South Central Reporter

City of Centralia Tourism Commission met July 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. CALL TO ORDER- Roach, Chair – Call to Order at 5:02PM

II. ROLL CALL

______ Jessiycka Nix Coleman

__ X __ Mary Davis

__ X __ Shannon Cooney

__ X __ Rob Jackson

______ Rae Ann Quidgeon

__ X __ Melissa Ray Roach

__ X __ Mike Schroeder

__ X __ Terri Finn

__ X __ Tom Walsh

Ex-Officio Members

______ William Smith, City Manager

__ X __ Marcus Holland, Chamber of Commerce Director

__ X __ Advisory Staff -Derek Sherman, Asst City Manager/ Economic Development Director Others Present:

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION –

1. Community Development Director Gayla Harting – Celebrate Centralia

i. Gayla informed the Tourism Commission that Celebrate Centralia’s event planning and management would fall under them this year. Gayla explained the history, normal procedures, event planning & management, expenditures, and revenue from Celebrate Centralia. Additionally, Gayla stated that she would be available for any questions or any necessary assistance to help continue the event this year.

IV. MINUTES –

May 17th, 2022 – Motion to approve 1st Finn and 2nd Schroeder. All members present voted yes in favor of approving the minutes with none opposed.

V. TREASURER’S REPORT – Walsh - Motion to approve 1st Jackson and 2nd Finn. All members present voted yes in favor of approving the minutes with none opposed.

VI. ONGOING BUSINESS

1. Amtrak Station Committee – Improvements – Follow Up Questions: Why is the fire extinguisher not there? Can we remove the cases that hold Amtrak information? Could we put a secured TV in there with information about the city on it? Are we putting mulch on the flower beds? Can Amtrak move their ADA lift to their sign?

i. Potential Partnership with Museum/Light and Lens

1. Light and Lens Club is willing to donate copies of photos and provided them for review for the interior of the Amtrak Station. It was commented that we should maybe get some photos of the lakes, baseball fields, and Orphan basketball to go along with the currently provided ones.

2. It was suggested that Derek ask Terry about the planters that have not been mulched to see if they are on city property or if we need to ask another individual if they can be mulched.

2. Status of the Trolley & Trolley Committee

i. The Commission members requested city staff to ask SCT if the Trolley was repaired enough to run around town. City staff stated they would find out and provide an update to the Commission.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

1. Attractions Organizer – Review

i. Commission members felt like we had compiled a better list and suggested that city staff update the See Centralia page with the new information.

2. Restaurant Guide – Review

i. Commission members felt like we had compiled a better list and suggested that city staff update the See Centralia page with the new information.

3. Fall Event Planning

i. The Tourism Commission decided to breakdown the planning of Celebrate Centralia into committees consisting of: Art, Entertainment, Vendors, and Marketing. The goal for Celebrate Centralia this year is to refocus the event back on art to distinguish it from other events that occur in the city. Shannon Cooney was nominated to lead the Celebrate Centralia planning and a motion was made by Jackson and seconded by Schroeder with all present voting in favor of Mr. Cooney leading the planning for Celebrate Centralia. The Entertainment Committee will consist of Cooney and Jackson. The Marketing Committee will consist of Davis and Roach. The Vendor Committee will be Nix-Coleman and to be determined. The Art Committee will be comprised of all members initially to determine the feasibility of refocusing the event on the arts. It was suggested to have a special meeting in two weeks if we are not seeing progress on the Celebrate Centralia planning.

VIII. DISCUSSION

1. Finn wanted to mention that Elmwood Speaks is coming up in September and the Cultural Society would like the Tourism Commission to be a sponsor for the event. All present Tourism Commission members agreed that we should continue to support local events that are continuing to grow.

IX. ADJOURNMENT - Motion to approve 1st Schroeder and 2nd Jackson. All members present voted yes in favor of adjourning.

https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/7-_July_19_2022_Minutes.pdf