November 13th, 2025

"We travel...

it is what makes us human"

– Destinations Internationl

Last week, Chris and I took a short trek up to Madison, WI. There we gathered with peers from all over the state of Wisconsin to talk tourism. We heard from the Wisconsin Secretary of Tourism, Anne Sayers, who shared her daring story to overcome seasonal allergies coupled with her proclamation regarding the kind of commitment that is required to accomplish the impossible. Which are how some things feel right now.

We had break-out sessions and learned about AI, Culture, Outdoors, Engagement, Travel Tech, and the New Era of Travel. At breakfast, on day two, we met Jack Johnson from Destinations International.

Jack was not a scheduled speaker, he joined us unexpectedly as his colleague was called to tend with a family emergency. While we ate eggs, bacon and scones, Jack tackled Destination Stewardship.

Jack reminded us that travel is in our DNA and that the history of mankind is also the history of travel. Because we innately desire to know, '...what's over that hill", mankind is built for endurance. We are meant to travel.

If travel and exploration is so important, how much more important is our job to 'host'. The travel sentiment shifts our mindset. We operate businesses and offer services, but every person with a front door also wears the hat of 'concierge' to our community and city.

The great state of Wisconsin has much to offer: from major destinations like Door County, The Apostle Islands all the way to our terrific neighbor, Lake Geneva. Often, when I share space with the leaders of these well-traveled destinations I get stuck wondering, "how can we measure up and keep pace with these tourism titans?" And now I have my answer. It's us.

It is each and every one of us and how we tackle hospitality. It is caring for our city with focus on sustainability and forward progress. It is adapting when change is on the horizon and knowing when to stick to our guns. It is continually working together as stakeholders of what we value, and that is our community.

The over-arching question becomes, do you value our city? Do you see yourself as a steward of this zip code? Do you know how important you are and the impact you make everyday? Because, I do!

From the moment a guest crosses city limits, everything we do matters. From clean ditches to smiles across the coffee counter, what we do makes a difference and impacts the very community where we live work and play, and where our new friends come to visit.

#NoPressure

Kate Abbe

The Elkhorn Chamber

New question every week!

CHRISTMAS CARD TOWN -

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING

DECEMBER 5TH • 5PM

CHRISTMAS CARD TOWN - PARADE

DECEMBER 6TH • 1:30PM

THANKSGIVING deadline

Friday, November 21st by 2pm

Pick up:

Wednesday November 26 from 10am-4pm or

Thursday November 27 from 10am-2pm

All Dinner are served to-go

WALWORTH COUNTY NEWSLETTER

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