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On my mind … by Georgia Turner, VP of Tourism
Whew! We made it through one of the busiest Octobers in history! And November isn’t slowing down either. Later today, you’ll be receiving an invitation to a joint meeting of the Hospitality and Arts Alliances which will be held on Thursday, November 14 at the Flagler Auditorium. As we’ve done in the past, we’ll have time for networking between 1:30 pm and 2 pm, and start the program at 2 pm.The program will consist of a review of the first year of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) three-year Strategic Plan as well as a discussion on what’s ahead for the future and the unveiling of the 2013-14 Marketing Plan and Budget.
We hope that everyone will come out and meet with your tourism industry peers. Georgia Turner Vice President, Tourism Development Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates |
You may have heard that our Tourism Liaison Tom Rominger (a.k.a. “Tourism Tom”) has left us to pursue another opportunity. Tom joined the Chamber staff back in March 2012. He worked at the Visitors Center located at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. His position, which included working on Sundays, allowed visitors to come in to the center seven days a week. We’ll miss Tom’s sense of humor and hospitality. We’ll be announcing his replacement soon.|
Celebrate Veteran’s Day, new stage at Washington Oaks State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park will celebrate the Grand Opening of its new stage on Sunday, November 10 from 1 pm to 4 pm. The Friends of Washington Oaks will host a Veteran’s Day Appreciation Concert featuring Tim Rippey on the new stage. This stage completes three huge improvement projects to the Washington Oaks Historic District that the Friends have supported and funded the past several years. In addition to the stage, these projects include a new self-guided interpretive tour of the park and a completely renovated 1940’s greenhouse to support the Friends Plant Sales. The stage construction would not have been possible without the help of Flagler County Government who graciously worked with the park and provided the construction crew to build the stage. The Flagler County Tourist Development Council (TDC) also awarded the Friends a total of $10,000 in grants to complete the projects. Complementing the stage celebration will be a silent auction, refreshments through a Bake Sale and plant enthusiasts will be able to purchase plants. Admission is free. We hope that everyone can attend! |
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Sponsors needed for International Distance Skateboarding event
The Flagler Beach Skate Vacation, a new event brought to you by the International Distance Skateboard Association (IDSA), will roll into Flagler County, Saturday, January 4.
Event organizers are looking for both sponsorships and volunteers to help with the event. Sponsorship opportunities to get your name in front of a young, active audience, with levels ranging between $300 and $7,500. For details, contact Product Development Manager Doreen Chase at 437-0106.
The longboard races will include a beginners’ race, half Marathon and 1 Mile Guinness World Record™. Races are open to all age groups, both male and female. The International Distance Skateboard Association will sanction this Flagler ½ Marathon and 1 Mile Guinness World Record™ longboard race to raise visibility for this growing sport. Volunteers will be needed to help with on the local organizing committee, with set up and day of event activities (parking, water stations, timing, awards, registration, and course marshalls.) All volunteers must attend a mandatory Volunteer Briefing Meeting. Please contact Michelle D’Agostino with questions at 718-496-8752.
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| Special co-op advertising in Orlando Sentinel’s “Destination Spotlight”As part of our 2013-14 Marketing Plan, the Tourism Office is partnering with the Orlando Sentinel to “take over” the January 12 travel section. A travel writer will visit the area to do a story. Tourism industry partners will be able to advertise in the special section. See flyer below. Contact Carol Bradford at the Sentinel (386-257-3761) or Amy Lukasik in the Tourism Office (386-437-0106) for more information.
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 OUT AND ABOUT …The Tourist Development Council (TDC) was a Gold Sponsor of the Ormond Beach Senior Games October 26-November 2. Doreen Chase from the Tourism Office and Casey Ryan from the City of Palm Coast (pictured right) served on the 2013 Senior Games Board.Our area hosted three events: Archery, Ballroom Dance and Horseshoes throughout the 10-day event.
Thank you to all who made this possible, especially the City of Palm Coast, Flagler Auditorium and Florida Hospital Flagler (who were Torch Sponsors) and the Flagler County Horseshoe Pitching Club. A special thanks goes to Kim Williams and all of the other volunteers. |
 OUT AND ABOUT …
Vice President of Tourism Development Georgia Turner recently attended the annual meeting of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) in Biloxi, MS. Georgia (pictured at left with travel writer Carol Timblin of Charlotte, NC) participated in a marketplace where she met with travel writers from throughout the United States and Canada.Next week, Georgia is attending a Travel Media “Meetup” during the fall meeting of the Southeast Tourism Society in Jacksonville. Then in December, she and Kathy Catron from the St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau will co-host a breakfast for members of the Canadian Chapter of SATW at their meeting in Sarasota in December.
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 OUT AND ABOUT …Congratulations to Hammock Beach Resort, named Lodging Member of the Year for 2012-13, during the Florida’s First Coast of Golf Annual Celebration at the King & Bear Clubhouse in St. Augustine last month.Allen Goodman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hammock Beach is shown (center) with Florida’s First Coast of Golf President Dave Reese (right) and Vice President John McElreath.
Allen will serve as Treasurer of the organization in 2013-14. Rich Stanfield, General Manager at Palm Harbor Golf Club, has also been elected to the Board of Directors this year. Florida’s First Coast of Golf promotes golf in Northeast Florida, representing Amelia Island, Jacksonville, Clay County, St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra as well as Palm Coast & the Flagler Beach. |