City Council

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 City Council Information: 360.753.8244 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 5:30 PM Council Chambers Study Session 1. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Mayor Cheryl Selby, Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Bateman, Councilmember Clark Gilman, Councilmember Nathaniel Jones, Councilmember Lisa Parshley and Councilmember Renata Rollins Excused: 1 - Councilmember Jim Cooper 2. BUSINESS ITEM 2.A 19-0620 Experience Olympia and Beyond, Visitor and Convention Bureau Update Mayor Selby introduced Experience Olympia and Beyond CEO Shauna Stewart. Ms. Stewart did a PowerPoint presentation to highlight the impacts of travel and trends. She called out items in the 2018 annual report and discussed how tourism dollars benefit the community. She shared information from this year's Visitor Guide and discussed how area sports are contributing to increased hotel bookings and the local economy. She spoke about promoting a new program called Biking Beyond to highlight biking trails and things to do along the trails. She explained how traveler expectations and desires have evolved over time and how the Olympia area is experience-rich and well positioned to continue to attract tourists. She discussed destination and place branding and future marketing strategies. Councilmembers commented on the presentation and asked clarifying questions. The study session was completed. 3. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. City of Olympia Page 1