Tourism board's ski promo does well

by Rhonda Swain

The Sublette County Joint Tourism Promotion Board met Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Pinedale Library to discuss a variety of issues in a short meeting.

Board Chairperson Bobbi Wade said in an interview Wednesday morning that one important thing to come from the meeting is that the town of Pinedale needs to re-appoint a board member due to the resignation of Gwen Schwab, who resigned to spend more time with her family and at her business. Schwab's term ends June 30, at which time whoever replaces her can be reappointed to the board.

The tourism board's website is coming along nicely, with a lot of photos and information, Wade said. To view the site, go to visitsublettecounty.com

The board approved a youth grant application for Wind River Riders 4-H Horse Club for $500 for their open horse show on May 10 at the Sublette County ag center.

The board will start taking grants for summer events, with an April deadline of for applications. Applications are available at the Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce, at the three town halls and libraries in each town. The board approved advertising for grant applications during the month of March.

Wade stressed that successful grant applicants must be sure to note sponsorship by the tourism board on any advertising.

Hatch Marketing representatives gave a progress report, and Wade said that Hatch's marketing has gone well, with response up.

JTPB's ski promotion has gone well; they have gone through two full books of tickets and the promo is still going on. The tourism board bought the 200 tickets that it made available to lodging businesses on rack cards, and the businesses purchase the ski tickets from the board.

Hatch representative Angela Goodrich reported on her survey of lodging facilities to find out what they have, what they want to see the tourism board do, and what they want to have promoted. Wade said JTPB received compliments from lodging establishment owners who approve of what the board is doing.

Hatch is also working on a survey of people who have visited Sublette County and are gathering information that is pertinent to Sublette County.

The board is looking for good photographs for publication in print advertising as well as on the web, and Wade said they "would like to showcase some nice photos from local people."

If you have a great photo you would be willing to share with the tourism board, contact Hatch Marketing at 367-2448, ask for Joe or Dan, or Wind River Web Services at 367- 6763, ask for Sue.

The board's next meeting will be Tuesday, March 25, in the Big Piney Town Hall at 7 p.m.