Download Lodging Focus Group Minutes 5.12

Lodging Focus Group Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2012
Attending: Judy Casad, Natalie Inouye, Jim Baker, Rod Fouts, Karen Rodgers, Carol
Tannenbaum, Magaret Beilherz, Chris LaVoie, Kari Westlund, Lilly Howard, Dick
and Doris Lauer, Closen and Marge Christian, Sarah Mizejewski, Kent Roberts, Tim
Moomey, Debbie Dersham, Tina Peterson
Meeting schedule: Would like to meet three times each year
Slide Presentation
One of our opportunities for economic development is tourism.
The Tourism Committee for McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce has five Action
Teams. We are soliciting active members to our teams. What peaks your
interest? Each attendee was given a handout detailing each team. Business owners
are busy but being involved will help your business and our valley grow
economically. Talk to others and encourage their involvement.
Branding
What do our visitors think; how to they perceive our area? Great service comes
from the heart, remember Johnny's "Thought for the Day" story.
Visitor Survey
Our survey will mesh with Travel Lane County's and Travel Oregon's survey
formats and questions. Why are we doing this? Our goal is to make a difference in
our area, to be proactive in our growth. Results from this survey will indicate if we
are reaching our marketing goals and if marketing is effective. The Tourism
Committee would really appreciate your encouraging your guests to utilize the
survey tools. Look at the rough draft; submit change recommendations to Judy
Casad, [email protected].
Short survey on card.
Long survey on-line through Survey Monkey.
Marketing
McKenzie Bicentennial 2012
Mobile Museum ... brochure distribution available
Oregon Country Trails
signage indicates buy-in to the marketing program
~$100 membership includes you in all of their marketing
[email protected]
Website Presence
* Create links to McKenzieChamber.com, Travel Lane County and
VisitMcKenzieRiver.com to expand marketing.
* RSS Feed: direct news link to your email box; keep on top of what's going on.
* QRC (quick reference code) takes a user directly to a specific web site or page
or link; free to make; use them, they work; TLCo can help
(Emily Forsha or Wendy Wreetz).
* VisitMcKenzieRiver.com: want to spread the word about the McKenzie River
Valley, what to do here, where to stay; so many folks, even in
nearby areas know little about us; want to spend the marketing money as
effectively as possible; on-line research is most used; print and
media ads are falling off; 16-23,000 unique hits 2011; join, join, join! Chamber
members, free listing; pay up to increase exposure
Marketing Materials
* Brochure /rack card
* Bicentennial Brochure
* TLCo Visitor Guide
* McKenzie Recreation and Travel Guide
* River Reflections ads and press releases
* Oregon Trails
*
Connect with our Rural Community Neighbors
Eugene/Springfield
Oakridge, Cottage Grove, Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Sweet Home, Brownsville
Social media
Facebook, Google, Twitter, Craigslist
target specific interest groups
"Like" McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce and McKenzie River Bicentennial
and Eugene Cascades and Coast and have your customers "Like" your business'
page and invite their friends
Regional Marketing Assistance
* Lane County Department of Community and Economic Development; contact
Faye Stewart; thanks for the $25,000
* Travel Lane County, ECC and Adventure Center
* Oregon Tourism Commission, Travel Oregon
* Ford Family Institute, Leadership Program
* Rural Development Initiatives
Spread the Word!