Tourism Commission — Agenda Packet

MEETING: REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOURISM COMMISSION DATE & TIME: Monday, May 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM LOCATION: Germantown Village Hall Board Room N112 W17001 Mequon Road Any member of the body and/or citizen may attend the meeting virtually through the WebEx platform, Meeting #: 2550 667 6124 Password: WXi3CWHTa42 which can be accessed by phone at 408-418-9388 or by clicking the link below: https://villageofgermantown.my.webex.com/villageofgermantown.my/j.php?MTID=m72d556748f830295146dd6e41e3f55ab NOTICE: Citizens not wishing to attend the meeting personally or virtually may submit any public comments by sending an email to comments@germantownwi.gov by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting so that it can be provided to the members of the body for their consideration. Previously recorded Meeting Videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOYp0EgELzTCa9X_iCohyhQ AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER: This meeting has been given public notice in accordance with Section 19.83 and 19.84, Wis. Stats, in such form that will apprise the general public and news media of subject matter that is intended for consideration and action. II. ROLL CALL: III. ELECTION OF TOURISM CHAIRPERSON: IV. ELECTION OF TOURISM VICE CHAIRPERSON: V. ELECTION OF TOURISM SECRETARY: VI. CITIZEN INPUT: (Please be advised per 19.84(2) that information and comment will be received from the public. It is the policy of this municipality that public input be limited to a four (4) minute period per person with a time extension granted at the discretion of the Chairperson. Be advised that there may be limited discussion of the information received but no action will be taken under public comments.) Comments that may be injurious to village personnel or other individuals will not be allowed. VII. MEETING MINUTES: A. March 9, 2026 (ACTION) VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: IX. NEW BUSINESS: A. Request for funding from Kiwanis of Germantown for Taste of Germantown Event on July 23, 2026 (ACTION) B. Request for funding from EKM Moose Lodge #1238 for Motors at the Moose 19th Annual Car Show on August 15, 2026 (ACTION) C. Request for funding for EKM Moose Lodge #1238 Conditional Use Permit Amendment (ACTION) D. Request for funding from the 4th of July Task Force for 2026 Fourth of July Activities at Firemen's Park (ACTION) E. Discover Germantown - Communication Strategy (ACTION) X. ADJOURNMENT: Page 1 of 35 TOURISM COMMISSION AGENDA May 11, 2026 Page 2 UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information or to request this service, please contact the Village Clerk at (262)250-4745 at least 2 days prior to the meeting. Notice is hereby given that a possible quorum of other boards, committees, and/or commissions may attend this meeting to gather information about an item over which they have decision-making responsibility. This may constitute a meeting of these bodies per State ex rel. Badke v Greendale Village Board, even though these bodies will not take formal action at this meeting. Page 2 of 35 MEETING: REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOURISM COMMISSION DATE AND TIME: Monday, March 9, 2026 5:30 PM LOCATION: Germantown Vi llage Hall Board Room N112 W17001 Mequon Road MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER: This meeting has been given public notice in accordance with Section 19.83 and 19.84, Wis. Stats, in such form that will apprise the general public and news media of subject matter that is intended for consideration and action. The Tourism Commission meeting was called to order by Trustee Rick Miller at 5:30 PM. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Trustee Rick Miller, Village President Bob Soderberg, Member Joletta Kerpan, Administrator Steve Kreklow Absent: None Excused: None Also Present: Chief Deputy Clerk Kasie Miller, Park and Recreation Director Guilford Standridge, Deutschstadt Heritage Foundation Representative Marcy Stone, Trustee Jan Miller, and Park and Recreation Communications Coordinator Brenton Schimp. III. CITIZEN INPUT: (Please be advised per 19.84(2) that information and comment will be received from the public. It is the policy of this municipality that public input be limited to a four (4) minute period per person with a time extension