08.d 02.28.2023 Minutes Tourism Committee DRAFT
Scandia Tourism Committee Minutes
February 28, 2023 – 5:00 p.m.
Meeting at Community Center
Members in Attendance: Sue Dickens, Sarah Porubcansky, and Lynne Moratzka. Additional
Attendees: Christine Maefsky (Mayor) and Brenda “Bee” Stignani (Office Assistant).
Call to Order –Chair Dickens called the meeting to order at 5:11 p.m., a quorum is present.
Approve the Agenda –Porubcansky moved, Moratzka seconded, to approve the agenda with
Flexibility. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve the Minutes –Moratzka moved, Porubcansky seconded, to approve the January 24,
2023 minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
Membership Review – Dickens contacted three individuals to consider applying to serve on the
Tourism Committee, and one has submitted an application. City Council will interview this
candidate at the next possible opportunity. Dickens will continue reaching out to others, including
current EDA members. Dickens inquired if Tourism will step in to organize quarterly business
breakfasts in light of the anticipated changes with the EDA. Topic tabled for a future meeting.
Further discussion concluded some potential individuals are best suited to approach when
requesting assistance with a specific project or event, rather than serving on the committee.
Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference – Some members were able to participate in the
Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Porubcansky recommends connecting with Sister City
Mellerud Tourism coordinator to share short video clips from Scandia as a start to international
marketing. Tap into the surfacing interest from the Twin Cities area to “explore” the country in
daytrips as observed at Vinterfest. Use Explore Minnesota resources. Prepare an event to showcase
Scandia to potential local tourists.
Press Day– Dickens outlined the concept: reach out to Scandia businesses and organizations to
compile a list of annually hosted activities. Invite representatives to be onsite to answer questions or
promote their events. Invite print and broadcast media to attend. Members chose Tuesday, May
23rd during the day as the goal for this event. If responses are too slow, reconsider a different date.
Discussion concluded that Porubcansky will create a spreadsheet for coordinating invitations to
businesses and organizations. Maefsky will provide a list of previously contacted businesses and
organizations. Consensus for this event to be organized similar to a college fair. Scandia Media Fair
Day or Scandia Press Fair suggested as the name for this event.
Best of Scandia Review – Dickens requested tabling this topic for a future meeting as she has
received feedback from participants and would like to present it in a written format.
City Wide Garage Sale – Dickens confirmed the dates, Thursday, June 1st – Saturday, June 3rd.
Stignani provided a printed copy of the updated online registration form for participants and the
automatically generated email reply to all applicants. Porubcansky confirmed she would like a copy
of the registrations for inclusion in the digital map. Dickens will research sign options and work to
line up a food truck to be at the Community Center parking lot for Saturday’s sale hours. Noted the
need to take photos this year for promotional purposes for next year.
Scandia Tourism Committee Minutes
February 28, 2023
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Upcoming Events – Dickens noted Best of Scandia Holiday Shopping Extravaganza running well
and planned for 2023. The Scandia Evening Adventures are being scheduled for another season
(third Thursdays in October, November, and December) and seems to be gaining momentum and
support from area businesses. The second annual City-Wide Garage sale is promising and adding a
Press Fair event is underway.
Adjournment –Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Dickens, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant