Door County Celebrates National Tourism Week 2023

Door County Celebrates National Tourism Week

$800,000 of Tourism Dollars Committed to Parks of Door County

Destination Door County (DDC) is excited to announce a special investment of $800,000 in Door County’s parks. This special investment is possible due to higher than anticipated room tax collections in 2022, and this one-time funding allocation will be shared by municipal parks, county parks and state parks in Door County.

“Our parks provide our residents with incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and are key drivers of visitation to Door County as well,” stated Julie Gilbert, President/CEO of Destination Door County. “We are very excited to be able to provide this special funding to enhance these important natural attractions that we all love,” she said.

DDC will work directly with municipalities, and partner with local Friends Groups for the state and county parks, to facilitate park enhancements and improvements. Additional details about this firstof-its-kind investment by DDC will be released in the coming weeks.

TRAVEL FORWARD

By Julie Gilbert President/CEO, Destination Door County

elevating the quality of life for all of us.

This year, we’re moving forward by focusing on travel’s essential role in all these areas along with uniting us in an essential connection—travel.

This special section is brought to you by:

As we enter the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 7 – 13, 2023, it is a good reminder of what this means for the entire U.S. travel community and our visitor economy in Door County. It is an annual tradition to celebrate travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, investing in sustainable environmental practices that take care of the places we love, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and

It is always good to look back before moving forward and I would like to do just that. In May of 2022, we signed our new Entity Agreement with the Door County Tourism Zone. It was a celebratory occasion with Governor Evers and Tourism Secretary Ann Sayers looking on. As part of our partnership and new agreement with the Zone, there was a Strategic Planning Committee established with Destination Door County (DDC) Board of Directors and Tourism Zone Commissioners working together to establish goals and objectives representing the direction and focus that DDC would take in 2023.

We focused on our three pillars which include Destination

Alignment and Community Outreach, Sustainability for our Businesses and Environment and Values Based Marketing. Let me start with Destination Alignment and Community Outreach. We define that as: Listening to and seeking input from residents and stakeholders has become an integral component of DDC’s efforts, particularly since destination promotion is done for the benefit and wellbeing of every person in the community. Being driven by the same core values helps determine priorities and provides a roadmap which leads to a more authentic promotion of the destination and a more engaged community in the process.

Our goals are:

#1 - Cultivate an environment where Door County’s tourism industry can lead by example championing tourisms benefits helping mitigate its impacts

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New Community Investment Fund Supports Local Initiatives

By Julie Gilbert President/CEO, Destination Door County

As a Community Shared Values organization that balances sustainability for our businesses, organizations, and our environment, Destination Door County’s (DDC) Board of Directors, along with commissioners from the Door County Tourism Zone, recognized it was essential to better support our municipalities and other organizations because of the increased demands on local tourism infrastructure.

An initial task force was formed together with Tourism Zone Commissioners, DDC’s Board of Directors and other community leaders throughout the county,

and with help and facilitation from the Door County Community Foundation, the Community Investment Fund was created. The program was designed to follow Wisconsin State Lodging tax statute in order to ensure compliance with state room tax laws.

We look forward to seeing projects that are strategic, have long-term impact, that cross municipal boundaries and benefit many. AND, projects that are not only good for visitors but also benefit our residents.

The visitor economy benefits residents with the following:

When people visit Door County, they spend money here creating jobs for our families.

Generates incremental tax dollars providing economic opportunities.

Supports the amenities that enhance our quality of life.

The Community Investment Fund, created in partnership with the Tourism Zone and Destination Door County, with the Door County

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DoorCounty.com

Destination Door County’s Mission Statement

To inspire 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.

INSIDE

Destination Master Planning Begins

National Tourism Week Events

Door County Tourism Zone Update

Room Tax Flow Chart

Tourism Marketing Strategies

Local Scholarship Winners Announced Community Business Association Reps

I will respect the water’s vast and unpredictable beauty and practice water safety at all times.

I will honor the local culture and traditions by exploring with an open heart and mind.

I will follow the trails and paths letting only my mind wander.

I will discover my sense of wonder while finding new and undiscovered places.

I will embrace nature’s wild spirit leaving it perfectly unchanged.

I will do my part to preserve, protect, and care for Door County, always.

DDC to Lead Creation of a Destination Master Plan

By Michelle Rasmusson, Director of Strategy & Research, Destination Door County

Over the coming months, members of our community will work together to craft a Destination Master Plan, with the purpose of identifying issues and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for the people who call Door County home as well as those that choose to visit.

What is involved in the process?

