The Jefferson Convention and Visitors Bureau took no formal action during their monthly meeting on Monday, but board president Colleen Taylor updated the board and community on rumors and misinformation regarding the board’s involvement with the Discover Jefferson & Marion County visitor’s guide in partnership with Marion County Media.
“We are a year into this project, it was recommended by Anderson Marketing. There are concerns that if everybody on the board is not on board with this, then we’re not making our goals. If you have concerns or want see something else in it, let us know so we can get it in the magazine. I sent updates this time on the B&Bs and everyone is listed. You do not have to buy an ad to be in the book. All of our restaurants, lodging, merchants, etc. are included. I’ve heard in town that some people were concerned that the tourism department was making money on this magazine. That is incorrect. We make no money off this. We are doing this to promote our city. If we’ve missed you in the book, we need to know about it as we want you in it.”
I think the book is wonderful it’s the greatest advertising for the City of Jefferson that I’ve seen since I’ve been here,” said Francene Deprez-Rainey. “It’s a very valuable, top-quality product and shows tourists what’s going on in town.”
MCM co-owner Hugh Lewis added that the book is paid for through advertising in the book by local businesses and that no Hotel Occupancy Tax funds are used to support the book.
The Tourism Board does pay postage to distribute the book to regional travel centers. Approximately 1,500 copies of the booklet are distributed to travel centers, and around 4,500 are distributed in and around Marion County and Jefferson each quarter. Lewis indicated less than 100 copies are left each quarter.
“We’re about to start working on the January, February, March issue,” said Lewis, “In the next couple of weeks, so any updates or additions, please get them to us as soon as possible. The January-March issue will be available for distribution during Candlelight.”
Taylor also said Rick Rowe will be in Jefferson on November 7 to start filming the city’s 2021 Christmas Show.
She said they are filming during the day some interior locations and will be returning at night for additional footage. She requested businesses and homes be decorated by November 7 to be included. For more information or to let them know about decorations, contact Taylor or Pam Thomas.
The next meeting is November 8.