South Central Reporter

City of Centralia Tourism Commission met May 18..

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Centralia Tourism Commission Meeting was called to order at 5:03 P.M.

Attendance: Mike Schroeder, Jessiycka Nix Coleman, Rae Ann Quidgeon, Mary Davis, Sonya Germann, Tom Walsh, and Melissa Rae Roach

Absent: Robert “Spanky” Smith and Rob Jackson

Advisory Staff Present: Derek Sherman, Assistant City Manager City of Centralia

Others Present: None

Public Participation: None

Minutes:

Sonya Germann moved to approve, and Jessiycka Nix Coleman made a second to approve both the April 20th, 2021 meeting’s minutes & April 29th, 2021 special meeting’s minutes. All present members voted to approve.

Treasurer’s Report:

Tom Walsh reported the balance of the end of the year (December 31, 2020) was $19,552.88. Revenue thus far was $15,650.18 and expenditures thus far of $11,959.70 leaving our balance as of February 28, 2021 of $23,243.36. Sonya Germann made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report as submitted and seconded by Jessiycka Nix Coleman. All present voted to approve. Additionally, there was discussion of having a planning session to review the budget for the upcoming year.

Ongoing Business:

1. Amtrack Station Marketing Decal – Jessiycka stated that she had to go to Rose Printing as Jay was busy. Jessiycka presented samples of the decals. Additionally, it was mentioned that we should beautify the Amtrak station. Derek questioned if we own the Amtrak building, and it was determined for us to find out if the city owns the Amtrak station building. Additionally, it was voted on to choose the decal with the white background. Also, it was emphasized to maintain the website as the QR code links directly to See Centralia. Derek requested Jessiycka send the QR to him, and Jessiycka agreed. Sonya mentioned that we should add the QR code to signs at Rotary Park to help encourage visitors to stay & shop in Centralia.

2. Community Photo Contest – Derek stated that we were not able to run the spring photo contest due to limited staff time. Additionally, it was discussed that we can make a quick change to run it in the summer and that the only thing we still need to get is the sponsors for the prizes.

3. T-Mobile Hometown Grant – It was discussed that we could do wayfinding signage, Christmas decorations, planters, the downtown signage, and a train platform. It was decided that the Amtrak station would be a good candidate. The discussion mentioned that anything put in the Amtrak station or around it could be damaged, so we must be careful what is placed there. Sonya mentioned that we should tour the train station to determine what would be best to add or update at the Amtrak station. The commission members paired off to tour the Amtrak station at their convenience then report back at the next meeting.

New Business:

1. Discussion of Tourism Commission By-Laws – The By-Laws were reviewed to let everyone understand the composition, roles, and duties of the Tourism Commission. It was determined who the tourism commission members represent.

2. ILSouth Tourism Fall 2021 Ad – Derek said we must turn our fall ad in by June. Mary mentioned we should add the QR code into the ad. Jessiycka said we should add more events for the Fall. Sonya mentioned before we focused on activities because of the potential pandemic restrictions. It was decided that we want to add community events from our event calendar.

3. Tourism Commission Identification Badges – Jessiycka brought up that we could use lanyards with a clear holder and have someone print an ID badge to go in the holder. Jessiycka said that we could regularly update the badges with our updated events based on the time of year for a low cost. Mike mentioned that it would be good for the public to identify us easier at events. Sonya mentioned that we do not have that many events that we go to and is uncertain of the effectiveness of the badges. It was decided that we could put the QR code on the back as well to direct the public to the See Centralia website to notice all the other activities and events in Centralia. Rae made a motion to get lanyards and Jessiycka seconded the motion. Mary Davis, Tom Walsh, Mike Schroeder, Jessiycka Nix Coleman, Rae Ann Quidgeon, and Melissa Ray Roach voted to approve with Sonya Germann voting to oppose. By a vote of 6 to 1 the motion to purchase the lanyards & cardstock.

Adjournment:

Mike motioned to adjourn the meeting, and Mary seconded the motion. All voted yes to adjourn the meeting carried, and the meeting was adjourned.

https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/5-_May_18_2021_Minutes.pdf