Tourism Committee

Tourism Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7:30 AM Council Chambers Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes from: 2-3 Tourism Committee - 20 Jan 2026 5. ROOM TAX a. 4Q25 Room Tax Collections 4-6 Memo: 4Q25 Room Tax Collections 6. FUNDING REQUESTS a. Staff Reimbursement for Visit New Richmond 7 Memo: Staff Reimbursement for Visit New Richmond b. New Richmond Friday Memorial Library - The Last Party in the Park 8 - 12 Memo: New Richmond Friday Memorial Library - The Last Party in the Park c. The Moes Sell Homes - Old Time Christmas Gathering 13 - 18 Memo: The Moes Sell Homes - Old Time Christmas Gathering d. City of New Richmond Tourism Fund Request - Utilities for Athletic Facilities 19 - 23 Memo: City of New Richmond Tourism Fund Request - Utilities for Athletic Facilities e. Sweepstakes Reimbursement 24 - 25 Memo: Sweepstakes Reimbursement 7. ACTION OF FUNDING REQUESTS 8. AGENDA TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS 10. ADJOURNMENT  Tourism Committee Meeting Minutes 7:30 AM - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Council Chambers The Tourism Committee of the City of New Richmond was called to order on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:30 AM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: PRESENT: Kim Dimick, Brian Meyer, Pete Vrieze, JD Smith ABSENT: Timothy Sass OTHERS Lexi Derrick, Rae Ann Ailts, Michelle Scanlan PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA Pete Vrieze made a motion to adobt the agenda. Kim Dimick seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Pete Vrieze made a motion to approve Minutes from November 19, 2025. JD Smith seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. BUSINESS REQUEST FOR DETAILED FINANCIALS Rae Ann Ailts provided background on the topic, including the pros and cons of requesting an organization’s audited financial statements and IRS Form 990. To be proactive and reduce the frequency with which this information is requested, staff developed a standardized template for organizations to use when submitting profit and loss statements as part of their applications. This standardization will significantly reduce the amount of staff time required to review applications. Michelle Scanlan shared details on the thorough financial review conducted by the City’s auditors, noting that this is why the City must also complete its own due diligence as the custodians of Room Tax funds. Tourism Committee Meeting January 20, 2026 JD Smith asked how an audit of applicant funds would be conducted. In response, Rae Ann provided examples and outlined the steps that would be taken during the process. Brian Meyer made a motion to recommend to City Council to implement the request for detailed financials with the 2026 application. Kim Dimick seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. NEW RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - FUN FEST UPDATED BUDGET Lexi Derrick explained why the reimbursement request was being brought back to the Tourism Committee. The Committee reviewed the updated budget provided by the Chamber. Brian Meyer advised that the revenues appear to be true and accurate. JD Smith asked what steps could be taken to avoid similar situations in the future. Pete Vreize brought to the Committee’s attention that there is no City representative on the Chamber Board, or invited to attend the meetings and that could help bridge communication between the City and the Chamber. Brian Meyer made a motion to recommend to Council to award $36,256.74 in Tourism Funding for Fun Fest 2025, as the Chamber had provided updated financials. JD Smith seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. 2026 VISIT NEW RICHMOND - BEST OF CONTRACT UPDATE Lexi Derrick provided an update to the Committee that the Best of New Richmond would be occurring later in the year. Additional information will be shared with the Committee and the community as the campaign nears. DIGITAL MARKETING SEMINAR Lexi Derrick advised that River Travel Media will be presenting a Digital Marketing Seminar open to anyone on February 25. The seminar is expected to last approximately 30 minutes to one hour. At the conclusion of the seminar, updates on Visit New Richmond will be provided. COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS Lexi Derrick advised that the next Tourism Committee meeting to review fourth quarter applications is scheduled for February 19 at 7:30am in the Council Chambers. Pete Vrieze advised that there is an opening for a District 5 representative on City Council. ADJOURNMENT Pete Vrieze made a motion to adjourn at 8:26am. JD Smith seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. Tourism Committee Meeting January 20, 2026  MEMO Prepared for: Tourism Committee Staff Contact: Lexi Derrick Meeting: Tourism Committee - 19 Feb 2026 Subject: 4Q25 Room Tax Collections BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Room tax collections from October 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 totaled $39,364.30 which is a $3,949 or 11.1% increase from prior year. The table below illustrates tax collection for fourth quarter over the last five years. At the start of 2024, the Tourism Committee emphasized the importance of prioritizing marketing efforts in funding applications. To illustrate progress toward this goal, the charts below compare reimbursed marketing expenditures versus operational expenses from 2021 through 2024, along with a breakdown of 2025 activity. 