HomeMy WebLinkAboutTourism & Fair Committee - Minutes - 11/30/2021
2021-11-30 Minutes
Minutes of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY TOURISM-FAIR COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 4:00 PM
Remote – via Microsoft Teams
Members Present: Larry Fickbohm, James Crandall, Tom Snilsberg, Charly Ray, Mary Dougherty
Others Present: Mary D. Motiff, Tourism Director; Ursula M. Garrison, Fair Coordinator; Carol Fahrenkrog,
Bayfield Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Keller, Hiebing – (4:30 pm-4:50 pm); Melissa Martinez,
Washburn Chamber of Commerce.
I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 4:05PM by Fickbohm
II. Motion to Approve Tourism Fair Committee September 22, 2021, Minutes – (Crandall/Ray) Motion
carried.
III. Public Comment: Ms. Fahrenkrog from the Bayfield Chamber updated the committee on winter events
and cancellations. The Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race has been canceled, but the Iron River Sled Dog Race
will take place. Winter Fest is coming back. Ray expressed support for the chamber and indicated the Dog
Races will be missed.
IV. Budget Review: – Motiff went over Budget report reviewing expenses and revenues and indicating we
budgeted conservatively. We are still on track with Revenues primarily due to higher Winter Storage Fees,
Beer Sales & Donations.
Sarah Keller from Hiebing (Marketing/PR firm for the WI Dept. of Tourism), arrived. Motion to alter the
agenda and skip to Tourism Report - (Snilsberg/Ray) Motion carried.
V. Discussion and Possible Action on 2022 Fair Planning – Motiff went over potential Friday Grandstand
Event like Bull Riding and Carnival Contract, which is due for renewal this year for a 3-year term. Motion
to renew Carnival Contract at $35, $36 & $37K for the next three years respectively. Bull Riding at
$17,250 - (Crandall/Ray) Motion carried.
VI. Buildings & Grounds –
a. Dairy Barn Roof Repair – Repairs are done. Drone will fly over to inspect roof repairs.
b. Winter Storage – We’re still looking at options for security cameras at fairgrounds. Our wireless
equipment is reaching the end of its life and will need to be replaced soon.
c. Horse Arena - Motiff indicated that Pocernich had mentioned there was a Horse Arena Blend mix
available for purchase. He would inquire into what it will cost and how much we need to cover the
surface of the arena – moving the arena as had been suggested will not fix the problem as the soil
composition is the same throughout the fairgrounds.
d. Update on Potential New Events at Fairgrounds
i. Outdoor Movie – Motiff & Garrison met with group interested in having drive in movies at the
fairgrounds. More details to come as they are available.
ii. Bike Races – Motiff spoke with Larry Frostman who indicated he’s cautiously proceeding with
plans – Covid dependent. Looking for sponsors.
iii. Metal Detectors – Committee consensus it’s fine for individuals to do this activity at the
fairgrounds.
VII. Tourism Report from Director – Sarah Keller from Hiebing (Marketing/PR firm for the WI Dept. of
Tourism), is managing a cooperative advertising program with Arrivalist to show detailed analytics on
Tourist arrivals. Dashboard showed Bayfield County ranked 43rd most visited County and 13th in length of
Stay. The Dashboard tells us where visitors are arriving so that we can focus our marketing efforts in those
areas. Martinez indicated we should use data to break into new markets, but Motiff indicated it’s difficult
2021-11-30 Minutes
to break into new markets given our budgetary constraints. Overall, the program confirmed our thoughts
and will help us tailor our marketing strategies further.
VIII. Department Goals & Objectives with Activities – Motiff went over goals & activities and encouraged
everyone to look at Tourism’s Facebook page and let her know what things they would like to see shared.
IX. Measurable Data Review including Analytics & Sales Tax – November numbers are up 40% from last year.
We have numbers similar to Ashland, where they have much more industry.
X. Future Agenda Items and Next Meeting Date – Next meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2022, at 4 pm.
XI. Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Ursula M. Garrison
Fair Secretary