Chamber promotes Brewster at Spokane Big Horn Outdoor Show

SPOKANE – Word is getting around about the City of Brewster as a place to visit. Chamber of Commerce President Mike Mauk manned an information booth at the recent Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show in Spokane last March 16-19 and reported back to the regular Chamber meeting last Wednesday, April 12.

He said he noticed the difference between that show and the earlier Yakima Sportsmen Show held last Feb. 24-26.

“We noticed not near as many folks asked where Brewster is at this show compared to the Yakima show,” said Mauk. “We feel like it was very worthwhile to be at these shows for the Chamber and for the Derby promoting our area.”

Mauk thanked the city for sharing information about the RV park and businesses for providing their promotional brochures. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funds helped cover the expenses for booths at both shows since the purpose is “to bring heads to our beds which is what the LTAC dollars are for.

In addition to making new connections at the Big Horn Show Mauk also sold more tickets for the Brewster King Salmon Derby coming up in August. Speaking of the derby, Mauk announced two new sponsors for the event: Harrod Outdoors in Leavenworth and Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpeners.

“Everett Coho Derby will be donating 60 kids rods and reels,” Mauk said.

At the previous board meeting it was agreed to pay $400 at the last board to advertise on the Fishin’ Magician webpage (fishingmagician.com).

“It will link to the Chamber website when you go to his site and go to his ‘eLetter’,” said Mauk. “Our picture is at the top. Click on it and it takes you to our webpage.”

The Chamber, 17th annual Salmon Derby, city, and Columbia Cove RV Park once again appear on the back page of the Fish Rapper supplement published by the Omak Okanogan Chronicle in its April 12 edition.

Membership Drive: 49 paid and trade in kind members so far 2023.

Mother’s Day

Vendor applications for the May 13 Cinco de Mayo/Mother’s Day event are available at the Senior Center and around town at Mi Pueblo, Apple Valley Wireless, and the Bear Basket. At the last Chamber meeting it was decided to combine the May 5 Cinco de Mayo and the May 14 Mother’s Day into the single event on Saturday, May 13. While tentatively approved, the official approval will be requested at the Thursday, April 20, City Council meeting.

“They have hired three bands,” said Mauk. “One main band out of Yakima that is $1400 per hour with 10 or more members. Two other local bands are on board as well as the dancers and the dancing horses.”

Visitor Information Center (VIC)

An Okanogan County Tourism Council (OCTC) representative discussed the city’s proposed Visitor Information Center (VIC). Mauk and Chamber vice president Charlene Knox met with her earlier to inquire how the city can improve its presence.

OCTC works directly with LTAC and the County Commissioners. It is recommending that each center has a kiosk, computer and website set up so all the VIC’s in the county can share information. That information would include data from those who visit the county, where they come from, where they go, and what their interests seem to be.

“It is new to our county and the Brewster VIC is attending meetings and working at getting Brewster on the map and getting the funding from LTAC to have this done,” said Mauk. “We have a VIC/museum meeting at the Elks in Omak with all the county’s VICS and will share ideas, information and brochures. The LTAC will be there helping show us how to apply for those funds.”

Triple Fish Challenge

The Salmon Derby had a table selling derby tickets and promoting Brewster at Coulee Playland on the shore of Banks Lake last weekend, April 15-16. The Derby is a major Playland sponsor this year.

“When you have over 200 fishermen in one spot it is important for our Derby to be a presence there,” said Mauk. “Coulee Playland is under new ownership, and we hope to have them come on as a sponsor for the Derby this year.”

BBGC Gamble Sands fundraiser

Elizabeth Shepard with the Brewster Boys and Girls Club zoomed in for the meeting and announced that the Golf Tournament fundraiser at Gambles Sands is coming up on Monday, April 24.

“They have almost $70,000 in donations this year,” Mauk said.

Economic Alliance business, outreach and marketing specialists Leonel Marcial and Martha Martinez talked about the upcoming events and programs in a roundtable discussion with the Chamber.

“They offer a lot of help to our small businesses, and it’s free,” Mauk said.

Membership figures include 49 paid and trade-in-kind members so far in 2023.

The Chamber will next meet next at 7 p.m., May 10.