INSIDE THIS ISSUE: News You Can Use 1 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality 5 News from VIC Services 7 The Sports Pages 8 Around Snohomish County 10

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1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: News You Can Use Input Needed to Improve WA Recreation & Pass Permit System Washington State University is working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and other outdoor recreation-oriented agencies to conduct a brief survey that will help generate ideas to simplify the state s recreation and pass permit system. Your input is important! Because of your familiarity with the unique interests and needs of visitors of which many are outdoor enthusiasts your feedback is especially welcome. Please consider taking 10 to 15 minutes to answer the survey questions you can find at this web page: SV_bD92N5wzEgP6Xhb If you have any problems accessing or completing the survey, please contact Season Hoard, the survey coordinator, at (509) or hoardsa@wsu.edu. News You Can Use 1 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality 5 News from VIC Services 7 The Sports Pages 8 Around Snohomish County 10 Final Public Presentation Aviation Attractions Wayfinding Signage Concepts The Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department along with an Snohomish County aviation attraction steering committee is holding a public unveiling of the visitor wayfinding signage designs that were developed for the Paine Field Aviation Attractions. This signage program study was funded with County lodging taxes, and will be implemented over time. The project signs will help guide visitors from major highways in and around the Paine Field Airport to the five museums and attractions that include: The Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour, the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum, the Historic Flight Foundation, the Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection, and the new High Trek Adventure Aerial Course, located at Paine Field Community Park. Primary goals of the project are to reduce confusion visitors have navigating between the attractions, and the impact to traffic. Another goal is to foster a welcoming sense of place for community members and visitors by highlighting the (Continued)

2 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 2 historical significance and educational opportunities of the one-of-a-kind collections offered to the public at Paine Field. We invite you to attend: Final Public Presentation - Paine Field Aviation Attractions Wayfinding Project - Thursday, November 2, 6pm - 8pm at the Future of Flight Aviation Center Aerospace Gallery (8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo WA 98275). United Joins Alaska Air at Paine Field Next year Snohomish County residents and visitors will have increased commercial flight options at Paine Field. County Voted to Top 12 Outdoor Adventure Sports Spots In July, the editors at SportsEvents Magazine wanted to know the top 12 U.S. destinations in adventure sports. After reviewing destinations from across the country, they compiled a Facebook ballot with a list of 25 outdoor sports destinations that are known for adrenaline-pumping adventure sports. From those 25 Outdoor Adventure Sports Spots, fans were asked to vote for their top picks. On Aug. 10, United Airlines announced it will begin to operate six daily flights from Paine Field to its hubs in Denver and San Francisco beginning in fall Alaska Airlines first announced its plans in May to begin commercial passenger service from Paine Field next fall with nine daily departures to destinations in Oregon and California. The specific cities have not yet been disclosed. The combined services should almost fully occupy the two airport gates planned at the new terminal currently under construction. Propeller Airports, the terminal s developer, is focused on getting the terminal built and open by next fall. Sources: United.com, SeattleTimes.com Snohomish County ranked eighth on the list based on the number of votes received. Other destinations included Asheville and Outer Banks, NC; Eugene and Medford, OR; Redding, CA; and San Marcos, TX. Hotels New Brands, Updated Styles Renovation work is well underway at two local hotels that, when finished, will sport new brand identities and updated amenities. (Continued)

3 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 3 Holiday Inn Downtown Everett set to become Delta Hotels Seattle Everett mind. When renovation of the former Medallion Hotel is complete, the hotel will be the only Wyndham Garden in the Northwest other than Boise, Idaho. Renovation work is underway to the guestrooms and suites, the reception and lobby areas, corridors, fitness center, meeting space, and restaurant and lounge to match the Wyndham Garden s modern style and décor. Shortly after Bellingham-based Hollander Hospitality s announced plans for an extensive transformation of the Holiday Inn Downtown Everett in late April, construction crews arrived to begin work. The renovation is well underway with an expected completion late this year. The 232-room hotel brings upscale and progressive Pacific Northwest style and design elements throughout its public spaces and guest rooms. Business travelers can stay productive in their fully appointed room and relax in the media center. Meeting planners looking for flexible space will find it with 14,000 square-feet of event space, a 7,000 square-foot ballroom to host up to 800 people, and 15 breakout meeting rooms. All hotel guests will enjoy the full-service restaurant and bar with private dining room, high-tech guest library, modern fitness center with yoga and CrossFit space, indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary overnight and event parking. This will be the first Delta Hotels branded property in the Seattle area. Hollander Hospitality operates multiple hotels under a number of wellknown brands in Seattle, Puyallup, Tacoma, and Portland, Oregon. More information at The new Garden Bistro & Lounge, with seating for 80 or more, will be open for breakfast and dinner service and offer American cuisine. The Wyndham Garden will have over 5,000 square-feet of meeting space for gala events, conferences, meetings, banquets, silent auctions, and weddings. The Garden Spa will be open to hotel guests and the public. A tentative grand opening is slated for November. Address: Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA Room reservations & reserve meeting space: (360) Medallion Hotel to become Wyndham Garden WTA s 2017 Legislative Update In late August, WTA Associate Director Mike Moe reported on the organization s 2017 lobbying efforts: Coming to the Smokey Point area in Arlington is Wyndham Garden, an upscale property designed with today s business and leisure travelers in There is no better place to be in the summertime than Washington. (Continued)