2025 reimbursements total $87,042.32 — 69% Tourism Committee/City initiatives, 23% Chamber, and 8% Northwood Technical College. Page 2 of 3 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Tourism Committee has the following funds available to allocate for fourth quarter 2025: Room Tax Collected $39,364.30 70% of Collections $27,555.01 Carry Forward Funds $49,738.68 Total Funds Available $77,293.69 2025 Earmarked Funds $4,366.10 Remaining Page 3 of 3  MEMO Prepared for: Tourism Committee Staff Contact: Lexi Derrick, Michelle Scanlan Meeting: Tourism Committee - 19 Feb 2026 Subject: Staff Reimbursement for Visit New Richmond BACKGROUND INFORMATION: On February 13, 2025 the Tourism Committee allocated up to $2,500 in funding to help offset City Staff time updating the Travel Wisconsin & Visit New Richmond websites. Staff tracked their time through the City's payroll portal and total expenses were $6,337.28. In addition to the 2025 reimbursement, the City is requesting an additional $3,500 in tourism funding be set aside for staff expenses associated with updating and maintaining the Visit New Richmond website in 2026. FINANCIAL IMPACT: $6,337.28 total requested for 2025 staff reimbursement $3,500 in funding be set aside for 2026 expenses RECOMMENDATION: After reviewing this application, the Tourism Committee can move: Approve: Approve all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Deny: Deny all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Table: Table the application until a future meeting with a request for future consideration.  MEMO Prepared for: Tourism Committee Staff Contact: Lexi Derrick Meeting: Tourism Committee - 19 Feb 2026 Subject: New Richmond Friday Memorial Library - The Last Party in the Park BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Friday Memorial Library submitted an application for Tourism Funding to assist with expenses from their Last Party in the Park, held in Gloverdale Park on October 1st. The application is attached for review. Please note that 0% of expenses are from marketing efforts as reported by applicant. FINANCIAL IMPACT: $1,003.44 requested for the Last Party in the Park hosted by The Friday Memorial Library. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: While reviewing the application, the Tourism Committee should consider whether the event aligns with the following Tourism Reimbursement application considerations:  How did they INVITE attendees from outside of St. Croix County?  Did they incorporate the Visit New Richmond Logo?  Did they list your event for free on the Travel Wisconsin Website?  What percentage of their total expenditures were spend on marketing outside St. Croix County?  Were there opportunities for them to partner with other local events/business to cross- promote? RECOMMENDATION: After reviewing this application, the Tourism Committee can move: Approve: Approve all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Deny: Deny all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Table: Table the application until a future meeting with a request for future consideration. ATTACHMENTS: Last Party in the Park Application Page 2 of 5 11/4/25, 7:11 AM Microsoft Forms View results Respondent 11 Anonymous 33:54 Time to complete Applicant Information 1. Name of Applicant & Organization: * Friday Memorial Library - Nora Allen 2. Mailing Address * 155 E. 1st Street, New Richmond, WI 54017 3. Phone Number * 715-243-0431 4. Email Address(es) * noraa@newrichmondlibrary.org or info@newrichmondlibrary.org 5. Federal ID Number (must include): * 39-6005554 6. Tax Status of Applicant * Corporation Non-Profit Government Other 7. Name and contact information of individual responsible for providing feedback/ responding to questions, if different than applicant: Jennifer Rickard Page 3 of 5 https://forms.office.com/pages/designpagev2.aspx?analysis=true&origin=EmailNotification&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUmCsJBe83Eh… 1/3 11/4/25, 7:11 AM Microsoft Forms 8. Provide approximate number of attendees along with how that number was estimated. * 300, based on the event already took place on October 1st, 2025 and that was approximately how many attended due to the food that was provided. 