News You Can Use INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Save the Date: 2017 Tourism Summit News You Can Use 1 The 2017 Washington Tourism Summit and Day Travel, Tourism & Hospitality 2 will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24 in Olympia at The Washington Center for Performing Arts. The News from VIC Services 4 Summit will have an engaging and informative program, plus critical tourism advocacy efforts with legislators. The day will conclude with an The Sports Pages 5 evening reception at The Governor Hotel. Around Snohomish County 8 More information will be announced in the coming weeks. New Travel & Tourism Resources 9

Those who registered for the 2016 Washington Tourism Summit that was canceled due to planners, Kristine’s sales focus includes working with forecasted inclement weather do not need to social, educational, military, religious, and fraternal re-register. That registration is good for the organizations to facilitate events and meetings in 2017 Summit. Can’t make the Summit? Contact Snohomish County. Diana Thibado, director of operations, at diana@ watourismalliance.com for a full refund. “I’m excited to join the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau,” Kristine said. “I grew up on Martha Lake in Go to watourismalliance.com for more Lynnwood so I have a personal attachment to the county.” information. With over 20 years in sales management and three years in event management, Vannoy has extensive experience in new business development, customer relations, account growth, Kristine Vannoy Joins and retention. Bureau as Group Sales Manager “While raising my children in Brier, I used a family recipe to start a wholesale candy company in 2005 called Fat We are pleased to welcome Cat Fudge,” Kristine said. “My first customer was a small Kristine Vannoy to the family-owned candy store in Edmonds. By the time I sold Snohomish County Tourism the company seven years later, I had learned a lot about Bureau as group sales small business and developed an even deeper love for manager. She joined the team on Oct. 3. supporting local businesses through networking.”

Responsible for promoting Snohomish County’s Prior to joining the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau, convention facilities to meeting and event Kristine was senior account manager with Waterways (Continued)

www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 2 Cruises and Events, where she managed private corporate charters for meetings and events to local, national, and international businesses.

Previously, she was also a sales and event manager with Showcase Events, where she managed sales and execution of an annual three-day trade show with over 440 vendors and 25,000 in public attendance.

“I am passionate about connecting people to local businesses,” said Kristine, “and I am thrilled to combine that passion with my trade show, tourism, and small business experience to benefit Snohomish County.”

Contact Kristine at 425-348-5802, ext. 110 or [email protected]. “Snohomie Sasquatch” entertains meeting planners at the Northwest Events Show in October

Bureau Welcomes Heather Beach as Visitor Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Services Coordinator Bureau’s Sales Team Makes Connections

