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. |
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We look forward to the opportunity to virtually gather our industry together next week for our annual meeting. We hope this meeting will provide perspective on how SCT has responded to a tumultuous year and our plans for recovering stronger than ever during the upcoming year. We are thrilled to have Amir Eylon, president of Longwoods International, present not only the Sonoma County 2019 Visitor Profile, but also provide a greater perspective on the nationwide tourism industry and updated consumer sentiment. We’ll also provide a Sonoma County outlook through the expert lens of Dr. Robert Eyler. While this is generally a time for us to gather and celebrate the enormous efforts each of you makes throughout the year, we welcome the chance to meet virtually and not only share our programming, but hear how we can best serve your needs.
Registration is still available, and this year we’ve waived the fee. Until next week, thank you for all you do on behalf of Sonoma County’s tourism industry!
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Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
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FEMA Response Center now open
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) in Sonoma County. Visitors can register for FEMA assistance, check the status of their applications, find information about programs and agencies that can help speed their recovery, receive answers to questions, review information within their determination letter from FEMA, or find out whether they can still receive assistance if they have insurance.
The Sonoma County Mobile Response Intake Center is located at the Sonoma County Office of Education, 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
Learn more at the FEMA website here.
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The U.S. Travel Association kicked off its Let’s Go There campaign last week to inspire Americans to do what is exciting and productive: make plans to travel. U.S. Travel encourages everyone in the travel industry to join this national conversation to reignite America’s sense of wanderlust.
In support of this campaign, U.S. Travel has rolled out a suite of materials for use by the industry, including social media graphics, sample website copy, a participation checklist and ideas for ways to get involved.
To learn more about this effort, and to access the campaign toolkit, visit the U.S. Travel website here.
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Upcoming Virtual Meetings
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SCT Annual Meeting
Sonoma County Tourism's 2020 Annual Meeting is Sept. 23 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Joining us will be Amir Eylon, president of Longwoods International, who will provide details on U.S. and regional consumer sentiment and will share the all-new 2019 Sonoma County visitor profile, and Dr. Robert Eyler, Dean of the School of Extended and International Education at Sonoma State University (and Professor of Economics) who will present a “State of the State” overview and a Sonoma County-specific 18-month forecast.
Admission is free, and registration is open here.
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SCHA Workshop
The Sonoma County Hospitality Association is accepting registrations for its virtual workshop Tales from the Front Lines: Hospitality Industry Learnings from Covid-19. The workshop, scheduled for Tue. Oct 6 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. via Zoom, will bring together a panel of local industry leaders to discuss their experiences through the year so far in areas of guest and employee safety, marketing, adjustments to business model, and booking/cancellation policies.
Panelists include: Joe Bartolomei from the Farmhouse Inn, Sonia Byck-Barwick from Paradise Ridge Winery, Percy Brandon from Vintners Resort, Keo Hornbostel from Safari West, and A.J. Ward from Sonoma Zipline Adventures.
Registration is free but space is limited. Learn more and register here.
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Fire Recovery Fund for Parks
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Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, the local non-profit that helps co-operate Armstrong Woods, Austin Creek Recreational area, and the Sonoma Coast State Parks with California State Parks, has launched a Fire Recovery Fund to help rehabilitate Armstrong Woods and Austin Creek Recreational Area after the Walbridge Fire.
The funds raised will be used to replace burned infrastructure and rehabilitate park resources. Infrastructure recovery needs include the Bullfrog Pond campground water system, trail rehabilitation, erosion control, picnic tables, fencing, signage, tool trailer replacement, and restoration of areas used to fight the fire. Extensive surveying and removal of any possible burned tree hazards will also be required.
These parks are well-loved by both residents and tourists. Please consider donating here to help get them reopened to the public.
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Alexander Valley Film Festival screens virtually 9/23 – 9/27
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The Sixth Annual Alexander Valley Film Festival, presented by the Alexander Valley Film Society, will be conducted virtually Wed, Sept. 23 – Sun, Sept. 27, using a state-of-the-art viewing platform that patrons can view with Roku or screencast from their computers to their TVs.
The festival will feature a diverse array of films and filmmakers from around the world with 12 feature films, 10 short films, 11 panels and Q&As, and 18 student works.
The Alexander Valley Film Society is partnering with local businesses to offer add-on dinners for each night of the festival, including: Barndiva in Healdsburg on Wednesday, 9/23; a pick-up Gin + Paella party at Young & Yonder on Friday, 9/25; and closing night take-home supper from the Trading Post in Cloverdale on Sunday, 9/27.
All proceeds from the Festival benefit Sonoma County students and support year-round educational and cultural enrichment programs.
For film passes, individual tickets, the full lineup of films, live panel/Q&A times, and add-on community dinners, please visit the Alexander Valley Film Festival website here.
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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.
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Get tested and help Sonoma County eliminate the coronavirus. Broad COVID-19 viral testing is now available. Learn more here.
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