TOURISM TODAY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

News You Can Use News You Can Use 1 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality 5 Input Needed to Improve WA Recreation & Pass Permit System News from VIC Services 7

Washington State University is working with the The Sports Pages 8 Department of Fish and Wildlife and other outdoor recreation-oriented agencies to Around Snohomish County 10 conduct a brief survey that will help generate ideas to simplify the state’s recreation and pass permit system. Final Public Presentation Aviation Attractions Wayfinding Signage Concepts

The Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department along with an Snohomish County aviation attraction steering committee is holding a public unveiling of the visitor wayfinding signage designs that were developed for the Aviation Attractions. This signage program study was funded with County lodging Your input is important! Because of your taxes, and will be implemented over time. familiarity with the unique interests and needs of visitors – of which many are outdoor enthusiasts The project signs will help guide visitors from major – your feedback is especially welcome. highways in and around the Paine Field Airport to the five museums and attractions that include: The Future of Flight Please consider taking 10 to 15 minutes to Aviation Center and Boeing Tour, the Flying Heritage and answer the survey questions you can find at this Combat Armor Museum, the Historic Flight Foundation, the web page: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection, SV_bD92N5wzEgP6Xhb and the new High Trek Adventure Aerial Course, located at Paine Field Community Park. If you have any problems accessing or completing the survey, please contact Season Hoard, the Primary goals of the project are to reduce confusion visitors survey coordinator, at (509) 335-4093 or have navigating between the attractions, and the impact to [email protected]. traffic. Another goal is to foster a welcoming sense of place for community members and visitors by highlighting the

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historical significance and educational opportunities of the one-of-a-kind County Voted to “Top 12 collections offered to the public at Paine Field. Outdoor Adventure Sports We invite you to attend: Spots”

Final Public Presentation - Paine Field Aviation Attractions Wayfinding In July, the editors at SportsEvents Project - Thursday, November 2, 6pm - 8pm at the Future of Flight Magazine wanted to know the top 12 U.S. destinations in adventure Aviation Center Aerospace Gallery (8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo WA sports. After reviewing destinations 98275). from across the country, they compiled a Facebook ballot with a list of 25 outdoor sports destinations that are known for United Joins Alaska Air at Paine Field “adrenaline-pumping” adventure sports. From those 25 “Outdoor Next year Snohomish County residents and visitors will have increased Adventure Sports Spots,” fans were commercial flight options at Paine Field. asked to vote for their top picks.

Snohomish County ranked eighth on the list based on the number of votes received. Other destinations On Aug. 10, United Airlines announced it will begin to operate six daily included Asheville and Outer flights from Paine Field to its hubs in Denver and Banks, NC; Eugene and Medford, beginning in fall 2018. OR; Redding, CA; and San Marcos, TX. Alaska Airlines first announced its plans in May to begin commercial passenger service from Paine Field next fall with nine daily departures to destinations in Oregon and . The specific cities have not yet been disclosed. Hotels’ New Brands, Updated Styles The combined services should almost fully occupy the two airport gates planned at the new terminal currently under construction. Propeller Renovation work is well underway Airports, the terminal’s developer, is focused on getting the terminal built at two local hotels that, when and open by next fall. finished, will sport new brand identities and updated amenities. Sources: United.com, SeattleTimes.com (Continued)

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Holiday Inn Downtown Everett set to become Delta Hotels Seattle Everett mind. When renovation of the former Medallion Hotel is complete, the hotel will be the only Wyndham Garden in the Northwest other than Boise, Idaho.

Renovation work is underway to the guestrooms and suites, the reception and lobby areas, corridors, fitness center, meeting space, and restaurant and lounge to match the Wyndham Garden’s modern style and décor.

