The November-January collaborative workshop series will benefit Douglas, Chelan and Okanagan counties and the Colville Confederated Tribes
SEATTLE (Oct 3, 2022) – State of Washington Tourism is offering a rural tourism support program for North Central Washington, encompassing three counties and the Colville Confederated Tribes. The program in November, December and January will bring together business owners and entrepreneurs with community leaders, local officials, land managers and tribal representatives to produce and execute a shared vision for creating a thriving and sustainable regional-tourism and outdoor recreation destination. Interested participants can register for the workshop series at CrosscurrentCollective.com/NCentralWA.
The North Central Washington Tourism Workspace includes a series of development workshops designed to help communities come together to: stimulate their economies through sustainable tourism development; build alliances and partnerships throughout the region; and protect and enhance their resources. The program will feature a networking kickoff event plus four interactive workshops.
State of Washington Tourism and the program’s local organizers are teaming up to increase collaboration that will shape the future of the growing tourism and outdoor recreation economy in North Central Washington. This will strengthen the region’s position as a premier tourism destination by enhancing community livability and healthy environments, while attracting visitors.
The program is designed to bring residents and businesses together to address key challenges, including the following:
- Preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the region while offering high-quality experiences
- Encouraging stewardship best practices by visitors as well as local businesses and residents
- Integrating cultural heritage into the visitor experience, authentically and respectfully
- Spreading the positive economic benefits of tourism throughout the region, and maximizing integration with other key economic drivers, including agriculture and Main Street retail
- Increasing residents’ understanding and appreciation of tourism’s value and the contribution it makes to the local economy
- Capitalizing on tourism projects already underway, to bolster momentum and ensure that the region becomes a high-demand destination
The following workshops and events are being offered as part of the program:
| Tues., Nov. 14–6 p.m.Wenatchee | Kickoff Networking EventA gathering for participants to build or strengthen relationships that will serve as a program foundation |
| Wed., Nov. 29 a.m.–4 p.m.Wenatchee | North Central Washington Tourism Summit: Visioning and Scenario Planning (Full-Day Workshop)Bringing regional stakeholders together to create a shared vision of success and begin designing a roadmap to get there |
| Tues., Dec. 69 a.m.–4 p.m.Twisp | Outdoor Recreation & Destination Management (Full-Day Workshop)Working together to identify gaps and opportunities for delivering a world-class outdoor recreation experience |
| 5–6 p.m.Twisp | Networking EventAn evening networking session that will feature a guest presenter from the region |
| Wed., Dec. 79 a.m. – 4 p.m.Twisp | Experience Local Food + Farms (Full-Day Workshop)Bringing together growers, raisers and producers, and regional stakeholders to learn about current trends and best practices in order to create new opportunities to experience local foods |
| Tues., Jan. 189 a.m.–4 p.m.Nespelem | The Power of Arts & Culture (Full-Day Workshop)Bringing together artisans, makers and representatives of our rich local cultures with regional stakeholders to work collaboratively to grow local abundance, share culture and enhance our region’s economic vitality |
| 5–6 p.m.TBD | Networking EventA celebration of the program’s completion! |
All workshops and events are free, but preregistration is required for the workshops. Space is limited and is specifically designed for residents, businesses and organizations operating in the communities of North Central Washington.
To maximize the program’s impact, organizers recommend that participants attend all workshops and events. Those who attend at least three of the four full-day workshops will receive a certificate of completion from State of Washington Tourism.
Space is limited and is specifically designed for residents, businesses and organizations operating in the communities of North Central Washington.
For more information and to register, visit CrosscurrentCollective.com/NCentralWA
For general inquiries about the program, contact:
Alyce Brown, Executive Director
North Central Washington Economic Development District
509-899-9321 | director@ncwedd.com
This program is provided by State of Washington Tourism and produced by Crosscurrent Collective, in partnership with the North Central Washington Economic Development District and a local steering committee that includes representatives from the Cascade Loop, Lake Chelan Now, the Colville Confederated Tribes, Discover Entiat, the Economic Alliance (Okanogan County), the Entiat Valley Chamber of Commerce, Gamble Sands, the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, Mountain View Homestead Flower and Herb Farm (Leavenworth), the Okanogan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Okanogan County Tourism, Rocky Pond Winery/Rocky Reach AVA, the Town of Waterville, TREAD, Twisp Chamber of Commerce, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Visit Chelan County and Winthrop Marketing.
About State of Washington Tourism
State of Washington Tourism (the recently rebranded Washington Tourism Alliance) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. SWT procures and administers funds for state destination tourism marketing activities and creates and implements the strategic statewide destination marketing plan. Visit the destination website at www.stateofWAtourism.com or the tourism industry site at www.industry.stateofWAtourism.com.
About the North Central Washington Economic Development District
The North Central Washington Economic Development District aims to foster an innovative and resilient economy for North Central Washington’s businesses, workers and families. Learn more at ncwedd.com.
About Crosscurrent Collective
Crosscurrent Collective is a planning, strategy and engagement firm that supports communities as they design, build and manage world-class outdoor recreation destinations. It focuses on developing unique experiences, cultivating vibrant regional outdoor recreation and tourism economies, and helping leaders strike a delicate balance between visitation, preserving local values and maintaining healthy ecosystems. It designs processes that support inclusive, community-based decision-making and collaborative action to drive local solutions. Learn more at CrosscurrentCollective.com.