We're very fortunate to live in such a great region. I'd
say it's the best place in the country! However, Spokane - the region - does
not have a strong brand reputation. The good news is that we do not
have a negative impression that we must overcome.
Visit Spokane is undertaking a regional destination brand study and is
working to develop a new brand strategy that will support economic
development and tourism promotion. We have many partners in this
endeavor and are learning a great deal about what consumers think about
region, as well as what they think about our competition. All of this
new market intelligence, combined with input from more than 150 local
stakeholders, will enable the development of a strong positioning strategy
for our region.
The strength of our brand will provide messaging that can unite the voices
of businesses and organizations promoting Spokane, so that we amplify one
another and gain recognition for what distinguishes us from other
communities. The opportunity to launch a regional brand that is
inclusive and well supported by all of us provides new economic growth
potential. A strong brand shows that our community has a familiarity and
understanding of what makes our region great. This means all of our sales
and marketing efforts will be even more effective.
Cheryl Y. Kilday
President & CEO
Visit Spokane
We've moved!
In case you missed it, we've
moved office buildings! After many great years at the Spokane Regional
Business Center, we are now located in the Wells Fargo Building at 601 W
1st Ave, Suite 1000. Come see our new space during the Holiday Open House
(details below)!
Member Blitz
While we were moving between
offices, we took some time to stop and say hello to our wonderful Visit
Spokane partners. It was great to reconnect with some familiar faces, and
to be introduced to new ones as well! A big thanks to everyone for letting
us drop in and say hi.
Sales Update
Visit Spokane staff recently
attended IMEX in Las Vegas, along with partners from the Hotel RL Spokane
at the Park, Spokane Convention Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City
Center and Davenport Hotels. While there, the team met with more than 50
meeting planners from 20 different states and Canada. Besides many great
new relationships being established, three new leads were secured. These
leads represent more than 5,000 room nights of new business for the region.
In addition to meeting with clients, the team was also able to showcase the
Spokane region using Visit Spokane's new virtual and augmented reality
platforms.
New Hires
Visit Spokane is pleased to announce
three new people have joined the team! Dionne Maniotes Hulsey is our new
Director of National Accounts - Central Region and is based out of Chicago.
Jeff Poole has filled the newly created position, Senior Director of Sales
& National Accounts Mid Atlantic and Eastern Region. Finally, Kate
Hudson is Visit Spokane's new Public Relations Manager. Welcome to the
team!
Save the Date - a Party!
Mark your calendar for our annual Holiday Open House! The party is December
1 from 4-6pm in our brand new office, located at 601 W. 1st Ave. Keep an
eye out for more details!
Visit
Spokane generates economic growth for Spokane County by successfully
marketing the Spokane region as a preferred destination for conventions and
leisure travelers from around the world. Visitors to Spokane County spent
an estimated $947 million in 2015, providing jobs for more than 10,000
residents in the region.*
*Figures provided by Dean Runyan
Associates report for the year ending 2015.
Visit Spokane
601 W 1st Ave, Ste 1000 Spokane, WA 99201
P: 1.888.SPOKANE | www.visitspokane.com