The new Garden Bistro & Lounge, Shortly after Bellingham-based Hollander Hospitality’s announced plans with seating for 80 or more, will be for an extensive transformation of the Holiday Inn Downtown Everett in open for breakfast and dinner late April, construction crews arrived to begin work. The renovation is well service and offer American cuisine. underway with an expected completion late this year. The Wyndham Garden will have The 232-room hotel brings upscale and progressive Pacific Northwest over 5,000 square-feet of meeting style and design elements throughout its public spaces and guest rooms. space for gala events, conferences, Business travelers can stay productive in their fully appointed room and meetings, banquets, silent relax in the media center. Meeting planners looking for flexible space will auctions, and weddings. The find it with 14,000 square-feet of event space, a 7,000 square-foot Garden Spa will be open to hotel ballroom to host up to 800 people, and 15 breakout meeting rooms. All guests and the public. hotel guests will enjoy the full-service restaurant and bar with private A tentative grand opening is slated dining room, high-tech guest library, modern fitness center with yoga and for November. CrossFit® space, indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary overnight and event parking. • Address: 16710 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223 This will be the first Delta Hotels’ branded property in the Seattle area. Hollander Hospitality operates multiple hotels under a number of well- • Room reservations & reserve known brands in Seattle, Puyallup, Tacoma, and Portland, Oregon. meeting space: (360) 657- 0500 More information at www.hollanderhospitality.com/hotel-properties

Medallion Hotel to become Wyndham Garden WTA’s 2017 Legislative Update

In late August, WTA Associate Director Mike Moe reported on the organization’s 2017 lobbying efforts:

“There is no better place to be in Coming to the Smokey Point area in Arlington is Wyndham Garden, an the summertime than Washington. upscale property designed with today’s business and leisure travelers in (Continued) www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 4

It’s the busiest time of year for the tourism industry and passion for the WTA mission endures and that you because all around our state, visitors are enjoying the will continue to support our efforts.” beautiful destinations we have to offer. It’s also a busy time for the WTA as the results of the last legislative For more information about the WTA’s statewide session become clearer. While there was no floor tourism marketing program, advertising opportunities action taken on our bill (SHB 1123/SSB5251) in the on ExperienceWA.com and in travel guides, and the last legislative session, it is very much alive if the benefits of membership, go towww.watourismalliance. legislature reconvenes and will still be alive next com. session. Fall/Winter Visitor Guide Coming in Sept. “Our bill enjoys widespread, bi-partisan support as we head into 2018 thanks to the WTA lobbying and grassroots team and the hundreds of industry stakeholders who made sure their voices were heard by contacting their local representatives. The legislative budget included a specific appropriation item of $500,000 for fiscal year 2018 to the Department of Commerce to work with the private sector (the Washington Tourism Alliance) to develop a tourism marketing plan.

“In the coming weeks, the WTA will work with the Department of Commerce to create a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a contractor to develop a Washington State Tourism Marketing Plan. The details of the RFP will be made available as soon as possible. Our goal is to have a full marketing plan in hand when the next legislative session begins in January.

“The funding to create a statewide tourism marketing plan is a giant step ahead in our mission to reestablish a statewide tourism marketing effort. The WTA has never had access to dedicated funds to fully develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for Washington. This is truly an exciting time for the tourism industry in Washington because we’ll finally have an opportunity to show what it will look like to market our beautiful state. Looking for help in planning your fall adventures and out-of-town guests’ winter celebrations? Our 2017 “Since 2011, the WTA has been working to reestablish Fall/Winter Visitor Guide will be available mid- a statewide tourism marketing organization. We know September in print and in digital format. You can pick that the road has been long and we sincerely up your copy at locations throughout the county appreciate the support shown by businesses and including libraries, hotel brochure racks, chambers of organizations from across our state. The WTA is here commerce, and local and regional visitor information today because of the extraordinary energy of our centers including: supporters. A big thank you goes out to every WTA member and industry stakeholder who participated in • East County Visitor Information Center, 1301 1st the grassroots effort this legislative session. As we St, Snohomish. 360-862-9609 start this new chapter, we hope that your enthusiasm (Continued)

