March 2018

As we roll into spring, a big thank you to everyone who participated, donated and helped in any way, shape or form with this year’s MACVB auction at the Explore Minnesota Tourism Annual Conference. Led by the chair of the committee, Brent Cory, Executive Director, Dee Schutte and the silent auction committee, we hit our goal of $25,000 for the auction with a net profit to MACVB after expenses of $22,030.30. This auction is our sole fundraiser for the year and it is very important to fund the many activities throughout the year.  Nice job all!

Lots of action happening on the legislative front. Our newest board member, Tracy Shimek is also the chair of the public policy committee. The legislative team of Todd Hill and Tony Kwilas of Hill Capitol Strategies are doing a nice job keeping the interests of MACVB front and center at the capitol as well as reporting on topics that effect our industry. Everyone is welcome to listen in on the public policy calls. The next call is April 13^th at 10:30am.  Contact Dee for conference call info.

Looking forward, the board is working diligently on implementing our top initiatives from a recent strategic session. A mission statement isn’t much if people cannot remember it or understand it.  Consequently, we simplified the MACVB mission to…  “Committed to advocating and advancing Minnesota’s destination marketing industry”.

We are also working on our top three initiatives…

1. Provide bold and thoughtful advocacy on public initiatives. Building an agenda, bring proactive, having a rapid response, engaging with state and local stakeholders and establishing MACVB as a player.
2. Build a robust portfolio of MACVB products and services that advances the destination marketing industry. This includes quality education and networking for members and user groups, increase member satisfaction and satisfaction and developing a member toolkit with common FAQ’s, helpful resources, and links to helpful sites.
3. Elevate MACVB’s recognition and position in Minnesota’s destination marketing industry. This consists of developing a communications plan and increase member volunteerism and engagement.

MACVB is healthy and continues to move in a good direction. This is “our” organization as members. We get out of it what we put into it. Whether it’s our education summit in Alexandria on June 5 – 6 or our annual meeting October 2-3, make it a priority to attend these events. Education, legislative direction, networking and the opportunity to meet with stakeholders in the industry in a laid back environment has been well received.

Thank you to all involved. Make this year your best ever!

-Joe Henry, 2018 Board Chair