Tourism remained one of Tuscarawas County’s strongest industries in 2010, and the future looks bright for tourism and other county businesses in 2011

  • Jennifer R. Demuth
  • January 3, 2011
  • 288
                        
In 2010, Tuscarawas County tourism remained strong, and county businesses began to experience modest growth. For 2011, local officials predict continued growth despite the current state of the economy. Strategic planning and marketing are credited with keeping tourism strong through the economic downturn. In fact, county tourism has increased. According to Dee Grossman, Director of the Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the county tourism industry provided $274 million in local economic impact and provided employment for over 7,000 employees (17% of all county jobs) in 2009, and 2010 saw tourism grow. “2010 was one of our best years,” shared Grossman. “We believe that it was a good year because near the end of 2008 to the beginning of 2009, we knew that the economy was on the downward slide. We made a concerted effort to invest more money into marketing our partners to help increase the tourism revenue to the county.” The CVB staffs’ efforts paid off as they promoted the county to any and all potential visitors. They took over management of Fort Laurens in April 2009 and concentrated their marketing efforts in the areas that typically attract the most visitors to Tuscarawas County including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky. For 2011, the staff is scheduled to promote the county at three golf shows and four travel shows, with more shows to be added. Moreover, the CVB is helping to organize one of the largest group tour efforts in the state which will involve 53 partners from Ohio. County promotional materials will also take on a new look to attract outside visitors thanks to a re-branding initiative that the CVB is developing with Grant Street Creative. “We have been using the ‘Escape...Experience...Enjoy’ brand for about five years, and we are in the process of updating our look,” explained Grossman. “This will include a new website look, logos, taglines, and etc. Look for this to roll out in January.” It’s all part of the CVB’s new two year marketing plan that will be kicked off during a Tourism Summit on January 28th when local tourism partners will learn marketing tips from Joe Venetto, one of the nation’s leading experts on packaging products. Improvements are also slated to begin at Fort Laurens in 2011 as the pit toilets will be upgraded to flush toilets, and the museum will create a new mock archeological dig display. When finished, the display will be one of the only handicap-accessible archeological displays in Ohio. While the CVB has not typically promoted county tourism to county residents, the CVB founded a not-for-profit organization known as the Tuscarawas Valley Heritage (TVH) about six years ago to educate county residents about the county’s history and culture. TVH has funded field trips for local elementary students to visit historic sites and has also printed “Passports to History” each May to promote attractions to county residents. For 2011, Grossman hopes that every county resident takes the time to see why Tuscarawas County is one of the most visited counties in Ohio. Thanks to the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, tourism won’t be the only county industry to experience growth in 2011. The chamber’s Interim President/CEO, Don E. Hoffman, said the chamber will work with its 492 business members to improve their economic outlook in 2011. “As we formulate new programs, the financial health of existing member businesses is the top priority,” he explained. “We will work in concert with our economic development partners to raise the awareness of the many business development opportunities to be found in Tuscarawas County. We have a strong community with the best workers, brightest students and a tradition of overcoming adversity—traits that any business needs to excel.” Hoffman noted that during the past year the economy presented many business challenges, which make the services provided by the chamber even more important. “As the economy improves for some sectors, it is important to remember that we are interdependent upon each other. A group effort is necessary for lasting improvement for the entire community. Chamber membership provides the link for businesses of different sizes and the tools to network together for the growth of our county.” Specifically, the chamber benefits businesses through numerous programs including the new member-to-member discount program which enables participating chamber business to offer special discounts available only to other chamber members. Also, the chamber’s traditional business after hours events allow chamber member businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services while businesspersons in attendance network with other members. Those wishing to contribute to improving the economy need not be chamber members. Anyone can purchase Chamber Bucks to give as gifts or rewards. Chamber Bucks are redeemable at more than 100 county businesses and directly benefit the local economy. In 2011, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce will focus on selecting the best person to lead the organization into the future since the former Chamber President was dismissed in November of 2010. The chamber also aims to expand business opportunities in Tuscarawas County for its members through strategic programs and initiatives. The Chamber will honor county businesses and leaders at its annual awards banquet on January 25. Also on tap for 2011 is the Business to Business Expo which will take place on March 24 at the Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center. The event will offer any size or type of business the opportunity to meet prospective clients in person. Chamber services and benefits will not decline during the leadership transition in 2011. “While the search committee looks for a new chamber president/CEO to lead us forward, I welcome suggestions for improvement to what is already the premier business organization in Tuscarawas County,” added Hoffman. For more information, visit www.traveltusc.com or www.tuschamber.com


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