granted at the discretion of the Chairperson. Be advised that there may be limited discussion of the information received but no action will be taken under public comments.) Comments that may be injurious to village personnel or other individuals will not be allowed. There were no citizen comments. IV. MEETING MINUTES: A. January 12, 2026 (ACTION) Motion: Approve the January 12, 2026 Tourism Commission meeting minutes as presented. Motioned By: President Bob Soderberg Seconded By: Member Joletta Kerpan DRAFT Page 3 of 35 Page 2 Yes: Trustee Rick Miller, President Bob Soderberg, Member Joletta Kerpan, Administrator Steve Kreklow No: None Abstain: None Motion Passed by Voice Vote (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0) V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: VI. NEW BUSINESS: A. Request for funding from the Parks and Recreation Department for the 2026 Fourth of July Celebration (ACTION) Germantown Park and Recreation Director Guilford Standridge presented the request for funds for the 2026 Fourth of July Celebration. Standridge advised the funds would cover evening activities and programs, live music, sound setup, and fireworks. Standridge noted that the request for funds would be lowered to $22,185, as $8,000 was already included in the 2026 Village Budget for this event. Administrator Kreklow provided a financial update, advising that, as of today, $53,000 was awarded by the Tourism Committee in 2026. If the two requests on today's agenda were approved, the total amount awarded in 2026 would be $112,000. Motion: Approve the request for funding from the Park and Recreation Department for the 2026 Fourth of July Celebration in the amount of $22,185.00 Motioned By: President Bob Soderberg Seconded By: Member Joletta Kerpan Yes: Trustee Rick Miller, President Bob Soderberg, Member Joletta Kerpan, Administrator Steve Kreklow No: None Abstain: None Motion Passed by Voice Vote (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0) B. Request for funding for Deutschstadt Heritage Foundation's Maifest (ACTION) Deutschstadt Heritage Foundation Representative Marcy Stone presented the request for funds for Maifest, May 15-17, 2026. Stone provided a line-by-line breakdown of the request for funds, noting that for 2026, there will be an additional children's tent. Motion: Approve the request for funds by the Deutschstadt Heritage Foundation's 2026 Maifest in the amount of $29,764.69. Motioned By: Member Joletta Kerpan Seconded By: Administrator Steve Kreklow DRAFT Page 4 of 35 Page 3 Yes: Trustee Rick Miller, President Bob Soderberg, Member Joletta Kerpan, Administrator Steve Kreklow No: None Abstain: None Motion Passed by Voice Vote (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0) C. Request from Economic Development Commission for Tourism Commission Takeover of Germantown Marketing Campaign (ACTION) Trustee Jan Miller, Chair of the Economic Development Commission, presented the request for the Tourism Commission to takeover the Germantown Marketing Campaign. J. Miller advised the Tourism Commission already awarded $10,000 to fund this campaign and provided all related EDC discussion notes for review. Park and Recreation Communications Coordinator Brenton Schimp provided highlights of his Germantown Marketing Campaign slides, answered questions, and discussed potential next steps for the Campaign. Motion: Approve the request from the Economic Development Commission for the Tourism Commission to take over the Germantown Marketing Campaign. Motioned By: President Bob Soderberg Seconded By: Trustee Rick Miller Yes: Trustee Rick Miller, President Bob Soderberg, Member Joletta Kerpan, Administrator Steve Kreklow No: None Abstain: None Motion Passed by Voice Vote (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0) VII. