February 10, 2026 · 8:00 AM

Explore Two Rivers Meeting of the Board of Directors

Explore Two Rivers’ board spent most of its Feb. 10 meeting planning its May 7 National Travel & Tourism Week event and reviewing “I LOVE TR” campaign merchandise. The only clear action item was a hiring update: the board said it was working on extending an offer for tourism director.

Key Decisions

Tourism director hiring: the board said it was working on extending an offer to one of the candidates, a key staffing move that will shape how room-tax-funded tourism promotion gets run day to day.

National Travel & Tourism Week event planning: the board mapped out a May 7 program at Sepia Chapel, including timing, invites (including Visit Manitowoc staff and Justin Nickels), and ideas to get more local attractions/businesses to set up displays.

“I LOVE TR” merchandise review: board members generally liked the items but flagged practical details like mug quality and making sure the logo faces outward when held in the right hand.

Public Input

No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.

Agenda Items

OLD BUSINESS

The board reviewed a draft program book for the May 7 National Travel & Tourism Week celebration and asked members to email feedback to Joe Metzen before the next meeting. They also sketched out an event agenda at Sepia Chapel, including a 5:30 start, a social window, and short segments for an award, a “True to Two” branding presentation, and an “I love TR” pride campaign intro—plus ideas like games to fill the social time and a push to get more attractions/businesses to set up displays. This is the kind of nuts-and-bolts planning that determines whether the event actually draws partners and attention beyond the usual circle.

📄 See in official document: Page 1

OLD BUSINESS

Under the tourism director hiring update, the board reported it was working on extending an offer to one of the candidates. That’s a consequential step because the director role is central to how Explore Two Rivers executes tourism promotion and manages priorities tied to public funding. The minutes do not include details on timeline, compensation, or next steps beyond the planned offer.

📄 See in official document: Page 1

I LOVE TR ASSETS REVIEW

The board reviewed “I LOVE TR” campaign merchandise and generally approved of the lineup, with practical feedback about mug quality and logo orientation. An update on Erickson’s production of “I LOVE TR” apparel did not get discussed because a key member (Joe) was absent. This is low-stakes on its own, but it’s also a reminder that progress on deliverables can stall when only a couple people hold the details.

📄 See in official document: Page 1

tourism Full history →

← Back to Meetings