TEXAS FOREST TRAIL ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Seeing the Forest through the Trees
REGIONAL DIRECTOR Mary Turner (Sept-June) Marty Prince (June-Present) The Annual Report serves as the principal mechanism for reporting the Texas Forest Trail’s activity to private and public funding sources. This Annual Report showcases key activities and initiatives undertaken Fiscal Year 2013 (September 1, 2012 – August 31, 2013). Cover: Mast Arboretum- By Paul Bellinger - - Nacogdoches County This Page: Caddo Culture Day - By Bruce Partain - Caddo Mounds State Historic Site - - Alto, Texas.
Contents 5 Our Heritage - The Texas Heritage Trails 7 Our Beliefs & Impact 9 Our Region - The Texas Forest Trail 11 Our Roots - Our People 13 Our Messages - President & Director 15 Our Mission & Vision 16 Our Purpose, Promise & Services 17 Our Projects 27 Our Year 29 Our Finances 31 Our Future
Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report
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Battle for Long King Creek - Pedigo Park - Civil War Reenactment -- Livingston, Texas.
Our Heritage The Texas Forest Trail, is one of ten designated heritage tourism regions in Texas. The program originated from 10 scenic driving trails created in 1968 by Governor John Connally and the Texas Highway Department as a marketing tool for Texas tourism. In 1997, the Heritage Trails became a statewide tourism and economic development initiative under the development of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Each of the original 10 driving trails became a “trail region.� The individual Trail Regions encompass the historic highways, hike and bike trails, parks, historic sites, communities and cultural attractions throughout its region. The 10 Heritage Trail Regions work in concert with the THC to increase visitation to cultural and historic sites through education, historic preservation and state and regional marketing. Each Trail functions as an independent 501 c3, led by a regional board and an executive director. The Heritage Trails currently receive transportation enhancement funds provided by the Federal Highway Administration granted by the Texas Department of Transportation and administered by the THC. Funding is set to expire in August 2015.
Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report
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Sunset Talk - By Ramsay Campbell - Awarded: Blue Ribbon 2013 -- Jasper County
Our Beliefs Heritage Tourism is travel directed toward experiencing the heritage of a city, region, state or country. Heritage tourism enables the tourist to learn about, and be surrounded by, local customs, traditions, history and culture. We envision Texas as a place where…. • Visitors and residents delight in experiencing, firsthand, the real places telling the real stories of our state’s heritage and cultures. • The total visitor experience of Texas’ diverse places stimulates local economies. • The diverse places of the Lone Star State are preserved and promoted for present and future generations. • Heritage tourism is a community-based enterprise that contributes to the community’s livability and sense of place.
Our Impact Texas ranks second in the U.S. in the number of cultural and heritage travelers visiting the state. These tourists are learning more about Texas’ heritage while making a valuable contribution to the state’s economy. Heritage Tourism in Texas $6.3 billion –Heritage Traveler Spending (2011) 53,200 - Heritage tourism jobs created (2011) Texas Heritage Trails $1.43 million- Cash contributions $2.3 million In-kind contributions $652,319 –Community Grants distributed 27,500 - Volunteer Hours - See more at: http://www.thc.state.tx.us/about/fast-facts Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report
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Our Mission:
To promote and support East Texas as an integral part of the Texas experience for visitors and travelers.
Our Vision:
All Texans can connect with their roots and visitors can experience the Texas story.
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God made a farmer, By Megan Kelley - Awarded: Red Ribbon 2013 - - Nacogdoches County
Our Purpose The Texas Forest Trail is an economic development initiative. Our purpose is to support regional economic development through heritage tourism, education and historic preservation.
Our Promise We Pine for East Texas! We produce regional marketing materials, provide educational programs and industry networking opportunities, and connect partners and communities with resources within and outside our region.
Our Services EDUCATION & NETWORKING Provide opportunities for regional partners and communities to learn about and share industry knowledge and resources. PARTNERSHIPS & SUSTAINABILITY Develop statewide partnerships, a regional partner program and selfsustaining practices that support financial sustainability, partner services and program operations. RESEARCH & MARKETING Collect statistical information and conceive, create and develop marketing strategies to promote the Texas Forest Trail Region as a heritage tourism destination.
Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report
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Our Trail In January 2001, the Texas Forest Trail Region (TFTR) was designated as an official Texas Heritage Trail Region. The Forest Trail serves 35 counties in east Texas. Our headquarters are located in Nacogdoches in the historic Gladys Hampton Building, City Hall.
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Athens in the Fall - By Sherri Skeeters - - Henderson County
Our Region 35 counties of East Texas Angelina Anderson Bowie Camp Cass Cherokee Gregg Franklin Hardin Harrison Henderson Houston Jasper Jefferson Marion Montgomery Morris Nacogdoches Newton Orange Panola Polk Red River Rusk Sabine San Augustine San Jacinto Shelby Smith Titus Trinity Tyler Upshur Walker Wood
Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 11
PAUL BUNYAN
$1,500 City of Shenandoah Convention & Visitors Bureau City of Nacogdoches Main Street & Historic Sites Gladewater Economic Development Corporation Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau Mount Pleasant Titus County Chamber of Commerce
TREE TOPPER
$1,000 Linden Economic Development Corporation City of Palestine Economic Development Corp. Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
FALLER BUCKER
$500 City of Athens Tourism City of Henderson Tourism Atlanta City Development Corporation City of Huntsville Tourism & Cultural Services Daingerfield Chamber of Commerce Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau Camp County Chamber of Commerce Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau Texas State Railroad
CHASER
$250 Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau Lufkin Convention & Visitors Bureau Caddo Mounds State Historic Site Mount Vernon Main Street Alliance City of Hughes Springs Oxbow Bakery & Antiques Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce Jasper Economic Development Corporation Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum SFASU Department of Hospitality Administration
WHISTLE PUNK
$100 City of Jefferson Tourism Deborah Queen City of Longview San Augustine County City of Mineola Community Development San Augustine Main Street Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce Smith County Historical Society Lindale Chamber of Commerce Carolyn Teague Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, Inc. Texarkana Museum System Newton County Chamber of Commerce Texas Forestry Museum Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum Texas Prison Museum Red River County Chamber of Commerce The History Center at Diboll Tyler Convention & Visitors Bureau
TRAVELER
$25 George Fite Dr. Rebecca Narramore Dr. Anita Walker Dr. Perky Beisel 12 Montalba Sunset- By Dana Goolsby - www.myetx.com - - Anderson County
Our Roots
our people
FY 2013 Board PRESIDENT George Fite, Hughes Springs PRESIDENT-ELECT Kimm Thomas, Huntsville SECRETARY Mark Osborne, Beaumont TREASURER Breezy Lake-Wolfe, Palestine DIRECTORS Faustine Curry, Mount Pleasant Robert Johnson, Gladewater Barbara Parmley, Tyler Deborah Queen, Silsbee Chay Runnels, Nacogdoches Carolyn Teague, Mount Vernon
Many thanks to our Regional Partners for their continued support. Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 13
Message from Our President 2013 has been a challenging and successful year for the Forest Trail Region. We began in September, with an ambitious plan to increase membership and regional promotions while reducing the cost and complexity of our operations. Mary Turner, the Trail's director, set her sights on updating our member benefits, evaluating expenditures and streamlining project costs. The board focused on connecting with partner members – making phone calls and personal visits to regional organizations. Our combined efforts were met with positive results. At mid-year, spending was down, memberships were coming in and our new education toolkits and online webinars had great attendance. Things were looking good in the Forest. April and May brought unexpected changes in office staffing and the announcement that our executive director, Mary intended to leave the position in June. Determined not to lose the Forest for the trees, we began our director search and redirected our marketing resources from new projects to proven online promotions that were likely to produce the strongest returns for east Texas tourism. We adapted, we changed and we moved forward - committed to preserving and enhancing tourism and commerce in East Texas. In June, we said "Happy Trails" to Mary Turner and hello to our new director Marty Prince. Mary was great supporter of our mission and we wish her well in the future. We’ve enjoyed working with our new director Marty Prince. She has transitioned to the position quickly and has jumped in full steam ahead. By the end of the year, we were able to increase partner benefits and revenue, reduce total expenses by 2% and reduce project expenses by 50%. Since that time, followers of our social media efforts have increased 15% and engagement has grown twenty-fold. We may have lost some great leadership this year, but we gained fresh perspectives and new talents and even amid changes in staffing, our dedication to our mission has remained the same. I’m proud of what we accomplished. On behalf of the board, I would like to extend my thanks to all of our state and regional partners. We value your contributions to the Texas Forest Trail and to tourism and economic development in East Texas. 14
George Fite Chair 2012-2013
Howdy Partners Message from the Director I hit the Trails running in June and it’s been a whirlwind of adventure. From Texas Friendly to GoTexan, I’ve represented the Forest Trail at retreats, trainings, tradeshows and workshops across east Texas. Marty Prince (center) Polka Fest in Crockett, TX
There have also been a few trips to the big cities of Dallas and Austin and they have been fun, but my visits with the folks in Jacksonville, Rusk, Beaumont, Center, Crockett, Hughes Springs, Mount Vernon and Mount Pleasant have been so much more… more interesting… more memorable… more authentic… More of everything, I love about Texas, is right here in the Forest Trail. From tall timber to beautiful lakes and rolling farmland, but we’ve still got so much more. We’ve got rich history, quirky festivals and “real” downtowns and the friendliest people in Texas. That said, I want to know, that I love east Texas. I’m honored to represent east Texas and I can’t wait to get to know each of you.