The entire county will undergo a thorough assessment, evaluating market and consumer habits, and collecting relevant statistics such as the current market and available product offerings. Additionally, there will be a review of all available studies, plans, and strategic documents, an exploration of local, national, and international trends, and a comprehensive DestinationNEXT assessment, with input from

local organizations. The purpose of the DestinationNEXT study is to research, analyze and present findings which will help guide Destination Door County as we continue to successfully evolve into the future.

The area’s decision-makers and residents will be invited to participate in the initiative by engaging in steering committee meetings to provide guidance, giving individual interviews, taking part in focus groups with topics ranging from transportation and accommodations to infrastructure and the environment, and exchanging views with the entire community to discuss both opportunities and challenges. They will also review the results of a poll conducted among the citizens of Door County, focusing on characteristics of tourists, the types of tourism they prefer, future aspirations, and the sentiment

How We Can All Care for Door County

By Morgan Rusnak, Community Engagement Manager, Destination Door County

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. Our partnership with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, rooted in Leave No Trace’s educational principles, allows us to mobilize on this initiative.

The Door County Leave No Trace 7 Principles, built specifically for Door County, 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. Over time, the Leave No Trace partnership sparked hands-on opportunities, like Leave No Trace Tuesdays, a monthly service project open to all community members. Projects across the county ranged from picking up litter, mulching beds, pulling invasive species, maintaining native gardens, and combing beaches for micro-plastics.

This year, we’re evolving that program and partnering with Peninsula State Park as a host for the Leave No Trace

Center for Outdoor Ethics’ 2023 Spotlight Program, taking place June 8-10, 2023. Social, educational and outreach events will be held throughout Peninsula State Park with support from the Leave No Trace team, and the three-day event will culminate in a parkwide stewardship project on Saturday, June 10: National Get Outdoors Day. We couldn’t be more excited!

Care for Door County encompasses more than just environmental stewardship, however. In 2022, Destination Door County collaborated with over 12 area non-profit organizations, helping to sponsor events, create joint programming, and support those who are uplifting the community by sharing their message and mission. We launched several exciting grant programs that will directly improve the quality of life in Door County, and we continue to open the doors to new conversations about ways DDC can raise up the whole community.

towards probable resolutions from the impacts of tourism.

Once the research and engagement are completed, then evaluation, analysis and plan development occur, followed by plan implementation. The completion of this project will be the catalyst to enable our destination to take a big step forward towards our community’s shared vision and long-term sustainability.

Be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities to participate by providing your own thoughts and feelings about Door County’s present and future. Robust community involvement in the planning process will result in an even more comprehensive and dynamic Destination Master Plan that will help guide us into the future.

This summer? Catch DDC out and about in the community much more often! Be sure to say hello if you see us at a farmer’s market, music in the park, or a festival. Find more information about what we’re doing at doorcounty.com/care-for-door-county.

Leave No Trace 7

Above: Jeff Lutsey and Morgan Rusnak hand out trees as part of the Climate Change Coalition of Door County's Big Plant efforts.

Advocating for Door County’s Workforce

By Phil Berndt, Director of Advocacy, Destination Door County

Destination Door County continues to collaborate with Door County Economic Development Corporation and regional partners to strengthen our workforce.

This spring we launched a workforce recruitment campaign that directed people to JobsInDoorCounty.com that utilized Google prospecting ads and used NEAR (a platform that allows us to geo-fence using location data) to target regional colleges, universities, and job fairs to expose individuals looking for work to the opportunities we have available in Door County.

JobsInDoorCounty.com is a community-based online resource we created to make it easier for employers and job seekers to find each other – and there is no charge to use it. We continue to review and improve the ease and functionality of the site and offer search and filter tools to help you find the perfect match. For example, you can search for jobs that offer housing options; off-season positions for those returning to a seasonal job, and more. Visit the site to sign up and start using it to help with any of your workforce recruitment needs.

J-1 Summer Work Travel – Our efforts to restore our international student exchanges are paying off as program participation is bouncing back stronger than ever, with a record number of Summer Work Travel applicants (535+) holding job offers for their summer program in Door County. Many of these students are still waiting for visa approvals, so that number will change.

Giving Back, By Helping Out - We are hearing from grateful employers who have found retired year-round and seasonal residents willing to work a few hours each week, to give back to the community they love so much by helping bridge workforce needs – while taking advantage of the opportunity to get out and forge new friendships. If this sounds interesting to you, please don’t hesitate to ask your favorite business owner if they could use a little help now and again. Your help could make all the difference in their world – and yours.

Local Tourism Week Events

Join Destination Door County in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week at one of these scheduled events! Aside from the tourism breakfast event on Tuesday May 9, all other events are free and open to the public.

