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Plans Stamped for Potawatomi Tower Repair / Sturgeon Bay Forms NERR Committee / Tension at Pebble Beach / Public Comment Opens on Bridge, Highway Project / Wild Things / Early-Blooming Trailing Arbutus / Q&A with Ryan Louie of the Griffon String Quartet / Dale Vanden Houten’s Many-Shaped Prints / Story: ‘My Welcome to Door County’ + Happenings / Gallery Guide / Classifieds / Legals / Life Notes / Letters / Crossword on the cover Beachgoers to Europe Bay Beach at Newport State Park will notice six to 10 more feet of sandy real estate compared to last year. Photo by Brett Kosmider. Follow him on Instagram @brettkosmider.
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The Future of Tourism and Destination Door County
This special section is brought to you by:
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Maple Syrup Harvest Completed By Julie Gilbert President/CEO, Destination Door County
Louis Sohns, nearly 85, has been tapping trees since you, our community. We want to he was six years old be the destination marketing & by PATTY WILLIAMSON, PHD
A
management organization that our community desires and our visitor infrastructure needs.
• We will be transparent and communicate to the community and our stakeholders about what we do, how we operate and report on our return on investment.
Destination Door County’s Mission Statement To inspire travel that drives community
enhancement. Through innovation and s farmers prepare their fields for a new partnerships, we will share stories of Door season of growing, the harvest Some for of the ways we will • Effective collaboration another season has recently concluded: County’s people and places, deliver world-class continue to do this are: contributes to our success and maple-syrup making. experiences, strengthen the industry, work to the community’s success. We will Hard at the classic tree-tapping business Wethis want to be aware, ask ensure all travelers feel welcome and preserve share all information to improve our year, as he has been in one way or another for questions and listen. Door County’s way of life and its natural resources. capacity to solve key issues which more than seven decades, was Louis Sohns. There can lead to innovation and new are maple sugar producers with bigger operations We are passionate about Door approaches. in Door County, but hardly anyone who’s beenand in want to support and County the business longer than Sohns, who will bestrengthen 85 this the community’s help • As we transition from a (Fromprovides left) Charlie Eckhardt and Louis Sohns take a few minutes away from work in the steamy sugarhouse year. economic position which member organization to antrees into maple syrup. Photo by Charlie Eckhardt. where they’re boiling down sap from Sohns’ He was in first grade at Maple Grove School, justfor all our opportunity residents. inclusive partner organization, down the road from the farm where he was born we welcome andinwill continue beginning, like everyoneallelse those “We’re totallyCommunity dependentSurvey on theResults weather,” he and still lives, when he “went into business” with • We want to tellInthethe story of to bring new people, companies, theour Reinhards collected the sap in buckets said. “Traditionally, the run Walter and Bertha Reinhard. Door County, ourdays, history, arts, andtapped. ideas into the would start about 20 and last a few “I’dSince comeI home school, collect the and bags hung on theperspective, maples they In the arrivedfrom in Door County TourismMarch Marketing Strategies ourbuckets culture, our community, and the conversation whichinreflects all weeks, but you never know.” In 1951, the Reinhards of sap from the trees I’dI have tapped, them late 1950s, they were among the first Door mid-November 2021, beenand put people who live here. The health of voices within our community. in my little wagon,” said. “Before global County to begin using tubing to transport sap to tapped 3,000 trees with buckets and had just one listening to many inSohns our community Room Tax Update our community’s economy depends trash cans with liners in areas where there were sap run before it got too warm. It was over before warming, was usually snow on the ground to betterthere understand and help on a strong travel economy. in March, so I’d replaced the wagon many trees in one spot.• Be innovative by embracing the end of March, and they ended up with just 37 shape the direction we need to take wheels with Scholarship Winners Announced newchanged ideas andisfresh perspectives gallons of syrup. runners. I’d hitch up my dog, Muggins, and take off One thing that hasn’t the way sap to ensure we are an organization • We will strive to be more while evaluating new technologies is produced. Nature still needs days of about 40 Sugar maple trees make sugar out of sunlight around the corner to Reinhards’.” that focuses on Community Shared relevant and provide our New Entity Agreement Signed and platforms tell our story. Walter Sohns, Louis’ dad, made syrup for their degrees and nights below freezing,toideally about through photosynthesis: a process that allows Values. It truly is a pleasure to expertise for programs that trees and other plants to use sunlight to synthesize family, but the Reinhards (the parents of Jerry of 20 degrees, to coax the sap up from the roots of work for, and with, all of you in achieve and ensure Door County’s Jerry’s Flowers) were tapping 3,000 trees. Theyour mission, the trees during the day and allow it to retreat at food from carbon dioxide andCommunities water. Trees with moving forward in that direction. we together communicatenight. that toSohns the thinks this up-and-down journey of full tops that receive lots of sun make more sugar. became Sohns’ mentors, and they worked As we progress, willhe continue community so everyone part the of length of the “run” enhances the the sapisover Those in deep woods, where there’s not enough for about 30 years,we until began boiling sap to become more connected to Continued on page 3 room to develop big tops, make less. A run may the conversation. himself in 1972. flavor.
