Healdsburg Chamber to launch new advisory group

  is launching a new visitors bureau advisory board and is seeking nominations and applications by a deadline of 5 p.m. on  Tuesday, May 3.

"The Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce is contracted by the City of Healdsburg to manage funds and create programs for economic development, business retention, and tourism designed to stimulate the local economy and prevent blight," said Chamber CEO and   "Three private sector groups also invest in these programs: the Healdsburg Lodging Coalition (HLC), Downtown Business District (DBD) and the Healdsburg Auto Dealers. 

"The combination of these funds creates the ability to promote Healdsburg," McElroy added. "The current structure that helps create marketing direction is the voluntary Promotions Council that meets monthly on an informal basis, but is currently not fiscally or strategically responsible for the budget and marketing plan."

McElroy said the new Visitors Bureau Advisory Board will replace the Promotions Council and will be charged with the task of creating a strategic tourism sales and marketing plan as well as managing the budget.  

"This new board will have representation from a cross-section of tourism related businesses," McElroy said. "Applications and nominations are open to Chamber members from the representative categories including an “at large” position for a non-tourism related business."

If you or someone you know are interested in serving on this board please complete the form (click on the PDF at right) and return it by the May 3, 2011 deadline.