Monday May 8

10 AM Join Write On, Door County for a campus tour and hike on their nature path near Juddville.

Tuesday May 9

8 AM Celebrate Door County’s tourism industry at Destination Door County’s tourism breakfast at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center. Enjoy a live performance by Midsummer’s Music’s Griffon String Quartet. Pre-registration for this event is required: https://conta.cc/40lgLYP

Thursday May 11

10 AM Join Northern Sky Theater for a backstage tour of the Gould Theater between Fish Creek and Baileys Harbor.

Friday May 12

10 AM Join the Door County Historical Society for a guided tour of the Heritage Village at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday May 10

9:30 AM - 11 AM take a guided tour of The Clearing’s campus near Ellison Bay. Reservations are required. RSVP with name and number to jen@doorcounty.com.

A Story of Conservation

For many people, to visit Door County is to fall in love. The peninsula’s remarkable wild and rugged landscape attracts and captivates scores of visitors, and many hold it close to their heart. If you’ve strolled along a rocky lakefront bluff or discovered a delicate wild orchid in the woods, you understand.

But there can be peril in holding something too closely. Although tourism is the lifeblood of Door County’s economy, human pressures threaten the very beauty that brings people here.

Fortunately, there’s another story unfolding in the area, and it’s being shared through a new Peninsula Filmworks project called Ridge and Swale. It tells the story of conservation in Door County – a remarkable history of the steps that have been taken to protect the character of the county and, in turn, how those steps have shaped it. It’s the reason those bluffs and orchids are still out there, waiting to be discovered.

The filmmakers say it’s a story that needed to be shared.

“It’s a passion project,” said the project’s producer, David Eliot, who is also the publisher, of the Peninsula Pulse. “A lot of people complain about all the new development. We thought there was an opportunity for a story that [acknowledges that] there is a lot of development, but boy, there is a lot of conservation, too –the amount of space [protected] and the history of the people who had the foresight to set aside these natural places and preserve them for future generations. It seemed like a really great story to tell.”

New Community Investment Fund Supports Local Initiatives

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Community Foundation acting as administrator, is a natural evolution of Destination Door County’s work. Using a portion of room tax dollars paid by overnight visitors, the Community Investment Fund offers grants to projects that benefit our visitors while they are here and also improves the quality of life for those who live and work in Door County. Wisconsin State Lodging Tax Statute requires that we use room tax dollars by ensuring that a project will be significantly used by visitors and also must likely lead to an increase in visitors staying overnight in paid accommodations in Door County. These are the requirements of any application to the Community Investment Fund. However, to earn a grant from the Community Investment Fund, a project must also demonstrate how it will meaningfully improve the quality of

By Ben Jones

The filmmakers had planned and researched the project for years, before formally undertaking the bulk of filming in 2022. Director Brett Kosmider said he hopes the film inspires future generations to become involved in protecting the county’s resources – or at least pay attention to what’s at stake.

“I think it’s presumed that Door County’s open spaces will always be there,” Kosmider said. “When you look around, you see the bucolic countryside. Whether it has ecological value or not, it’s the character of Door County, and it’s quickly disappearing.”

Thanks to community conservation work that has spanned decades, however, many places are now protected forever.

Julie Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Door County, said Destination Door County is excited to support Ridge and Swale.

“If we don’t support and take care of our environment and natural resources, they will not sustain who we are as a community and as a visitor economy. It’s just very important.”

Gilbert said Door County’s natural and business resources have been stressed by the large influx of visitors who sought to get out of urban areas during the pandemic. In response, Destination Door County launched efforts such as Care for Door County, a campaign that includes cultural, quality-of-life and eco-focused initiatives.

“We have worked very hard in being extremely mindful in how we can balance the visitor experience, as well as our

life for residents of Door County. Priorities include:

Creative ideas that have a meaningful impact on the people who live and work in Door County Impact crosses municipal boundaries so it is good for the entire County. Encourages collaboration.

Leverages additional resources.

Residents experience the positive impact of the visitor economy.

The more of these priorities that are addressed by an application, the more likely it is that a project will receive a grant. It is necessary that the project be significantly used by visitors and reasonably likely to increase overnight stays. However, that is not sufficient as the project also must positively impact people who live and work in Door County. We continue to refer to the fact that the Community Investment Fund must follow the Wisconsin State Lodging Tax Statute rules regarding the use of room tax dollars as this fund is being supported by the 70% of the county’s room

Coffee sponsored by Door County Coffee and snacks provided by Destination Door County at each tour.

residents’ [needs] in order to be sure that everybody can enjoy the beauty and the natural resources that we have,” Gilbert said.

“The people who come here, many of them have been coming here over generations,” she said. “Second- and thirdtime, fourth-time visitors, they also see their impact and want to take care of the place that we call home because they love it as much as we do.”