about me
I’m a Nacogdoches native, who spent most of my adult life living in Austin. I moved “back to Nac” in 2005 and married my high school crush Kendal Rogers. He is an advertising man at Point A Media. We have two precocious dachshunds, Iggy and Riley and two temperamental cats, Nemo and Grace.
I received my BFA from the University of Texas at Austin and my MFA from the Mount Royal School at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland.
The next few months are going to be exciting. The Forest Trail board is currently refining and enhancing our systems and developing new ways of promoting east Texas to the world.
I’m a nerd. I love reading & research and have 16 years experience in marketing & graphic design with a focus in hospitality, tourism and nonprofit educational programming.
For FY14, we’re optimizing online presence. We’ve already begun a website audit, created a blog and have taken Instagram by storm. We are leading the social media pack and our followers are asking for more. They want more photos, more history and more maps.
Most recently, I worked with the friendly folks at the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau as the Tourism Specialist.
So look out, partners, we’re coming for you and your historic sites too! Happy Trails! Marty
Previously held positions include, Marketing Director for Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center, Communications Director for Nacogdoches Independent School District and Programs Specialist for City of Austin Parks & Recreation. Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 15
16 Commute through the Big Thicket- By Shawn Molina - Awarded: Best of Beaumont 2013 - - Jefferson County
Our Projects Looking Back & Moving Forward
Executive Summary
For the past 13 years, The Forest Trail, under the careful leadership of the Board of Directors, has taken steps to ensure the continued preservation and promotion of East Texas’ valuable cultural and historical resources. Our successes would not have been possible without the continued support of the Texas Historical Commission’s Commissioners, Executive Director, Deputy Director, and the entire heritage tourism program staff. On the regional level, board members, partner members, volunteers and friends have made it possible for our organization to achieve statewide and national recognition. From regional Toolkit trainings and online webinars, to special promotions and marketing efforts, the Forest Trail continues “Think Regionally. Act Locally.” Following is a brief summary of the year in review.
Membership
In September of 2012, a benefits survey was distributed to members via SurveyMonkey.com. Responses and current assets were reviewed and a new partner program was developed and launched for 2013. Updates to program benefits included new educational opportunities through online webinars and access to additional media library titles and training resources, such as the highly acclaimed, 20 Ingredients of Successful Downtowns by Roger Brooks. Additionally, the 2013 membership program introduced optional “Add-On” or à la carte services. These packages allowed partners to select from a menu of suggested member benefits or propose a custom service to meet their organizational needs. The board adopted an aggressive action plan to renew and recruit members in the region. Individual board members made phone calls, personal visits and “big pitches” to regional organizations. We are happy to report our membership has increased from 48 members in 2012 to 52 members in 2013. Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 17
Education
Annual Meeting
On April 18, 2013, the Forest Trail welcomed members and special guests from across our 35-county region for a full day of learning, networking, and partnership building.
Tourism Toolkits
Our Tourism Toolkits are regional workshops designed to assist partner members in bring timely, targeted programs to their local community. The format enables the host community to work with the Forest Trail to select dates, locations and relevant content that will best serve their local audience. The Forest Trail then supplies the program and speakers. The Forest Trail held two very successful Tourism Toolkits in 2013.
