City of Centralia Tourism Commission met Oct. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Roll Call: The meeting was called to order by Tom Kasten at 3:30 pm. Members present for the meeting included Tom Kasten, Becky Ault, Leila Crain, Tom Walsh and Cathy Stuehmeier
Ex-Officio member present was Rose Aldag-McVey. Marcus Holland, Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce
Public Comment: Marcus Holland shared input regarding the value of consistency between marketing materials for an identifiable uniform look and to gain the most value from the viewer.
Approval of the Minutes: A motion was made by Walsh and second by Ault to approve the September 18, 2018 minutes as presented, all in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Walsh reported the balance of the tourism account was $31,064.80 as of 9/30/18. Rose Aldag-McVey reported there was no further update regarding Queen City Motel or Apartments/Midtown/Gateway East Hospitality. Ault indicated there will be no ongoing room tax revenues from Bell Tower as Airgo had purchased the facility for private use. Ault motioned to approve the treasurers report as presented and Crain second, all in favor, motion carried.
Old Business:
The fourth and final season summer video, as prepared by IllinoiSouth was viewed. Several changes were recommended including the addition of Balloon Fest and additional titles to indicate the event/activity displayed. Videos are for SeeCentralia website and for display during events such as the Centralia Home, Garden, & Business Expo.
IllinoiSouth Tourism Times winter ad, Annual Visitor’s Guide content, and the Guide’s half page ad were reviewed with no changes requested. Pleasure was specifically expressed for the Guide’s ad.
Aldag-McVey thanked those who assisted at Celebrate Centralia by working in the Tourism booth, of which were Crain, Dunbar Myers, and Walsh.
Brochure bids were reviewed and Rose Printing at 15,000 copies was chosen to print updated Tourism brochures. The cover, color, and look of the new brochure were recommended to follow that of the IllinoiSouth ad.
New Business:
The 15th Annual Home, Garden, & Business Expo will be February 16 and 17 and a booth is desired to show the videos on a loop, distribute the new brochures, and to extoll the assets of Centralia. The group would like a pop-up banner to capture the eye of those passing. The value of gathering names and giving door prizes will be discussed at a later date.
Members discussed upcoming events of Monster Crawl on October 20, Musical Madness Philharmonic on October 21, and Fall Festival and Halloween Parade on October 27. Community events which fit with the Tourism Commission’s role are included on See Centralia website and Facebook page.
Discussion:
Downtown appearance was discussed, the Committee overall was impressed with the light post decorations and feels they are drawing individuals to the downtown area. Maintenance inside the Amtrak building was discussed. Aldag-McVey will share concern and learn who is responsible. When leaving the Amtrak parking lot, the area across the street is very visible and the dumpsters look poor, members asked if something could be done and Aldag-McVey will share with city officials.
Members would like to share their knowledge and excitement about Centralia; at the next meeting, members will wear their Tourism Commission shirt or vest, so a photo may be taken. The photo may be a method to link members to this Commission and may be shared digitally along with member contact information.
Adjournment: A motion was made by Ault and second by Walsh to adjourn the meeting.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/October_16_2018.pdf
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