Ridge and Swale explores the people and places behind Door County’s conservation and education success stories, detailing entities such as Peninsula, Newport and Potawatomi State Parks; The Ridges Sanctuary; and The Clearing Folk School.

“There are all sorts of interesting stories that I’ve spent the last few years digging into and researching,” Kosmider said. “When you are finished watching it, I hope you will have a greater appreciation of what it took – what people had to do before us to make sure these places were saved for the future generations.”

Produced by Peninsula Filmworks, the series is made possible by its sponsors: the Peninsula Pulse, Destination Door County, The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County Medical Center and The Clearing.

Note: This story was excerpted from the full feature in the 2023 Door County Living Philanthropy issue.

The docuseries is available for viewing online at conservedoorcounty.com.

tax collections we receive from the Tourism Zone, which must be used on tourism promotion and tourism development as opposed to the 30% that municipalities receive, to use however they deem appropriate. If you are interested in finding out more about the Community Investment Fund visit: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/communityinvestment-fund/ . We also encourage applicants to reach out to the Door County Community Foundation for an informal assessment of your idea before you submit a formal application. There is the common grant application that an applicant needs to fill out and then there is an addendum that is also required. This addendum has to be completed as it qualifies the projects specifically based on the statute requirements.

As this is the first year of the program, there will be learning and from that we will continue to adjust, so this fund does benefit the entire County. We are very excited to see the projects that will come to fruition with this funding and are very excited to be a part of it all!

Door County Tourism Zone Update

In May of 2007, the Door County Tourism Zone Commission was established out of the hard work of a group of concerned citizens . Studies showed that Door County was losing its market share to other locations in the state; the only way for Door County to remain a relevant destination was to generate money for a broader marketing campaign. The Door County economy has benefited from those efforts with the generation of incremental economic impact for our communities by attracting visitors with marketing strategies that ensure sustainable tourism

In 2022, Door County once again exhibited the benefits of these efforts, with several record-high months throughout the year. One essential factor in ensuring tourism’s continued success is ensuring everyone is doing their part. In order to balance the costs and benefits of tourism against the preservation of our communities and quality of life, the Tourism Zone believes legal lodging providers who collect and remit room tax deserve a level playing field for following the requirements. Failing to collect or remit tax and maintain

licenses may give an illegal unit an unfair advantage over a legal lodging property. The Tourism Zone proactively and diligently seeks out those who are offering their property for short term rentals via word-of-mouth and online rental by owner sites such as VRBO, Tripadvisor and Airbnb to ensure proper permitting and remittance of room tax. Over 980 Airbnb listings and 860 VRBO listings were tracked in the first quarter of 2023 alone, in addition to 12 other sites and platforms which offered rentals or advertising. Any property shown to be missing a permit is contacted and notified of thei necessity to obtain a permit. As of April 2023, there were 1452 active Door County Tourism Zone permits.

The Tourism Zone is also committed to assisting permit holders with other safety and documentation requirements. 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.

Door County Tourism Zone Launches New Web Site

In addition to the Door County Tourism Zone permit, shortterm 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 (608) 224-4923 or by emailing datcpdfslicensing@wi.gov.

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.

We are proud to be a part of tourism in Door County and appreciate the community’s efforts to continue making Door County a desirable and welcoming destination, just as they had done when the community created the Tourism Zone in 2007.

Room Tax Collections

In response to public comment regarding the Door County Tourism Zone site’s age and usability issues, the Tourism Zone Commission is in the process of making major updates. The site has already been updated to clearly organize information and allow for easy navigation. In upcoming improvements, lodging provider profiles will be provided with increased security along with features to simplify tax filing and property management. Lodging providers will be able to file all forms online, receive notices from the Tourism Zone office directly to their profile, and access permit-related documents, all from their own secure individual sign-on.

www.DoorCountyTourismZone.com

The site hosts a wealth of resources to explore, and the Tourism Zone encourages all lodging providers and community members to review room tax revenues, municipal tax reports, permit records, and meeting packets. It’s a great way to see the positive impact of tourism on Door County’s economy and stay up to date with short-term rental regulations. The Tourism Zone will also be expanding available data and lodging provider education tools to keep the public informed.

If you have any questions or are interested in renting your property as a short-term rental, we encourage you to email info@doorcountytourismzone.com.

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 more than $21.5 million in revenue for municipal governments throughout Door County. The above chart reflects the yearly amount municipalities collectively received from 2007-2022. Municipal governments can use their 30% of room tax however they see fit.

2023 ‘FEELINGS’ CAMPAIGN: Serves as the North Star to Promote Sustainability and Puts the Art Community Center Stage

By Laura Bradley, Director of Marketing & Sales, Destination Door County

This year, values-based marketing has served as the foundation for our goals and objectives and is the driving force behind our strategies and tactics. It leverages built-in attributes like community identity, cultural DNA, creative energy, and values. It conveys how a visitor can plug into the feelings and energy of the people, culture, and local communities.