A number of our friends arrived a day early, for a special night-out in the Oldest Town – which included dinner at Clear Springs Café and a spirited boot scoot at the Banita Creek Hall, sponsored by the Nacogdoches CVB. The big event was held at the School of Human Sciences on the Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) campus. The feature presentation, a “Tourism Impact Study Impacts How You Do Tourism” was led by SFASU Faculty Researchers Dr. Ray Darville, Sociology; Dr. Clive Muir, Economics; Dr. Carl Pfaffenberg, Hospitality; and Dr. Chay Runnels, Hospitality.
• March 25 – Gladewater Business & Tourism Toolkit: Wayfinding & Marketing Online Tools
Lunch was served and expertly prepared by SFASU Hospitality in the SFASU Culinary Cafe Lunch students under the direction of Executive Chef Todd Barrios.
• May 23 – Nacogdoches Tourism Toolkit & Roundtable: Building Stronger Communities with Texas Downtown Association
Many thanks to our hosts - the Nacogdoches CVB & the SFASU Department of Hospitality and our break sponsor Nacogdoches Main Street.
18 Downtown Nacogdoches - By Tammy Scates - Winner: Nacogdoches Main Street, Sponsored Category 2013
Networking
Webinars
Forest Trail Facebook Group
This year, the Forest Trail offered two new online options to enrich our education offerings and increase regional network opportunities - 1-hour quarterly webinars and a Partner Facebook group.
The Forest Trail Facebook Group was created in September 2012. It provides an easy-to-use online vehicle for communicating in real-time with partner members, regional colleagues and likeminded tourism professionals across the state.
These online components were initiated to provide a technologically savvy method for addressing timely and relevant topics quickly and cost effectively.
At this time, participation has been limited, but the potential for making valuable connections with regional experts in event planning, economic development, marketing are limitless. That said, we hope our members will turn-up participation in 2014.
This year, we held 3 successful webinars: • Nov 8 - Facebook Chat: Working with Facebook Business Pages • March 19 – Facebook Chat: Social Media Strategies for Small Offices • June 6 – Webinar: Telling Your Story with QR Codes, Mobile Sites, and Microsites
The group is FREE and open to all east Texas working or volunteering in tourism, hospitality, economic development, preservation, or similar. So, if you don’t have a Facebook account, get one just for work and invite your colleagues to join us in spreading the good news about east Texas.
Ready to join the group?
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Marketing Making Tracks with the Trail
Print Promotions
Our twice-annual Events Brochures ensures our participating partners professionally designed statewide coverage of their events with a distribution of at least 15,000 every 6 months, longer shelf-life than a single event, plus we integrate our materials with mobile our web & mobile site. Our Forest Trail Region Brochure is also a popular item we distribute
Marketing - Traveler Outreach
Since 2001, the Forest Trail has marketed the historic sites and attractions in a 35-county area of East Texas. These efforts have raised the visibility of the Forest Trail as tourism destination. This year, we were involved in many in-person/online promotions and print projects.
Travel Shows
Texas State Fair is one of our partners favorite marketing opportunities of the year. Over the three weeks of the fair, more than 800,000 people pass through the Food and Fiber Pavilion. Additionally, we financially supported a group booths with the other Heritage Trails and the THC to promote our regions at the McAllen Travel Show and the TTIA Travel Fair
TXDOT Travel Display
This year, we secured a regional photo display of the Texas Forest Trail in two traveler hot spots the TXDoT Travel Information Centers in Texarkana from Sept-Feb and Waskom from Mar-August. Unfortunately, we were contacted in May and notified that the TIC Display program will no longer be an available marketing option, pending legislatively-mandated changes at TXDoT for 2014. 20
Social Media
In 2013 we used 4 social media platforms to actively engage online travelers. Currently we use 8 platforms: facebook; flickr; instagram; twitter; pinterest; blogger; youtube; tumblr. Since June of 2013, we have increased our social activity and now reach 17,000 online users a week and engage with an average 1,500 active users a week. We are constantly reviewing trends and methodologies for keeping our engagement high. Join the conversation! • www.facebook.com/texasforesttrail • www.flickr.com/groups/txforesttrail • www.youtube.com/EastTexasForestTrail • www.pinterest.com/txforesttrail • www.instagram.com/etxtraveler • www.twitter.com/etxtraveler • www.txforesttrail.blogspot.com • www.tumblr.com/etxtraveler
Web Site
On September 29 the new and improved, TexasForestTrail.com was relaunched along with new mobile sites for each of our nine sister trails sites. Our website provides an average of 1,500 visitors a month with up-to-date information about our region. Our calendar and community & site information showcases east Texas events and out-of-the-ordinary historic treasures.
