This partner communication exists to provide timely information on Sonoma County’s tourism and hospitality industry, along with resources to help partners navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
July 28, 2020
Don’t miss the SCT (virtual) annual meeting

Aug. 26 @ 10:30 a.m.

Hear from Sonoma County Tourism regarding the challenging FY19-20 year and plans for the upcoming year.

Gain insights about consumer sentiment and Sonoma County’s visitation from Amir Eylon, President, Longwoods International

Be inspired by Jessica Blotter, owner, Kind Traveler

All in a 90-minute session! Meeting details and registration information to come. 
Tourism Cares event this Saturday

There is still time to register for this Saturday’s Tourism Cares “Hospitality Counts” parade. This event is designed to be performed from the safety of your car.
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Arrive at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country parking lot so that we can help decorate your vehicle in pro-census signage.

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join our procession of vehicles as we cruise through a route of census designated “hard-to-count” neighborhoods in northwest Santa Rosa. We’ll be honking horns and waving hands to raise awareness of this important once-in-a-decade effort.

11 a.m.
The route brings us back to the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country parking lot, where you’ll be treated to individually packaged COOKIE…take a bite! treats. Census posters and information will also be available.
If you’re looking to get out of the house; do some good in a fun, safe, environment; and enjoy delicious cookies, please register here .

This parade is being organized in partnership with CAP Sonoma and the U.S. Census Bureau as the premiere event of their Sonoma County Census Action Week . We extend our thanks to them, as well as COOKIE…take a bite! and Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country for partnering with us on this event.

Questions? Email Devin McConnell at [email protected].
Have you been counted? Take the census today at https://2020census.gov
Encourage Visitors to #SipSoCo2020
Third-party recommendations play a more important role than ever in helping drive consumers to visit winery tasting rooms. Sonoma County Vintners would like your help to encourage visitors to share their experiences on social media.

Tasting room visitors can enter to win a Sonoma County swag bag simply by sharing a photo from their visit on their social media channels. Using #SipSoCo2020 customers can tag @SonomaCountyVintners to be entered to win. The prize will include a Sonoma County branded canvas tote filled with items like a leather notebook, water bottle, t-shirt and more. The giveaways will occur once a month in August and September. All entries from these two months will be entered into a grand prize that will be sent in October for Sonoma County Wine Month.

Digital assets in support of this campaign can be accessed here .
SCHA Special Membership Promotion

In support of the hospitality and tourism industry during these challenging times, Sonoma County Hospitality Association , the voice of Sonoma County’s hospitality industry, is having a membership drive with a special limited time offer. Sonoma County hospitality business and industry associates who join SCHA by August 31 will receive the remaining year’s membership at no cost. In January 2021, after appreciating the member benefits of SCHA, members will renew at regular member rates.

Along with great information and resources, SCHA members enjoy special pricing for all training programs and events, exclusive networking opportunities and more. Along with supporting our industry, your voice and energy are essential, so join SCHA today!

To learn more about membership and to join, visit www.sonomacountyhospitality.org/join.
Economic Recovery Town Hall

The county Economic Recovery Steering Committee invites you to participate in the Economic Recovery Town Hall. Input gathered in this Town Hall will be used to inform a long term economic recovery strategy. The Committee is focused on long term recovery with emphasis on business specific recovery, workforce recovery, and community recovery. Your participation is encouraged to help create an impactful recovery strategy. Advanced questions and comments can be sent to [email protected] .

The Town Hall will be occurring twice on Aug 26, at noon and again at 6 p.m.
Registration for the 12 p.m. meeting is open here , and the 6 p.m. meeting here .
USA Today 10best nominations

There is still time to vote for Sonoma County as Favorite American Wine Region in USA Today’s 10best Readers’ Choice awards. Additionally, Sonoma County’s Up & Away Ballooning is nominated for Best Hot Air Balloon Ride .

Voting is permitted once per day until Aug 12 for Favorite American Wine Region and until Aug 17 for Best Hot Air Balloon Ride . 

You can vote for Sonoma County here and for Up & Away Ballooning here . 
Resources

Sonoma County Tourism  has a Coronavirus Partner Toolkit regularly updated  here.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board has compiled a comprehensive list of local, state, and government resources (including financing options) for businesses at their SoCo Launch website here .


Get tested  and help Sonoma County eliminate the coronavirus. Broad COVID-19 viral testing is now available. Learn more  here.

The  County of Sonoma’s  SoCo Emergency webpage  offers COVID-19 resources, support, and information.