INSIDE
continued on page 4
EGG HARBOR
Destination Door County Does Away With Dues, Adopts More Inclusive Model
Shipwrecked Presents New Plan, Less Parking PhilDANNHAUSEN Berndt, Director byBy MYLES JR. myles@ppulse.com
of Advocacy, The Destination Door County proposal includes a 1,865-square-
foot addition and 92 additional seats in a beer garden next door the existing National Travel & Tourism Week has and we are proud to share sometoexciting he owners of Shipwrecked Brew restaurant on property that was long the special significance for us this year, as changes to our membership structure. Pub in Egg Harbor took a new home of Christine’s Casuals. we look ahead to a bright future. The Destination Door County has evolved planoftouncertainty the Egg Harbor Plan away from Thea plan commission past few years forced all membership modeldenied into a a similar Commission Tuesday. plan March 3, in part because that plan of us to become more innovative, more more inclusive, non-dues partnership relied on a nonexistent shared-use
T
flexible, and more collaborative versions of the organizations we once were. In recognizing the collective strength of our Door County tourism industry, we can work together more effectively to become a more authentic, innovative, sustainable, and inclusive destination
model. Any business, organization, or non-profit is now welcome to participate in our programs, buy into our marketing initiatives, and appear on DoorCounty. com at no charge.
Continued on page 3
agreement with a neighboring property owner for access to parking. The new plan is largely the same, but it removes the parking and the need for the shared-use agreement. Interim Village Administrator Tom Strong said the proposal conforms to village zoning codes.
Shipwrecked’s general manager, Joe Smith, presented the and proposal for the Learn more owners. take the pledge at “Our biggest takeaway from that DoorCounty.com/Pledge meeting was that green space was more important than parking,” Smith said. continued on page 2
2022
NOW ON
OCTOBER 30
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DESTINATION DOOR COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
Caring for what we love isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action – a series of actions that benefit each of us individually and all of us collectively. Care for Door County is the sum total of all of our cultural, quality-of-life, and eco-focused initiatives and the actions we can take to protect and care for the place we love. It’s a call for those who love and live to travel. And for those who are proud to call Door County home. For those who live for new and unexpected experiences that broaden horizons and afford a deeper connection with the communities and environment around them. For those who live to savor local flavors, handcrafted with care and authenticity.
doorcounty.com
For those who live for knowledge and whose curiosity drives them to uncover hidden gems and historical treasures. For those who live to connect on a different level, not just as an adventurer, but as a fellow steward of the land, the culture, and the community for now and in years to come. For those who live for a pristine shoreline, a perfectly groomed trail, a rolling orchard, or a breathtaking sunset. For those live without being constrained by a single idea of when, where, and how to explore, but an openness to take the road less travelled, while preserving that road for others. It’s a call for those ready not just to feel, but to act. For more information visit DoorCounty. com/Care-For-Door-County
What is Care for Door County? Care for Door County is a movement that encompasses multiple initiatives allowing us to inspire travel to and within our destination, while minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on our natural resources and cultural assets. It’s a reflection of our dedication and prioritization of sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship throughout our beautiful county. A key component to Care for Door County is The Pledge. By taking the pledge, both residents and visitors commit to helping to preserve and protect the land, water and cultural heritage that makes Door County such a special place. It’s a pledge to discover, explore and live more responsibly. To date we have just over 4,000 signatures and continue to get great national
coverage for our efforts. Further expanding our efforts, we formed a partnership with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. The partnership, founded on Leave No Trace’s educational principles, is designed to help minimize the impact on the county’s environment. The Door County Leave No Trace 7 Principles, built specifically for our destination, ensure that both residents and visitors are equipped with environmental sustainability information along with easy-to -practice skills to responsibly explore Door County’s natural world. These principles provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. The partnership also includes crowd mitigation programs that support
overused recreational areas, frontline training throughout communities and opportunities to expand the program year after year. The Leave No Trace partnership sparked additional opportunities like our Leave No Trace Tuesdays where to date we have recruited over 103 volunteers that resulted in 200+ volunteer hours picking up litter, mulching beds, pulling invasive species and maintaining native gardens, while also combing beaches for micro-plastics. Care for Door County is an ongoing initiative and DDC will continue to explore other opportunities to help improve sustainability and travel to the area.
Continue to tell the Door County story so our history is never lost
Stick to the Trails
Check weather, pack proper equipment, know your limits and take precaution.
Wonder at all of the natural beauty without wandering off the designated trails.
Trash Your Trash
Be Careful With Fire
Do not leave garbage or pet waste behind and recycle whenever possible.
Always burn fire safely, extinguish it fully and only use firewood sourced within 15 miles.