Creatively, our north star for 2023, is that ‘feeling’. We all know Door County evokes a truly special feeling that’s unique for everyone. But what we want to convey is something deeper. Those feelings that pull visitors to come back time and time again. The feeling that those of us that live here experience but sometimes find hard to put into words.

This creative approach allows us to share seasonal inspiration to promote our shoulder seasons and encourage more evenly distributed visitation throughout the year. It provides an opportunity to communicate our community’s values through messaging focused on sustainability, responsible travel, and the preservation of our local history, culture, and natural environment. It reinforces the Door County brand, stories, and unique character of the 19 communities and the people that call this place home.

winner will receive $2,000, the opportunity to be part of our artist-focused video series and their piece used in Door County marketing throughout the year.

The ’Feelings’ campaign also inspired our 1st annual Art in the Door Contest. Art in the Door is a call for local artists to create a piece inspired by a specific feeling that Door County embodies for them. A jury will choose 8 finalists and the public will vote on 4 winners to represent Art in the Door 2023. Each

When it comes to executing our creative and media messaging, we first look at the data. Access to platforms that provide site analytics, subscriber list data, geo-location data, visitor spending, and booking data is essential to inform our media placement and mix.

Our core target markets are within a 6-hour drive radius, where most of our visitation originates. We also monitor and evaluate media placement in growth markets, leveraging any areas of opportunity so long as it aligns with our values-based marketing goals and objectives.

We choose a media mix that best and most effectively reaches our target audience out-of-county as well as visitors in-county to continue our sustainability messaging throughout their travel journey.

The 2023 summer campaign launched mid-April and will continue until June. Our shoulder season messaging ran Jan-Feb (winter), Mar-Mid-April (spring) and fall will begin in early August. The workforce recruitment campaign launched Mid-March and will run through April.

The marketing and communications team hosted a live webinar on April 18th, 2023. It highlighted how DDC positions and markets Door County, the data and research used to

inform strategies and tactics, the important role earned media plays in extending our paid efforts, and how the creative campaign supports the Door County brand and key messaging. If you’d like to watch the recorded webinar, you can find it at DoorCounty.com/Partnership (under Partner Resources).

Local Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Get A Boost

By Morgan Rusnak, Community Engagement Manager, Destination Door County

In February, Destination Door County announced the launch of our new Electric Vehicle Charging Station Mini-Grant Program. Awards in the amount of $1,000 are made available to any Door County business, nonprofit organization, or government entity wishing to add or upgrade their public-use electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We’re constantly searching for ways to better meet the needs of today’s traveler and resident and being able to support those who are creating a more robust network of EV charging station options here is a tangible way we’re able to affect change in the community. So far, 16 grants have been approved, with four awards fully paid out.

This is not the first time our organization has focused

TRAVEL FORWARD

Continued from page 1

and connecting the community to its regenerative capabilities.

#2 – Foster our local spirit, our values, our sense of place and the wellbeing of our community – residents, employees, and visitors alike.

Our objectives are:

Invest in unified community messaging to highlight demands and opportunities of the visitor economy.

Increase residential awareness on the benefits of tourism.

Amplify community and industry partnerships to strengthen destination product offerings.

Collaborate with local stakeholders and organizations to align mutual interests and harness the passion people have for Door County to help make it an even better place.

Our second pillar is Sustainable Development. We define that as: By supporting the development of a more sustainable and equitable visitor economy, we can prioritize sustainable development that includes environment, sociocultural and economic resilience.

Our goals are:

#1 – Nurture social, cultural and economic resilience for a more sustainable, balanced and equitable visitor economy.

#2 – Advocate for the preservation and protection of our environment and natural resources.

Our objectives are:

Work with groups, organizations and local government to advocate for investments which preserve the shore, and forests and encourage responsible development.

Maximize environmental resources to help maintain essential ecosystems and conserve biodiversity.

Accentuate tourism’s benefits and pursue the reduction of tourism’s negative impacts.

Support the wellbeing of our people and local culture.

Our third pillar is Values Based Marketing. We define that as: The overall quality of a destination’s visitor experience includes what local communities value and how our residents are striving to achieve their collective goals. Repeat visitors return to the same destinations because they want to be part of a community where the local cultural DNA aligns with their own identity and priorities. Communicating that subjective quality represents the next evolution of destination marketing. And all of our decisions are made based on actionable data and insights, with intent.

Our goals are:

#1 – Be bold, creative, and actionfocused supporting transparency and measurable outcomes.