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L
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Y YouTube
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Flickr
Tumblr
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Blogger
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22 Warm Grass Sunset - By Paul Bellinger - Awarded: Honorable Mention 2013 -- San Augustine County
Photo Contest Photo Contest
It’s said, that a picture is worth a 1000 words, but for some 17 east Texas photographers their pictures were worth cash money.
Contest overview
Hundreds of photos from 34 counties were submitted during the four-week entry period, ending April 7. Members of the Trail’s board and guest photographer Andrew Brosig of the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel assessed each photo on content, theme and technical excellence. On May 2, Judges awarded the following prizes: White Ribbon Grand Prize winner ($400), four Blue Ribbon winners ($250 each), five Red Ribbon winners ($100), and ten Honorable Mentions (Tote Bag + certificate). The contest also included one week of Fan Favorite voting which allowed on Facebook fans to vote daily for their favorite east Texas image. One Fan Favorite prize was awarded ($100). In addition, six Forest Trail partners sponsored specific photo categories and selected individual winners ($250 each).
Contest Goals
Contest Timeline: 13 weeks
Feb 14-Mar 7 Prep & pre-publicity March 7-April 7 Entry period April 18-22 Fan Favorite Voting April 22-May 2 Verify entries May 2 Winners announced May 2-23 Prizes & post-publicity
Total Prizes $3,400
• Judges Awards $1,900 • Sponsor Awards $1400 • Fan Favorite $100
1. Update our regional portfolio • 300 + eligible photos were submitted 2. Broaden public awareness of the Forest Trail • During the contest, Average number of post impressions increased from 418 to 5098 3. Attract Facebook fans & increase engagement • Gained 1,307 new Facebook fans • Engaged users increased from 18 to 165 4. Provide members with high-quality images of their area for promotional use • Photos were submitted from 34 counties and made available to partners
Bonus Benefits
This year’s contest was incredibly successful, not only did we achieve all of our contest goals, the contest has allowed the Forest Trail to build new relationships with photographers and tourism advocates across the region adding to our network of resources available to partner members. Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 23
Grand Prize Winner - S400 (this page) • Zydeco: Jefferson CO - Lacie Grant Blue Ribbon - $250 each (from top right, down) • Fishermen, Wood CO - Charles Wright • Collins Recreation Area, Newton CO - Zelma Lias • Sunset Talk, Jasper CO - Ramsay Campbell -- p6 • Ta-’Da, Rusk CO - Leah Hamilton-Slider Fan Favorite- $100 each • Blue Hole, Angelina CO - Rhonda Swanson
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Photo Contest
Red Ribbon - $100 each (from left down) • Fall in love with the Forest, San Jacinto CO - Donna Allen • Wild Bronc, Tyler CO - Lisa Richardson • Sunrise, Angelina CO - Connie Thompson • Autumn Mist, Angelina CO - Larry Alford -- p26 • God made a farmer, Nacogdoches CO - Megan Kelley -- p8 Honorable Mention - Tote Bag + certificate • Children with Turtle, Montgomery CO - Tiffany Terry • Tucker House, Nacogdoches CO - Robin Johnson • Brakes Bayou, Jefferson CO - Richard James III • Sunflowers , Jefferson CO - Lisa Richardson T • Sunset at Lake Livingston, Polk CO - Rachael Turner • In the 1800s, Nacogdoches CO - Jennifer Bryant • Neches River Canoe, Angelina/Houston Counties - Joe Pase
Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 25
Honorable Mention - Tote Bag + certificate continued from top left) • Tulips in Bloom, Henderson CO - Sherri Skeeters • Way Back When…, Marion CO - Michelle Norris • Warm Grass Sunset, San Augustine CO - Paul Bellinger -- p22 Sponsored Categories $250 each • Nacogdoches Main Street: Downtown- Tammy Scates-- p16 • Nacogdoches CVB: Spirit of Nac - Alex Shaw • Best of Shelby CO: Chamber of Commerce - Jean Wood • Longview CVB: Real Longview - Linda Cortelyou-- p30 • Beaumont CVB: Best of Beaumont - Shawn Molina-- p14 • Spindletop-Gladys City: Our Built Heritage - Paul Bellinger (this page) 26