Leave It As You Find It
Keep Wildlife Wild
Do not remove or interfere with anything you find in parks and brush off your shoes and tires to prevent spreading invasive species.
Do not feed wildlife, give them plenty of space and learn about hunting seasons and local fishing regulations.
GET RESOURCES
Volunteer Practice the 7 Door County Leave No Trace Principles
Know Before You Go
For more information visit DoorCounty.com/ Care-for-Door-County
How can you Care for Door County? Sign the Door County Pledge
Door County Leave No Trace 7 Principles
Share Our Trails, Roads and Natural Resources We’re all here to enjoy Door County, be courteous and respectful on the trails, roads and in the outdoors.
WATCH VIDEO
Learn More
DoorCounty.com/Care-For-Door-County/Leave-No-Trace © Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
DESTINATION DOOR COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
The Future of Tourism and Destination Door County Continued from page 1 • We understand that sustainability is essential for us to build value for our residents, visitors, stakeholders and future generations. We must maintain our community and steward our assets while preserving our Brand and continuing to grow opportunity. As Door County’s Destination Marketing & Management Organization we are privileged to work with and support all our communities throughout the Peninsula. There will be three pillars to guide our efforts.
The first pillar is Destination Alignment: ►Prioritizing and enhancing engagement with the local community and government to manage future considerations for the visitor economy. ►Increase time and investment into advocacy and public policy efforts. ►Better integrate tourism, economic development and talent attraction.
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Advocating For The Future of Door County’s Workforce By Phil Berndt, Director of Advocacy, Destination Door County Destination Door County is proud of its continued partnership with our local and national partners as we continue to navigate the complexities of our changing workforce climate, while staying at the forefront of issues that directly impact Door County. Our JobsinDoorCounty.com website has seen tremendous growth of new employers and job seekers. Our easy-to-use resume builder for job seekers paired with a robust candidate search/ manager for employers is filled with features to help you find the right employee for your business or organization. This year we expanded our recruitment efforts into both Spring and Fall, utilizing digital interactive ads and paid social that are geo-targeting jobseekers in Wisconsin and Chicago. In-county, we are also utilizing the digital board near Culver’s for recruitment, with ads running mid-March through April and again midAugust through September. With the unprecedented number of people who retired or left the hospitality sector during the Great Resignation, we need to supplement our seasonal workforce with international students to bridge the gap. Our involvement and support of the BridgeUSA (J-1 Visa) Summer Work Travel (SWT) program and Host Employers in Door County has earned Door County the reputation of being a model community for our nation’s cultural exchange program. Our efforts have given us the
opportunity to provide testimony on White House phone calls (to demonstrate why J-1 visas should be exempted from the 2019 immigration ban) and meet with members of Congress to protect and grow this vital peace-keeping program that helps thousands of small businesses, like those in Door County, to meet seasonal customer demands and protect American jobs. In our most recent efforts, we signed on in support of H.Res. 901: Expressing the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that BridgeUSA exchange programs are vital to the economy and national interests of the United States, and that Congress should prioritize robust support to ensure equitable opportunities for Americans and people from other countries. If the seeds of destruction are found within the fruit of success, then affordable housing for seasonal and year-round residents could be the seed. As a community, if we are to enjoy the fruits of our success, we need to work together to find a variety of solutions to restore this imbalance. We are working with the Door County Economic Development Corporation, and others, to find workable strategies and innovations that might work in Door County. We can provide support and advocate for change where it’s needed, but we need to do this together – with everyone aligned to solve our housing challenges. We must do it for the future of tourism in Door County – and we know we can.
►Develop a destination master/ management strategic plan to define short and long-term destination development.
The second pillar is Sustainable Development: ►Work to support environmental, sociocultural, and economic resilience for a more sustainable and equitable visitor economy. ►Develop and support new initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of communities related to people and planet. ►Develop new metrics to better understand the economic and social impact of tourism beyond visitor volume. ►Greater focus on place making to benefit both local residents and visitors. ►Develop a sustainable tourism strategic framework that is part of the overall destination development plan mentioned in Destination Alignment.
The third pillar is Values Based Marketing: ►Repeat visitors don’t return to a destination to feel like a tourist. They return because they want to feel like they’re part of the local community. ►Build the destination brand around the community’s goals, values, and creative energy. ►Visitors are seeking more personal wellbeing and enrichment where growth of transformational or purposeful travel is an opportunity. ►Increase and prioritize messaging for the high-value, mindful visitor who contributes more to the community, economically and otherwise.
Tourism helps build community and destination promotion is an essential investment to continue developing opportunities and building a quality of life to benefit all our residents throughout Door County. As a community collaborator, we want to help balance the Door County economy to ensure our long-term sustainability and vibrancy. We want to continue our destination stewardship with Care for Door County and Leave No Trace, we want to protect and enhance the quality of life of Door County residents by mitigating negative impacts of tourism and continue to provide excellent visitor experiences that highlight Door County’s sustainability values and keeps visitors coming back. We are all Door County and by working together we will see the future of tourism continue to grow in a positive direction for all.
