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We hope this newsletter finds you doing well as we enter into October. We have the annual meeting and dinner on October 28 at The Lodge at Leathem Smith. We certainly hope you will join us for an evening of dinner and catching up with one another. (Watch your inbox after Columbus Day for details and registration. Add an Annual Meeting reminder to your calendar.)
A big thank you to Todd Trimberger, Pam Seiler, and her team for the coordination and execution that made the BassMasters tournament the success that it was. The tournament brought a lot of people to Door County and infused some great revenues into the economy. Thanks again!!
Speaking of a lot of visitors, October is shaping up to be a pretty busy month. The information specialists in the visitor center are already having some challenges helping guests find rooms. PLEASE take a moment to make sure that your vacancy calendars are up to date, this will save everyone a lot of time and also save some angst on the part of the visitors.
I would like to thank those that have already turned in your 2016 Visitor Guide Ad Contracts. The deadline of September 25th, has passed but we will still accept ads while space is available. After October 7th, we will not be able to guarantee ad placement for 2016.
Thank you again for all your efforts this season to take care of our visitors.
Best Regards,
 Jack Moneypenny, President/CEO
920-818-1131
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MARKETING & SALES
Michelle Rasmusson, Director
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Winter Advertising Opportunities
- eNewsletter: Nov & Dec ($500/ad)
- Trip Advisor Banner Ad: Oct, Nov, Dec ($600/ad)
- Social Media Posts (FB & Twitter): Oct, Nov, Dec ($50-$250)
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COMMUNICATIONS & PR
Jon Jarosh, Director
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Media
Media assistance was provided to 29 journalists/media outlets in September by providing images, information, on-air/on-camera interviews and/or support for Door County based articles and stories. A few highlights included WTMJ NBC 4, Chicago Magazine, WFRV CBS 5, The Beacon Newspapers, TravelWisconsin.com and the travel guidebook Hiking Wisconsin.
Additionally, put together media kits/video assets for distribution at the Bassmaster Angler of the Year fishing tournament and distributed a national press release about our So Delicious So Door County fall promotion.
Media Marketing Program Update
Our seventh press trip of the year, a photography themed trip, took place September 14-17. We welcomed 5 photo travel journalists to the county for a wide range of photographic opportunities from sunrise to sunset and beyond. We have one final press trip scheduled this year, a fall themed trip set for October 19-23. We've partnered with Geiger & Associates Public Relations on our media marketing program since 2007.
Media Coverage Highlights
The Bassmaster Angler of the Year fishing tournament that was held in Sturgeon Bay September 17-20 generated lots of media coverage. A few highlights included stories on FOX 11 WLUK, CBS 5 WFRV, BassFan.com, BassZone.com and Bassmaster.com. Additionally, ESPN 2 is scheduled to air a two-hour highlight show from the recently completed tournament on Sunday October 11 starting at 1 PM central time. Check out the TV schedule here.
The Door County Fish Boil was featured in Men's Journal in an online story that posted on September 15, 2015. Travel journalist William Gurstelle's story included an interview with a local boil master, a description of the feast and even a recipe to make your own. Check out the story on MensJournal.com here.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper ran a great Door County travel story in their Sunday September 20, 2015 travel section. Check out the online version of travel journalist William Gurstelle's story on TwinCities.com here.
Door County was featured in a half-page travel story that ran in The Dispatch newspaper in Moline, IL on Sunday September 20, 2015. Read the online version of travel journalist Mary Lu Laffey's story on QConline.com here.
Metro Parent Magazine (Milwaukee) featured Door County in a fall weekend getaway article that posted on September 22, 2015. Read the article on MetroParentMagazine.com here.
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MEMBERSHIP
Phil Berndt, Director
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2016 Visitor Guide Ad Contracts are Past Due 
Ad Contracts were due Sept 25th but, subject to availability, we may be able to work you in - the sooner you let us know, the better. Please email Cathy Lynch or call 920-818-1135 today!
Succession Planning Workshop for Door County Businesses
Tuesday, October 20th, 2015 from 8:00am to Noon at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. RSVP
DCEDC and the DCVB are pleased to present a free workshop on succession planning for Door County business owners. Topics to be addressed during the half-day seminar include: Introduction to Business Succession Planning, Protecting Your Legacy: Probate Considerations, and a panel discussion on Preparing Your Business For Sale. The agenda also will provide time for questions and answers and networking opportunities. Speakers will include legal experts, accountants, realtors and other experts from Door County and across the state of Wisconsin.
