Putting out the Welcome mat

Well, the invitations have been addressed and sent in the mail. I am talking about our new Visitors packet! This initial mailing is 422 pieces sent all over the United States. (For some reason there is a lot of interest in the town of Waukesha, Wisconson - go figure!) This particular bulk mailing saved the Chamber over $600.

This is the first of many invitations for visitors to come to our area. As Tourism Director for Pullman, my job is to develop a business plan for tourism development and marketing. Coordinate a tourism effort, provide continuity and theme in the marketing messages and ultimately get everyone in the community on board. It takes a village to acheive ultimate success as a destination!

So now it's time for Pullman to put out the Welcome mat. Our community must create a good first impression. Remember, it costs a whole lot less to bring the same visitors back again than it does to keep getting new ones. Clean, well kept, inviting entrances to both the City and individual businesses is key. 70% of sales at wineries, golf courses, restaurants, lodging and retail shops come as a result of curb appeal.

Take a step back and look at your business entrance from a visitors stand point. Is your building in good repair, painted and tidy? Is any landscaping trimmed, full of color and free of debri? (Can't say enough here about flowers!) Are your signs well placed and easy to read? Are your frontline employees friendly and welcoming? By creating an outstanding first impression you make visitors want to open the covers of the book. Working together on this attractive "Welcome Mat"  we can increase our City's perceived value. The greater the perceived value, the more visitors will spend, the longer they will stay and the more likely they are to come back.

And that is good for everyone!

Vicki Leeper
Tourism Director