Greater Mauston Tourism Association Meeting

GREATER MAUSTON TOURISM ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES March 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM 303 Mansion Street Mauston, WI 1. Call to Order/Roll Call The Greater Mauston Tourism Association was called to order on March 12, 2025, by Chairperson Michel Messer at 6:00 pm at Mauston City Hall. Attending members were Diane Dahl, Doug Linder, Michel Messer, Ben Bader, and Leanna Hagen. Absent was Micah Playman. Jessica Bilski from On the Line Presence, Daron Haugh City Administrator, and Mike Taake G.O.L.D. Vice President 2. Minutes: Motion made by Murphy, seconded by Messer to approve the minutes of January 8, 2025. Motion carried. Motion made by Messer, seconded by Bader to approve the minutes of February 12, 2025. Motion carried. 3. Financial Reports: The financial reports were discussed. Motion made by Murphy, seconded by Hagen to approve the financial reports. Motion carried. a. Financial reports 4. Event Support activities: b. Post Event Follow Up: Mike Taake, G.O.L.D. Vice President, reported on the success of the G.O.L.D. Ice Fishing Tournament, highlighting the strong turnout. The event had 143 registered participants, surpassing the previous record of 108. The tournament generated a total profit of over $14,000. 5. Marketing Activities: a. Mauston Tourism App: Motion made by Messer, seconded by Linder, to approve the tourism app at a cost not to exceed $27,000 for the first year, with payment to be disbursed as 50% upfront and 50% upon the app's launch. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 6. Staff Report a. Discussion on Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism Bilski shared some insights from the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism held March 9-11 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. b. Holiday lights update Haugh updated the committee about the light displays which have been ordered.  Haugh also mentioned the upcoming free Festival Foods Fireworks event on July 5 announcing that the festivities will begin with a parade at 1 p.m. The event will feature a carnival, bounce houses, live music, police and fire demonstrations, food vendors, and more. c. Parks Project: Haugh requested $100,000 to be allocated toward city park updates and trails, with the total project cost nearing $2 million. Motion made by Murphy, seconded by Messer, to approve up to $100,000 for specific tourism-related projects within the parks initiative, with each individual expenditure requiring prior committee approval. Motion carried. 7. Adjourn Motion was made by Messer, seconded by Murphy to adjorn. Motion carried at 6:58 pm.