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• South County Visitor Information Center, 19921 Also in August, Group Sales Manager Kristine Vannoy Poplar Way, Lynnwood. 425-776-3977 attended the Religious Conference Managers Association Aspire in Lexington, KY. The regional • Visitor Information Center at Future of Flight conference brought religious meeting planners Aviation Center, 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo. together with suppliers from around the country. 425-438-8100, x236 Kristine represented Snohomish County’s hotel partners, meeting venues, restaurants, activities, and For a digital copy, go to the Download Guides & attractions. She met with 32 planners during the Brochures page on Snohomish.org where you will also conference. find plenty more helpful material including “Top 10”-style guides, the 40-page Outdoor Adventure Busy Sales Schedule Ahead Guide, and numerous mobile tours. In September, Brad, Kristine, and several hotel partners will meet and network with meeting and event planners at the county’s booth during the B & E Events Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Show in downtown Seattle. More than 600 planners are expected to attend.

In October, Amy Spain and Brad Zorich will lead a SCTB Sales Push group of partners to Vancouver, BC on a sales mission Executive Director Amy Spain, Sports Development focusing on Canadian-based tour operators. Director Tammy Dunn, and Group Sales Manager Brad Later, Kristine and Brad will host a one-day FAM tour Zorich jump started the summer sales effort in May. of Everett for meeting planners. They attended the Washington Society of Association Executives conference in Blaine, WA. The event Rounding out the year in December, Brad will attend brought together leaders from many of the state’s the National Tour Association’s Travel Exchange in San larger associations who are a key source of multi-day, Antonio, TX to meet with tour operators in in-state conferences and meetings. The Bureau prescheduled appointments. partnered with the Lynnwood Convention Center, the XFINITY Arena at Everett, the Tulalip Resort and For leads or to find out how you can team up with the Casino, and the Embassy Suites Lynnwood to sponsor Bureau in its outreach and sales efforts, contact: a brunch and present to all conference attendees. • Amy Spain, executive director, 425-348-5802, In June, Brad attended the U.S. Travel Association’s x101 IPW Conference in Washington, D.C. The event is the premier North American international travel seller • Kristine Vannoy, group sales manager, 425-348- marketplace with over 5,000 attendees. Brad had 28 5802, x107 appointments within the Tulalip Resort & Casino booth. • Brad Zorich, group sales manager, 425-348-5802, x106 In August, Brad attended the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Toronto for the largest meeting of association event planners in North America. He also Getting Ink: Working with Travel Writers traveled to New Orleans for Connect Marketplace, a hosted-buyer event that brings together the most Media FAM Tour of Highway 2 active planners, suppliers and experts in corporate, association, specialty, expo, and sports meetings and In July, Marketing & Communications Manager Angie events for preset appointments, quality networking, Riley arranged a media FAM tour for travel writer and more. www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 6

Harriett Baskas. On assignment for project is a partnership of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the 1889 Washington’s Magazine, she Darrington community, legislative leaders, DNR, and Washington’s was conducting research for her outdoor recreation community. upcoming “Traveling West from Stevens Pass” story. For more information including how to receive updates, go to: www.dnr. wa.gov/DarringtonMTB.

Source: HeraldNet.com

County to Own, Manage Western Heritage Center

On August 21, Snohomish County announced it would be taking over Harriett overnighted at A Stone’s responsibility for the Western Heritage Center at the Evergreen State Throw B&B in Index. The next day, Fairgrounds in Monroe. she visited Skykomish’s Great Northern and Cascade Railway train museum, and Index’s Outdoor Adventure Center, the Bush House Inn, and the River House; met with representatives of Sky Valley and Monroe chambers of commerce, Historic Downtown Snohomish, and Evergreen Speedway; and enjoyed lunch at Route 2 Taproom in Monroe.

