The Southern Indiana Tourism Coalition was formed in 2014 to foster more collaboration between the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Board and our partners. Its purpose is to open communication lines, share ideas and information, and educate ourselves and our members.

Below is a recap of the Feb. 4 meeting.

From our Community

  • Host Curt Peters shared a brief history of the Vintage Fire Museum and its upcoming “Kindle the Flame” Valentine’s Day event.

Announcements

  • The Bureau’s monthly partner newsletter, “Tourism TidBits” began in January. Monthly newsletters will follow that will inform partners of the Bureau’s activities, provide information on tourism trends, and share local tourism news.
  • John H. Minta award nominations are being accepted. Forms available on our website. Deadline to nominate was Monday, Feb. 9.
  • The Bureau’s 2014 Annual Report, will be made available at the CTB’s annual meeting luncheon, Wed., March 18.
  • Design of the 2015 Visitors Guide is complete. Copies will be available at the Visitor Center and online.

From the Clark and Floyd Co. CTB Staff

Jennifer Abbott, Director of Marketing

  • Attended AAA Travel Show with Todd Read in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 16-18.
  • Explained use of the “Sunny Side” balloon at upcoming festivals to collect emails for promotions and newsletters.
  • One Simple Thing: Shared upcoming leisure marketing initiatives (videos, ads, landing pages for web site) for 2015. Showed February’s video on romantic getaways; March’s video will be on golf getaways in Southern Indiana.

Todd Read, Visitor Information Coordinator

  • Shared new visitor center initiatives and ideas, such as incorporating local products for display/sale.
  • One Simple Thing: Todd distributed envelopes so partners can mail their rack cards and restaurant menus. He will then be sure to display partners’ most current information at the Visitor Information Centers in Jeffersonville and Henryville.

Regina Walker-Tekulve, Marketing Communications Assistant

  • Distributed “Social Media Explained by Coffee” sheet to illustrate how each channel is used and remind partners which the bureau is using.
  • Consumer newsletter sent Feb. 5 with the a romance theme. The newsletter contains two videos, “Romantic Getaways,” and “Wineries and Breweries” and an upcoming events calendar.
  • One Simple Thing: Share! Staying up to date is vital in keeping the bureau’s web site relevant and informative. Please share upcoming events, changes in contact or operation information (hours, address, phone numbers, personnel, etc.).

Luanne Mattson, Director of Communications

  • One Simple Thing: HARO- Help A Reporter Out, a free publicity tool that connects reporters to sources. www.HelpAReporterOut.co

Kate Kane, Director of Sales

  • Handed out a list of upcoming conventions to Louisville with expected attendance to each. By giving you this information, it will give you time to create stay/dining/play incentives, promotions, and to staff your business appropriately to accommodate these guests.
  • One Simple Thing: Urged partners to subscribe to free group tour publications and newsletters, such as Select Traveler, Going on Faith, and Group Tours Today. These are great resources to gather group travel ideas and see what other areas are doing to promote group travel.