Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, has announced his resignation to become the CEO of Columbia Industries (Kennewick, WA). Novakovich will remain in his role with Visit Tri-Cities through July 1st. The Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors has begun the process to search for Novakovich’s replacement.
“The Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors has the greatest appreciation for Michael and the outstanding leadership he has provided the organization,” stated Corey Pearson, Visit Tri-Cities Board Chair. “Under his leadership, the organization has grown its innovation and outcomes, market reach, community and business impact, team development, program offerings, brand awareness and revenues.” “We have an exceptional team that will continue advancing and enhancing our tourism industry as we undergo a search for a new CEO,” Pearson said. “We wish Michael great success leading Columbia Industries.” The Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors will conduct a nationwide search, with a hiring announcement expected sometime this summer. In Michael’s time leading Visit Tri-Cities, the organization achieved DMAP Accreditation with “Distinction” from Destinations International; earned national recognition with a Best Idea Program Outstanding Achievement Award for innovation; and the organization was recognized as a “Trailblazer” through MMGY NextFactor’s destination assessment. Michael also led the team to nearly a full recovery of annual economic impact, $489.3 million in visitor spending in 2021, following two years of successfully navigating the pandemic in arguably the most adversely impacted industry.
0 Comments
Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is pleased to announce a contribution of $80,000 to The Memorial Foundation to help fund the expansion of Children’s Village. Children's Village is a regional integrated center for children with special needs and their families, with multiple service providers all under one roof. At Children's Village, children with chronic health conditions get all of their needs met in one special place.
The donation is part of a $15 million campaign to raise funds to expand Memorials Children’s Health & Medical Program (CHAMP). Currently, Children’s Village serves over 9,500 children each year and had over 43,000 visits in 2021. In addition to clinic visits, 300 children are seen in their home by Children’s Village providers each week. Over 1,400 children are waiting their turn to be treated at Children’s Village. “We are committed to supporting families in Central Washington.” Said Leanne Antonio, President and CEO of Yakima Federal Savings and Loan. “Children’s Village meets critical needs for area families and we are pleased our contribution will allow further expansion of the services they provide.” The expansion will upgrade amenities, increase treatment rooms from 10 to 21, and expand physical space by almost 11,000 square feet. The expansion will also increase staff by 60 percent, increase behavioral health services and serve nearly 1,000 additional children per year after the remodel and expansion. “Everything we do is in partnership with parents and families—it's all about strengthening families. Strong children today will change the world tomorrow.” stated Erin Black, CEO of the Memorial Foundation. Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is headquartered in Yakima, WA. and has been in business since 1905. With over $2 billion in assets, the association is the 11th largest Washington-based FDIC insured financial institution. It’s no secret that tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, but the recently released 2021 tourism economic impacts numbers show that travel is making a strong recovery in the Tri-Cities.
Visitor spending in the Tri-Cities exceeded $489 million in 2021, a 41-percent increase over 2020, and only 1.5% away from the Tri-Cities’ best year, which was 2019. Spending was up in all categories measured – lodging, food and beverage, transportation, recreation and retail. “The proof is in the numbers; people love to visit the Tri-Cities and they’re excited to include our community in their vacation plans as they return to travel,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “We know the Tri-Cities is an amazing place to live, work and play thanks to our great weather, rivers, outdoor recreation, culinary and agricultural experiences, golf, wine and more. But it’s so rewarding to know that visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest enjoy our unique and vibrant region.” Visitor spending in 2021 resulted in $51 million in local and state tourism-generated sales tax revenue. The tax revenue generated by visitors helps fund police and fire, teachers and schools, the maintenance of our roadways and the beautification of our parks and reduces individual Tri-Citians household tax burden by over $500. In short, the visitor economy enhances quality of life that touches every single Tri-Citian. The impact of tourism goes beyond visitor spending. “As tourism grows in the Tri-Cities region, it strengthens the local economy, fuels prosperity and generates meaningful employment opportunities,” said Novakovich. “In fact, tourism is one of the region’s largest and strongest economic sectors, contributing more than 4,739 jobs.” The Economic Impacts of Visitors in Washington State Report is a compilation of survey data from Longwoods International; the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics by industry; STR lodging performance data; tax collections, including lodging tax receipts; US Census business sales by industry and seasonal second homes; and international travel data for overseas, Canadian and Mexican travel to the US, based on aviation, survey and credit card information. To enhance the wine tasting experience of the community, Visit Tri-Cities has released the “Heart of Washington Wine Country Pass,” featuring award-winning wineries throughout the region!