Heather Beach joined the Bureau’s Visitor In September, Group Sales Manager Brad Zorich Information Center program as the visitor services attended two important meeting planner conferences. coordinator on Nov. 7. At Meetings Live Conference in Colorado Springs, he had 24 one-on-one appointments with meeting Heather is responsible for coordinating volunteer planners. program duties, assisting the visitor services and training manager with developing tourism training A week later at the Northwest Events Show at the modules, and supporting the Snohomish County Washington State Convention Center, Brad showcased Tourism Bureau staff with numerous meeting venues and amenities at the administrative duties. Snohomish County exhibit booth. The Bureau’s promotional mascot, “Snohomie Sasquatch,” Heather has an art degree in entertained 122 meeting planners who visited the painting from ’s Cornish booth. Special thanks to Everett Hampton Inn’s Matt College of the Arts. The Pacific Greenwood for dressing in costume and playing the role Northwest native loves hiking and of Snohomie Sasquatch! board games. In late October, Executive Director Amy Spain and “I’m really looking forward to working with all our Brad Zorich led a team of Snohomish County hotels volunteers,” said Heather, “and contributing to and attractions on a sales mission to see group tour the continued success of the visitor information operators located in the greater Vancouver, BC area. The program.” team met with 22 tour operators and shared information on new hotels, updates from area attractions, and new Contact Heather at 425-348-5802, ext. 100 or itinerary ideas for their 2017 tour programs. The effort [email protected]. drew an enthusiastic response from the tour operators. Thanks to Future of Flight, Lights of Christmas, Seattle Premium Outlets, and InnVentures for participating in the sales mission. Leads will be shared with all Snohomish County attractions and hotels. (Continued) www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 3 On Nov. 8-9, Brad hosted a For travelers seeking familiarization tour for Chinese a place to call home media representatives and tour for just a few days or operators. The group spent two full for longer durations, days exploring Snohomish County the hotel provides a as part of a 48-day continuous simple, down-to-earth, journey across the U.S. The no-hassle experience. members blogged and posted via various social media to their “WoodSpring Suites large Chinese audience. These is tailored for those efforts are part of developing an people who are Uber-like platform, where Chinese generally traveling travelers will be matched up to for longer than seven local residents who speak Chinese days, such as the Chinese media and tour operators received a and will act as tour experts in their military, those working personal tour of the Flying Heritge Collection during hometowns. at Boeing, and people their recent familiarization tour visiting loved ones To learn how your business can join with extended hospital stays,” said Craven Farms Named to “Best in the Bureau’s sales missions and Jenny Meyer, director of franchise Pumpkin Farms” List tradeshows, contact Brad Zorich at operations for WoodSpring. “We 425-348-5802, ext. 106 or provide a welcoming, clean and Congratulations to Mark and [email protected]. safe environment that helps our Judy Craven, owners of the guests feel at home.” three-generation family farm in Snohomish! WoodSpring Suites to Open in Each suite includes a well- Everett in January designed kitchen with a full-sized TravelandLeisure.com named the refrigerator, microwave and two- farm as one of America’s best Construction is wrapping up on burner stove. All suites have queen pumpkin farms for its wide variety WoodSpring Suites, a 122-room beds, with options to sleep up of pumpkins grown each year, the extended stay property at 7707 to four guests in a suite. Guests 15-acre corn maze, the weekend Broadway in Everett. The hotel is also will enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry evening Night Owl Corn Maze, tentatively scheduled to open Jan. facilities, fitness center and an scarecrow-making workshop, and 25; a grand opening event will expanded lobby. other varied activities. follow in the spring. This is the first property for Read the full article at WoodSpring TravelandLeisure.com. Hotels in the Seattle/Tacoma market. Twenty additional properties are slated for development in the Puget Sound area in the next couple of years.

Learn more about WoodSpring The WoodSpring Suites in Everett is Hotels at slated to open Jan. 25 woodspring.com.

www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 4 News from Visitor Information Centers FAM Tours, Events for VIC Volunteers

When not answering questions from guests at the visitor information centers, volunteers attend familiarization tours and educational sessions designed to better acquaint them with Snohomish County attractions and amenities. The volunteer meetings and trainings are held nine months out of the year at local hotels or facilities. The familiarization tours are held quarterly.

Mountlake Terrace FAM Tour Volunteers from the three Snohomish County Visitor Information Centers took a familiarity tour of Mountlake Terrace and listened to a presentation from Olsen, the city clerk and community relations director. They toured the Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion, Snohomish Pie Company, Double D Meats, Diamond Knot Brewery, Crèma de la Crèma Bakery, and the Arts of the Terrace Juried Art Show.

Tulalip Resort Casino FAM Tour Volunteers became better acquainted with the Tulalip Resort Casino’s many amenities and attractions. The casino also hosted them for lunch and provided free space for the monthly volunteer meeting.

Mukilteo FAM Tour The Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce provided bus transportation for volunteers to tour a number of businesses and attractions. Stops included Traxx Indoor Raceway, Harbour Pointe Golf Club, Mukilteo Chocolate Company, Beach Glass by K. Miller Interiors, Historic Flight Museum, and a private tour of the Mukilteo Lighthouse. At the chamber’s office, volunteers enjoyed a delectable lunch provided by The Sydney Bakery & Wine Bar, The Scotsman Bistro, Red Cork Bistro, Brooklyn Bros Pizzeria, Garlic Jim’s Pizza, and Northwest Biscotti.

Marysville FAM Tour The volunteers heard a presentation from Jesica Stickles, president and CEO of the Marysville Tulalip Chamber, and toured the chamber offices. They also toured the Opera House and Marysville Historical Museum, and perused the shops in the downtown area before enjoying lunch at Boondockers Cafe.

