South Central Reporter

City of Centralia Tourism Commission met March 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting was called to order by Chair Tom Kasten at 3:30 pm.

Attendance: Leila Crain, Sonya Germann, Tom Kasten, Cathy Stuehmeier, and Tom Walsh. Absent: Becky Ault, Rob Jackson, Julie Dunbar Myers, and Ian Presswood.

Advisory staff present: Rose Aldag-McVey, Economic Development Director City of Centralia Public present included Marcus Holland, Executive Director Chamber of Commerce

Public Comment: Holland briefly explained the approach of the Image Committee and the desire to coordinate activities to avoid duplication garner the highest outcome from resources.

Minutes: Germann moved and Walsh second by a motion to approve the minutes from January 15, 2019 and February 19, 2019 as presented. With all in favor, the motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Walsh reported the balance of the tourism account at $34,174.48 as of February 28, 2019. Crain moved and Germann second a motion to approve the report as presented. With all in favor, the motion passed.

Old Business:

Using empty store front windows to promote Centralia events was discussed with a two-fold positive outcome, 1) improve City appearance and detract from empty sites, and 2) promote local activities and events. To determine interest in those who may decorate windows, Jackson will discuss with the Cultural Society, Walsh will discuss with Kaskaskia College, and Aldag- McVey reviewed with City officials.

A Committee member group photo will be postponed until a later date when all members are present.

There was no new activity regarding a trolley for Centralia tourism.

Planting and maintaining planters/beds near railroad crossings at Broadway and at Fifth Street, and planters throughout the downtown area were discussed. Holland reviewed the Image Committee’s Downtown Beautification considerations. The highest need is for maintenance after they are planted. Kasten will review with Christ Our Rock FFA agriculture teacher and FFA at Centralia High School about maintaining beds.

Tourism will participate with Locust Street Fair by opening City Hall and providing tours 10 am - 2 pm on May 4. Aldag-McVey will compile information which the team can massage into a script for tours.

Board members were asked to complete the distributed Statement of Economic Interest and return either to the City of Centralia or the Marion County Clerk’s office. They were also asked to either send proof of completing Open Meetings Act training or send training certificates.

New Business:

Upcoming events were discussed, these are shared on SeeCentralia website and Facebook page along with IllinoiSouth and agencies and groups.

Discussion:

Illinois South Tourism is grant funded, so a commitment letter was sent. Germann reported they will be in Centralia on March 21; all Commission members were invited to participate.

A theatre marquee content update schedule was prepared by Aldag-McVey and shared with the Commission.

Balloon Fest’s 1st steering committee meeting will be this evening.

Aldag-McVey asked members to distribute the 2019 event brochure as they are traveling or going about their daily activities. Aldag-McVey will email a listing of locations where brochures have been distributed prior years and members will assist in distribution.

Social Media has become more of a resource than websites. SeeCentralia’s Facebook page has reached 2,412 likes and with over 17,000 engagement which is 178% higher than February. Most popular posts announced the opening date of Firewok as April 23rd, Jimmy John’s to open late May, City Wide Cleanup, and Veterans Affairs Committee flag bracket testing.

Adjournment: Walsh moved and Stuehmeier second a motion to adjourn. All concurred, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm.

https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/3-_March_19_2019_Tourism_Commission_Minutes.pdf