Sutter Creek – The Amador Council of Tourism was expected to hear today from its “visioning committee” that a proposed Outdoor Writers Association Conference, scheduled for June 2010, would be delayed until 2011. Maureen Funk, executive director reported that in the October ACT meeting, a “Conference representative expressed interest in Amador County” as avenue. The conference would include about 40 writers, with an average attendance of 80-110 people. The conference has been held in Calaveras County, which had a budget for the conference of $10,000. Most expenses for hosting the conference rest on the shoulders of the hosting area. Attractions can include photo excursions, caves, fishing, hunting, Roaring Camp, golf, hatchery and walking tours, with different levels of activity for writers and spouses/families. Hosting the conference can provide Amador County with “significant press and promotional coverage vis-à-vis their writing profession,” Funk said. A committee was formed to bring back a proposal. Also in October, a treasurer report said most of ACT’s income is from 2 sources: lodging assessment and membership dues. The council was “at $8,000 of a $12,000 goal.” 50-60 percent of ACT’s expenses are advertising and overhead is approximately $55,000. The Amador County Board of Supervisors this year gave ACT $25,000, an increase over last year. The 7-year-old Amador Council of Tourism reported 160 members, and its “membership committee” is starting a new campaign this month, among current and prospective members. ACT “can take ½ cash and ½ trade for membership fees, especially if someone is interested in going to a higher membership level.” In member reports, Corinne Moore reported planning a wine booth for the 10-day tennis open in March 2010 in Indian Wells, with attendance expected at 300,000 people. The hosts are putting together a wine country pavilion from all regions of California, including related tourist info. Moore said her brother offered to work with her to help with costs of the booth. Amador Regional Transit System director James Means said he has submitted 3 grant applications including one for shuttle service, and he met with Sen. Dave Cox and will meet with Assemblywoman Alyson Huber. He said the ARTS Kirkwood ski bus will be running until April this season. The new transit site will have about 50 Park & Ride parking spots. Insurance will cover vehicles that park there. ACT was scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. today at Days Inn in Sutter Creek. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.