www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 5 Volunteer Holiday Party manager, and volunteers dressed An ambient advertising campaign in costume to host a spirited open is underway at the Everett Mall The Future of Flight and Aviation house in coordination with the featuring colorful Adirondack chairs Center will host the annual Historic Downtown Snohomish trick and the latest Snohomish County volunteer holiday party on Friday, or treating event. Kids loved the visitor guide. Floor clings and Dec. 9. In addition to celebrating offered candy. Adults received the table clings in the food court will the upcoming holidays, the event current visitor guide attached with be installed after the busy holiday gives volunteers an opportunity a sweet treat. season. to share their experiences and knowledge with each other. The South County Visitor Volunteer Opportunities Abound Information Center will be decked VIC Volunteers Provide Event with holiday cheer for the Heritage Would you like to share with visitors Support Park Open House on Dec. 4. your favorite places to dine, shop, play, explore, and more? Then join In early September, volunteers VIC Local Outreach Efforts our volunteer family and make at the South County Visitor new friends plus learn more about Information Center assisted the Weather-proof outdoor brochure Snohomish County’s secrets and Heritage Park staff with its open racks were installed at Lynnwood’s surprises! house that also included the trolley East County Visitor Information car tour. Center and Snohomish’s South Contact Stacey Pfeiffer, visitor County Visitor Centers. The services and training manager, At the East County Visitor racks will provide easy access to 425-348-5802, ext. 103 or Information Center, Stacey Pfeiffer, Snohomish County visitor guides [email protected] for more visitor services and training during non-business hours. information.

The Sports Pages ECC Athletic Director Larry eliminated sports to the college Sports Team Traveled to Late Walker Retires including baseball, women’s Summer Sports Conferences soccer, and softball. Then he was On behalf of the Snohomish instrumental in bringing cross Olympic SportsLink/Connect County Sports Commission board country, and track and field to Sports, Aug. 24-27 of directors and the college. He also played a key During the four-day Olympic staff, we thank role in the creation of the Walt SportsLink/Connect Sports Larry Walker for his Price Student Fitness Center that conference, Tammy Dunn, sports years of decades replaced the gym built in 1958. development director, and Chase of service at Griffin, sports sales manager, Everett Community Additionally, Larry helped increased met with 48 sports rights holders College. He was the the number of sporting events held including U.S. Figure Skating, men’s basketball in Snohomish County, at Everett USRowing, USA Boxing, USA head coach for 32 years and the Community College, and within Track & Field, Asian Basketball athletic director for 30 years. His the city of Everett with his role Championships of North America, contributions spread beyond Everett on the Snohomish County Sports Urban Warrior Games, and Legacy Community College, including Commission board of directors. Global Sports – 7v7 Football. supporting the Snohomish County sports community and as one of We also appreciate Larry’s The conference was held in the original members of Sports continuing commitment to Grapevine, Texas. Commission’s board of directors. the Snohomish County Sports Commission as a valued board (Continued) As the athletic director, Larry was member. integral in bringing back once- www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 6

TEAMS ’16, Sept. 26-29 Arlington 3on3X- Travaganza Chase Griffin, sports sales manager, Basketball traveled to Atlantic City for TEAMS Tournament, ’16, had one-on-one appointments Aug. 13-14 with sports events rights holders, and attended educational sessions. A-Town Hoops hosted the 12th Chase met with 33 sports events annual Arlington rights holders including National 3on3X-Travaganza Collegiate Roller Hockey, Drone Basketball Racing League, USA Wrestling, Tournament over a toasty-hot total of 73 boys’ and girls’ teams USA, Sugar Bert weekend. Two hundred Washington played at Fairfield County Park Boxing, The Biggest Loser Run teams – boys and girls in third during the three-day tournament. Series, and Archery Tag. grade to high school and adults Most of the teams were from the – played for top honors. Games Puget Sound area. Scoreboard: Recap of Summer/ were played on part of the airport’s runway. Total Room Nights: 30 Fall Sports Events Economic Impact: $653,145 Special Olympics Summer Sports Total Room Nights: 50 Classic, Aug. 12-14 Economic Impact: $334,596 Everett Bubble Run, Aug. 27 Downtown Everett welcomed More than 1,400 athletes, coaches Snohomish Youth Soccer Bigfoot 10,371 contestants who ran, and family members traveled Soccer Tournament, Aug. 19-22 from across Washington State jogged, or walked the Everett for athletic competitions and Snohomish Youth Soccer Bigfoot Bubble Run’s 5K course. Many celebrations of sportsmanship at Soccer Tournament, one of the dressed in white danced through the Special Olympics Summer largest youth soccer tournaments the “foam bog” sections and Sports Classic. The Opening in Washington, returned to Stocker emerged covered with colorful Ceremony was held Friday at the Fields. This year, soccer play began bubbles and smiles. Though the Lynnwood Convention Center. on Friday with the championship majority of participants were from Softball and golf were played over games on Monday. Soccer teams, western Washington, some traveled the weekend in Everett. 9U-19U boys and girls, traveled from Oregon and other western from across the state and the states. Total Room Nights: 205 western . Economic Impact: $396,165 Total Room Nights: 41 Total Room Nights: 145 Economic Impact: $300,898 Economic Impact: $3,270,460 Lake Stevens Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Sept. 10 20th Annual Sky River Soccer At North Cove Park in Lake Tournament, Stevens, more than 400 triathletes Aug. 26-28 swam, biked, and ran the Lake Stevens Olympic & Sprint Triathlon The busy summer on a beautiful course for personal soccer season glory and top honors. Participants wrapped up in ranged in age from 11 to 77 years. Monroe with the 20th annual Sky Total Room Nights: 15 River Soccer Economic Impact: $49,382 Tournament. A (Continued) www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 7 2016 Pacific Northwest USTA Mixed 40 and Over & 55 and Over Sectional Championships, Sept. 17-19 For the first time, Snohomish County hosted the United States Tennis Association-sanctioned championships for players aged 40 and over, and 55 and over in mixed play. Forty-four tennis teams from Alaska, Oregon, and Washington competed.

