Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Directors Report August 25, 2016

Monday, August 1, 2016 Detroit: I traveled to Detroit to have a live interview with channel 4 Live on the D. It went extremely well and when checking on the website we did see an increase in click through viewing from Detroit. Wednesday, August 2, 2016  Expedia: I met with Susanna Wilder from Expedia. We discussed what she can do with us and for us. She was wondering if she could sponsor a luncheon and talk to our members. I told her if she wanted to sponsor our annual meeting she would have some time to talk to the members who are in attendance.                                       

August 5 & 6, 2016 Downtown Days: I spent two days at this event taking pictures and gathering information. Monday, August 8, 2016 Economic Resource Alliance (ERA) Meeting: We had our monthly meeting and the group was informed that the new web site has already had 3 inquiries. Tuesday, August 9, 2016 Main Street Meeting: We are meeting every two weeks. We talked about how we can engage the community. We put together the design board to engage people to sign up and volunteer for different events, cash donations commitments or join us on a committee See display board.

Display Board Main Street

Downtown Days

Downtown Days

Thursday, August 11, 2016 West Michigan Tourism Association (WMTA): I met with Kristen Bogart from WMTA to discuss what we can do together in 2017. I told her that our marketing committee would be looking at this in the next few months. Thursday, August 11, 2016 Michigan Walleye Tour (MTA): I met with the the organizers for the MWT at Aune-Osborne Park for set up and preparations for the Captains meeting and two days of the fishing tournament. There were 53 entries into the tournament. A local person won the $8,000.00 Gary Gorsuch and his nephew Jacob Hubbard.

WMT Captains Meeting

First Day

Second Day MWT

Monday, August 15, 2016 Charlevoix Main Street Meeting: I attended the meeting in Charlevoix with the community members who have already gone through the National Main Street designation process. It was very interesting to hear the process and how they got their community involved. Monday, August 15, 2016 Gaslight Media: On my way back from Charlevoix I met with Gaslight Media to go over their program that does ticket and attraction sales. I will be looking at the cost and how it works on our system. Our system, Meridian, we use is not responsive and I would like to compare the pricing to have it updated.

Wednesday, August 17, 18, 2016 International Bridge Authority Meeting (IBA): I attended the two days of meetings and dinner. I always enjoy being a part of these meeting to hear a different view and perspectives of the international group. The staff of the IBA has again submitted an application for a grant to expand the lanes. August 26, 27, 2016 Paranormal Convention: We have been working daily with this event. We have booked over $70,000 of tickets for this event with over 650 people attending.1212