Destination Door County Adopts More Inclusive Model Continued from page 1 Any business, organization, or non-profit that has a physical location in Door County is welcome and encouraged to join us in our mission of inspiring travel that drives community enhancement. Through innovation and partnerships, we will share stories of Door County’s people and places, deliver world-class experiences, strengthen the industry, work to ensure all travelers feel welcome and preserve Door County’s way of life and its natural resources. Several of our benefits will remain as paid options, such as purchasing ad space in our popular Destination Guides and participating in our co-op marketing program, but there is no longer an additional layer of membership fees for participation in these programs. Eliminating this barrier is key in Destination Door County’s growth from destination marketing to destination
management - the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and those parts include each and every one of you. #TheFutureOfTourism in Door County puts our community’s shared values in the spotlight, allowing us to dig into the WHO and WHY instead of simply focusing on the WHERE. If you are a legacy member of Destination Door County, this means you will not be receiving an invoice for renewal this year! Your enthusiasm and passion in supporting DDC in the past has allowed us to evolve in a way we can showcase a more comprehensive and robust business community. To learn more about becoming a new Destination Door County partner and the many opportunities that being a partner brings with it, visit DoorCounty. com/partnership.
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DESTINATION DOOR COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
doorcounty.com
Room Tax Collections By Juliana Behme, Administrator, Door County Tourism Zone In May of 2007, Door County towns and villages along with lodging providers and other County residents with a stake in the tourism industry banded together to form the Door County Tourism Zone Commission. Previous studies commissioned by local tourism stakeholders showed that Door County was losing market share to other travel destinations. This group recognized that losing market share would mean harder times ahead, not just for lodging providers but for all sectors of Door County’s economy that serve or support tourism and tourism related businesses. The tools available to generate sufficient funds to promote the County were few and far between, with the only real option being a lodging tax. The lodging tax was not an easy proposition for local elected officials to accept, it took many meetings, many phone calls and the reassurance that tax collected didn’t directly come from local pocketbooks, but rather was generated by overnight lodging guests. In turn, the Door County Tourism Zone Commission was formed to collect and remit the tax as required by Wisconsin statute as well as get the money out the door and start working to promote Door County as a destination and generate overnight stays. The Tourism Zone and Destination Door County formed an entity agreement that put DDC in charge of marketing the County putting heads in beds. Having gone from the brink of hard times to the thriving economy we have today is in no small part the result the success of the lodging tax and the hard work and diligence of DDC and the Tourism Zone Commission. Today annual lodging tax revenues are generating more money than ever before, so much so that new opportunities to address County wide issues are possible. To date, lodging tax has generated $18.6 million for member municipalities. For the period of 2007 to 2021, the Tourism Zone projects to have collected $60.86 million in total room tax and for the first time is able to not view challenges in front the tourism industry through the lens of scarcity, but through the lens of opportunity.
30% of all room tax collected in Door County goes back to the local government of the municipality where the tax was generated. Since it was first implemented in 2007, room tax has generated $18.6 million for municipal governments in Door County. The above chart reflects the yearly amount municipalities received from 2007-2021. Municipal governments can use their 30% of room tax however they see fit.
Tourism Zone Compliance Efforts Pay Off
By Juliana Behme, Administrator, Door County Tourism Zone In 2021, Door County observed a 41% increase in room tax revenues over 2019, a clear sign of Door County’s success in reaching tourists through marketing efforts and desirability as a destination. However, in addition to effective marketing and unique opportunities for travelers, there is another facet of tourism that has allowed for successful room tax growth in Door County: a high rate of room tax compliance. All short-term rentals are required to apply for a free permit from the Door County Tourism Zone and file a monthly room tax report. The Tourism Zone office offers an online option for easier filing and several reporting aids on their website, including step-by-step paper instructions and a YouTube video located on the home page. Due to a significant increase in the number of late monthly reports in recent years, the Tourism Zone has also begun to release monthly emails well before reporting deadlines to remind permit holders to complete their filing. For properties that may have forgotten to file, an email notification and three letters are also sent as a courtesy to property owners. This system has allowed for the effective collection of room tax dollars from the 1,331 active permit holders in Door County. The Tourism Zone is also committed to reaching a 100% compliance rate in permitting and tax collection by auditing online marketplace sites and recording all online advertising profiles in the County. A part-time position has been added to ensure that marketplace audits can be completed, and all unpermitted properties found to be advertising without a permit are brought
into compliance. This staff addition and much needed technology upgrades to ensure the continued success of Door County room tax was made possible by the recent room tax increase put into effect on January 1, 2022. We work to ensure that property owners are comfortable with the short-term rental process and municipalities receive an accurate amount of tax dollars consistently. In addition to the Door County Tourism Zone permit, short-term rental operators are required to obtain a license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. This process carries an inspection and annual licensing fee, ensuring that all properties are safe for visitors. Licensing specialists can be contacted at:
New Entity Agreement Signed Between DDC & DCTZC By Julie Gilbert President/CEO, Destination Door County Over the last few months, we have been working closely with Destination Door County’s executive committee and the Tourism Zone Commission’s executive committee in creating a new entity agreement where we will be collaborating on planning and budgeting as a team and ensuring that we are aligned on shared goals and objectives. We will be partners and good stewards of lodging tax collections, ensuring that these funds are invested appropriately, following Wisconsin state statute.