Sep-12
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Our Year
Partner presentation, Shelby County Chamber - Center Heritage Trails Meeting - Teleconference TTIA Travel Summit - Austin Partners & Volunteers at State Fair of Texas - Dallas
Oct-12 2&30 Heritage Trails LLC Meeting - Teleconference 18 Q1 TFTR Board Meeting & New Board Orientation - Gladewater Nov-12
8 Facebook Chat: Upcoming Changes - Online 14 Presentation, NAI Conference - Hampton, VA 19 Public relations presentation, SFASU students – Nacogdoches
Dec-12
5-6 Heritage Trails Statewide Meeting - Austin
Jan-13
8 Community Partner visit - Linden 16 Research presentation with SFASU on Nac CVB Tourism - Nacogdoches 17 Community Partner visit, Shelby County Chamber - Center
Feb-13
7 Community Partner visit - San Augustine 11-12 Heritage Trails LLC meeting - Austin 13 2nd quarter TFTR Board Meeting - Nacogdoches
Mar-13
6 19 21 25 26 27
Community Partner visit - Pittsburgh Facebook Chat: Managing Social Media Strategies - Online NAI webinar: Telling Your Story with Emerging Technologies - Online TFTR Hosts: Business and Tourism Toolkit - Gladewater Community Partner visit - Longview Partner visit, Forestry Museum; presentation to HS students - Lufkin
Apr-13
11 Annual Meeting/TFTR 3rd Quarter Board Meeting - Nacogdoches 24 Executive Director search begins
May-13
10 16 23 30
Jun-13 Director Transition
6 10 19 11-12 14-15 21 26-27 28
Jul-13 New Director
8 15 25 31
Partner Addon Service, Advertising RFP, NAC CVB - Nacogdoches Partner Meeting, Diann Bayes, Sr VP - TTIA Member Services - Nacogdoches Fall Winter Annual Brochure released – 65 Sites across TX TFTR FY14 Scope & Budget created and submitted
Aug-13
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THC Training - Nacogdoches Community visit, THC Texas Treasures – Texas Basket Company – Jacksonville Community visit, Cherokee County Historical Commission - Rusk Presenter, GoTexan Certified Retirement Community – Center TFTR Q4 Board Meeting - Nacogdoches
Tourism Week Events, Travel Rally - Texarkana Community Partner visit, Pinto Pony - San Augustine Tourism Toolkit, Texas Downtown Assoc - Nacogdoches TFTR announces hiring of new executive director - Marty Prince Partner Webinar, QR codes, mobile sites – Online (MT) TFTR Director Transition – Mary (MT) welcomes Marty (MP) Partner Update, Nac CVB – Nacogdoches (MT & MP) Statewide & Heritage Trails LLC Meetings - Austin (MT & MP) Train the Trainer- Texas Friendly Training - Nacogdoches (MP) TFTR Advocacy, Mtg with transp commis Jeff Austin III - Jacksonville (MP) TFTR Annual Retreat - Palestine (MT & MP) TFTR Director Transition - Happy Trails Mary
Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 27
28 Autumn Mist, by Larry Alford Awarded: Red Ribbon 2013 - - Angelina County
Our Finances An unbudgeted increase in staff numbers generated 13.8% increase in personnel costs, overall spending decreased by 2%. Expensive projects were re-considered when more costeffective options were available. These cost saving methods led to a 50% reduction in project expenses. THC/Texas Heritage Trails Grant Partner Memberships Add On Services Co-op Advertising & Promotions Regional Workshops & Programs Accrued Interest TOTAL INCOME
INCOME $75,000.00 $18,675.00 $3,189.61 $7,350.00 $1,949.33 $1,132.92 $107,296.86
Certificates of Deposit Checking:Huntington BankCorp South Fixed assests Accounts receivable TOTAL ASSETS
ASSETS $21,319.48 $38,456.92 $53,151.35 $3,074.60 $3,809.13 $119,811.48 EXPENSES $72,562.86
Salaries, Benefits, and Payroll Banking, Insurance, Phone, Equipment & Subscriptions Postage, Printing, and Supplies Co-op Advertising & Promotions Regional Travel and Professional Development Events Regional Workshops & Programs Organizational Sustainability TOTAL EXPENSE
$3,381.38 $6,275.34 $7,333.02 $2,486.70 $5,419.11 $5,328.90 $116,014.88
NET BALANCE (Income+ Assets) - Expense
$111,093.46
IN-KIND DONATIONS
$32,296.86
$13,227.57
Texas Forest Trail 2013 Annual Report 29