NEW: Mountain Biking Trails in Darrington

In July, the first four miles of the North Mountain Bike Skills Area opened to the cycling community. Riders can traverse a variety of trails ranging from easy cross- When the organization that owns and manages the Western Heritage country paths for novices to rougher Center collection decided they needed some help or would be forced to terrain for expert cyclists. close, nonprofit regulations gave members the following options: return items to the donors; transfer the remaining collection to another museum, The bike skills park, located near society, or organization exempt from federal taxation under 501(c)(3) Whitehorse Community Park, is free engaged in similar activities to those of the Center; or work with to use though a Discover Pass is Snohomish County to keep the collection intact. required to park there. Their decision: ask Snohomish County to take over ownership and Another 13 miles of trails are management, keeping the collection intact and at the Evergreen State currently under development. When Fairgrounds, where it has been housed since the Center opened in 2006. completed, the trails will span more than 2,000 acres owned by The Fairgrounds shares the organization’s historical preservation and the state Department of Natural educational mission, and several volunteers from the Center’s existing Resources (DNR) near the membership have committed to guide tours and maintain the collection Snohomish-Skagit county line. The after it changes hands in the fall.

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Snohomish County will work to establish a volunteer • Download the WTA Marketing Opportunities media board, develop a business plan for the operation of the kit for more information. Center, seek donations for operational costs, and consult with the Snohomish County Historic • Contact Mike Moe, associate director, at 425-444- Preservation Commission and regional museums to 0589 or [email protected]. better understand how to live up to the vision of the founders. • To join WTA or for more information visit watourismalliance.com/join. “Going to see the train, tractors, and historical exhibits is a tradition for most fair visitors,” said Hal Gausman, the fairgrounds manager. “Keeping the Western Heritage Center at the Fairgrounds will honor News from VIC Services Snohomish County’s roots, commemorate the founder’s passion for preserving area history, and Busy Summer Season for VIC Volunteers continue to serve visitors who come year after year to get hands-on experiences that connect them to the past.” The July 26 volunteer training focused on the communities of Everett and Edmonds. Volunteers also Source: Snohomish County took a tour of the host hotel Hampton Inn Seattle/ Everett Downtown.

Through the bureau’s mobile visitor services program, ExperienceWA.com Advertising Opportunities volunteers met with visitors and answered questions and offered insider tips at the History and Heritage The Washington Tourism Alliance offers several Day Tours: Heritage Park Open House, Sky Fair at advertising programs local attractions and businesses Paine Field, and Everett Community Days at the can use to connect with people looking to visit Everett Mall. Washington. Visitor Services & Training Manager Stacey Pfeiffer Check out these two value-added online advertising met with the leadership teams at the Edmonds, programs: Mukilteo, Sky Valley, Marysville, and Lake Stevens chambers of commerce to learn how the Snohomish Banner Ads County Tourism Bureau can assist them with their The REWARDS advertising program doubles the 2018 tourism marketing and visitor service efforts. number of impressions purchased for free. This year, the banner ad program is averaging a cost-per-click of Volunteers enjoyed their annual picnic at Legion Park only $1.47, an outstanding value! Banner ad packages in Everett on Aug. 28. start at only $604 for WTA members and $683 for non-members.

Deals Page

Highlight a special value-added package or discounted getaway on the Deals page. The specials on the Deals page are averaging less than $1 cost-per-click in 2017! Highlight a package on the Deals page for only $450 for 3 months ($495 for non- WTA members) or $1,500 for a full year ($1,650 for non-members).

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On Sept. 20, volunteers will travel to Darrington for a Join us for an evening celebrating the personal trails-oriented FAM tour hosted by Adrienne Hall from achievements in sports. Meet the Snohomish County Destination Darrington and Amy Lucas from Sports Hall of Fame 2017 induction class and The Snohomish County Parks & Recreation. A number of Herald Man and Woman of the Year in Sports. locations are on the itinerary: a portion of the Collegiate and high school athletes will also be Whitehorse Regional Trail, Whitehorse Community recognized. Park, Darrington Archery Range, Backman Regional Park, Squire Creek Campground, the Fortson Mill The gala event takes place at Edward D. Hansen trailhead, the Hazel Hole fishing access, and Conference Center at XFINITY Arena at Everett with Steelhead Drive Memorial Gate. They will enjoy lunch doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets now at Four Corners Café and get a look at the skate park at www.snohomish.org/HOFBanquet. at Old School Park.