Destination promotion, development and management are for the benefit and well-being of all Door County citizens and communities. By working more closely with the Tourism Zone Commission, we will be expanding our perspectives and creating more robust tourism programming. The goal of these essential programs will be to enhance the quality of life in Door County by creating additional opportunities that support our local residents who depend on tourism dollars to provide for their families.
In April of 2022, Destination Door County’s board of directors approved the new entity agreement as did the Tourism Zone Commission. This new entity agreement governs the relationship between the two organizations and ushers in a new era of partnership and collaboration.
All Tourism Zone Commissioners and Destination Door County board members volunteer their time and expertise to help Door County be the best it can be. We are fortunate to have these talented individuals working on our behalf, and for the good of the entire community.
(608) 224-4923 or by emailing datcpdfslicensing@wi.gov
INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER
Short-term rental regulations also vary by municipality in Door County. The Tourism Zone Commission encourages all property owners looking to use their property for short-term rentals to contact their municipality and ensure they are in compliance with local requirements. Additional information on Door County’s short-term rental permits can be found on the Tourism Zone website, www.doorcountytourismzone.com or individual municipal sites. The unprecedented growth in overnight lodging we observed this past year is made possible by the community’s investment in promoting and preserving what makes Door County a desirable destination, just as they had done when the community created the Tourism Zone in 2007.
We are all excited about the future of tourism in Door County!
Stay up to date on Destination Door County promotional opportunities, partner education sessions, events, announcements and more by subscribing to our monthly partner newsletter. http://bit.ly/ddc-updates
DDC Partner Facebook Page Stay Connected with our DDC Insider Hub on Facebook: Facebook.com/DDCmembers/
DESTINATION DOOR COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
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Resident Sentiment & Sustainability Drives 2022 Marketing Efforts By Laura Bradley, Director of Marketing & Sales, Destination Door County
When it comes to developing an effective and integrated marketing campaign, we use our singular organizational goal to guide the process - lead the efforts to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, protection of bio-cultural diversity, and sustainable community development in Door County. The 2022 marketing campaign was no different as we set out to build a program and creative concept that accomplishes a core set of objectives while keeping resident sentiment top of mind (1. Inspiring responsible travel to audiences that will embrace Care for Door County initiatives, stay longer and explore more widely, (2. Reach in-market audiences, including both residents and visitors, and (3. Strengthen the destination image. Utilizing 1st party data such as email subscriber lists, website analytics, Book Direct data gathered through the availability search on DoorCounty.com and Arrivalist technology which analyzes the movement of devices
to measure how consumers interact with Door County is crucial to establishing our marketing and media strategy. All these data sources help to make informed targeting decisions, prospect new travelers most likely to appreciate and respect Door County, retarget past visitors and encourage them to visit during shoulder seasons, and market selectively.
for unique and culturally authentic travel experiences that protect and preserve the ecological and cultural environment.
to showcase our new 2022 creative concept which evolves the idea of ‘Moments’ from past campaigns to focusing on ‘This is why’ - why one chooses Door County to get away, work, explore, relax, find peace, discover and live life well.
Geographically, we narrow in on our top feeder markets and secondary markets. We also prioritize in-market advertising to be able to continue the Care for Door County messaging (including the Pledge and Leave No Trace 7 Principles) and encourage residents and visitors to explore lesser-known areas to help manage tourism carrying capacity throughout the county.
We market selectively with interest-based targeting that focuses on people interested in eco-tourism, also known as geo-tourists. There are three types of geo-tourists (GeoSavvys, Urban Sophisticates and Good Citizens) that have ceaseless expectations
The 2022 summer campaign launched mid-April and will continue through late-May. Shoulder season messaging begins August through early-October, mid-January through mid-February and again throughout the month of March. Our workforce recruitment campaign runs mid-March through April and again mid-August through September.
