Explore Two Rivers reported a healthy-looking budget picture, but its reserve remains below its $100,000 target. The board also outlined a growing list of tourism events, marketing efforts and a proposed wayfinding-sign project, with few firm commitments beyond routine budget approvals.
Key Decisions
The board said its reserve is still below its $100,000 goal while reporting a $56,974 net gain or loss figure and about $80,000 in capital liabilities. It approved the treasurer’s report and budget without a recorded vote count.
Explore Two Rivers plans to seek grants for wayfinding signs at the beach and downtown, aiming to avoid drawing directly from the city’s general fund. Beach sign pads were hoped to be installed in August, but no funding award or final project approval was recorded.
Staff said a draft 2027 budget and marketing plan should be ready for the board’s October meeting after Tourism Director Caitlyn Meola returns from leave. That plan will shape how room-tax-supported tourism dollars are used next year.
Public Input
No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.
Agenda Items
TREASURER REPORT
Passed
The board approved its treasurer’s report and accepted the budget, though the minutes do not provide a detailed budget document or a recorded vote count. It reduced the logo-wear budget from $13,000 to $8,000 and paused new orders while it sells existing stock. The visitor guide was reported to have brought in $17,080 against a $15,000 total cost, while the organization said its reserve remains slightly below its $100,000 target.
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DIRECTORS' UPDATE
The board reviewed a broad tourism and event update, including plans for a returning tall ship crew, Ethnic Fest, Apple Fest, Paddle Palooza, Zombie Zoom, a proposed adventure triathlon and a statewide bowling tournament expected in Manitowoc next March. These efforts are intended to bring visitors and overnight stays, but most were updates or early plans rather than board-approved spending commitments. Staff also said a draft 2027 budget and marketing plan is expected for initial board review in October after Tourism Director Caitlyn Meola returns from leave.
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COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS UPDATE
The board announced the next Community Ambassadors meeting for August 25 at 5:30 p.m. The broader update said organizers are working to divide the group into eight sector-focused subcommittees and move toward quarterly reports. That could create a more structured channel for local businesses and residents to weigh in on tourism and community promotion, but no formal action was recorded.
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WAYFINDING SIGNAGE
Explore Two Rivers said it hoped beach sign pads would be installed in August and plans to pursue grants for a larger downtown wayfinding-sign system. The stated goal is to use outside funding, potentially including Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation funding, rather than directly burden the city’s general fund. The minutes do not show a grant application, funding award or final sign plan being approved.