Become a VIC Volunteer Today 2017 Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class The volunteers at Visitor Information Centers in Lynnwood, Snohomish, and Mukilteo love to share The Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame their knowledge about the history, sites, and activities Committee is proud to announce the 2017 Induction that make Snohomish County such a popular Class. The induction class includes four athletes, one destination. They warmly welcome visitors from all coach, one team and one sports contributor. over the world and assist them with their travel questions. Come join us! Athletes:

We also welcome volunteers to help in our main office Adam Eaton – Baseball with a myriad of tasks such as data entry, mailings, and special projects. Adam was a gifted basketball and baseball player at Snohomish High in the early to mid-1990s. In 1996, Our volunteers, ages 18 to 100, enjoy friendship, the senior pitched on the varsity baseball team, and recognition, and appreciation. scored an 8-0 win-loss record with an ERA of 0.67. He was then drafted eleventh by the Philadelphia Phillies For more information, contact Stacey Pfeiffer, visitor in the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft and debuted services and training manager, at stacey@snohomish. in the Majors in May 2000 with the San Diego Padres. org or call 425-348-5802, ext. 100. During his nine-year MLB career, he started 201 games and won 71 of them.

He was with the Padres during 2000-05, the Texas The Sports Pages Rangers in 2006, and with the Phillies 2007-09 which was during the time the Phillies were the 2008 World Series Champions. He finished his career in 2009 with the Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame, Sept. Rockies. 27

Brooke Whitney – Ice Hockey

During her youth as a multi-sport athlete, Brooke was once named MVP of youth sports. She was a multi- sport star at Bothell High then chose to play ice

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hockey at Northeastern University where she was twice a D1 women’s ice most likely has had more influence hockey All-American and once named Northeastern’s Top Scholar Athlete. on amateur baseball in the county In 2002, she was awarded the Patty Kazmaier Award (Women’s Ice than anyone else since 1962. After Hockey Player of the Year), New England Sports Writers Female Athlete of several semi-pro teams came and the Year, and The Herald’s Woman Athlete of the Year. went, the Everett Merchants formed and Harold was once again player/ In 2003 and 2004, she played women’s professional ice hockey in head coach until he retired as a Canada in Brampton, ON and Vancouver, BC. In 2003 she was inducted player. He is now, and has been for into Northeastern’s Athletic Hall of Fame. many years, the general manager and head coach of the Merchants. In 1988, he led the Merchants to James Pearson – Distance Running the National Baseball Congress (NBC) Championship. He’s twice Pearson’s nominator stated that Jim had not missed a day of running for been named Pacific International 46 years. During that time, Jim achieved many milestones including League Coach of the Year and in two-time U.S. Champion, an American 50-mile record holder, a four-time 2005, he was inducted into the World Qualifier in the 10K, 25K, and marathon, and twice ran the second National Baseball Congress Hall of fastest 100K in U.S. history. He is also a 16-time Birch Bay Marathon Fame. winner, a race held annually in Blaine, WA.

Jim is an inductee in both the Lake Stevens High and Western Team: Washington University athletic halls of fame. At Lake Stevens, he played basketball, football and ran track, and at WWU, he ran cross country. 1970 Snohomish High Boys Basketball Team

Steve Miller – Water Ski The 1969-70 Snohomish High Panthers were the state’s Class 3A Steve took his barefoot water skiing skills to the Caribbean in 1983 and champions. Coached by Jack became a water ski instructor and show ski performer until 1992. He deKubber and his assistant, Keith then returned home to be involved in the family business of American Gilbertson Sr., they entered the Distributing, and to redirect his show skiing skills to competitive water post season playoffs with a 19-1 skiing. He’s become remarkably successful in this endeavor as he has record. won many competitions in trick skiing, ski jumping, and overall water skiing. However, when they reached the tournament’s Final Four, they were Moving up through the national age group rankings, he won titles the team with the most losses. including Western Regional Championships, four National Overall titles, Top-ranked Pasco was 24-0. Tied and a National Jump title. In 2012, he earned a spot on the USA for second ranking in the state Championship 35+ Water Ski Team. Now in his sixties, Steve is in pursuit polls were West Seattle with no of his age group’s national overall crown. losses and Aberdeen with one loss. But, the Panthers beat Aberdeen in the semi-finals 63-61 and Pasco Coach: 53-51 for the title.

Harold Pyatte – Baseball This team is considered one of the top two Snohomish County high Harold has been involved in Snohomish County amateur baseball for school boys’ basketball teams in almost 60 years as a player, coach, head coach, and general manager. He basketball’s modern era. The other team is the 1976-77 Mountlake

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Terrace High team that was inducted into the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Team co-captains were seniors Doug Love and Jerry Ingalls. Tickets, Sponsorship & More Information The other starters were juniors Ben Krause, Evan Thomas, and Craig Clayton. Individual tickets are $65 and a table for 10 people is $600. Tickets are on sale now at www.snohomish.org/ HOFBanquet Sports Contributor: Show your support of the Sports Hall of Fame through Lou Stevenson sponsorship! A variety of levels are available. Call Frank Foster, Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame Lou was a star athlete in three sports at Cascade High. chair, at (425) 750-4801. At Seattle University, he played baseball for four seasons. After Seattle University, he returned to For more information on the Snohomish County Sports Cascade to coach and teach. He may be best known as Hall of Fame Banquet, visit www.snohomish.org/sports/ a baseball coach at Everett High for 13 years. He’s in sports-hall-of-fame or Tammy Dunn, sports the halls of fame of Cascade and Everett high schools. development director, at (425) 348-5802 ext. 102.

Lou has been a tremendous sports contributor to the county’s sports scene through his work on the Phil Johnson Ball Field Complex, First Swings Camps for Around Snohomish County ages 6-12, NSA Western Regional Girls Fast Pitch Signs of fall are everywhere: dramatic fall foliage, Tournament at Everett Parks, and on the planning ripened pumpkins in farm fields, cooler-than-usual committee for the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Everett breezes, and the kids are back in school. Police Department, and Snohomish County Boys and But that doesn’t mean the summer fun is over! Choose Girls Clubs-sponsored Badges for Baseball/Softball from plenty of family-friendly festivals, shows, music, food, sports events, and more. We’ve highlighted a few camps for girls and boys ages 8-12. options here, but you’ll find plenty more at Snohomish. org/events-calendar. The Sports Hall of Fame inductees were nominated by the public and the 30-member Sports Hall of Fame • Farmers markets & harvest festivals, now through Committee. October • Wetmore Food Truck Fridays, Sept. 1 – Oct. 6, Everett The 2017 Herald Man and Woman of the Year in Sports Awards • Return of the Salmon Celebration, Sept. 23, Sultan Carter Hart, goalie for hockey team, and Amy-Eloise Neale, member of the University of • Brewfest at Carlton Farms, Sept. 30, Lake Stevens Washington cross country team, will be honored for their athletic achievements. • Rocktoberfest Gem & Mineral Show, Oct. 7-8, Marysville

• Run Marathon, Half Marathon & Collegiate & High School Athlete Recognition 10K, Oct. 15, Snohomish

For the third year in a row we will honor the collegiate • Art Walk, Nov. 16, Edmonds & Everett male and female athlete of the year at the banquet. New in 2017, KRKO 1380 will honor the high school • Philharmonic Music for the Imagination Concert, Nov. 26, Everett boy and girl athlete of the year.

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