We chose a media mix that best and most effectively reaches our target audience and residents. Through these mediums we are able
Community Survey Provides Valuable Feedback By Michelle Rasmusson, Director of Strategy & Research, Destination Door County
In the fall of 2021, we reached out to our Destination Door County partners, business owners, government officials, residents and anyone who wanted to provide ideas and feedback that would serve as the foundation for our 2022 Strategic Marketing and Management plan. Utilizing that feedback we were able to confirm our marketing strategy, identify new opportunities and redefine our focus. What We Confirmed When we asked what type of visitor we should tailor our marketing to, eight out of ten respondents agreed that Destination Door County should continue to market to a specific type of traveler that is invested in the sustainability and stewardship of our county rather than trying to get anyone we can to visit regardless of travel habits. Respondents
also agreed that it is important for the DDC to continue not to market peak periods and to continue to promote non-peak periods to even out the flow of business and workforce demand to bring more stability to the local economy. What We Learned While respondents agreed there is great value in tourism they also expressed concerns about how to manage capacity restraints during peak travel times. While they agree that we should encourage nonpeak visitation, 70% felt our communities do not have the necessary infrastructure needed to support extended seasonal visitation.
Most respondents feel that as the Destination Marketing & Management Organization for Door County that we should be using our funding to promote the Door County brand, encourage responsible visitation and support initiatives that help to reverse the negative impacts on our society. They also felt strongly that we, the DDC, local community associations, local and county government, local businesses and non-profits should prioritize sustainability, stewardship, economic growth and cultural preservation when developing new strategies and initiatives that impact local stakeholders.
Redefined Focus One of the most important questions we asked was how our organization should prioritize our efforts to determine our greatest successes. Respondents took the time to prioritize the things they felt were the most important; rising to the top was creating more partnerships with groups like Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, resident satisfaction, visitor management, increased shoulder visitation and capacity ratios. Moving forward, we will continue to request stakeholder feedback to better understand where our priorities should fall and how we can best support our communities and service visitors. A survey summary is available online, and a link to all survey results can be found in the summary.
Scholarship Winners In our continuous effort to strengthen our community through education, Destination Door County has partnered with the Door Community Foundation to award a total of six scholarships to Door County students in 2022. Named in honor of our dear friend and beloved colleague of 21 years, Carole Counard, who passed away in 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer, the Carole Counard Scholarship Fund was established to provide $1,000 scholarships to any Door County resident pursing a degree at either a 4-year college/ university or 2-year technical school. Since its inception in 2015, Destination Door County has awarded a total of 21 scholarships to our local students. We are honored to continue this effort now, and for years to come.
Join us in congratulating our 2022 Carole Counard Scholarship recipients: Brooklyn Brauner Sevastopol High School
MaKayla Ash
Sturgeon Bay High School
Jackson Hitzeman
Graduate of Gibraltar High School, currently a student at UW-Madison
Ellie Krohn
Sevastopol High School
Anna Olson
Southern Door High School
Dex Tishler
Gibraltar High School
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DESTINATION DOOR COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
doorcounty.com
Communities Shine Door County is a treasured destination that we refer to again and again as a whole, but what truly makes this place special are the smaller parts of the whole—the city, towns, villages and islands within it. The communities around the county each offer a different perspective and way to experience Door County. From Northern Door to Southern Door, lakeside or bayside, on an inland lake or on the shores of Lake Michigan—they all combine to make Door County the beautiful and diverse destination it is today. Read on to get a flavor for the culture of our places and be inspired to explore all corners of the county.
Door County’s community business associations play an integral role in the destination experience and in helping to share the stories and opportunities within their respective communities. As front-line tourism organizations, they also provide valuable services and promotional opportunities for the businesses and organizations they serve, in addition to providing visitors and residents with a wide variety of events to attend throughout the year. Destination Door County supports, partners and collaborates with all of the community business associations to help Door County be the best it can be.