4 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 4 It s the busiest time of year for the tourism industry because all around our state, visitors are enjoying the beautiful destinations we have to offer. It s also a busy time for the WTA as the results of the last legislative session become clearer. While there was no floor action taken on our bill (SHB 1123/SSB5251) in the last legislative session, it is very much alive if the legislature reconvenes and will still be alive next session. Our bill enjoys widespread, bi-partisan support as we head into 2018 thanks to the WTA lobbying and grassroots team and the hundreds of industry stakeholders who made sure their voices were heard by contacting their local representatives. The legislative budget included a specific appropriation item of $500,000 for fiscal year 2018 to the Department of Commerce to work with the private sector (the Washington Tourism Alliance) to develop a tourism marketing plan. and passion for the WTA mission endures and that you will continue to support our efforts. For more information about the WTA s statewide tourism marketing program, advertising opportunities on ExperienceWA.com and in travel guides, and the benefits of membership, go to com. Fall/Winter Visitor Guide Coming in Sept. In the coming weeks, the WTA will work with the Department of Commerce to create a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a contractor to develop a Washington State Tourism Marketing Plan. The details of the RFP will be made available as soon as possible. Our goal is to have a full marketing plan in hand when the next legislative session begins in January. The funding to create a statewide tourism marketing plan is a giant step ahead in our mission to reestablish a statewide tourism marketing effort. The WTA has never had access to dedicated funds to fully develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for Washington. This is truly an exciting time for the tourism industry in Washington because we ll finally have an opportunity to show what it will look like to market our beautiful state. Since 2011, the WTA has been working to reestablish a statewide tourism marketing organization. We know that the road has been long and we sincerely appreciate the support shown by businesses and organizations from across our state. The WTA is here today because of the extraordinary energy of our supporters. A big thank you goes out to every WTA member and industry stakeholder who participated in the grassroots effort this legislative session. As we start this new chapter, we hope that your enthusiasm Looking for help in planning your fall adventures and out-of-town guests winter celebrations? Our 2017 Fall/Winter Visitor Guide will be available mid- September in print and in digital format. You can pick up your copy at locations throughout the county including libraries, hotel brochure racks, chambers of commerce, and local and regional visitor information centers including: East County Visitor Information Center, st St, Snohomish (Continued)