The Heart of Washington Wine Country offers experiences from nine participating wineries throughout the Tri-Cities including famed locations like Red Mountain and Prosser, the birthplace of Washington wine. Passholders enjoy significant savings, the face value of the experiences offered is more than $150, but the pass price starts at $42. “We’re thrilled to launch the Heart of Washington Wine Country pass,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “It creates the opportunity to promote the Tri-Cities as a premier wine destination in the Pacific Northwest by showcasing our winery partners.” Wine enthusiasts have three pass options, at different price points: 1-day for $42; 3-day for $68; or 90-days for $85. The pass is available for purchase at Visit Tri-Cities.com under the deals section and is instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and it is ready to use upon receipt. When passholders visit a participating winery, they just show the pass to collect the special offer. The Heart of Washington Wine Country pass makes a great experience even better. To purchase your Heart of Washington Wine Country Pass and plan your Tri-Cities wine weekend, check out visittri-cities.com/deals/. Visit Tri-Cities is now accepting nominations for outstanding individuals or businesses who have enhanced the tourism industry through their excellent customer service skills. One outstanding individual or tourism-related business will receive the Excellence in Service Award, a prestigious acknowledgement that celebrates members of the Tri-Cities tourism and service industry for their ongoing commitment to go above and beyond in providing outstanding customer service.
“Excellent customer service is more important than ever as we anticipate 2022 being the best year for leisure tourism in the Tri-Cities,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “We know that customer service will be just as important to visitors as the attractions and amenities available in our community. We look forward to recognizing those individuals and businesses that give the Tri-Cities a competitive edge by providing amazing experiences not just for leisure travel, but for conventions, meetings and sports events.” Visitor spending in the Tri-Cities hit $489.3 million in 2021, which sustains 4,739 jobs in Benton and Franklin counties and supports a thriving local business economy. Visitors also generated $51.2 million in State and local taxes. The tax revenue generated by visitors helps fund police and fire, teachers and schools, the maintenance of our roadways and the beautification of our parks and reduces individual Tri-Citians household tax burden by over $500. In short, the visitor economy enhances quality of life that touches every single Tri-Citian. The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2022, at that time nominations will be reviewed by the Visit Tri-Cities nominating committee. Once selected, the recipient will be honored at the Visit Tri-Cities Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, where they will accept the award, as well as receive a $500 gift card sponsored by Battelle. Kathy Nutt, Wine Club Concierge of Frichette Winery, earned the honor in 2021. Kathy not only provides an amazing customer experience, but she is also a true Tri-Cities ambassador. By enthusiastically sharing local experiences and recommendations for dining out, outdoor recreation, performing arts, and more with visitors, Kathy creates a memorable experience and earned this prestigious recognition. Previous winners include The Lodge at Columbia Point, Red Mountain Trails, the Tri-City Dust Devils, Frost Me Sweet and more! It’s a wide range of businesses but what they all have in common is their commitment to providing an enhanced visitor experience and when visitors experience outstanding service, we all benefit! For more information or to fill out a nomination form, visit: VisitTri-Cities.com/TCexcellence. Join Visit Tri-Cities in sharing and celebrating the value tourism holds for the local economy, businesses and quality of life for residents during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 2-7, 2022!
This year’s theme is “The Future of Travel” and the best way to ensure the future of the local tourism-related attractions and businesses, places we all love and enjoy, is for the community to experience tourism in the Tri-Cities! Each day throughout Tourism Week, we will share ideas and activities to support the Tri-Cities tourism industry. Visit Tri-Cities will explore a variety of tourism-related themes throughout the week: Monday of Excellence (May 2), announcing the launch of our 2022 Excellence in Service program; Together Tuesday (May 3), highlighting group activities throughout the Tri-Cities; Water & Weather Wednesday (May 4), showcasing outdoor recreation; Thirsty Thursday (May 5), exploring the craft beverage scene; Foodie Friday (May 6), tasting through the Tri-Cities; Cinco Saturday (May 7), celebrating Hispanic culture in the Tri-Cities. It’s not truly a celebration without a contest and outstanding prizes! Visitors and residents are invited to share their photos of their favorite Tri-Cities experience on Facebook and Instagram using hashtag #TCTourism for a chance to win amazing prizes including three airfare packages from Avelo Airlines (@aveloair)! Photos will be judged by a secret group of tourism experts, so post the best of the best! Details are available at Visit Tri-Cities’ Tourism Week page. Tourism is fun and games, literally, but it is also an impactful and a vital component of the Tri-Cities economy. Each year, visitors spend $489.3 million in Benton and Franklin counties which generates $51.2 million in State and local taxes. These new dollars to the community support a thriving local business economy and 4,739 jobs in the Tri-Cities. The tax revenue generate by visitors helps fund police and fire, teachers and schools, the maintenance of our roadways and the beautification of our parks and reduces individual Tri-Citians household tax burden by over $500. In short, the visitor economy enhances quality of life that touches every single Tri-Citian. Find ways to celebrate Tri-Cities Tourism at VisitTri-Cities.com/tourism-week/. |
Have News?Email your press release and a photo to Austin Regimbal, Marketing & Communications Director. Press releases are posted in their entirety. This is a free benefit for members of the Tri-City Regional Chamber at the Connect level and above. Archives
February 2025
|