9. Describe in detail the event/project, including date(s): * The event was promoted as "The last party in the park", this event was to promote one of the last opportunities to have an event in the park located next to the library. This event was also to bring families together for a fun night with a meal provided, this also was a great opportunity to invite new patrons to the event to learn more about the new library and details to the building project. The library provided music from the old geezer's that play at Jewelltown Roastery, a grilled hot dog meal, updates by both Monica LaVold and Noah Weidenfeld on the building project and ending the night with Kids Karoke by Kar Jackers. We were able to stay with our first intended date, which was Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 with no weather issues, which was a huge relief. 10. What opportunities did you have to partner with other local events/businesses to cross-promote? * We had the opportunity to have a local band come and play, which we have never done in years past that I have worked for the library. Which was a great partnership because they also play at Jewelltown Roastery that will be located inside the new library, so great to have that community connection. We supported locally by purchasing all of our grilled meal, condiments and water from ALDI. With our other promotion was with our monthly business partner which is with Kar Jackers to provide a fun family activity. 11. What marketing and promotion strategies did you utilize to invite attendees outside of St. Croix County? * We make sure that our promotions are always given ample time to get the word out there and we start with promotion inside the library, Facebook promotion and Instagram, which was about 5-6 weeks before the event. We also promoted while the event was going on, in case some people are used to a last minute event. The band also picked up quite a few flyers and they promoted throughout New Richmond and Star Prairie Area. 12. The City of New Richmond strives to support events and opportunities that highlight our community. Did this project require City resources (road closure, law enforcement, permits, etc.)? If so, please list City resources required and let us know how we did! * The City of New Richmond provided support in installing a larger tent in Glover park, provided lawn care before the event, also through the city we received additional picnic tables and trash cans for the event. They came back the next day an provided support in taking the tent back down and bringing the trash to local receptacle. They did an excellent job in supporting the event. 13. Did you incorporate the Visit New Richmond Logo on all marketing pieces? * Yes No 14. Did you list your event for free on the Visit New Richmond website? * Yes No 15. Did you list your event for free on the Travel Wisconsin website? * Yes No BUDGET AND REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION (all questions are required) The City of New Richmond Tourism Committee prioritizes grant funding to events that can show significant strives were made to market their event outside the City of New Richmond. The Committee has set the goal that all applications reflect a budget with a minimum of 25% of expenditures going to marketing efforts. You will need to email a copy of your full event budget (this includes revenues and expenditures) after submitting this form. Applications will not be considered without this information, you will receive an email requesting this upon completion of this form. Page 4 of 5 https://forms.office.com/pages/designpagev2.aspx?analysis=true&origin=EmailNotification&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUmCsJBe83Eh… 2/3 11/4/25, 7:11 AM Microsoft Forms 16. Total cost of the project/event * $1003.44 17. Funding Request Amount * $1003.44 18. What dollar amount from your Funding Request Amount is for marketing expenses? * None 19. Will applicant receive any additional funds (grants, donations, event fee, etc.) for this event/project? If yes, please outline the sources of funds: * Yes No 20. If yes to the above question, please outline additional funds (grants, donations, event fee, etc.) 21. Name and contact information of person responsible for accounting for the funds, if different than the applicant: 22. In submitting this application you declare that you have read the above application and that it is a true, correct and complete statement of the intended use of the requested funds. Additionally, you understand all invoices, receipts and marketing information (date and location it was posted) that correspond with the funding request must be turned in to the City of New Richmond with this application in order to be considered complete and for the funding request to be considered by the Tourism Committee. * Yes No Page 5 of 5 https://forms.office.com/pages/designpagev2.aspx?analysis=true&origin=EmailNotification&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUmCsJBe83Eh… 3/3  MEMO Prepared for: Tourism Committee Staff Contact: Lexi Derrick Meeting: Tourism Committee - 19 Feb 2026 Subject: The Moes Sell Homes - Old Time Christmas Gathering BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Moes Sell Homes submitted an application for Tourism Funding to assist with expenses from their Old Time Christmas Gathering, held at Ready Randy's on December 7. The application is attached for review. Please note that 100% of expenses are from marketing efforts as reported by applicant. FINANCIAL IMPACT: $3,000 requested for the The Moes Sells Homes for their Old Time Christmas Gathering. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: While reviewing the application, the Tourism Committee should consider whether the event aligns with the following Tourism Reimbursement application considerations:  How did they INVITE attendees from outside of St. Croix County?  Did they incorporate the Visit New Richmond Logo?  Did they list your event for free on the Travel Wisconsin Website?  What percentage of their total expenditures were spend on marketing outside St. Croix County?  Were there opportunities for them to partner with other local events/business to cross- promote? RECOMMENDATION: After reviewing this application, the Tourism Committee can move: Approve: Approve all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Deny: Deny all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Table: Table the application until a future meeting with a request for future consideration. ATTACHMENTS: Moes Realty Application Marketing - The Moes Sell Homes Page 2 of 6 1/30/26, 8:12 AM CITY OF NEW RICHMOND 2025 Tourism Promotion and Development Funding Request Application View results Respondent 12 Anonymous 15:19 Time to complete Applicant Information 1. Name of Applicant & Organization: * The Moes Sell Homes, WESTconsin Realty 2. Mailing Address * PO Box 269 New Richmond WI 54017 3. Phone Number * 6514910043 4. Email Address(es) * themoes@westconsinrealty.com 5. Federal ID Number (must include): * do not have one 6. Tax Status of Applicant * Corporation Non-Profit Government Independent contractors 7. Name and contact information of individual responsible for providing feedback/ responding to questions, if different than applicant: Gina Knutson 6514910043 Page 3 of 6 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=Marketing&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUm… 1/3 1/30/26, 8:12 AM CITY OF NEW RICHMOND 2025 Tourism Promotion and Development Funding Request Application 8. Provide approximate number of attendees along with how that number was estimated. * 450 attendees. We gave a raffle ticket at the door for each attendee in order to attempt to collect the number 9. Describe in detail the event/project, including date(s): * We had a community Christmas event on Dec 8, 2025 at Ready Randys. We host this event each year. We had the local band The Dweebs, a Mr and Mrs Clause along with professional photographer. The event is 4 hours long. This is our 5th year and by far this was the most attended. 10. What opportunities did you have to partner with other local events/businesses to cross-promote? * We cross promoted with Santa and The Mrs, the photographer, Ready Randys, The Dweebs, WESTconsin Credit Union, WESTconsin Title Services and WESTconsin Realty 11. What marketing and promotion strategies did you utilize to invite attendees outside of St. Croix County? * We mailed to almost 2000 people. Emailed often to around that same number. Lots of FB posts. Sign out front of Ready Randys. Flyers at local establishments. All marketing had Visit New Richmond logo on it as well as our email signatures and FB banner. The event was also on the marketing TV's at local establishments (Ready Randy's, Roosters for sure have the TV-there are many more in the area as well) 12. The City of New Richmond strives to support events and opportunities that highlight our community. Did this project require City resources (road closure, law enforcement, permits, etc.)? If so, please list City resources required and let us know how we did! * no 13. Did you incorporate the Visit New Richmond Logo on all marketing pieces? * Yes No 14. Did you list your event for free on the Visit New Richmond website? * Yes No 15. Did you list your event for free on the Travel Wisconsin website? * Yes No BUDGET AND REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION (all questions are required) The City of New Richmond Tourism Committee prioritizes grant funding to events that can show significant strives were made to market their event outside the City of New Richmond. The Committee has set the goal that all applications reflect a budget with a minimum of 25% of expenditures going to marketing efforts. You will need to email a copy of your full event budget (this includes revenues and expenditures) after submitting this form. Applications will not be considered without this information, you will receive an email requesting this upon completion of this form. 16. Total cost of the project/event * $15,000 Page 4 of 6 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=Marketing&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUm… 2/3 1/30/26, 8:12 AM CITY OF NEW RICHMOND 2025 Tourism Promotion and Development Funding Request Application 17. Funding Request Amount * $3000 18. What dollar amount from your Funding Request Amount is for marketing expenses? * this is all marketing costs 19. Will applicant receive any additional funds (grants, donations, event fee, etc.) for this event/project? If yes, please outline the sources of funds: * Yes No 20. If yes to the above question, please outline additional funds (grants, donations, event fee, etc.) No answer provided. 