5 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 5 South County Visitor Information Center, Poplar Way, Lynnwood Visitor Information Center at Future of Flight Aviation Center, 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo , x236 For a digital copy, go to the Download Guides & Brochures page on Snohomish.org where you will also find plenty more helpful material including Top 10 -style guides, the 40-page Outdoor Adventure Guide, and numerous mobile tours. Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Also in August, Group Sales Manager Kristine Vannoy attended the Religious Conference Managers Association Aspire in Lexington, KY. The regional conference brought religious meeting planners together with suppliers from around the country. Kristine represented Snohomish County s hotel partners, meeting venues, restaurants, activities, and attractions. She met with 32 planners during the conference. Busy Sales Schedule Ahead In September, Brad, Kristine, and several hotel partners will meet and network with meeting and event planners at the county s booth during the B & E Events Show in downtown Seattle. More than 600 planners are expected to attend. SCTB Sales Push Executive Director Amy Spain, Sports Development Director Tammy Dunn, and Group Sales Manager Brad Zorich jump started the summer sales effort in May. They attended the Washington Society of Association Executives conference in Blaine, WA. The event brought together leaders from many of the state s larger associations who are a key source of multi-day, in-state conferences and meetings. The Bureau partnered with the Lynnwood Convention Center, the XFINITY Arena at Everett, the Tulalip Resort and Casino, and the Embassy Suites Lynnwood to sponsor a brunch and present to all conference attendees. In June, Brad attended the U.S. Travel Association s IPW Conference in Washington, D.C. The event is the premier North American international travel seller marketplace with over 5,000 attendees. Brad had 28 appointments within the Tulalip Resort & Casino booth. In August, Brad attended the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Toronto for the largest meeting of association event planners in North America. He also traveled to New Orleans for Connect Marketplace, a hosted-buyer event that brings together the most active planners, suppliers and experts in corporate, association, specialty, expo, and sports meetings and events for preset appointments, quality networking, and more. In October, Amy Spain and Brad Zorich will lead a group of partners to Vancouver, BC on a sales mission focusing on Canadian-based tour operators. Later, Kristine and Brad will host a one-day FAM tour of Everett for meeting planners. Rounding out the year in December, Brad will attend the National Tour Association s Travel Exchange in San Antonio, TX to meet with tour operators in prescheduled appointments. For leads or to find out how you can team up with the Bureau in its outreach and sales efforts, contact: Amy Spain, executive director, , x101 Kristine Vannoy, group sales manager, , x107 Brad Zorich, group sales manager, , x106 Getting Ink: Working with Travel Writers Media FAM Tour of Highway 2 In July, Marketing & Communications Manager Angie Riley arranged a media FAM tour for travel writer

6 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 6 Harriett Baskas. On assignment for 1889 Washington s Magazine, she was conducting research for her upcoming Traveling West from Stevens Pass story. project is a partnership of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the Darrington community, legislative leaders, DNR, and Washington s outdoor recreation community. For more information including how to receive updates, go to: wa.gov/darringtonmtb. Source: HeraldNet.com County to Own, Manage Western Heritage Center Harriett overnighted at A Stone s Throw B&B in Index. The next day, she visited Skykomish s Great Northern and Cascade Railway train museum, and Index s Outdoor Adventure Center, the Bush House Inn, and the River House; met with representatives of Sky Valley and Monroe chambers of commerce, Historic Downtown Snohomish, and Evergreen Speedway; and enjoyed lunch at Route 2 Taproom in Monroe. On August 21, Snohomish County announced it would be taking over responsibility for the Western Heritage Center at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. NEW: Mountain Biking Trails in Darrington In July, the first four miles of the North Mountain Bike Skills Area opened to the cycling community. Riders can traverse a variety of trails ranging from easy crosscountry paths for novices to rougher terrain for expert cyclists. The bike skills park, located near Whitehorse Community Park, is free to use though a Discover Pass is required to park there. Another 13 miles of trails are currently under development. When completed, the trails will span more than 2,000 acres owned by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) near the Snohomish-Skagit county line. The When the organization that owns and manages the Western Heritage Center collection decided they needed some help or would be forced to close, nonprofit regulations gave members the following options: return items to the donors; transfer the remaining collection to another museum, society, or organization exempt from federal taxation under 501(c)(3) engaged in similar activities to those of the Center; or work with Snohomish County to keep the collection intact. Their decision: ask Snohomish County to take over ownership and management, keeping the collection intact and at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, where it has been housed since the Center opened in The Fairgrounds shares the organization s historical preservation and educational mission, and several volunteers from the Center s existing membership have committed to guide tours and maintain the collection after it changes hands in the fall.

