July 17, 2025
Meeting Location: WorldMark (Granby) - 1280 Ten Mile Dr, Granby, CO 80446
Mission Statement: We inspire a sustainable, year-round tourism economy in Grand County with an emphasis on strengthening the vitality of our communities, celebrating our local culture and traditions, and respecting our environment and resources.
Meeting Attendance
Board Members Present: Joanna Whitmarsh, Dave Huber, Cheryl Spezia, Gretta Fosha, Beau Larson, Jennifer Brown, Heather Bishop, Elizabeth Brumm
Attendance By Zoom: Kristin Spronz, Dakota Cordle, Rebecca Bierden, Catherine Ross (Winter Park Chamber of Commerce), Sarah Cichon (Destination Granby)
Board Members Absent: Jeremy Belnap
Also in Attendance: Gaylene Ore, Paula Isakson, DiAnn Butler (Grand County Economic Development), Lisa Bornfield (Hot Sulphur Springs Chamber of Commerce)
3:00 pm Call to Order–President Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by the Board President at 3:03 pm.
Approval of Minutes
Cheryl moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Dave seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Approval of Invoices
Dakota Cordle motioned to approve invoices totaling $92,276.41. Cheryl Spezia seconded. The
Chamber Reports
Lisa reported on Hot Sulphur Spring Days
Next event is the Community Town Wide Yard Sale - Saturday, August 9 The town will organize a Farmer’s Market to coincide with Yard Sales
Recently added trail loop within the park system - ribbon cutting at the end of the month Working on marketing contracts for 2026
Catherine Ross Winter Park Chamber
Sales tax as of the end of May is holding steady, running flat
Over 800 people registered for the Run for Independence 4th of July Run The dance party is a huge hit
The Winter Park Chamber has two new events: Crafts, Corks, and Cocktails & Revel in the Park.
The Chamber has created a new local campaign called Winter Park Way, which focuses on the
Sarah Destination Granby
Granby is experiencing a significant increase in attendance at Music and Market, with sales having nearly doubled.
The Fourth of July was a successful event, with many of our out-of-state visitors in attendance. Denver vendors coming up for Music and Market events
Recently did a 4-day photo shoot to update photography assets
Finished banner project - Destination Granby will use the banners in town and front of the visitor center.
Grand Lake Update by Gaylene Ore
Kelly Kirkpatrick resigned from her role as Chamber Director.
Kremmling Chamber of Commerce Not Present
General Public Comments
DiAnn Butler presented the Tourism Revitalization Plan book to the tourism board.
3:15 pm Administration
Finance Committee
Rebecca, Dakota, Jennifer, and Gaylene will meet with the BOCC to review the budget.
Executive Director
The tourism board has had booths at local music and events festivals in Grand County this summer.
PBS was here to film for the Hometown show, which will air at the end of September/October. Madden had a photo shoot in Grand County in June
Gaylene and Paula have been having website meetings with Madden
Gaylene attended the BOCC meeting. The Mountain Rail and Childcare meetings
Joanna and Gaylene met with Dave Santuccci to discuss board topics for the August Board Retreat
3:30 pm Contractors’Reports Marketing – Lesley Rowbal
Lesley reviewed the highlights from agency management, media management, campaign
creative execution, reporting & analysis, photo/video assets, and the website build.
Year to date highlights with a focus on website support and seo, website ui/ux accessibility, seo Big wins through the end of May, seeing significant engagement on the website, higher click- through rates, and an increase in length of stay.
What is working - Stand Grand boosted posts, more positive user interaction, and search is delivering engaged website visitors.
The board reviewed a rough draft of the new website and the first of three total videos (in a preliminary version).
4:15 pm Old Business
TravelStorys
Gaylene will write a press release and obtain brochures from TravelStorys to promote the TravelStorys App.
Board Retreat
Review of board retreat to start at 8:30 am and end with lunch location tbd
4:30 pm New Business
CTO Annual Conference
The annual conference is in October. Cheryl, Heather, Jennifer, and Joanna are interested in attending. Gaylene will send out a link with information and a sign-up form.
Extra Funding in County-wide Grant
Will state in the press release that we have additional funds Chambers are welcome to ask for additional funding
Discussed the option of moving from quarterly grants to meet with the Community Fund Project. Add-on grant form - are you looking for other avenues for grants
Adjourn
Adjournment
Heather Bishop motioned to adjourn; Beau Larson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:55 pm.
Next Meeting: No Board Meeting in August