21. Name and contact information of person responsible for accounting for the funds, if different than the applicant: No answer provided. 22. In submitting this application you declare that you have read the above application and that it is a true, correct and complete statement of the intended use of the requested funds. Additionally, you understand all invoices, receipts and marketing information (date and location it was posted) that correspond with the funding request must be turned in to the City of New Richmond with this application in order to be considered complete and for the funding request to be considered by the Tourism Committee. * Yes No Page 5 of 6 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=Marketing&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUm… 3/3 Page 6 of 6  MEMO Prepared for: Tourism Committee Staff Contact: Lexi Derrick Meeting: Tourism Committee - 19 Feb 2026 Subject: City of New Richmond Tourism Fund Request - Utilities for Athletic Facilities BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City of New Richmond submitted an application for Tourism Funding to assist with utility expenses for the 2025 athletic seasons. These are expenses that fall within the qualified expenses and have been approved in previous years. The application is attached for review. Please note that 0% of expenses are from marketing efforts. FINANCIAL IMPACT: $15,000.00 requested for the Sports Center $700.22 requested for Citizens Field $4021.12 requested for Hatfield Park $19,721.34 Total Request POLICY IMPLICATIONS: While reviewing the application, the Tourism Committee should consider whether the event aligns with the following Tourism Reimbursement application considerations:  How did they INVITE attendees from outside of St. Croix County?  Did they incorporate the Visit New Richmond Logo?  Did they list your event for free on the Travel Wisconsin Website?  What percentage of their total expenditures were spend on marketing outside St. Croix County?  Were there opportunities for them to partner with other local events/business to cross- promote? RECOMMENDATION: After reviewing this application, the Tourism Committee can move: Approve: Approve all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Deny: Deny all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Table: Table the application until a future meeting with a request for future consideration. ATTACHMENTS: City of New Richmond - Utilities Page 2 of 5 1/30/26, 8:12 AM CITY OF NEW RICHMOND 2025 Tourism Promotion and Development Funding Request Application View results Respondent 13 Anonymous 22:08 Time to complete Applicant Information 1. Name of Applicant & Organization: * City of New Richmond Public Works 2. Mailing Address * 156 E 1st Street 3. Phone Number * 715-243-0426 4. Email Address(es) * jlarson@newrichmondwi.gov 5. Federal ID Number (must include): * 39-60005554 6. Tax Status of Applicant * Corporation Non-Profit Government Other 7. Name and contact information of individual responsible for providing feedback/ responding to questions, if different than applicant: Jeff Dionisopoulos Page 3 of 5 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=Marketing&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUm… 1/3 1/30/26, 8:12 AM CITY OF NEW RICHMOND 2025 Tourism Promotion and Development Funding Request Application 8. Provide approximate number of attendees along with how that number was estimated. * The number of attendees is unknown; however, the ballfields are public amenities available to the general public year-round. The Sports Center also offers scheduled Open Skate opportunities that are open to the general public. 9. Describe in detail the event/project, including date(s): * The dates for Citizens Field and Hatfield Park are January 1 through April 30 and October 1 through December 31. The Sports Center is included year-round pursuant to an agreement with the hockey association, under which the City is responsible for these fees. Utilities at Hatfield Park, during the dates noted above, provide lake aeration to prevent freezing and support a sustainable environment for fish. While seasonal dates apply, both Citizens Field and Hatfield Park accrue utility charges year-round to ensure public utilities remain available. For the Sports Center, these amounts cover utilities associated with hockey games and scheduled Open Skate opportunities. 