Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $25,000 budget for the Amador Council of Tourism Sept. 27.
Funds were taken from the tourism and promotions budget line item. Supervisor Chairman John Plasse said ACT has done a great job, told Executive Director Maureen Funk: “I like the job you do.”
Supervisors Richard Forster said ACT was allocated $25,000 last year, and “the return of investment is good.” Funk said ACT appreciates the opportunity to apply for these funds. She said they have a marketing committee and “take very seriously” the use of the funds. She said the Amador Council of Tourism multiplies its county funding by six-and-three-quarters per dollar.
Supervisor Ted Novelli said he even sees Funk working at the grocery store, and he asked her how much she works. Funk said: “I work what it takes to get the job done. To be fair, when it’s slow, I do take time for myself.” She said ACT is “committed to keep that visitor’s center open seven days a week.” The Council and volunteers staff the new visitors center in the ACTC building on Sutter Hill.
Forster asked about the voluntary fee program. Funk said they are getting participation in the program, and by 2012 it will “make a difference to our bottom line.” Some businesses say they cannot give a dollar per night, and say they will give a certain amount per quarter.
Plasse said cities get the lion’s share of Transient Occupancy Tax, and asked how successful she has been approaching cities about funding. Funk said Plymouth will allow ACT to apply for funds. Jackson is considering it, and Ione has been supportive and told them to apply.
ACT director Lisa Bolton said Supervisors have “complete accountability of your investment.” She said she works with other agencies and is also on the Calaveras Council of Tourism and the California Travel & Tourism Commission.
Supervisor Brian Oneto said he was at the Regional Council of Rural Counties conference in Lake Tahoe the previous week, and while there, saw brochures on Black Chasm in Pine Grove. He said: “I like to get our name out there.”
Tracey Berkner, ACT President said in Amador County, tourism is one of the top five economic drivers, and agri-tourism is one of the top drivers. She said as a business owner, you look at return of investment, and our “return of investment is higher than Wall street in some cases.”
Funk said ACT is partner on an app, which had 7,500 downloads, and about 25 percent of those look at Amador County.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
