline County. The Mississippi River Hills Regional Cuisine
will serve as a springboard for the regional marketing work. Elizabeth
Barnham is now working for the viticulture department at the University
and is an available resource for this region on grape and wine production
opportunities. There will be an organizational meeting or two in the next
60 days. This committee is asked to work on a list of people that should
be invited to the organizational meetings – county and city leadership,
locally owned restaurants, shops and businesses, people with an interest
in agri-tourism or that may develop an interest in agri-tourism. Stan
asked Rose Anne to start the list. Angie will work on a master list. Marshall
would be pleased to host any meetings of this work. It is not a question
of should there be a regional marketing effort – the question is
how do we get started on this important work.
Stan Moore presented a draft of the proposal for the Tourism Commission.
Excellent work, thanks to Stan’s leadership. Application due late
October.
Rose Anne is focusing on the Designated Marketing Organization application
to the state. Much supporting documentation is required. Application deadline
November 1. Her calculations indicate a conservative estimate for the
DMO application of more than $.5 million of economic activity for sporting
and meeting events. At the informational meeting Stan and Rose Anne attended
(thanks for attending), the presenters suggested a figure of $30 for day
trips per person and $80 per day per person for over-night stays. The
application is for a level 2 status.
We need to be working as quickly as possible toward paid employees for
tourism work to leverage volunteer leadership.
Education needs: basic customer service, how to establish and manage a
B&B, grape and wine production.
Data needs to be collected by affiliates and impacts need to be reported.
Information needs to include where people come from, number of participants,
what organization dollars are mobilized. Angie will work on a form and
ask for input from committee members.
Rose Anne is working on an update of the visitors guide. Goal is to the
printers by late in December.
Next meeting is November 15, 2007. 9 a.m. in the Saline County Extension
Center. A substitute will be needed to take minutes as Cynthia will be
working out of state.
November 8 – seminar in Jefferson City on DMO program mechanics.
Stan will plan to attend.
November 8 – Open house for Poole Advertising in Hannibal
November 8 – 7 p.m. Mary Ellen McVicker will be speaking at the
Courthouse (Century Farms event) on the quilts and barns project. The
public is invited.
Bill Riggins announced the Civic Center/Museum building is ahead of schedule.
It may be available for booking prior to March 1.
