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Scandia EDA presentation 4.24.19 OpportunitiesTourism Development Opportunities in Scandia CYNTHIA MESSER cmesser@umn.edu April 24, 2019 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. VALHOMMEH TILL SOAHDIA HOME OF THE FIRST SWEDISH :'A SETTLERS IN MINNESOTA 1850 TOURISM ASSESSMENT PROCESS ■ Community ■ Asset inventories ■ SWOT ■ Mystery visitors ■ Experienced Scandia, candid feedback ■ Expert Team ■ Community assessment visit ■ SWOT meeting ■ Reviewed past reports, documents ■ Report © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. EXISTING RESOURCES ■ Comprehensive Plan 2040 ■ Architectural design guidelines ■ St Croix Scenic Byway ■ EDA ■ City leadership ■ Passionate supporters © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. SCANDIA'S GOALS ■ Maintain and promote the City's cultural character and history. ■ Maintain and promote a variety of land uses and residential densities while maintaining Scandia's existing agricultural and rural character. ■ Preserve and protect the City's natural resources. ■ Provide economic opportunities for residents and businesses. Source: City of Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. SWOT _ Strengths TWeaknesses � — Gammelgarden — Swedish heritage and history — Scenic beauty — Location — St. Croix River — Small town charm — Agritourism resources � —Lack of businesses downtown — How spread out things are in the community — Lack of restaurants and lodging —Lack of community 6P connections 0 Il SWOT ■ Opportunities —Gateway Trail � —Commuter traffic r — Farm to table Lodging — Airbnb, cabins etc — Architectural guidelines — Connect to river — Business development Threats — Locals fear change — Development that doesn't support character - Speed of tourism influx — Internet — Climate change — Potential loss of school TOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES ■ Enhance /expand tourism amenities and assets ■ Strengthen local and regional connections ■ Educate the community ■ Plan tourism to protect the assets and character of the community © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION ■ Structure for tourism — Leadership — Tourism plan ■ Infrastructure ■ Assets — Outdoor recreation / nature -based tourism — Cultural/heritage © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. �':, �r:fir.• �'..�'-:� `": _ _ �-.i... .q S S� y'�SjR p� .R r• y �t SAND �. LAKE TRAIL ; ry STRAIGHT 1 ;, AHEAD OT'•--� HIKE TRAIL r f Wm OBr' ien State Park ENTRANCE 8 m ja �1 {,artpkin an +o Dus$3.gq 11 Awk-I I W Damm;e6w"rden=.� - Museum ' 4 MA w — 44 7. Y,,j NOW OPEN. r �eAen Cple Crabtree 's 651-433-5501 ° Retail Store Prairie Restorations, Inc-* 65,433-1437 ... pra.ntrrcto tan COMMUNITY SUPPORT ■ Decide what tourism means for Scandia ■ Seek diverse community voices ■ Educate residents about potential ■ Collaborate — between businesses — with neighboring communities © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. WASHINGTON COUNTY TOURISM • $566,454,649 Gross Sales in 2017 • $38,324,474 State Sales Tax ■ 11 ,781 private sector jobs Source: Explore Minnesota Tourism, 2018 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. MARKETING ■ Create a marketing plan ■ Determine your messaging ■ Coordinate marketing efforts ■ Website enhancement © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. TOURISM MARKETS ■ Current — Day trippers ■ Cultural heritage ■ Recreation (biking, river, f'�_.....�, ■ Shopping ■ Agritourism ■ Events — Visiting friends/relatives (VFR — Pass-through / commuters © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. SUGGESTED NEXT STEPS ■ Establish leadership committee for tourism — Explore a funded position ■ Create a tourism development plan ■ Create marketing plan ■ Identify realistic enhancements — Visually — Accessibilty —Attractions, amenities, ancillary services © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Discussion & Questions © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This PowerPoint is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612-624-4947.