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Chamber e-Reminder
Hmmm, what can I say? There’s quite a bit to cover this time so, I’ll let you dive right in…
Fall Fest – Sister Bay - This Week-end!
In an effort to improve upon our exchange of Member-to-Member communications, I have created a repository of Ready-to-Print posters, flyers and brochures for you to refer to and/or print off to post in your lobby; give to your customers; or, link to your website. If your organization has an upcoming event – be sure to have someone (you or the creator of your promotional pieces) e-mail your promotional pieces to me so I can post them on the Member’s Site. The link into this resource is located on the upper-right of the member’s site under “Member’s News”.
I’ve also linked it here for your convenience: Ready-to-Print Posters and Flyers!
Go-Guide Contracts
Member Go-Guide contracts will be mailed out on Monday, October 18th. The deadline for returning the contract is December 10th, and the ad art work it due before January 10th.
If you would like help completing your contract, plan on attending one of our 3 Open House Information Sessions held throughout the County:
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Sister Bay – Noon to 3:00 at the Door County Bakery (854-1137) on Wednesday, December 1st.
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Sturgeon Bay – 8:30am to 4:30pm at the Chamber Office (743-4456) on Thursday, December 2nd.
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Carlsville – 9:00am to 1:00pm at Door County Coffee & Tea (743-8808) on Tuesday, December 7th.
And, as always, feel free to contact Ann or Cathy directly with any help you need with your Publication Contracts.
Member Hotline Numbers are: (920)746-6663 or 868-3521
Ann Barnard – ext. 808 – ann@doorcounty.com
Cathy Lynch – ext. 812 – cathy@doorcounty.com
Publications Committee – Are you interested?
This fall we found ourselves at a loss with the unexpected passing of Larry Luser and now, with mixed emotion, we have received notice that Pat Frank, of Door County Hobby, will be vacating her position with the Publications Committee with the announcement that she and her husband will be retiring this year. Pat has served faithfully on the Publications Committee for longer than anyone can recall and her dedicated contributions will be greatly missed. If you are interested in serving on this integral committee, please notify Ann Barnard at: ann@doorcounty.com or ext. 808 at (920)746-6663 or 868-3521.
The new committee member should be willing to commit to 8:30am meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the following months: Jan, April, June, Aug, Sept, Nov. We need members willing to provide knowledgeable input on the content, graphics, policies, and printing and distribution of the Vacation Planner and Go-Guide. In addition to the 2 formal vacancies, we need up to 4 new members to complete the dynamics of this group.
(Committee noted it would be nice to include a retail owner, a restaurant owner, and a Fish Creek business owner.)
Halloween Events
I’ve started a list of Local Halloween Events and posted it on the Member’s Site. It started out as a guide to help our members find out about the fun things happening for our kids but, I’m no opposed to adding to the list for things the adults can do to.
If you know of something that’s not listed – or a correction to be made, please e-mail me ASAP so I can make the changes/additions. phil@doorcounty.com
Annual Meeting - RSVP…ASAP
Invitations for the Annual Meeting have just gone out but it’s not too soon to RSVP Online today!
This year’s Guest Speaker is Wisconsin Secretary of Tourism, Jim Holperin and it will be very interesting to hear what he has to say.
You can check out the details and RSVP online from the Member’s Site at: www.DoorCountyChamber.org
Brochures
A note from the Visitor Center’s Brochure Co-coordinator, Jennifer Levendusky: “Even though your business is slower or even closed, people are still gathering information throughout the winter for summer vacations. A big THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR KEEPING US SUPPLIED THIS YEAR.” Making you brochures available in our Visitor Center is a service we offer to all of our Door County Members. If you have any questions for Jennifer, please feel free to e-mail her at: Jennifer@doorcounty.com
Winter Hours
Because so many people believe that Door County is “closed” during the Winter, we are always looking for ways to raise the public awareness of the many things to do and see during our “off season” and encourage an off season visit. The trouble hasn’t been in the accommodations as much as “Now What?” once they get here. In response to this situation, the Visitor Center is putting together a Winter Guide featuring activities and winter hours of our non-lodging members. If you are going to be open this Winter – please let us know.
Contact Deb, in the Visitor Center 743-4456 or e-mail her directly at: phil@doorcounty.com
P.S. I apologize to all the Lodging Members who called in their hours last week. I should have been more clear. Sincerely, Phil
Fall Color Update
According to the State’s Fall Color Map, Sister Bay Fall Fest activities will be crowned with Peak colors AND, how can I say this? It looks like we will be having a lot of weather this week-end. Friday might see a sprinkle or two but Saturday and Sunday will be dryer with a more typical blend of Fall weather – how’s that? (this is not for the squeamish but, there is a chance of snow on Saturday as well)
The Best Advertising is by Word of Mouth
The testimonial of a friend, and/or fellow business person, is undeniably the number one reason I receive when I ask a new member what convinced them to join our Chamber. Unquestionably, our Marketing Efforts have done a remarkable job building the Brand recognition of Door County to the traveling public but, think of how much more they could do – if they had more to work with! The marketing done by the Door County Chamber of Commerce is funded solely by the collection of membership dues so, the more members who support our efforts, the better our results will be.
If each of us took the time to explain the importance of Chamber Membership to just one more person, we could nearly double our Promotional Power to reach the Traveling Public! Imagine the impact.
No one promotes Door County as a premier destination, like the Chamber does. A business in XYZ can promote themselves all they want but, without a “Destination Perception”, who is going to chance their valuable vacation time to spend it there? It’s not until the public has a concept of the destination, that they start to pursue the idea of visiting and, that’s where the Chamber comes in. We build and reinforce the message that Door County is not only a place like none other, it is THE place to go when you get the bug to get away.
So, can you find just one more new member? Is there a person you know, that has thought about joining – but hasn’t? Or, a fellow business that would benefit from the exclusive marketing strategies available to our members – like the online store? Please, let them know that we would love to have them onboard. Not only do they benefit but, we all benefit as well.
All the information you need to join can be found at: www.DoorCountyChamber.org. The information is comfortable and convenient but, remember, there is no substitute for your own testimonial. After you give them the nudge, I am happy to follow-up. Give me a call or e-mail a note – include their Name and Business (and any other details) and I’ll extend an invitation to answer any questions they might have. And, I promise not to bother them. (Psssst: Most of our memberships are less than $50/month when they include a subscription to InnLine on DoorCounty.com)
Thank You!
Again, I truly appreciate the fact that you take interest in your Chamber by reading these messages. If you ever have a comment or suggestion to share – Please, don’t hesitate one moment to contact me.
Sincerely,
Phil
Philip J. Berndt
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Door County Chamber of Commerce
1015 Green Bay Rd / PO Box 406
Sturgeon Bay WI 54235
(920)746-6663 or (920)868-3521 ext. 809
e-mail: phil@doorcounty.com
Main Web: www.DoorCounty.com
Organizational Site: www.DoorCountyChamber.org