Laserfiche WebLink
Research and Discovery: Executive lnterviews <br />Executive lnterviews <br />Stakeholclers from the city, business, the chamber, the university, <br />downtown association and local arts, events and historical organizations <br />in Ellensburg were intervieweel for input into this plan. lnterview <br />candidates were identified by the strategic plan committee. JayRay <br />reached out to more than 20 candidates and conducted l-6 interviews, <br />Questions focused on these key areas: goals, positloning, audiences, <br />resources and success factors. <br />Lea rnings <br />Goals <br />Ellensburg seeks to grnw torrrism intn arr increasingly important <br />economic driver, while not sacrificing the relaxed, small-town <br />atmosphere that makes it so attractive to residents and visitors aiike. <br />Rather than be a "tourist town" like Leavenworth, poulsbo or other <br />destinations, it seeks to offer an authentic small-town experience <br />enlivened by the preience of a vibrant university culture and <br />punctuated by regular festivals and events that earn it a reputation for <br />"always having something going on." <br />ln adelitional to leisure tourism, Ellensburg,s location, affordability and <br />facilities make it a good fit for small+o-medium sized group activities <br />from conferences to youth anel adult sports tournaments. <br />Positioning (how visitors think of Ellensburg, distinct from other <br />weekend getaways) <br />Ellensburg ls still very much what it has becn*a relaxing, friendly small <br />ranching and college town. lt's on its way to becoming msre artsy <br />{music, gallerier, craft beer/cuisine}, but ii hffsn,t fully leaned into any <br />one sf the arts. lt a[so has tremendous recreational opporturrities and <br />natural beauty, not only for the avid outeloorsman, but for the Sunday <br />nature walker, the once-a-year kayaker and the recreational cyclist. tt's <br />a town that likes variety, with some everrt or f*stival happening most <br />weekends. lt's centrally located and affordable. The rodeo is still its <br />most well-known event. <br />lf Ellensburg were to more clearly distinguish itself from its destination <br />competition, the most common positions mentioned by stakeholders <br />were: <br />r "There's always something happening" events townr "Western heritage" townt "A place to escape" town <br />r "Meet in the middle" town <br />City ot illerrsburg <br />Fi\ie-Year Touiisor Straiegic Fian <br />quoTss or NoTE <br />"Unlike Leavenworth or <br />Wi nt hro p, th e a ctivities <br />change sathere's a <br />rcsson to cofie back. <br />We always have same <br />lun activity gaing on.' <br />lou can't have testivals <br />all the time, but you can <br />have a festive <br />atmosphere all the time, <br />Ellensburg should have <br />more street vendors and <br />the city needs to hetp <br />make thnt happen." <br />"lhe rodeo ls still very <br />important, but the <br />western theme lor <br />Ellensburg is woning, <br />Our cglture has <br />changed; we sre more <br />and more influenced hy <br />the college ond by the <br />"wgt" side," <br />"l'd llke to see us play up <br />clty dwellers who lind <br />the country tife <br />oppealing." <br />the Western <br />72019