Total Room Nights: 300 Economic Impact: $188,397 5th Annual Snohomish River Run, 12th Annual Halloween Hoot WTA Oct. 9 Basketball Tournament, Oct. 29-30 Centennial SK8 Festival, Sept. 24-25 More than 1,000 runners and Eighty-one Amateur Athletic Union walkers raced passed expansive (AAU) boys’ and girls’ basketball Centennial Sk8 Festival, the IDSA- views of Snohomish Valley farmland teams, fifth grade through high sanctioned long push skateboarding to the finish line of the 5th annual school, competed to claim the festival, took place at the Armar Snohomish River Run. The half “Champions at the Halloween Centennial Trailhead and Haller marathon and 10K races started Hoot” crown at the 12th annual Park in Arlington. Forty-six racers, and ended in Historic Downtown Halloween Hoot WTA basketball including youth and adults, Snohomish. tournament. Local teams were competed in up to four races of joined by those from as far away as varying distances. Competitors and Total Room Nights: 75 Selah and Olympia, and Vancouver, spectators alike enjoyed the SK8 Economic Impact: $103,927 BC. Everett High School, Lakeside film premier held Saturday night at High School, and Shoreline the Olympic Theatre in Arlington. Spartan Beast and Sprint Race, Community College hosted the Oct. 22-23 Total Room Nights: 25 competitions. Economic Impact: $21,064 Snohomish County hosted its first Spartan Beast Race, a 13-mile Total Room Nights: 144 33rd Annual Hole in the Wall Cross endurance event with 25 obstacles, Economic Impact: $317,693 Country Invitational, Oct. 8 at Meadow Wood Equestrian 22nd Annual Pacific Northwest Center in Snohomish. More than At Lakewood High School in Karate-do Championships, Nov. 5 4,700 runners competed in the Arlington, close to 3,000 cross Beast Race and more than 3,100 Competitors from 20 karate country runners ran in the 33rd athletes competed in the shorter- schools competed in the 22nd annual Hole in the Wall cross distance Sprint Race. Competitors annual Pacific Northwest Karate- country invitational, the largest and their families traveled from do Championships hosted by high school cross country race across several states including USA Karate Academy. Athletes, in Washington. Most teams from California, , Illinois, , coaches and families from around middle and high schools traveled Utah, Washington, and provinces in Washington were joined by those from Washington and beyond, Canada. from Oregon, British Columbia, and including Oregon and Hawaii. far away as Idaho and Arizona. Total Room Nights: 1,750 Total Room Nights: 95 Economic Impact: $3,102,720 Total Room Nights: 40 Economic Impact: $504,319 Economic Impact: $44,013

www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 8 Around Snohomish County Everett Art Walk Returns

