07.23.2024 Minutes TC
Scandia Tourism Committee, Council Chambers July 23, 2024
Members in Attendance: Sue Dickens, Chrissi Larsen, and Jim Gribble. Absent: Lynne Moratzka
and Sarah Porubcansky. Additional Attendee: Brenda “Bee” Stignani (Office Assistant.)
Call to Order –Chair Dickens called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m., a quorum is present.
Approve the Agenda – Larsen moved, Gribble seconded, to approve the agenda with
Flexibility. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve the Minutes – Dickens moved, Gribble seconded, to approve June 25, 2024 minutes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Business Breakfasts – Dickens provided a draft of a letter to end to the Scandia Business contact
list. Edits of date, time and typos were suggested. Dickens questioned if notice should go out prior
to this letter, giving all the legally required ability to opt out in or out of receiving communication and
as an outreach to invite all new businesses in Scandia the opportunity to be included. Discussion
concluded to draft another message with verbiage to opt out of future communications and use social
media to invite others to be included prior to the one and only message going out for the October 9th
Business Breakfast. Dickens to prepare next draft to include the caterer (local business - Dickens to
approach New Scandia Café) and a description of the agenda. Vision of first breakfast meeting for
Tourism Committee to present a brief outline of upcoming Scandia Events, all participants briefly
introduce themselves, and breakout into small groups to answer questions by Tourism Committee to
include suggestions of how this committee can operate to benefit Scandia and their business.
2025 St Croix Valley Visitor Guide – Dickens facilitated discussion which resulted in unanimous
consensus to provide an updated Community Center Playground photo, and request the phrase
“Community Center Playground & Tennis/Pickleball Courts Family Fun!” be shortened to bold text
“Community Center Playground & Courts” as the only changes. Gribble volunteered to take some
kids in action photos when he is at the park with children in the near future.
Scandia Evening Adventures Suggestion - Dickens discussed briefly the developing idea to
incorporate a photo contest in Scandia Evening Adventures. Submit a unique photo or location in
Scandia from a participating business to ‘win’ something. Or a contest to locate something specific
over the evening, and submit the response to be eligible for a prize.
VinterLights! Planning – Dickens will provide staff updated information for 2024 vendor
registration material. Gribble volunteered to assist Patti Ray to coordinate the outdoor activities or
take over if she resigns. This includes music, cookies & hot cocoa, fire pits, and tree lighting
coordination. Gribble requested Christmas music on the ice rink speakers; the city purchases this
permit annually. Dickens will continue to coordinate the vendor aspect of the event. Larsen
volunteered to coordinate the live entertainment and activities in the Heritage Room.
Adjournment –Motion by Dickens, seconded by Gribble, to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant