Senior Advisory Board Member Patrick McKinney Tamaqua Railroad Station 18 North Railroad St., Tamaqua, PA, 18252

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2 Special Thanks. Our deepest appreciation and thanks to our legislature s public investment in the tourism industry. We are grateful for tourism s hotel tax revenue sharing as it allows us to invest in economic development with tourists dollars. Tourism pays for itself and as careful stewards, we enjoy the privilege of providing partner services, increasing visitation and economic investment, and marketing Schuylkill County by telling her stories to the outside world. State Legislators Senator David Argall 100 North Centre Street Pottsville, PA (570) Fax: (570) Hon. Michael Tobash 988 East Main Street Schuylkill Haven, PA (570) Fax: (570) Hon. Jerry Knowles 202 E. Broad Street Tamaqua, PA (570) Fax: (570) Hon. Neal P. Goodman 39 West Centre Street Mahanoy City, PA (570) Fax: (570) County Commissioners George F. Halcovage Jr., Chairman of Commissioners Frank J. Staudenmeier, Commissioner Gary J. Hess, Commissioner 401 N. Second St. Pottsville, PA (570) Fax: (570) County Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk 401 N. Second St. Pottsville, PA (570) Fax: (570) Partners & Supporters Senior Advisory Board Member Patrick McKinney 1874 Tamaqua Railroad Station 18 North Railroad St., Tamaqua, PA, Senator James J. Rhoades Municipal Center Building 39 West Centre Street, Mahanoy City, PA Locust Lake State Park, Tuscarora State Park, Swatara State Park, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Schuylkill Conservation District, Weiser State Forest, Schuylkill River Greenways, Schuylkill County Conservancy, Schuylkill County Sportsmen s Association, SEDCO, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. City of Pottsville, Boroughs of Ashland, Auburn, Coaldale, Cressona, Deer Lake, Frackville, Gilberton, Girardville, Gordon, Landingville, Mahanoy City, McAdoo, Mechanicsville, Middleport, Minersville, Mount Carbon, New Philadelphia, New Ringgold, Orwigsburg, Palo Alto, Pine Grove, Port Carbon, Port Clinton, Ringtown, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah, Saint Clair, Tamaqua, Tower City, Tremont, and the Townships of Barry, Blythe, Branch, Butler, Cass, Delano, East Brunswick, East Norwegian, East Union, Eldred, Foster, Frailey, Hegins, Hubley, Kline, Mahanoy, New Castle, North Manheim, North Union, Norwegian, Pine Grove, Porter, Reilly, Rush, Ryan, Schuylkill, South Manheim, Tremont, Union, Upper Mahantongo, Walker, Washington, Wayne, West Brunswick, West Mahanoy, West Penn.

3 Greeting. Dear Schuylkill County Tourism Partner, Fifty-five years ago we became your designated tourism promotion agency working to bring visitors and their dollars to Schuylkill County. Over that time, a great deal has changed at the visitor s bureau and in the tourism industry, but one thing remains the same: we re telling our community s stories. But change is constant, however, if we are to continue growing Schuylkill County s tourism industry. Some changes were visible and some not so visible. Investments were made in our website and database. The board created and approved a new strategic plan that focuses on visitor experience and increased partnerships. We are telling stories through video and making changes in our marketing. We created a Senior Advisory Board where members can continue to serve our industry with their experience and knowledge while making way for innovation and change with new members. Schuylkill County continues to be a convenient destination for a fun, uplifting experience to a variety of people. Our rich history, unique attractions, and lush mountains afford us the ability to offer an authentic travel experience visitors crave, especially the heritage tourist. While telling our stories to the heritage tourist and outdoor recreation market, we ve managed to make more people aware of Schuylkill County both here and from a distance. Hotel occupancies continue to rise. Our robust social media strategy has earned us a significant following as we continue to invest in high emotion storytelling and imagery through video. Our promotions continue to move the needle. More visitors - and their dollars - continue to find their way to our many attractions and events, restaurants, and lodging facilities. Our industry is enjoying a significant period of growth. Thanks to the work of our dedicated Board of Directors and new Senior Advisory Board, we continue to grow, make larger financial investments in promotion, and create a larger impact as one component of our county s comprehensive economic development plan. We continue to move forward telling Schuylkill County s stories and competing as a unique Pennsylvania destination, and are excited to be in partnership with you. Sincerely, Regina M. Gargano