7 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 7 Snohomish County will work to establish a volunteer board, develop a business plan for the operation of the Center, seek donations for operational costs, and consult with the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission and regional museums to better understand how to live up to the vision of the founders. Going to see the train, tractors, and historical exhibits is a tradition for most fair visitors, said Hal Gausman, the fairgrounds manager. Keeping the Western Heritage Center at the Fairgrounds will honor Snohomish County s roots, commemorate the founder s passion for preserving area history, and continue to serve visitors who come year after year to get hands-on experiences that connect them to the past. Source: Snohomish County ExperienceWA.com Advertising Opportunities The Washington Tourism Alliance offers several advertising programs local attractions and businesses can use to connect with people looking to visit Washington. Check out these two value-added online advertising programs: Banner Ads The REWARDS advertising program doubles the number of impressions purchased for free. This year, the banner ad program is averaging a cost-per-click of only $1.47, an outstanding value! Banner ad packages start at only $604 for WTA members and $683 for non-members. Download the WTA Marketing Opportunities media kit for more information. Contact Mike Moe, associate director, at or mike@watourismalliance.com. To join WTA or for more information visit watourismalliance.com/join. News from VIC Services Busy Summer Season for VIC Volunteers The July 26 volunteer training focused on the communities of Everett and Edmonds. Volunteers also took a tour of the host hotel Hampton Inn Seattle/ Everett Downtown. Through the bureau s mobile visitor services program, volunteers met with visitors and answered questions and offered insider tips at the History and Heritage Day Tours: Heritage Park Open House, Sky Fair at Paine Field, and Everett Community Days at the Everett Mall. Visitor Services & Training Manager Stacey Pfeiffer met with the leadership teams at the Edmonds, Mukilteo, Sky Valley, Marysville, and Lake Stevens chambers of commerce to learn how the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau can assist them with their 2018 tourism marketing and visitor service efforts. Volunteers enjoyed their annual picnic at Legion Park in Everett on Aug. 28. Deals Page Highlight a special value-added package or discounted getaway on the Deals page. The specials on the Deals page are averaging less than $1 cost-per-click in 2017! Highlight a package on the Deals page for only $450 for 3 months ($495 for non- WTA members) or $1,500 for a full year ($1,650 for non-members).

8 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 8 On Sept. 20, volunteers will travel to Darrington for a trails-oriented FAM tour hosted by Adrienne Hall from Destination Darrington and Amy Lucas from Snohomish County Parks & Recreation. A number of locations are on the itinerary: a portion of the Whitehorse Regional Trail, Whitehorse Community Park, Darrington Archery Range, Backman Regional Park, Squire Creek Campground, the Fortson Mill trailhead, the Hazel Hole fishing access, and Steelhead Drive Memorial Gate. They will enjoy lunch at Four Corners Café and get a look at the skate park at Old School Park. Become a VIC Volunteer Today The volunteers at Visitor Information Centers in Lynnwood, Snohomish, and Mukilteo love to share their knowledge about the history, sites, and activities that make Snohomish County such a popular destination. They warmly welcome visitors from all over the world and assist them with their travel questions. Come join us! We also welcome volunteers to help in our main office with a myriad of tasks such as data entry, mailings, and special projects. Our volunteers, ages 18 to 100, enjoy friendship, recognition, and appreciation. For more information, contact Stacey Pfeiffer, visitor services and training manager, at stacey@snohomish. org or call , ext The Sports Pages Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame, Sept. 27 Join us for an evening celebrating the personal achievements in sports. Meet the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame 2017 induction class and The Herald Man and Woman of the Year in Sports. Collegiate and high school athletes will also be recognized. The gala event takes place at Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at XFINITY Arena at Everett with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets now at Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class The Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the 2017 Induction Class. The induction class includes four athletes, one coach, one team and one sports contributor. Athletes: Adam Eaton Baseball Adam was a gifted basketball and baseball player at Snohomish High in the early to mid-1990s. In 1996, the senior pitched on the varsity baseball team, and scored an 8-0 win-loss record with an ERA of He was then drafted eleventh by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft and debuted in the Majors in May 2000 with the San Diego Padres. During his nine-year MLB career, he started 201 games and won 71 of them. He was with the Padres during , the Texas Rangers in 2006, and with the Phillies which was during the time the Phillies were the 2008 World Series Champions. He finished his career in 2009 with the Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies. Brooke Whitney Ice Hockey During her youth as a multi-sport athlete, Brooke was once named MVP of youth sports. She was a multisport star at Bothell High then chose to play ice