#2 – Encourage stewardship by elevating Door County and its communities’ authentic character, creative energy and brand.

Our objectives are:

Create incremental growth for the local economy by promoting, developing, and expanding a united visitor industry.

on electric vehicle infrastructure. We installed the first publicly available electric vehicle charging stations in Door County back in 2014 at our Door County Welcome Center, 1015 Green Bay Road, in Sturgeon Bay. They remain operational and are now part of a larger network of more than 50 EV charging stations which can be found throughout the county.

We have two more open application periods scheduled for this new mini-grant program this year. 8 grant awards will be available beginning July 1, and 8 more will be available beginning October 1. Please reach out to me with any questions, morgan@doorcounty.com, and you can find our online grant application and more EV resources at DoorCounty.com/EV-Resources.

Initiate flexible targeted promotions that address visitor capacity, dispersing visitation and economic impact while focusing on visitor passions and market research/trends.

Develop and execute integrated marketing, communications, sales, and research efforts that will generate revenues and economic benefits for Door County. Tell authentic, honest stories that accurately reflect both the past and present, intersecting our community’s identities, cultures, and shared values.

Destination Door County recognizes the value of maintaining and preserving the natural heritage of our community. We know that the increase in visitor numbers in the past few years has helped grow our local economy and provide more opportunities for residents, but it has also put stress on our fragile natural ecosystem and stretched our local resources. We understand the importance of investing in our destination and our communities. The organizational commitment to programs that include the new Community Investment Fund and providing expanded funding to community business associations through our Strategic Partnership Program reflect the shift that we have a community shared values focus. We will continue to launch new programs as we listen and learn from all of you and will never stop growing and evolving along with all of our communities.

DDC Partner Facebook Page Stay Connected with our DDC Partners Hub on Facebook: Facebook.com/DDCpartners

Meet The People Behind

Our Local Community Business Associations

Door County’s Community Business Associations play an integral role in the destination experience and 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 residents and visitors 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.

So many of the wonderful things that happen and are available in Door County have something in common: they take people to manage/operate/happen. In addition to the people that volunteer in community visitor centers, at events or with a variety of other community functions, several individuals have dedicated themselves to their communities by working for our local Community Business Associations. Their efforts help Door County continue to thrive and move forward.

Baileys Harbor Community Association. 920-839-2366 or www.baileysharbor.com

Cynde Ploor - Baileys Harbor Community Coordinator/Destination Director

Cynde manages day to day operations at the visitor center along with planning events in Baileys Harbor. Some of the events she manages are Farmers Markets, Yoga in the park, Blessing of the Fleet, Independence Day celebrations and Autumn Fest.

Baileys Harbor is the Lake Michigan shore destination that ensures you’ll find the peace and quiet you need to kick back and relax! Hike trails through the nearly 6000 acres of public land at places like the Ridges Sanctuary and Toft Point, sit by the shore and enjoy spectacular sunrises and cool breezes. Take to the water to reel in a world class salmon or trout! Discover our rich maritime heritage in 4 of Door County’s 11 lighthouses or kayak over shipwrecks. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty of tee times, zip line adventures and beautiful bicycle routes. Savor world class wines or cold, locally crafted brews served with a side of music, taste truly fresh fish, and know you’ll always be eating local at the many fine dining establishments in Baileys Harbor.

Door County North (Ellison Bay/Gills Rock/Rowleys Bay)

Door County North. 920-854-5448 or www.doorcountynorth.org

Mickie Rasch - Community Coordinator

Mickie’s responsibilities include whatever needs done, essentially executive director, (bookkeeping, financials, and all federal & state compliance association) in addition to membership, special events, social media, website, advertising, PR, outreach.

Vickie Bartolini - Membership and Special Projects

Vickie helps maintain membership information, update guides, writes and produces their monthly b2c and b2b e-newsletter, special events.

Denise Fuller - Welcome Center Manager/Staff

Denise keeps the “hut” running, orders what’s needed from paperboy, maintains tracking of visitors and types of interests, newsletter sign up, poster kiosk.

Roselyn Krapf - Welcome Center Staff

Discover Carlsville. www.carlsvilledoorcounty.com

Clustered along Highway 42 between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor, Carlsville is small in size but big in spirit. A stop in Carlsville offers a lot of fun, a little history, and something for the whole family. Find multiple wineries including Door County’s oldest and Door County’s original Distillery. Visit Door County’s original coffee roastery. Shop, sniff, and dip handmade candles. Camp for the night and enjoy waterslides or grab a bite at a restaurant. Whether a quick stop or a whole day, there’s plenty to see in Carlsville.

In addition to knowing our area, Roselyn is full of history. She first experienced Door County as a result of attending Camp Zion. 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 charming 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.

