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5. EDA seeking volunteers for Tourism Assessment Leadership Team The Economic Development Authority has contracted with the University of Minnesota Tourism Assessment Program (TAP) to assist in assessing and developing Scandia’s assets for tourism. The program brings expertise from University of Minnesota Extension educators and Tourism Center specialists to work with a local community group on tourism efforts. There are three phases to the Tourism Assessment Program. • First, local teams inventory local assets. Assets include natural and built attractions, services, facilities, people, organizations and more. These inventories plus other documents and past reports gathered by the community create a baseline of information. • Second, a Visitors’ First Impressions team makes a mystery visit to the community and provides their perspective about the visitor experience and the community’s tourism assets. • Third, a team of tourism experts, created by the University of Minnesota To urism Center, visits the community and assess local assets. During the visit, the team facilitates a discussion with community members to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) from tourism in the community. Findings are compiled into a written report to assist the community in creating action priorities. This robust Tourism Assessment Program process delivers a 360° look at your community’s current tourism assets and potential for tourism development. As a part of the program the City is seeking to assemble a Community Leadership Team. The Community Leadership Team guides the process within the community for the duration of the program and beyond. They are responsible for implementing steps during the program and for communicating with the rest of the community. The Community Leadership Team should include at least 3‐6 individuals representing a cross‐sector of the community. Potential perspectives for team members could include: Lodging: Resort, Motel, B&B, etc., Attraction manager, Retailer/Local business, Restaurateur, Youth representative, Natural Resources staff, Museum staff, Arts organization, or others as appropriate The general roles and responsibilities of the leadership team include the following:  Organization: Recruit volunteers to conduct the inventories, plan and arrange the logistics for the expert team visit, set up and invite community residents to the community meeting.  Data collection: A key part of the project is gathering existing information about the community. This will be in the form of asset inventories, past studies, reports, comprehensive plans, etc.  Communication: Maintain communication with residents, elected officials, local organizations and businesses as well as with the Extension Educator about all aspects of the project.  Project coordination: Ensure that tasks are being completed and the team is meeting project deadlines. If you are interested in being a member of the Leadership Team, please complete the application form and return it to the City offices by Friday, May 11th. The application will be reviewed by the EDA at its May 14 Board meeting.