9 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 9 hockey at Northeastern University where she was twice a D1 women s ice hockey All-American and once named Northeastern s Top Scholar Athlete. In 2002, she was awarded the Patty Kazmaier Award (Women s Ice Hockey Player of the Year), New England Sports Writers Female Athlete of the Year, and The Herald s Woman Athlete of the Year. In 2003 and 2004, she played women s professional ice hockey in Canada in Brampton, ON and Vancouver, BC. In 2003 she was inducted into Northeastern s Athletic Hall of Fame. James Pearson Distance Running Pearson s nominator stated that Jim had not missed a day of running for 46 years. During that time, Jim achieved many milestones including two-time U.S. Champion, an American 50-mile record holder, a four-time World Qualifier in the 10K, 25K, and marathon, and twice ran the second fastest 100K in U.S. history. He is also a 16-time Birch Bay Marathon winner, a race held annually in Blaine, WA. Jim is an inductee in both the Lake Stevens High and Western Washington University athletic halls of fame. At Lake Stevens, he played basketball, football and ran track, and at WWU, he ran cross country. Steve Miller Water Ski Steve took his barefoot water skiing skills to the Caribbean in 1983 and became a water ski instructor and show ski performer until He then returned home to be involved in the family business of American Distributing, and to redirect his show skiing skills to competitive water skiing. He s become remarkably successful in this endeavor as he has won many competitions in trick skiing, ski jumping, and overall water skiing. Moving up through the national age group rankings, he won titles including Western Regional Championships, four National Overall titles, and a National Jump title. In 2012, he earned a spot on the USA Championship 35+ Water Ski Team. Now in his sixties, Steve is in pursuit of his age group s national overall crown. Coach: Harold Pyatte Baseball Harold has been involved in Snohomish County amateur baseball for almost 60 years as a player, coach, head coach, and general manager. He most likely has had more influence on amateur baseball in the county than anyone else since After several semi-pro teams came and went, the Everett Merchants formed and Harold was once again player/ head coach until he retired as a player. He is now, and has been for many years, the general manager and head coach of the Merchants. In 1988, he led the Merchants to the National Baseball Congress (NBC) Championship. He s twice been named Pacific International League Coach of the Year and in 2005, he was inducted into the National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame. Team: 1970 Snohomish High Boys Basketball Team The Snohomish High Panthers were the state s Class 3A champions. Coached by Jack dekubber and his assistant, Keith Gilbertson Sr., they entered the post season playoffs with a 19-1 record. However, when they reached the tournament s Final Four, they were the team with the most losses. Top-ranked Pasco was Tied for second ranking in the state polls were West Seattle with no losses and Aberdeen with one loss. But, the Panthers beat Aberdeen in the semi-finals and Pasco for the title. This team is considered one of the top two Snohomish County high school boys basketball teams in basketball s modern era. The other team is the Mountlake

10 SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 10 Terrace High team that was inducted into the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame in Team co-captains were seniors Doug Love and Jerry Ingalls. The other starters were juniors Ben Krause, Evan Thomas, and Craig Clayton. Sports Contributor: Lou Stevenson Lou was a star athlete in three sports at Cascade High. At Seattle University, he played baseball for four seasons. After Seattle University, he returned to Cascade to coach and teach. He may be best known as a baseball coach at Everett High for 13 years. He s in the halls of fame of Cascade and Everett high schools. Lou has been a tremendous sports contributor to the county s sports scene through his work on the Phil Johnson Ball Field Complex, First Swings Camps for ages 6-12, NSA Western Regional Girls Fast Pitch Tournament at Everett Parks, and on the planning committee for the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Everett Police Department, and Snohomish County Boys and Girls Clubs-sponsored Badges for Baseball/Softball camps for girls and boys ages The Sports Hall of Fame inductees were nominated by the public and the 30-member Sports Hall of Fame Committee. The 2017 Herald Man and Woman of the Year in Sports Awards Carter Hart, goalie for Everett Silvertips hockey team, and Amy-Eloise Neale, member of the University of Washington cross country team, will be honored for their athletic achievements. Collegiate & High School Athlete Recognition For the third year in a row we will honor the collegiate male and female athlete of the year at the banquet. New in 2017, KRKO 1380 will honor the high school boy and girl athlete of the year. Tickets, Sponsorship & More Information Individual tickets are $65 and a table for 10 people is $600. Tickets are on sale now at HOFBanquet Show your support of the Sports Hall of Fame through sponsorship! A variety of levels are available. Call Frank Foster, Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame chair, at (425) For more information on the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, visit sports-hall-of-fame or Tammy Dunn, sports development director, at (425) ext Around Snohomish County Signs of fall are everywhere: dramatic fall foliage, ripened pumpkins in farm fields, cooler-than-usual breezes, and the kids are back in school. But that doesn t mean the summer fun is over! Choose from plenty of family-friendly festivals, shows, music, food, sports events, and more. We ve highlighted a few options here, but you ll find plenty more at Snohomish. org/events-calendar. Farmers markets & harvest festivals, now through October Wetmore Food Truck Fridays, Sept. 1 Oct. 6, Everett Return of the Salmon Celebration, Sept. 23, Sultan Brewfest at Carlton Farms, Sept. 30, Lake Stevens Rocktoberfest Gem & Mineral Show, Oct. 7-8, Marysville Snohomish River Run Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K, Oct. 15, Snohomish Art Walk, Nov. 16, Edmonds & Everett Philharmonic Music for the Imagination Concert, Nov. 26, Everett