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5. Getting Started - Scandia© 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612‐624‐4947. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material. © 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612‐624‐4947. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material. TOURISM ASSESSMENT PROGRAM Getting Started COMMUNITY PREPARATION 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 time commitment averages about 5 hours per week, with some weeks more intense than others. The local visitors bureau or chamber of commerce often serves as the key contact. The Community Leadership Team should include at least 3‐6 individuals representing a cross‐sector of the community. Potential team members to consider:  CVB or Chamber Director  Marketing organization  City planning or economic development staff  Parks & Recreation staff  Lodging: Resort, Motel, B&B, etc.  Attraction manager  Retailer/Local business  Restaurateur  Youth representative  Natural Resources staff  Museum staff  Historical Society staff  Arts organization  Others as appropriate GENERAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEADERSHIP TEAM 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. ANTICIPATED PROCESS Preparation Extension Educator meets with the Community Leadership Team to conduct training and launch project. Establish plan and dates for community work and visits. Phase 1 Community Leadership Team recruits local residents to complete asset inventories and assessments. Collect secondary information (e.g., past studies, reports, comprehensive plans) Phase 2 Tourism Expert Team visits the community to conduct assessments and facilitate a discussion with community members to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Phase 3 Visitors’ First Impressions team completes mystery visits and written assessments. Reports are drafted, reviewed and presented to the community. Extension Educator facilitates conversation to plan community actions with the Community Leadership Team. Post Program Community implements priority actions. Extension staff conducts a Ripple Effect Mapping Evaluation with the community. QUESTIONS? Please contact Tammy Koerte, Tourism Extension Educator at tkoerte@umn.edu or (763) 767‐3881 © 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612‐624‐4947. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.