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned by Trustee Rick Miller at 6:13 PM. DRAFT Page 5 of 35 Page 6 of 35 Page 7 of 35 Page 8 of 35 Page 9 of 35 Page 10 of 35 Page 11 of 35 Page 12 of 35 Page 13 of 35 Page 14 of 35 Page 15 of 35 Page 16 of 35 Page 17 of 35 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF GERMANTOWN NOTICE is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held before the Village of Germantown Plan Commission at the Germantown Village Hall located at N112W17001 Mequon Road, Germantown, Wisconsin and virtually through the WebEx platform on the following date and at the time noted below (or soon thereafter): DATE: Monday, May 11 th, 2026 TIME: 6:30 pm or later The purpose of said hearing will be to hear all parties, their attorneys or agents, for or against the following application to amend Conditional Use Permit No. 07-11 (as amended) issued to EKM Moose Lodge #1238, property owner, that allows for overnight parking of campers, motorhomes, RV’s, travel trailers, cars, SUV’s, etc., on the property described below. The property owner is requesting to extend the time period from April 15 to October 15 annually and delete restrictions on the number of days and number of vehicles allowed on the property for overnight parking: Applicant: EKM Moose Lodge #1238, Property Owner Property Address: W198N10217 Appleton Avenue (GTNV_322950) Property Description: A 10-acre parcel located in the Southeast ¼ of the Northeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 32, Town 9 North, Range 20 East, in the Village of Germantown, County of Washington, State of Wisconsin. A copy of the application and a map showing the property described above are on file at the Community Development Department-Planning & Zoning Services office in the Germantown Village Hall. Citizens wishing to submit any public comments should do so by sending them by email to: comments@germantownwi.gov no later than 4:00pm on the meeting date listed above. Donna Ott, Village Clerk Dated this 15 th day of April 2026 To Be Published On: April 22 nd and April 29th, 2026 Page 18 of 35 Page 19 of 35 TOURISM COMMISSION REQUEST Please complete the following regarding your request from the Tourism Commission: Event or project descripƟon: (Please provide details regarding your event or project) This request is on behalf of the Germantown 4th of July task force. The funding is being requested to host acƟviƟes in the park starƟng around 12:30pm and ending shortly before the fireworks. Goals of your event/project: To provide acƟviƟes for all ages from the end of the parade unƟl dusk. AcƟviƟes being planned include: Giant Bubble Party, Bouncy Houses, Cornhole, Airbrush TaƩoos, Foam Party, Face PainƟng, Balloon Animals, Dunk Tank, Kickball Tournament, Potato Sack Race, Glow Golf Cost details: $7000 Activity Ages Tentative Times Cost Time Capsule Reveal (GHS Band) All Ages 12:30PM-1PM 0 Farmers Market All Ages 12:00PM-4PM 0 Enchanted Library Kid to Teen 12:00PM-4PM 0 Giant Bubble Party Kid to Teen 1PM-2PM $400 Cornhole All Ages 12:00PM-8PM 0 Lifesize Connect 4 All Ages 12:00PM-8PM $100 Foam Party Kid to Teen 1PM-2PM $800 Bouncy Houses Kid to Teen 2:00PM-8PM $2,100 Face Painting All Ages 2PM-4PM $500 Balloon Animals All Ages 2PM-4PM $500 Airbrush Tattoos Kid to Teen 2:30PM-4:30PM $500 Dunk Tank All Ages 3PM-5PM $700 Kickball Tournament Teen to Adult 1PM to 4PM 200 Potato Sack Race Teen to Adult 4PM-4:30PM 100 Glow Golf Kid to Adult 5PM-8PM $600 T-Shirts for Volunteers Kid to Adult N/A $500 2nd or 3rd year applicants - please describe the results of the previous years event/project: N/A. This is the first Ɵme that this group is requesƟng funding for this level of acƟvity. Page 20 of 35 Welcome to Germantown Page 21 of 35 30+ B y t h e N u m b e r s 2 1 , 0 0 0 +3 hotels 2 8 . 4 m i l e s 2 3 m i l e s to Milwaukee MitchellInternational Airport population to Downtown Milwaukee community events 15+ Eateries and resturants Page 22 of 35 We’re Cooking Up Good Times Hometown Vibes W h y G e r m a n t o w n ? Parks Bring us Together Events for Everyone Whether you are learning disc golf, taking a jog, or cooling off in the splashpad, a Germantown park is waiting for you to explore. With tons of community-centric events, you will be sure to find something for the whole family or the party-ready friend group. Find the perfect dining experience to match you. Germantown boasts popular locally owned and operated eateries, pubs, and coffee shops. When you visit Germantown, you are one of the neighbors. Feel at home as you experience the Germantown way. Page 23 of 35 Events Events Maifest is a traditional German festival hosted by the Deutschstadt Heritage Foundation that celebrates the arrival of Spring in Germantown. Think drinks, games, food, live music, and cultural traditions. You won’t want to miss this experience. P o p u l a r E v e n t s Music at the Pavilion Imagine hot summer nights, refreshing beverages, and great music from Wisconsin’s top bands. Music at the