Tourism Argument

Confusion and Chaos

Right off the bat there was confusion and chaos with this Tourism Department due to the 800 telephone number.

Sea Dog Charters had very valid reasons for concerns as to how this “new” department would answer fishing questions to which Ms. Swisher merely replied that they are “handling the calls coming in”. (Meeting Minutes of Feb. 22, 2006)

In a Midwest Express Promotion, the ad they paid for did not even include a description as to where Sheboygan was located. (Mentioned in meeting minutes of Feb. 22, 2006) The ads were included in the Midwest Express In-Flight Magazine and a back-lit ad in the Milwaukee Airport, with a web address on the back-lit ad.

Right at the beginning, Paulette Enders and Kim Swisher went after a building of their own -- for two people. Perhaps this should be under fiscal irresponsibility; however, it caused a ruckus when word got out…

Former Ald. Suscha wanted to get monies for this Tourism department out of the Matlin property settlement to invest in an office for this department of two. People were confused as to what the issue with the owner of rental properties had to do with tourism...

There was no mention of the Coho Derby on the calendar of events inserted into a tourism publication in 2006 (mentioned in meeting minutes of May 24, 2006). They then had to print up inserts to add the Coho Derby, an event that’s been around as long as I can remember.

In May of 2006, as mentioned in the meeting minutes, Sheboygan County Tourism entities were expressing concerns regarding the disconnected 800 number for tourist use.

Dead fish on the heavily promoted shoreline received a complaint (meeting minutes, June 28, 2006).

The Chamber of Commerce participated in successful marketing efforts via the use of travel shows. Ms. Swisher decided this Tourism Department would not attend any travel shows in 2007 (meeting minutes of Sept. 27, 2006).

Some of the 10 percent of room tax dollars allowed for non-tourism related expenses went to band concerts in 2006. Many felt we could put that money to far better use, such as the fight in crime, drugs and gangs. Instead, they allocated the money to promotion of July 4th activities (meeting minutes of Sept. 27, 2006).

Sport shows get the boot: "Ms. Swisher repeated that sport shows is a targeted demographic, and the City Tourism Division is focused on marketing all the City’s amenities versus a small target group".

Two Bed and Breakfast’s no longer operational remained on the Tourism Web site, which upset some people. One of them belonged to former Ald. Renee Suscha.

The coupon booklets did not include a disclaimer.

Taverns were sent a letter to participate in the "Tourism Coupon Book". (Not in keeping with the family marketing they claim as a main focus).

There was a request made (Meeting minutes of May 23, 2007) that the Charter listing be included in the winter publication. Request was denied. Ms. Swisher stated that the winter publication focuses on indoor activities, and that the summer publication focuses more heavily on outdoor activities. Yet many people plan their summer vacations over the winter and at the exorbitant cost of these publications, surely a mention of the Charter could have been included.

An issue regarding photo credits on the Tourism Web site came up at the meeting of May 23, 2007. It was felt that no credits should be listed on the Tourism Web site because this is free promotion. Quote from minutes: "It was then discussed that the City Tourism Division hire a photographer to take pictures so that no photo credits would be required. Ms. Swisher explained that this would be a costly venture". In the June 27, 2007 minutes it states, “…the procedures for listing photos on the City’s website was creating a hostile and aggressive environment”.

The promotion of charter businesses that are located outside of City facilities became troublesome. Boats found it difficult to obtain a slip at City facilities. (Meeting minutes of June 27, 2007).

Charters have been upset because some of them feel that the Tourism Division is only promoting individual businesses and would like to see the Charter industry as a whole promoted. They wrote letters expressing their feelings and were rudely dismissed. Several charters wrote letters that Swisher shrugged off as containing "…misstatements and inaccuracies". She went on to claim that the Tourism Division was promoting charter businesses "diligently". (Meeting minutes of June 27, 2007).

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