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Tuesday October 13, 2026, 7:30AM | City Hall, Council Chambers | 500 Genesee St., Delafield, WI 53018 PROMOTION & TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 7:30 AM City Hall, Council Chambers | 500 Genesee St., Delafield, WI 53018 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:35 AM. 2. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Fred Marrero, Paul Murphy, Erin McDonald, Jessica Woodward, and City of Delafield Alderwoman Representative Jackie Valde. 4. Citizens Comments No citizen comments. 5. Consent Agenda: Minutes Approval Discussion and possible action to review and approve the August 11, 2026 Delafield Promotion & Tourism Commission meeting minutes. Motion by Paul Murphy, seconded by McDonald, to approve the August 11, 2026 meeting minutes. All voted in favor; none opposed. Motion carried. 6. Donation Request: Delafield Chamber of Commerce Megan Braatz, Executive Director, and Melissa C., Vice President of the Delafield Chamber of Commerce, attended the meeting to request a $10,000 donation for 2027. Of the requested amount, $5,000 would help defray operating expenses for events held in the City, including the block party. The additional $5,000 would support Promotion & Tourism’s participation in events. Chamber representatives explained that these events encourage visitors to explore Delafield and spend more time in the community, creating opportunities to generate future overnight stays. The Commission’s approved contribution is reflected in the 2027 budget discussion under Item 10.A. 7. Delafield Promotion & Tourism Marketing Discussion and possible action regarding 2026 marketing projects. A. Fall Campaign Update The Commission reviewed third-quarter metrics for the fall campaign developed by Z2. Results indicated that marketing expenditures are building a foundation for overnight stays by increasing awareness in feeder markets, encouraging direct trip-planning behavior, generating strong advertising engagement, and reaching Chicago-area audiences. The next step is to continue connecting these indicators to hotel, stay, and itinerary content to help move prospective visitors from inspiration to actual visits. B. Revised Logo/Map The Commission approved $3,000 from 2026 funds to begin developing a unified logo for Promotion & Tourism, the Delafield Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Delafield. Each organization currently uses a different logo, which was discussed as weakening visibility and limiting the collective impact of marketing expenditures. It was agreed that Delafield Promotion & Tourism will officially be rebranded as Visit Delafield to improve clarity and present a more welcoming identity. It was also agreed that Z2 will develop a permanent illustrated map for the kiosk located on the Ice Age Trail. 8. Review of the Current Financial Reports — August 31, 2026 The Commission reviewed the financial reports. The fund remained liquid, with total assets of $141,910 as of August 31, 2026. It was noted that the strongest collection periods were still underway. 9. Old/Ongoing Business Discussion and possible action regarding the following items: A. Placer.AI Updates The Placer.AI review showed a year-over-year increase in long-distance visitation, with more than 10% of visitors traveling from over 50 miles away. Restaurant visits declined year over year, while retail visitation increased. Members discussed these results in relation to broader trends, including reduced alcohol consumption and increased use of GLP medications. Delafield hotels experienced strong occupancy during the spring and summer seasons and into early fall. Late fourth-quarter and early first-quarter periods were noted as typically slower. B. Outdoor Arts Committee The Outdoor Arts Committee selected three artists to advance to the second round. Detailed drawings will be presented to the Commission at the November meeting. 10. New Business Discussion and possible action regarding the following items: A. 2027 Budget The Commission approved the 2027 budget, including a $5,000 donation to the Delafield Chamber of Commerce. Motion by Jesseca Woodward, seconded by Erin McDonald, to approve the 2027 budget. All voted in favor; none opposed. Motion carried. B. Long-Term Allocation — Trail Debt Contribution No further discussion occurred regarding the long-term trail debt contribution. The item was deferred until the next budget discussion. C. November 20, 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting Paul Murphy, Jackie Valde, Larry Fehrm, Mary, and other representatives from Hawks Inn agreed to volunteer for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony scheduled for November 20, 2026. D. “Fall Foliage” Destination Jessica Woodward proposed that the Commission consider investing resources in promotions, partnerships, and other activities to establish Delafield as a fall destination. The discussion noted that fall colors and photography attract a significant number of tourists, while Delafield does not currently have a specific event focused on attracting these visitors. A potential partnership with Lapham Peak was suggested for consideration. Jori will develop a plan and report back to the Commission early 2027. E. Chamber Updates Jessica Woodward proposed 11. City of Delafield Hotel Report Erin McDonald reported that hotel occupancy was strong year to date. Hotel performance in 2027 is expected to be similar to 2026. 12. City of Delafield Hotel Tax Income Report The third-quarter 2026 hotel tax report was not yet available. It will be presented at the November meeting. 13. Voucher Approval Due to an administrative error, vouchers will be approved during the November meeting. 14. Future Delafield Promotion & Tourism Agenda Items A. Delafield Outdoor Art update B. Lapham peak partnership opportunities C. Q3 Hotel Tax report 15. Next Delafield Promotion & Tourism Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2026. The date was inaccurate on the original agenda. 16. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:45am.