This participatory workshop is designed to help small business owners understand and successfully navigate the process of developing a successful business transition plan. An essential strategic item for all businesses, this plan provides contingencies for a wide variety of situations, including family transitions, retirement, life changes or other causes. Our speakers will address ways that businesses can proactively plan to address some of the most common challenges encountered, and offer strategies that business owners of any age can use to maintain and grow the value of their business and establish an effective plan for the future.
Maybe you think a succession plan isn't necessary because you never intend to retire. But what if you were to die unexpectedly or become ill and can no longer do the job? Who will take over? If you'd like your business to continue beyond your involvement, establishing an appropriate and effective succession plan is a vital part of your business. Join us to learn about succession strategies you can use in your business now and into the future, and to learn about the alternatives you should consider when establishing your plan. Workshop Agenda & Presenter Bios
Click the iCal icon to add a workshop reminder to your calendar!
DCVB Annual Meeting & Dinner
October 28th at The Lodge @ Leathem Smith 5:30pm-8pm. Watch your inbox for Details! 
Click the iCal icon to add an Annual Meeting reminder to your calendar!
Wisconsin Fall Tourism Conference - Nov 5 & 6 in Oshkosh
Please plan on joining us for an inspirational and educational Wisconsin Fall Tourism Conference in Oshkosh November 5th & 6th that will help you punch your ticket to success. General session speakers include Wisconsin native and leadership development guru Jack Harkins and Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. There will be breakout sessions on mobile, digital and event marketing, Destination Marketing Association International's DestinationNEXT study, digital trends, craft beer & cheese tourism, and room tax law.
Make your room reservations NOW by calling the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center at 1-855-230-1900 *Ask for the $99/nightWI Fall Tourism Conference rate.
We hope to see you there!
Click the iCal icon to add a conference reminder to your calendar!
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2016 Events Wanted
We are currently in the process of compiling event information for the Calendar of Events featured in the 2016 Official Visitor Guide. To submit your event(s) for consideration, please email them to events@doorcounty.com by October 15th.
 Please be sure to include the following details: Date(s) Event Name
Town/Village
Venue Name
Event Description
Time
Admission
Phone
Web Address
2016 Official Visitor Guide Ad Contracts
Our Ad Deadline has come and gone but, we are still accepting contracts - as long as we have space - until October 7th. Some sections fill faster than others so please don't put it off any longer.
Availability and Contract Questions should be directed to Cathy Lynch at
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CERTIFIED TOURISM AMBASSADOR
Christine Salmon, Coordinator
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CTA of the Month 
We have so many amazing Certified Tourism Ambassadors in Door County that we want to recognize one every month! We've given out 5 awards to a CTA of the Year since we began our program in 2009 and they have been great representatives of the tourism industry. But, it's time to recognize 12 more of our dedicated, "goes above-and-beyond", "turns every visitor encounter into a positive experience" types of CTAs every year!
We all run into "that" person in Door County: the one who puts a smile on your face because they always have a smile on their face. Or the one who can answer every question that a visitor or resident has, and pretend like it's the first time they've ever heard it ("Which beach is closest to the water?"). Please bookmark this link http://goo.gl/forms/OlRsGhrWmL and submit a nomination form every time you come into contact with someone in Door County who has shown their commitment to tourism in Door County. And, be sure to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/doorcountyCTA to keep up-to-date with all things Door County CTA!
CTAs who are eligible for this award are those that are current in their designation. You can view a list by name here and by business here. We look forward to giving out our 1st CTA of the Month Award soon!
Upcoming Classes 
Registration is open for the November & December classes in 2015. Please visit www.CTANetwork.com and click on "Become a CTA". Follow the prompts to select Door County's available classes, which include dates already scheduled in 2016. Remember - when you register for a class, you are only required to attend ONE 4-hour class and pass the test to become Certified as a Tourism Ambassador. For a cost of $25, you are provided with class materials, the in-class training, a certificate of completion, the gold CTA pin, and tons of new information and tools to use on the job.
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ATTENTION INNKEEPERS & PROPERTY MANAGERS
If your Vacancy Calendar is NOT automated, please verify that your calendar is displaying the correct information to help ensure potential guests are finding accommodations when they call properties listed as having available rooms in their search results. Please, Do NOT put off updating in hope of referring guests to another date or property. This practice is causing a great deal of unnecessary frustration for our visitors and Welcome Center staff.
Vacancies & Cancellations WANTED
If you have any vacancies or cancellations for the upcoming weekends, please contact our Welcome Center so we can help you fill your rooms! 920-743-4450
Winter Guides
Winter Guides are available for pick-up or contact Jennifer to request a delivery.
Do we need more of your printed brochures?
If Mary Beth contacts you for brochures please send them, drop them off or let her know that you are out for the season. Marybeth@doorcounty.com Thank You!
Your Information Specialists - Carol, Jennifer, Mary Beth & Laura
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