Pavilion is an outdoor music series with 6 concerts per season. It’s the largest event in Germantown, sure to get you dancing, singing, and celebrating the best of summer. Family Fun Carnival Maifest Family Fun Carnival offers carnival-style games and bounce house fun. Be sure to come hungry because A Taste of Germantown food truck event is held on the same night. It’s a bustling night with big top action for the whole family. Page 24 of 35 Table of Contents C o m m u n i c a t i o n S t r a t e g y Page 25 of 35 4-6 2 Table of Contents Introduction Project overview and the key messages for the campaign Platform Analysis A look at campaign media platforms and uses G e r m a n t o w n P A C B a s t B e l l M u e s u m H o m e s t e a d H o l l o w P a r k Campaign demographics and audience strategy statements Target Audience 3 Leading principles to guide the campaign 7-8 Key Objectives Start-up steps, needed resources, and potential filming sites9-10 Action Plan 1 Page 26 of 35 Introduction The Project Key Messages Discover Germantown is an initiative launched by the Tourism Commission to promote, inform, and educate the public about the opportunities, businesses, and events that make Germantown special. The project will incorporate the creation of strategic short-form videos, graphics, and photos that encourage people in Washington County and beyond to Discover Germantown. Germantown is a place to live, work and play Germantown is easily accessible to our neighbors Germantown offers a diverse level of tourism-driven activities There is always something new and exciting happening in Germantown Discover hometown hospitality when you visit Germantown O l d G e r m a n t o w n M u s i c a t t h e P a v i l i o n 2 Page 27 of 35 Target Audience Want to try new things but haven’t found places that feel like home yet Demographics S t i x G o l f E n t e r t a i n m e n t Ages 35 - 65 within the Washington / Waukesha county area Value accessibility. They do not want to drive too far to find something to do Visited Germantown a few times, but have not found a reason to explore the community Potential visitors value authenticity and want to feel connected before they participate Audience Stategy A p p l e W o r k s W i n e r y Interact with potential visitors by commenting / posting on community pages Collaborate with local businesses to create and promote content Evaluate and and report on successful content Use surveys or polls to understand potential visitor’s top interests Join relevent online groups, forums, and discussions 3 Page 28 of 35 Platform Anaysis Facebook L e a d i n g c o n t e n t o n F a c e b o o k w i l l i n c l u d e : Why do these posts work well? These kinds of posts are informational Offer opportunities Are welcoming for those who might not be aware of the amazing things happening nearby V e r t i c a l s h o r t - f o r m v i d e o P h o t o h i g h l i g h t p o s t s E v e n t r e m i n d e r s S h a r e c o m m u n i t y g r o u p a c t i v i t i e s a n d e v e n t s C o n t e s t s , g i v e a w a y s , a n d a n n o u n c e m e n t s P e o p l e - f o c u s e d p o s t s t h a t h i g h l i g h t c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s F a c e b o o k C o n t e n t S t r a t e g y Facebook will be utilized to create quality content that encourages community participation and outside community interest. Goals will include outreach with community businesses, organizations, and residents with existing platforms. Content will follow the direct requests of the tourism commission by leveraging the correct format for each request. Ad buys will use geotargeting to reach nearby audiences and potential visitors. 4 h t t p s : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / p e o p l e / D i s c o v e r - G e r m a n t o w n / 6 1 5 6 8 9 8 9 0 8 0 5 4 1 / L i n k t o S t a r t e r P a g e : Page 29 of 35 Instagram L e a d i n g c o n t e n t o n F a c e b o o k w i l l i n c l u d e : W h y d o t h e s e p o s t s w o r k w e l l ? U s e f a s t - p a c e d v i d e o s w i t h t e x t t o s h o w l o c a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s S t r o n g e s t m e d i u m t o s h o w a u t h e n t i c i t y a n d e n c o u r a g e p a r t i c i p a t i o n V e r t i c a l s h o r t - f o r m v i d e o P h o t o c a r o u s e l s S t o r y u p d a t e s Instagram relies heavily on photos and videos, as