30 Great Texas Balloon Race - By Linda Cortelyou - Awarded: Real Longview Sponsored 2013 - - Gregg County
Our Plans for 2014 SECTOR I: ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY Goal: Build capacity for institutional sustainability The Texas Forest Trail Region (TFTR) will build capacity for institutional sustainability through long-range planning, increased and diversified revenue streams, TFTR brand management and by expanded member partnerships and benefits. STRATEGIES ACTION/TASKS DESIRED OUTCOME GOAL DELIVERABLES I.1 I.2 I.3 I.4 I.5 I.6
Plan for long-range sustainability of TFTR Increase & diversify income revenue streams Build TFTR brand recognition & loyalty Refine Partner Program marketability & benefits Grow membership base Collaborate with Trails on sustainability plan
Create practical plan to attain financial independence/stability Develop new investments & income generating products Continue current & create new TFTR marketing campaigns Simplify & update to meet current/potential member needs Expand to include overlooked heritage travel partners Participate in Heritage Trails LLC activities
Revenue - increase in TFTR revenue Investment - increase value of TFTR assets Brand - increase visibility of TFTR brand Partner - increase in sustaining members Partner - increase in new memberships Investment - increase value of TFTR assets
Financial work-plan Income producing products/services Print/web marketing collateral, brochures, postcards, etc Partner Program collateral & benefits New partner members LLC Income producing products/services
SECTOR II: PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR PARTNERS Goal: Maximize partnership potential The Texas Forest Trail Region (TFTR) will maximize the potential of regional and community partners to preserve and interpret historic resources through new and relevant workforce education, member training, effective brand management and expanded marketing and advertising opportunities. STRATEGIES ACTION/TASKS DESIRED OUTCOME GOAL DELIVERABLES II.1
Invest in TFTR member workforce training
II.2
Develop TFTR member marketing skills Create new marketing opportunities Improve visibility through TFTR Brand Expand member marketing platforms
II.3 II.4 II.5
Add new & relevant training resources to media lending library Provide marketing training to boost knowledge & skills Curate/promote cross-county thematic travel itineraries Produce high quality promo materials for download/print Negotiate discounted advertising rates for TFTR members
Media Library - increase in lending
New Media Lending Library – titles
Training - increase in training/requests Engagement - increase in member participation Brand - increase in TFTR branded products Marketing - increase in member advertising
Marketing training programs Thematic cross-county travel itineraries Print/web marketing collateral, brochures, postcards, etc Discounted TFTR advertising rates with major publications
SECTOR III: PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR TRAVELERS Goal: Enhance the Forest Trail Experience The Texas Forest Trail Region (TFTR) will enhance the heritage experience for travelers by producing relevant and engaging content, interactive web/mobile products and activities and effective informational and promotional materials. STRATEGIES ACTION/TASKS DESIRED OUTCOME GOAL DELIVERABLES III.1
Attract new & repeat travelers
Provide effective print/web info on regional events/attractions
Social engagement increase in hits
III.2
Deepen traveler engagement
Travel - increase in visitors
III.3
Develop online travel planning tools Enrich perspective traveler’s experience
Develop web/mobile social/interactive TFTR products & services Create thoughtful planning tools for travelers based on activity Generate meaningful stories to “sell” regional travel experiences
TFTR print/web marketing collateral, brochures, postcards, etc Social/interactive travel products & services
Brand - increase in TFTR brand products Partner - increase in member participation
Online travel discovery tools and activities Thematic copy and crosscounty regional itineraries
III.4
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www.texasforesttrail.com