4 Board of Directors. Executive Committee Jerry Enders James G. Caravan, Esq. Robert Carl Brian Hansbury President Jerry s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum Vice-President Lewis, Williams & Caravan Treasurer Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Secretary SEDCO Board of Directors Debbie Altobelli Yuengling Brewery Museum & Gift Shop David Crouse 3C s Family Restaurant Allyson Chryst Maid Quarters Bed, Breakfast & Tearoom Joan Goodman Kaier Mansion Bed & Breakfast Sandy Hess Hess Catering Kathy Hubble Stone Mountain Wine Cellars Chastity Moran Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine Noreen O Boyle Holiday Inn Express Stephanie Premich Mud & Maker Staff Regina Gargano Executive Director Vanessa Gerhard Administrative Coordinator Keri Johnson Communications Coordinator

5 Community Investments. We have been fortunate to make a number of community investments with our members in Schuylkill County and around our region of East Central Pennsylvania. Many of these investments are ongoing in nature, have been occurring for many years, and will hopefully continue for many more. Visitors Guide- a marketing investment designed to drive customers to our members and promote the community as an amenities-rich outdoor recreation destination. We create and print 100,000 copies of the Schuylkill County Visitors Guide and market the guide electronically, via our website, mobile website, and social media. Our printed guide is distributed on turnpikes and rest areas including Dauphin, Cumberland, Susquehanna, Luzerne, Lehigh, Chester, Centre, Pike, Bucks, Philadelphia, Columbia, Montour, and more. It is also distributed at PA Welcome Centers including PA Welcome Center at Dutch Country PA/MD, PA Welcome Center at the Lehigh Valley PA/NJ, and PA Welcome Center at Endless Mountains PA/NY. Senior Advisory Board- Created to provide sustainability by further cementing former board members long-term experience, competence, supervision, excellence, and leadership of county tourism. Customized Company Vehicle - a marketing tool that represents an intriguing glimpse of Schuylkill County as a tourism destination that is truly an American Original. Customizable Historical Walking Tour of Pottsville John O Hara Tour Partner Participants for Pottsville Hotel Study and Pottsville Economic Strategic Revitalization Plan Outdoor Recreation Map- The map is a free resource that highlights comprehensive outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Schuylkill County. Video Project- Our video series comprised of over 28 different local attractions, events, and experiences presents viewers with an intriguing glimpse of a destination that is truly an American Original. We utilize the videos to market the county to attract tourists and feature messaging that leads audiences to higher engagement in a compelling and powerful way. We made the video series available to any and all partners throughout the region to showcase the county, educate their partners, and spread the good news that there is plenty of fun to be had in Schuylkill County. State of the Art Digital Wayfinding Kiosk system - Designed to increase visitor spend, provide member connectivity, and move people around Schuylkill County, as well as provide useful visitor data. Numerous event sponsorships, co-ops, and assistance to organizations throughout the county and region, including but not limited to: Schuylkill Haven Island Park, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Hawk Mountain, Schuylkill County Wine Festival, The Great Pottsville Cruise, DSI, TACP/TCAC/Tamaqua Chamber, Block of Art, Yuengling Light Lager Jogger, Halloween Hustle 5k, Arts Barn, Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill County Fair, Folk Art & Culinary Festival, Schuylkill River Sojourn, Valley View Park, Celebrate Schuylkill Spirit of the Holidays, and more. Visitor Resources SkooCal - partner sponsors for SkooCal, the free, premier online event calendar resource for the community. Itineraries - provide customizable itineraries and related resources.