Egg Harbor Business Association. 920-868-3717 or www.eggharbordoorcounty.org

Alyssa Rasmusson - Marketing & Events Director

Alyssa manages the day-to-day operations of the Egg Harbor Welcome Center as well as the marketing and event planning for the community. She plans and directs events such as Concerts in the Park, Independence Day Celebration, Farmers Markets and Pumpkin Patch.

A leisurely stroll along the village’s downtown streets enchants the eye with galleries, 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.

Fish Creek Civic Association. 920-868-2316 or www.visitfishcreek.com

Sara Lancaster – Membership & Office Manager

Sara works to support and strengthen the Fish Creek business community by fostering positive relationships with member business and prospective members, as well as identifying and nurturing partnerships with other area organizations. She also helps oversee the day-to-day operations of the Fish Creek Visitor Information Center and serves as the administrative liaison for VFC.

Mel Ripp - Marketing Consultant

Mel helps the Fish Creek business community tell its story through written content, including social media and member/visitor newsletters. A Door County native who moved back to the peninsula in Fall 2021, Mel is the owner of Peapod Marketing & PR Consulting, a full-service marketing and communications firm.

Trissa Crowley and Karen Buhk — Visitor Information Specialists

Ephraim Business Council. 920-854-4989 or www.ephraim-doorcounty.com

Lane Methner – Tourism Administrator

Kelsey Stone – Marketing & Events Coordinator

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 stunning panoramic views of Peninsula State Park and mesmerizing sunsets, Ephraim is authentic Door County at its best.

Trissa and Karen help visitors find their way around town, a place to stay for the night, activities to fill their day, a reservation for dinner or provide answers to any other number of questions Fish Creek visitors may have. They play an integral role in helping the thousands of people who visit Fish Creek create positive and memorable experiences.

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.

Sister Bay Advancement Association. 920-854-2812 or www.sisterbay.com

Jacksonport Area Business Association. 920-823-2404 or www.jacksonport.net

Cheryl Brady – Community Coordinator

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 Park and Whitefish Dunes State Park.

Louise Howson – Community Coordinator

Ellie Soderberg-Guger – Marketing Director

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 collections 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.

Destination Sturgeon Bay. 920-743-6246 or www.sturgeonbay.net

Southern Door Business Association. www.southerndoorcounty.com

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 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.

Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski – Executive Director

Rachel Malcore – Marketing Coordinator

Andrea Buboltz – Events Director

Rosella Trotter – Member & Guest Relations Director

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.

Washington Island Chamber of Commerce. 920-847-2179 or www.washingtonisland.com

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.

Destination Door County is proud to partner with the Peninsula Pulse in 2023 to sponsor Server of the Week. The hard work and enthusiasm that each and every person who serves our residents and visitors puts into their front-line jobs is sincerely

Destination Door County Sta Directory

Destination Door County is fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals working on behalf of residents, businesses and organizations for the benefit and advancement of Door County. Here is the talented team.

appreciated. This Server of the Week recognition is a small way for us all to say thank you, and each weekly winner receives a $50 Door County Gift Certificate. Want to nominate someone for Server of the Week? Email info@ppulse.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 serving Door County for 139 years (1884-2023)

Become a DDC Partner today at DoorCounty.com/partnership

Phil Berndt Director of Advocacy 920.818.1136 Direct phil@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Partnership benefits, or the J1 Visa/Bridge USA Program.

Julie Gilbert President / CEO 920.818.1131 DIRECT julie@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Organizational goals and objectives, our talented team, our board of directors, the Door County Tourism Zone Commission and our engagement with municipal governments.

Hunter Malvitz Destination Specialist (seasonal) hunter@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Door County visitor questions.

Michelle Rasmusson Director of Strategy & Research 920.818.1132 DIRECT michelle@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Analytics, industry trends, strategic planning, or data interpretation.

Laura Bradley Director of Marketing & Sales 920.818.1137 DIRECT laurab@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Paid media campaigns, Co-op advertising, setting up a group tour, and social media.

Jon Jarosh Chief Communications Officer 920.818.1133 DIRECT jon@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Media relations, communications strategies, local advocacy efforts.

Whitney Meza Social Media Specialist whitney@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Social media or our influencer program.

Jennifer Rogers Senior Media Relations Manager 920.818.1134 DIRECT jen@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Press trips, earned media marketing or hosting a mixer or DDC event.

Elizabeth Charney Marketing & Sales Assistant elizabeth@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Group and meeting sales assistance, marketing support

Laura Lloyd Destination Specialist (seasonal) laura@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Door County visitor questions.

Pat Nash Director of Visitor Services pat@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Purchasing gift certificates, getting publications to your home or business, or checking on the stock of your business’s material in our Welcome Center.

