Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee

Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee September 17, 2024 @ 2:00 P.M. City Council Conference Room Minute 1) Call To Order Brian called the meeting to order. Members present were Michelle Howke, Stephen Kane, Matt Gebo, Heather Cauffman, Elizabeth Colley. Mark Piscoli, Ella Kobelt, and Mariah Joos was absent. 2) Approval of August 20, 2024, Minutes Matt made a motion, seconded by Liz to approve the minutes. The motion carried. 3) Whitefish participation in Tavel Beyond, 100 Solutions on World Tourism Day (September 27, 2024) Focus on 1% fee that Explore Whitefish uses from restaurants to use towards affordable housing. 4) Review Green Business information provided by Stephen Kane Mayor would present the award based on the criteria included in the award proposal. Matt – award should go to a tourism-based business, pull out healthcare and landscaping. Brian – application process. Google form application, categories would be Waste Reduction and Recycling, Energy and Water Conservation, Reduce Pollution. Dual participation with the Climate Action Plan Committee, did one years ago for earth day. How to get the word out, CVB, Chamber, Heart of Whitefish. Award closed and announce a month later. Close on March 1st. Open applications in January and February, March review and April award. Announce at the Community Forum. Submit a narrative to drive the application. Provide measurable results. 5) Review Community Meeting Planning – October 16th @ City Hall 6pm – 7:30pm Flow: Kickoff: Present outcome of action items from the first community event. Julie present compilation of market reports – should have through September destrimetric report, visitor spend through August. Panel: Winter outlook – Nick Polumbus, Bob Ambrose (forecaster of winter snow), Rob Spence (Pursuit) or Edna/Paul (Averill). Audience Q&A for the panel, Julie, and a Council member, Climate Action Plan committee. Comment Box in back of room comment form at the end of the event – are we on track as a committee. Press release, flyers at City Hall and posted around town. 6) Public Comment None 7) Next Meeting: October 15, 2024 8) Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 3:05pm.