Back

County revamps its tourism efforts, creates executive director position

The Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee seeks an executive director to lead its fledgling nonprofit organization that will spearhead tourism promotion in the county.

The position is a new one for Chelan County, coming about after commissioners decided last year to combine both its Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) and its Washington’s Playground marketing campaign. Newly appointed members to LTAC then decided to develop a non-profit, to be named Visit Chelan County, to oversee both efforts.

“Hiring an executive director is a really good step toward working on a strategic promotions plan and being as responsible as we can with these lodging tax dollars,” said Commissioner Tiffany Gering, who has been serving as LTAC chairman this past year.

Lodging tax dollars are generated by local lodging establishments. In Chelan County, about half the $2.8 million generated in a year is allocated to eight tourism-related agencies. Another portion is used to operate the county’s Visit Chelan County campaign. The remaining money is offered annually in the form of grants to tourist-related organizations. The new position will be paid for with money from lodging taxes.

The Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce currently is serving as a fiscal sponsor for Visit Chelan County while it applies for nonprofit status, a process that typically takes about a year.

“It’s our goal to create a lead agency for tourism promotion in the county that will also partner with our other well-established organizations,” Gering said.

LTAC, which consists of local professional people who have expertise in the tourism industry and lodging tax collections, created the job description for the executive director’s position. The new position will be charged with managing the nine-member committee, determining how county marketing dollars will be spent and assisting with tourism-related promotions. The job is not a Chelan County position but a position with the new nonprofit.

Interested candidates can view the job description on the LTAC websiteApplications are due by Feb. 21. The goal is to have someone in place by late spring.

The ultimate objective in creating this position is to be better stewards of the lodging taxes collected by the county, Gering added.

“I’m excited to see the growth that will come from having an executive director in place,” she said. “The position, combined with the enthusiasm and direction provided by LTAC, will give Visit Chelan County the momentum it needs to build something special and have a hand in growing our tourism economy.”

Last Updated: 02/02/2022 10:51 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office