10. What opportunities did you have to partner with other local events/businesses to cross-promote? * No Direct marketing is done by the City 11. What marketing and promotion strategies did you utilize to invite attendees outside of St. Croix County? * No Direct marketing is done by the City 12. The City of New Richmond strives to support events and opportunities that highlight our community. Did this project require City resources (road closure, law enforcement, permits, etc.)? If so, please list City resources required and let us know how we did! * Yes, these locations require Public Works staff to maintain and operate the facilities and associated utilities. 13. Did you incorporate the Visit New Richmond Logo on all marketing pieces? * Yes No 14. Did you list your event for free on the Visit New Richmond website? * Yes No 15. Did you list your event for free on the Travel Wisconsin website? * Yes No BUDGET AND REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION (all questions are required) The City of New Richmond Tourism Committee prioritizes grant funding to events that can show significant strives were made to market their event outside the City of New Richmond. The Committee has set the goal that all applications reflect a budget with a minimum of 25% of expenditures going to marketing efforts. You will need to email a copy of your full event budget (this includes revenues and expenditures) after submitting this form. Applications will not be considered without this information, you will receive an email requesting this upon completion of this form. Page 4 of 5 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=Marketing&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUm… 2/3 1/30/26, 8:12 AM CITY OF NEW RICHMOND 2025 Tourism Promotion and Development Funding Request Application 16. Total cost of the project/event * 88,146.62 17. Funding Request Amount * 19,721.34 18. What dollar amount from your Funding Request Amount is for marketing expenses? * 0 19. Will applicant receive any additional funds (grants, donations, event fee, etc.) for this event/project? If yes, please outline the sources of funds: * Yes No 20. If yes to the above question, please outline additional funds (grants, donations, event fee, etc.) No answer provided. 21. Name and contact information of person responsible for accounting for the funds, if different than the applicant: Rae Ann Ailts 22. In submitting this application you declare that you have read the above application and that it is a true, correct and complete statement of the intended use of the requested funds. Additionally, you understand all invoices, receipts and marketing information (date and location it was posted) that correspond with the funding request must be turned in to the City of New Richmond with this application in order to be considered complete and for the funding request to be considered by the Tourism Committee. * Yes No Page 5 of 5 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=Marketing&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=YZQA-Ij-5k6GLCYoDUm… 3/3  MEMO Prepared for: Tourism Committee Staff Contact: Lexi Derrick Meeting: Tourism Committee - 19 Feb 2026 Subject: Sweepstakes Reimbursement BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Michelle Scanlan generously took the time to assemble a sweepstakes basket for our winner. The basket included donations from Wild Badger, the New Richmond Golf Course, and the Best Western, as well as additional items such as gift cards to Kwik Trip, Loganberry, and Bizzy Bean, along with New Richmond–themed swag. Michelle paid for these additional items out of pocket, along with the cost of shipping the basket, and is requesting reimbursement in the amount of $137.37. Along with the reimbursement request, staff will facilitate a discussion regarding the Committee’s preferred approach for conducting the 2026 sweepstakes. FINANCIAL IMPACT: A reimbursement of $137.37 is being requested for sweepstakes-related expenses. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: While reviewing the application, the Tourism Committee should consider whether the event aligns with the following Tourism Reimbursement application considerations:  How did they INVITE attendees from outside of St. Croix County?  Did they incorporate the Visit New Richmond Logo?  Did they list your event for free on the Travel Wisconsin Website?  What percentage of their total expenditures were spend on marketing outside St. Croix County?  Were there opportunities for them to partner with other local events/business to cross- promote? RECOMMENDATION: After reviewing this application, the Tourism Committee can move: Approve: Approve all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Deny: Deny all or a portion of the requested funds for qualified expenses. Table: Table the application until a future meeting with a request for future consideration. Page 2 of 2