Now You KnowOctober 12, 2004 "Outdoor Wisconsin" Gets Tourism Backing The Department has added the half hour T.V. show devoted to the outdoor enthusiast called Outdoor Wisconsin to our list of media purchases. Outdoor Wisconsin is produced by Milwaukee Public Television and is hosted by well known outdoorsman Dan Small. One of the main reasons for buying advertising time on the show is its exposure on 4 T.V. markets in Michigan, an area we've been trying to reach now that more transportation options (like the two lake ferries) are available to bring folks here from there. Outdoor Wisconsin joins other entertainment offerings like Discover Wisconsin, Big Top Chautauqua, Waters and Woods, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra radio broadcasts that are supported by the Department of Tourism. ******************************************************************* JEM Rules Review As all Joint Effort Marketing grant applicants know, the main qualifying requirement for receiving a grant is that a proposed project will make a "positive" economic impact in the area and, if the event is existing, the impact will be a substantial increase over the previous year". Those who seek JEM funding in the Sales Promotion category must also demonstrate that their project offers "significant" incentives to potential visitors. The Department has been defining "significant" as a discount to customers by lodging facilities of 20-30% on weekends and 35% on weekdays. However, many communities around the state tell us it is often difficult to get lodging businesses in their area to support this level of incentive. Consequently, the Department has been considering a redefinition of the word "significant". If you have any opinion on what the new standard should be, we'd like to hear from you. In other JEM rule developments, we're considering expanding one of the categories to include projects designed to attract "high end" or "niche market" travelers. Under current program rules the emphasis is on building traveler volume to achieve a strong overall economic impact. We're wondering whether even better impacts might be achievable by targeting those who are seeking a particular kind of travel experience and for whom travel costs are less of an issue. We'd like to hear your views on this direction as well. Finally, this gentle reminder to all JEM applicants that, while funding for JEM grants has not dropped below the statutorily required level of $1.13 million annually, the Department has also not been in a fiscal position to supplement the JEM program above that level either, as we have done in some years. Therefore, competition for JEM funding is more spirited than ever and there are typically several applications during each round that do not get funded. Naturally, we continue to encourage everyone to apply for JEM funding, but now we also offer a reminder…competition is tough and funding is not automatic for every application. ******************************************************************* Thinking Of Building a Water Park? Then there are some new state administrative rules you may need to consider. Currently, Wisconsin does not have any design or construction rules specific to water parks or water attractions, an industry we all know is growing exponentially. Clearinghouse Rule 04-52 relates to the design and construction of swimming pools, and contains some new requirements for lifeguard staffing. The rule has been referred to legislative committees in the Senate and Assembly, but no public hearing has been scheduled, which usually means all parties to the rule have generally accepted its provisions. The new rule will govern water facility design and construction at the state level until anticipated federal standards for aquatic recreation facilities are finalized. ******************************************************************* Who New? Several Governor's Council on Tourism terms expired on July 1 and Governor Doyle has appointed or reappointed several individuals so the Council is now at full strength. Among public members on the 21-member Council David Olsen succeeds Charlie Metelka. David is from Jefferson County and is the former Executive Director for both the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Jefferson Development Corporation. Linda John, the Executive Director of the Chippewa Valley CVB and a long-time Council member was reappointed to a full three year term. Karen Raymore (Executive Director, Door County Chamber of Commerce), Lola Roeh (Manager, Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake), and Bill Slater (Owner, Millie's Pancake House, Delevan) were all serving the unexpired terms of others and were appointed to full terms through 2007. Among state agency members, Ellsworth Brown is the new Director of the State Historical Society and will serve on the Council in that capacity. There've also been some new members added to our various Department Committees. To see who's who, use this link to our committee membership lists…and if you are interested in serving on a committee please contact jholperin@travelwisconsin.com. ******************************************************************* Keep Resorts Alive! Another Wisconsin Resort Leadership Conference is planned for November 9 and 10 at Telemark Resort in Cable. Please spread the word to resort owners/managers in your area regarding this key professional development opportunity. Breakout sessions on shoulder season development, government agency relations, estate planning, resort success stories and other topics along with keynote speeches (including one by the Secretary of Tourism!) will make this workshop a happenin' event. Registration information is available at tefi@cheqnet.net or by calling 877-798-4718 ext. 547. ******************************************************************* Gov's Tourism Conference Just Around The Corner As most of you know, the Governor's Conference is mostly self-supporting through sponsorships, partnerships and registration fees. This year, we're able to accept a few more sponsors/partners and so if you know of a corporation, business, organization or individual who might find value in associating with the Conference as a sponsor or partner, please contact us. Sponsorship levels range from $5,000 to $20,000. Partner levels range from under $1,000 to $5,000. ******************************************************************* Hang With Tourism One of the holiday trees at the Governor's Executive Residence this year will be devoted to Wisconsin's travel and hospitality industry. If you have an ornament that reflects your area or destination and might be in a position to donate it for hanging on the tree, contact Molly Delaney at 608-266-2345 or just send it in to the Department at P.O. Box 8690, Madison, WI 53708-8690. Speaking of mailing addresses…could each of you check real quick like to see if the mailing address above is the one you're using for the Department? We changed our mailing address almost a year ago and want to make sure all of our partners have the correct up-to-date contact information. Thanks. ******************************************************************* Have You Heard? Penny Mazur, former Director of the Boulder Junction Chamber, has accepted a new position as wine sommelier with Badger Liquors. She'll continue her involvement with the family business, the Blue Bayou in Manitowish Waters. Chantel Delorme of Lancaster and Sheila Sobeck of Boscobel have each left their jobs with the Chambers in those communities. ******************************************************************* Department Meetings: October 15. Governor's Council on Tourism. 10a.m. - 2p.m. Tourism Office. Madison October 27. Marketing Committee. 10a.m. - 2p.m. Tourism Office. Madison. October 29. Meetings and Conventions Committee. Noon - 2p.m. Tourism Office. Madison. November 18. Joint Effort Marketing Committee. 2p.m. - 4p.m. Tourism Office. Madison. |