BAILEYS HARBOR Baileys Harbor is your gateway to Lake Michigan. Reel in a world class salmon or trout, catch major air while kiteboarding across the Harbor or leave it to the pros and watch them from one of our two beaches. Discover our maritime heritage in four lighthouses by land or boat or float a glass bottom kayak over shipwrecks. Find true wilderness in over 6,000 acres of public land at places like The Ridges Sanctuary and Toft Point or soar through the treetops on a zip line. From our lake and farms to your tables, whether you browse the Sunday Farm Markets, stop at our brewery or winery, or dine at one of our amazing establishments, you will be eating & drinking locally. Community partner: Baileys Harbor Community Association. 920-839-2366 or www. baileysharbor.com
DISCOVER DOOR COUNTY
CARLSVILLE Clustered along Highway 42 between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor, the community of Carlsville is small in size but big in spirit. The Carlsville businesses offer some pretty amazing things for the entire family. Visit the county’s oldest winery, where you can tour, taste and enjoy. Visit Door County’s original Coffee Roastery where you can see beans being roasted and enjoy your favorite coffee drink. Enjoy the smells of candle making in its process. Experience specialty stores and restaurants. Community partner: Discover Carlsville. www. carlsvilledoorcounty.com
EGG HARBOR A leisurely stroll along the village’s down-town streets enchants the eye with galler-ies, shops and restaurants. Full of coastal charm with a state-of-the-art marina and beautiful sandy beach. Add in acclaimed performing arts and renowned galleries to the pristine scenery, and you have a spot you just don’t want to miss. Cherry orchards, apple orchards, farm markets, and festivals. There’s plenty to love about this small town. Egg Harbor…peaceful, unspoiled and delightfully small town. Community partner: Egg Harbor Business Association. 920-868-3717 or www.eggharbordoorcounty.org
ELLISON BAY/GILLS ROCK/ROWLEYS BAY Uncrowded and relaxed, explore scenic pathways that lead to welcoming small town life, pristine parks, master artists’ studios, and waterfront dining. Stay in a resort or charm-ing cabin, and explore these very pet and bike friendly communities. Kayak the Mink River Estuary which is as pristine as the days when the Potawatomi lived there. Hike the trails at Newport State Park or visit the park at night to experience the stars in Wisconsin’s first International Designated (IDA) “Dark Sky Park”. Celebrate in every season with annual special events. Leave the “to do” list at home, breathe, and find yourself here. Community partner: Door County North. 920-854-5448 or www.doorcountynorth.org
EPHRAIM Settled in 1853 by Norwegian Moravians, Ephraim’s rich heritage has been carefully preserved over the years in various historical sites throughout the village. Ephraim’s charm and nostalgic vibe are highlighted by its beautiful and active shoreline. Whether you choose to golf, boat, jet ski, paddle board, sail, parasail, kayak, swim, or lounge at the beach there is no better place to experience Door County than Eagle Harbor. With truly inspirational panoramic views of Peninsula State Park and mesmerizing sunsets, Ephraim is authentic Door County at its best. Community partner: Ephraim Business Council. 920-854-4989 or www.ephraim-doorcounty.com
DESTINATION DOOR COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
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FISH CREEK Located in the heart of Door County, this year-round destination offers an authentic blend of breathtaking scenery and memorable experiences. Fish Creek is home to a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, shops, galleries, and activities for all ages, nestled in a historic waterfront village. As the gateway to Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek provides endless opportunities for exploring the beauty of Door County. Whether this is your first visit or you are a seasoned guest, Fish Creek will leave you with lasting memories, no matter what time of year you visit. Community partner: Fish Creek Civic Association. 920-868-2316 or www. visitfishcreek.com
JACKSONPORT Sandy beaches, quaint shops, cozy cottages and some of the county’s most scenic shoreline parks combine to make the Jacksonport area a don’t-miss part of the full Door County experience. Lakeside Park, located on Highway 57 in the heart of the community, offers a great beach for swimming, with picnic facilities, restrooms and a children’s play area. Shops, restaurants, and groceries are within walking distance. Just north of town, Meridian Park lies halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Two of the great parks in Door County are located just a few miles south of Jacksonport - Cave Point County Park and Whitefish Dunes State Park. Community partner: Jacksonport Area Business Association. 920-823-2404 or www. jacksonport.net
SISTER BAY Experience our glorious waterfront playground with swimming, boating, fishing and loads of family fun. Just steps away visit our vibrant restaurant, shopping and music scene. Our lively and diverse restaurant and bar scene make Sister Bay Door County’s dining and nightlife destination. You can find free live music every night of the week at many of our local eating spots and weekly Concerts at Waterfront Pavilion. You’ll make the perfect “find” at any one of our collection of unique shops and galleries downtown and in The Country Walk Shops. All of this is accented by natural beauty, fabulous sunsets and an open, welcoming community. Community partner: Sister Bay Advancement Association. 920-854-2812 or www.sisterbay.com
SOUTHERN DOOR Stay and play year-round in Southern Door County where you’ll enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities and events. Hike and bike the Ahnapee Trail or canoe and kayak the Ahnapee River. Explore the area on our new ATV routes. Cast a line in the waters of Green Bay for some of the best catches in the Midwest. With 8 county parks, a state park, miles of trails and public beaches, filling your family’s memory bank has never been easier. Explore and enjoy the endless array of natural beauty that makes Southern Door the “hidden treasure” of rural and unaltered vistas that Door County is known for. Community partner: Southern Door Business Association. www.southerndoorcounty.com
STURGEON BAY Sturgeon Bay’s door is always open so that you can enjoy your favorite Door County anything, any day of the year! Fast becoming a foodie paradise, and always known for our fabulous waterfront shopping districts, Sturgeon Bay has the vibe of cool, gritty and DC classic. Sturgeon Bay’s extensive waterfront is the perfect playground for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating or just hanging out. Add to that live music, professional theater, museums, lighthouses and some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see, Sturgeon Bay has it all. Community partner: Destination Sturgeon Bay. 920-743-6246 or www.sturgeonbay.net
Experience Washington Island WASHINGTON ISLAND Washington Island is Door County’s only year-round island community and the largest of Door County’s thirty-four islands with over 35 beautiful square miles and over 100 miles of roads to explore and enjoy. Your journey to Washington Island begins as you drive or walk onto the ferry and enjoy a scenic five-mile route over crystal blue waters with views of the surrounding islands, rocky shores and lush forests. Our Island provides an experience that blends unique family-owned shops, eateries and lodging with a cornucopia of museums, music and theatre events and festivals on a backdrop of beautiful parks and breathtaking beaches. Community partner: Washington Island Chamber of Commerce. 920-847-2179 or www. washingtonisland.com
DESTINATION DOOR COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
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2022 Destination Guide Now Available The official Door County Destination Guide can be found throughout the county at businesses and information centers and is a great tool for planning a day, a weekend, or a week in Door County. Pick up a copy today or view it online, on your phone, or on a tablet at DoorCounty.com.