October marked the return of the monthly Everett Art Walk. Local businesses welcome the public to the celebration of visual, literary, and performing arts on the third Thursday of each month. Maps are available at participating locations, including Port Gardner Bay Winery, the Independent Beer Bar, and • The Nutcracker For more family-oriented activities event organizer Black Lab Gallery. o Performances by Dance to enjoy during the holidays and Elite, Snohomish, Dec. 2-3 winter months, go to the events calendar on Snohomish.org. Follow Black Lab Gallery on o Performances by Olympic Facebook for event schedule and Ballet Theatre, Edmonds more information. and Everett, various dates Insider Tips for Locals & Visitors Dec. 9-18 Holiday and Winter Activities If you host family and friends • Sultan’s Winterfest, Dec. 3 and Events for All Ages during the holidays or throughout • Marysville’s Holiday Tour of the year, then you’ll want to The following list of upcoming Lights, Dec. 8-9 subscribe to our free quarterly events is just a sample of the visitor newsletter, jam-packed activities you can enjoy with friends • Argosy Christmas Ship™ with fun visitor-friendly activities, and family now through February. Festival, Edmonds, Dec. 13 attractions, and events – you’ll want to join in the fun as well! • Wanderlust in “A Holiday activities and events: Christmas Carol,” Everett, • The Lights of Christmas at Dec. 23 Warm Beach, various nights, Dec. 1-28 Winter activities and events: • Village Theatre presents Singing in the Rain, Everett, Jan. 6-29 • Snohomish’s Groundfrog Day, Jan. 28 • Pacifica Chamber Orchestra Sunshine Concert, Everett, Jan. 29 • Stillaguamish Eagle Festival, Arlington, Feb. 3-4 • Everett Film Festival, Feb. 17-18 • The Great Northwest Glass Quest, Stanwood, Feb. 17-26

www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 9 New Travel and Tourism Resources Now Available: Fall/Winter recreation outposts, malls, during business hours: Visitors Guide chambers of commerce, economic development East Snohomish County , 1301 First St. (From Visitors and locals alike love using offices, and visitor information Branch Hwy 2 or Hwy 9), Snohomish. the Snohomish County Fall/Winter centers in Snohomish County 360-862-9609. Open Visitors Guide to plan their outings, (locations listed below). Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 vacations, and escapes. Get your • Guides will also be distributed p.m., year-round. free copy now. Here’s how: through Certified Folder South Snohomish County • Pick up a printed guide at Display Service that maintains brochure display racks in Branch at Heritage Park, nearby locations including 19921 Poplar Way (I-5 exit city halls, libraries, parks and hotels within King and Snohomish Counties as well as 181), Lynnwood. 425-776- at attractions such as Future 3977. Open: Monday and of Flight Aviation Center & Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Boeing Tour. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday • Download a digital copy from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; and Snohomish.org. Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Request a copy to be mailed Tourist Information Counter to individuals by emailing in the lobby of the Future [email protected] or of Flight Aviation Center & calling Heather Beach at 425- Boeing Tour, 8415 Paine Field 348-5802, x100. Blvd. (I-5 Exit 189 West), Mukilteo. 425-438-8100 • Stop by one of the friendly x236. Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and helpful Snohomish County daily. Visitor Information Centers

New Journeys Section on Snohomish.org Enhances Visitor Experience

Personal travel often includes the element of the unknown. A destination is selected based on a specific experience, such as traveling for a concert or a family event. But what is a traveler to do for the remainder of their time in an unknown area besides heading to the hotel early and watching TV?

Snohomish County Tourism Bureau has created a resource to help travelers enjoy more robust experiences while staying in the area. It recently launched a journeys site, which includes itineraries with suggested adventures, restaurants to enjoy, helpful tips and more.

“People may come to town for an event, but want to make a weekend getaway out of it,” says Executive Director Amy Spain. “This journeys site is a great resource to help people find the ‘only the locals know’ restaurants, boutiques or scenic drive.”

All journeys listed on Snohomish County Tourism Bureau’s site include a printable itinerary, directions and maps clearly showing locations of attractions, and accompanying guides or tips that will complement the journey. See all journeys at www.snohomish.org/journeys.

Have ideas for future itineraries? Email Joni Kirk, marketing and communications coordinator. www.Snohomish.org December 2016 Page 10 New Top 10 Brochures Feature Adventures, Wildlife, Scenic Places & Oddities

The Bureau is pleased to announce the arrival of four new brochures featuring “Top 10” themes. • Top 10 Outrageous Adventures identifies thrilling, heart- pumping, and challenging activities around the county. • Top 10 Wildlife Viewing Locations highlights great places to experience local creatures and exotic animals. • Top 10 Scenic Outlooks & Scenic Drives showcases the beauty of Snohomish County, from snow-capped mountains and old-growth forests, to sparkling waterways and everything in between. • Top 10 Strange and Wonderful Oddities showcases the county’s treasure trove of unique attractions. These fun brochures are available for download or can be picked up at Snohomish County Visitor Information Centers.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours! From the Staff of Snohomish County Tourism Bureau

www.Snohomish.org