City of Centralia Tourism Commission met Jan. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Tom Kasten at 5:00 pm.
Attendance: Becky Ault, Jessiycka Nix Coleman, Leila Crain, Sonya Germann, Rob Jackson, Tom Kasten, Rae Ann Quidgeon, and Tom Walsh
Absent: Robert “Spanky” Smith
Advisory staff present: Rose Aldag-McVey, Economic Development Director, City of Centralia
Others Present: Melissa Rae Roach, Mary Davis, and Damon Harbison
Public Comment: Harbison spoke about the Image Committee and the need for various groups to work cohesively together for a comprehensive approach. Davis and Roach volunteered to assist with Tourism Commission projects and activities.
Minutes: Quidgeon moved and Walsh second a motion to approve the minutes from December 17, 2019. With all in favor the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Walsh reported the balance of the tourism account at $7,200.23 as of December 31, 2019. Jackson moved and Ault second a motion to approve the report as presented. With all in favor, the motion passed.
Old Business: Refresh of the SeeCentralia website was discussed. A subcommittee of Coleman, Quidgeon, Roach, and Davis will prepare a listing of updates and suggested additions, such as area hall rentals.
Jackson would like to offer trolley hop on-hop off rides one Saturday per month. A subcommittee of Jackson, Smith, Walsh, and Davis will prepare options for the Commission to review. Aldag-McVey shared a listing of trolley charter dates and the group discussed the need for a brochure which incudes trolley information.
New Business: Aldag-McVey gave an update on the progress in developing the 2020 event brochure which will include the back panel promoting the trolley and potential tours. The restaurant guide was distributed and discussed. The current listing of annual 2020 events was distributed, these events were also added to the Tourism’s Facebook and webpage along with sharing with IllinoiSouth Tourism, Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce, and Enjoy Mt. Vernon.
Commissioners were asked to assist at the upcoming Chamber of Commerce Home, Garden, and Business Expo. To encourage submission of emails during the event, which will be used for monthly push emails about events, a drawing for prizes will be offered. Since there are various new members, instead of Tourism Commission shirts the Commission prefers name lanyards for each Commissioner. Coleman will seek a one-night hotel room donation, Jackson will seek a restaurant meal gift certificate donation, and Crain will seek the donation of event tickets from the Cultural Society.
The Friends of the Library will meet on June 24 at 6 pm and asked the Tourism Commission to share information about their activities and the trolley. Aldag-McVey, Jackson, and Coleman will participate.
Discussion: Commissioners were thanked for their tremendous efforts and participation in the holiday activities during 2019 and December. Coleman shared that the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on Shop Local Saturday, November 28, 2020. She also indicated the desire for a larger tree.
Coleman also offered suggestions on events for 2020 and the need to train volunteers for various roles. As Destination Development webinar was the inspiration for the successful December holiday activities, additional webinars will be available for view at noon on January 6, 2020 at RAIL Coffee Room.
Aldag-McVey read an email from Andy Waterman of IllinoiSouth Tourism which reports on their successful social media takeover of Enjoy Illinois.
Adjournment: At 6:45pm, Jackson moved and Ault second a motion to adjourn. With all in favor, the motion passed.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/01-_January_21_2020_Tourism_Commission_Minutes.pdf
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