Destination Door County 2022 Board of Directors The following talented individuals volunteer their time to serve the organization and the county. Their commitment and dedication is sincerely appreciated. Todd Trimberger (Chair) Bliss lifestylesbybliss@sbcglobal.net Tim Guckenberg (Vice-Chair) Wagon Trail Campground timguckenberg@gmail.com Mona Christensen (Treasurer) Birch Creek Music Performance Center mona@birchcreek.org Vicki Wilson (Executive Committee) Door County Coffee vic@doorcountycoffee.com Jeff Lutsey (Executive Committee) Waseda Farms jeff@wasedafarms.com Carol Ash Kick Ash Products carol@kickashproducts.com Andy Boettcher Door County Medical Center Andrew.boettcher@dcmedical.org Meredith Coulson-Kanter White Gull Inn Whitegullinn.mc@gmail.com Nick Dokolas Glide NEW glidenew@gmail.com Jennifer Gentry One Barrel Brewing jennifer@onebarrelbrewing.com Bjorn Johnson Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, Inc. bjorn@aljohnsons.com Bryan Nelson Blacksmith Inn On the Shore bryan@theblacksmithinn.com Ken Pabich Administrator, County of Door kpabich@co.door.wi.us Hoyt Purinton Washington Island Ferry hoyt@wisferry.com Ann Renard Renard’s Cheese ann@renardscheese.com
Door County Gift Certificates Door County gift certificates are available to purchase through Destination Door County at the Door County Welcome Center, by phone at 800-527-3529 or online at DoorCounty.com. They make great gifts for visitors, residents or rewards for employees! Any business in Door County is encouraged to accept them and will be reimbursed by Destination
Door County at 100% face value. View a list of Door County businesses that happily accept Door County gift certificates at DoorCounty.com/gift-certificates. More than $400,000 worth of Door County gift certificates were sold through Destination Door County last year and they can only be spent at businesses in Door County.
County Tourism Proclamation Destination Door County (DDC) would like to thank the Door County Board of Supervisors for passing proclamation number 2022-17 at their March 22, 2022 meeting, officially denoting May 1-7, 2022 as Travel & Tourism Week in Door County. DDC appreciates the county board recognizing the importance of tourism and the opportunity this special week provides for enhancing industry awareness with residents.
Brit Unkefer Wild Restaurant Concepts britt@wildtomatopizza.com
Destination Door County Info & Staff Directory Destination Door County is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit destination marketing and management organization representing Door County, Wisconsin. We are a partnership-based organization that supports and provides valuable exposure for tourism-focused businesses while driving incremental economic development through promotional strategies that prioritize sustainable tourism. For more information about becoming a DDC partner visit DoorCounty.com/partnership. Phil Berndt Director of Advocacy 920.818.1136 Direct phil@doorcounty.com Laura Bradley Director of Marketing & Sales 920.818.1137 DIRECT laurab@doorcounty.com Amy DeMeter Destination Specialist amy@doorcounty.com
Destination Door County 1015 Green Bay Road • P O Box 406 • Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Web: DoorCounty.com • Email: info@doorcounty.com Phone: 920-743-4456 • Toll-free: 1-800-527-3529 Proudly supporting Door County for 138 years (1884-2022)
Julie Gilbert President / CEO 920.818.1131 DIRECT julie@doorcounty.com Jon Jarosh Chief Communications Officer 920.818.1133 DIRECT jon@doorcounty.com Laura Lloyd Destination Specialist laura@doorcounty.com Cathy Lynch Publications & Support Services Manager 920.818.1135 DIRECT cathy@doorcounty.com
Whitney Meza Social Media Specialist whitney@doorcounty.com Pat Nash Director of Visitor Services pat@doorcounty.com Brittany Nemeth Destination Specialist brittany@doorcounty.com Michelle Rasmusson Director of Strategy & Research 920.818.1132 DIRECT michelle@doorcounty.com Jennifer Rogers Senior Media Relations Manager 920.818.1134 DIRECT jen@doorcounty.com Morgan Rusnak Community Engagement Manager 920.818.1138 Direct morgan@doorcounty.com Yvonne Torres Senior Director of Finance & Operations 920.818.1139 DIRECT yvonne@doorcounty.com
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