opposed to text or graphic-driven content. Page continuity and production of trusted quality content are key. Instagram offers opportunities for creative content development that highlights Germantown's many attractions. Content will follow the direct requests of the tourism commission by leveraging the correct format for each request. Ad buys will use geotargeting to reach nearby audiences and potential visitors. I n s t a g r a m C o n t e n t S t r a t e g y U s e V i s i t o r / B u i s n e s s g e n e r a t e d c o n t e n t Platform Anaysis 5 Page 30 of 35 Platform Anaysis The Village of Germantown’s YouTube has been primarily used for Village of Germantown meetings. To demonstrate that Germantown offers more, vertical video shorts can be uploaded to the page. To establish project legitimacy, the Village of Germantown’s website should be updated with a project page that provides appropriate links to content. Website Youtube U p d a t i n g t h e V i l l a g e o n l i n e c a l e n d a r w i t h u p c o m i n g c o m m u n i t y e v e n t s A f u l l u p d a t e o f t h e “ a t t r a c t i o n s p a g e ” A r t i c l e s P l a n y o u r t r i p g u i d e s I n v o l v e m e n t s i g n u p s W e b s i t e c o n t e n t a n d u p d a t e s c a n i n c l u d e : 6 Page 31 of 35 Key Objectives Provide details about upcoming events and activities O b j e c t i v e 1 : G e r m a n t o w n M a i f e s t Highlight infrastructure, parks, and community growth Educate about cultural artifacts and Germantown history Help visitors make informed decisions and give them tools to increase traveling confidence S w i n g T i m e G o l f Support tourism related buisnesses to communicate with potential visitors Highlight economic development successes Encourage visitors to support Germantown tourism related buisnesses Demonstrate the value of repeat visits to tourism based buisnesses E d u c a t e P o t e n t i a l V i s i t o r s O b j e c t i v e 2 : E n co u ra ge E co n o m ic D evelo p m en t an d A ttractio n Aw aren ess 7 Page 32 of 35 Key Objectives Encourage potential visitors to consider Germantown out when making attraction decisions O b j e c t i v e 3 : O k t o b e r f e s t G e r m a n t o w n Showcase Germantown as a strong competitor for top restaurants, entertainment, and events Build positive reinforcement of the Village of Germantown’s identity Establish Germantown attractions as viable destinations for staycations S p a s s l a n d P a r k Build positive interactions with potential visitors Highlight the places that demonstrate Germantown’s friendly and welcoming atmoshere Encourage residents to feel community pride and share Germantown experiences with potential visitors Demonstate what people love about Germantown Increase Overall Awareness ofGermantown O b j e c t i v e 4 : Sh o w case G erm an to w n ’s ch arm in g sm all-to w n atm o sp h ere 8 Page 33 of 35 Action Plan Step 1 Make community connections that will promote the page V o n R o t h e n b u r g B i e r S t u b e Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Resources Purchase a quality phone for filming the project Discover Germantown email Funds for running ads The current labor estimate is between 2-4 hours per week to stay on budget Resources for running contests and drawings at the start of the campaign launch The Tourism Commission will need to develop a plan on how to contact local businesses Send out press releases, update website, create social platforms The tourism Commission will need to approve the filming/photo schedule Start the Campaign 9 Page 34 of 35 Action Plan K a f f e e h a u s Events Christmas Parade Maifest 4th of July Celebration Music at the Pavilion Oktoberfest Family Fun Carnival / Taste of Germantown Family Glow Walk Community Band Performances PAC Performances Tourism Destinations Local restaurants/bars Local coffee shops Indoor / Outdoor Golf Indoor Recreation Establishments New development / Community Improvements Locations Local parks Germantown Community Library Germantown Senior Center Local Entertainment (concerts, sports, etc.) P o t e n t i a l F i l m i n g S u b j e c t s 10 Leadership Germantown Events Movies in the Park Germantown Farmer’s Market Homestead Hollow County Park events Local Organization events (Kiwanis, Germantown Youth Futures) Tannenbaum Trail / Christmas Festival N.A.C. Night Business Sponsored Events Page 35 of 35