Morgan Rusnak Community Engagement Manager 920.818.1138 Direct morgan@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Leave No Trace, applying for an EV Charger Mini-Grant, or working with your non-profit organization.

Amy DeMeter Administrative Assistant amy@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Gift certificate reimbursement, updating your contact information, or paying your invoice.

Cathy Lynch Publications & Support Services Manager 920.818.1135 DIRECT cathy@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Updating your directory listings on DoorCounty.com and TravelWisconsin.com, how to participate in publications, adding your event to our calendar, or solving issues with your vacancy calendar.

Brittany Nemeth Destination Specialist brittany@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: Door County visitor questions.

Yvonne Torres Senior Director of Finance & Operations 920.818.1139 DIRECT yvonne@doorcounty.com

Ask me about: the Municipal Reimbursement Program and Strategic Community Partnership funds.

In our continuous effort to strengthen our community through education, Destination Door County has partnered with the Door County Community Foundation to award a total of six scholarships to Door County students in 2023.

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 27 scholarships to local students. We are honored to continue this effort now, and for years to come.

Scholarship Winners

Join us in congratulating our 2023 Carole Counard Scholarship recipients:

Zoe Armbruster

Gibraltar High School

Carl Burgess

Gibraltar High School

KiKi Kubala

Gibraltar High School

2023 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.

County Tourism Proclamation

Destination Door County (DDC) would like to thank the Door County Board of Supervisors for passing proclamation number 2023-25 at their March 28, 2023 meeting, officially denoting May 7-13, 2023 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.

Become a DDC Partner!

Destination Door County is a partnership-based organization that provides a variety of opportunities for Door County businesses and organizations. Any Door County based business or organization is welcome and encouraged to become a Destination Door County partner.

Since a vast majority of DDC’s work is supported by room tax collections in cooperation with the Door County Tourism Zone, partnership is complimentary for any Door County business or organization. To learn more and and to sign up to become a DDC partner, visit DoorCounty.com/partnership. Have questions or looking for more information? Contact Phil Berndt, phil@doorcounty.com or 920-818-1136.

DoorCounty.com/partnership

Destination Door County 2023 Board of Directors

The following talented individuals volunteer their time to serve the organization and the county. Their commitment and dedication is sincerely appreciated!

Tim Guckenberg (Chair) Wagon Trail Campground timguckenberg@gmail.com

Jeff Lutsey (Vice Chair) Climate Change Coalition of Door County/Waseda Farms jeff@wasedafarms.com

Mona Christensen (Treasurer) Birch Creek Music Performance Center mona@birchcreek.org

Vicki Wilson (Executive Committee) Door County Coffee vic@doorcountycoffee.com

Todd Trimberger (Past Chair) Bliss lifestylesbybliss@sbcglobal.net

Fred Anderson (DCTZC Rep.) Ashbrooke fred@ashbrooke.net

Carol Ash Kick Ash Products carol@kickashproducts.com

Andy Boettcher Door County Medical andrew.boettcher@dcmedical.org

Meredith Coulson-Kanter White Gull Inn Whitegullinn.mc@gmail.com

Dan Crooker The Landmark Resort dcrooker@thelandmarkresort.com

Jennifer Gentry One Barrel Brewing jennifer@onebarrelbrewing.com

Bjorn Johnson Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant bjorn@aljohnsons.com

Michelle Lawrie Door County Economic Development michelle@doorcountybusiness.com

Bryan Nelson Blacksmith Inn On The Shore bryan@theblacksmithinn.com

Kevin Osgood Door County Maritime Museum kosgood@dcmm.org

Ken Pabich County of Door kpabich@co.door.wi.us

Hoyt Purinton Washington Island Ferry hoyt@wisferry.com

Ann Renard Renard’s Cheese ann@renardscheese.com

Reagan Smoker Cedar Crossing reaganosmoker@gmail.com

Diane Taillon Hillside Inn of Door County diane@arborcrowneproperties.com

Britt Unkefer Wild Restaurant Concepts britt@wildtomatopizza.com

Atlee Manson

Sevastopol High School

Madeline Schultz

Sevastopol High School

Symone Sandoval

Sevastopol High School

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 residents, visitors 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. Over $700,000 worth of Door County gift certificates were sold through Destination Door County last year and they can only be spent at local businesses in Door County.

View a list of Door County businesses that happily accept Door County gift certificates and order some today at DoorCounty.com/gift-certificates.

Destination Door County held a retreat for the organization’s board of directors at The Ridges Sanctuary on Tuesday April 25, 2023. The event was highlighted by a special presentation from Jack Johnson, the Chief Advocacy Officer for Destinations International, to DDC board members and staff.

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.