6 Membership. Members are the heart and soul of the Visitor s Bureau! After all, they comprise Schuylkill County s tourism product; therefore, they are the reason we exist. We can t showcase Schuylkill County s tourism product and tell our story if there s nothing to showcase and no story to tell. We are grateful for your partnership. 3 C s Family Restaurant Gaudenzia Pottsville Outpatient Majestic Theater Schuylkill Ballet Theatre 4 Play Moonshine Good Intent Hose Company #1 of Momma Millie's Bakery Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce AAA Schuylkill County Llewellyn Mountain Valley Golf Course Schuylkill Choral Society Alchemist's Cove Games & Comics Gramma's Family Dining Mud And Maker Schuylkill County Airport Annual Girardville St. Patrick's Day Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Myrtle May s Café Schuylkill County Board Of Realtors Parade Business Association No. 9 Mine & Museum Schuylkill County Conservancy Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Oak Hill Inn Schuylkill Conservation District Armstrong Valley Winery Society Old White Church Preservation Schuylkill County Council for the Arts Arts Barn, The Gallery & Education Hampton Inn at Pine Grove Committee Schuylkill County Fair Association Center Hawk Mountain Sanctuary O'Neals Pub Schuylkill County Historical Society Ashland Mother's Memorial Healthy Habits Natural Market Orwigsburg Business And Schuylkill County's Vision Ateeco Inc. - Mrs. T's Pierogies Heisler's Cloverleaf Dairy Inc Professional Association Schuylkill County Wine Festival Bake Shop VI Hess Catering Inc. Orwigsburg Historical Society & Schuylkill Country Club BB & T Insurance Services Hidden Treasures LLC Museum Schuylkill Keep It Pretty Beehive Hair Salon Hidden Valley Golf Course Our Town Foundation Schuylkill River Greenway Association Berkshire Hathaway Home Service Hillside SPCA Peace Frog Natural Foods Schuylkill Transportation System Home Sale Realty Holiday Inn Express And Suites Penn State Schuylkill Schuylkill YMCA Benigna's Creek Vineyard & Winery Hometown Farmers Market Penn State Master Gardeners Stoker's Brewing Company Brickhouse Grill Hope Hill Lavender Farm Pine Grove Comfort Inn Stone House Bed & Breakfast Buddy's Log Cabin Family Restaurant Island Committee Inc Pine Grove Hose, Hook, & Ladder Stone Mountain Wine Cellars C & C Candies And Country Store Inc It's Just Barbecue Fire Co #1 Strike Zone Alleys CACL Federal Credit Union Jerry's Classic Car & Collectibles Pine Grove Pilot Travel Center Subway Camp-A-While Campground Museum Pine Lanes Bowling Center Summer Valley Guest House Christmas Pines Campground Joan Goodman Real Estate Pioneer Evergreen Farms Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail City Of Pottsville Johannes Schwalm Historical Pioneer Pole Buildings Tamaqua Area Chamber Of Commerce Comfort Inn & Suites Association Inc. Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine Tamaqua Community Art Center Country Inn & Suites Kaier Mansion Bed & Breakfast Porter Tower Lions Club Tamaqua Historical Society Crimson House Ken s Tire Inc. Pottsville Business Association Tamaqua Station Restaurant Crossroads Inn King Cole Winery Pottsville Commission on Tourism Tamaqua SOS Crystal Cave Kline Brothers Auto Body Shop Pottsville Lions Club Tompkins Vist Bank Demmergraphics Screen Printing Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop Pottsville Motor Inn Valley View Park Association Diakon Community Services L & K Construction Pottsville Zone Veterans of the Vietnam War Post # 29 Downtown Shenandoah Inc. Lakeside Ballroom Pristine Green Cleaning Service Vintage 61 Storehouse Dutch Kitchen Restaurant Lasting Legacy For Pottsville R & J Transportation Inc Vito s Coal Fire Pizza & Restaurant Eastern Press Quality Printing Laurel Lakes Campsites Ramada Inn Werner Lumber Company Echo Valley Campground Inc. Leesport Farmers Market Inc. Rausch Creek Trailriders Walk In Art Center Ellen s Gourmet Baskets Lehigh Carbon Community College Reading Fightin Phils Wanamaker, Kempton, & Evans Delivery Company Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Red Lion Cafe Southern Railroad Fairlane Village Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Red Ridge Lake Campground Wheel Restaurant Famous Reading Outdoors Lessie's Garden Greenhouse & Gift Red Shale Ridge Vineyards White Birch Golf Course Fieldwood Winery Shop/Avenues Roman Delight Whitewater Rafting Adventures Inc Forget-Me-Not Florist Lodge At Sharp Mountain Republican Herald Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Frackville Business & Professional Long Trout Winery Roma Pizzeria & Restaurant Airport-AVP Association Lori's Angels Rosemount Camping Resort Winterwalk Train Display & Gift Shop Frackville Rotary Club Mahanoy Area Historical Society Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Wooden Keg Tavern Friedensburg Country Restaurant Maids' Quarters Bed, Breakfast, & Church Yuengling Brewery Museum & Gift Gabriel Chamber Ensemble Tea Room Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson Shop Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery Manheim Diner Sales & Services

7 Professional Affiliations. The Schuylkill County Visitor s Bureau realizes that our tourism industry partners need as many resources as they can possibly get in today s competitive industry environment and that s why we subscribe to an extensive list of professional affiliations that are key components to our destination product. We bring the benefits of these relationships to our partners and keep costs at a minimum.

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10 Performance. Travel Economy Impacts *Source PADCED, Office of Tourism **All dollar amounts in millions

11 Media Partnerships. With tight media and ad budgets, public relations is more important than ever. It s a cost effective way of getting information about Schuylkill County out to the media, our target audiences, and our community. Social media, in particular, is extremely effective for us. However, we are fortunate to have many media partners that support the tourism industry and its economic impact in Schuylkill County. Their contribution, support, and partnership make it possible for us to continue to tell Schuylkill County s story.

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