Barkley to take the helm of county’s nonprofit tourism organization
information and photo released by Chelan County
Chelan County’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which is in the process of forming a new nonprofit to direct county tourism efforts, recently hired an experienced tourism and marketing professional to lead those efforts. Beginning Aug. 2, Jerri Barkley, formerly of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the new executive director of Visit Chelan County, formerly called Washington’s Playground.
Barkley, who currently serves as the destination marketing operations director for the local chamber, brings a vast knowledge of Chelan County as well as tourism marketing and sales experience to the new position. She has worked for the chamber for nine years and previously served as marketing and sales director for Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort for 10 years. She also serves on the Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC); however, she will step down from that position with her new role.
“I’m thrilled to be selected for this opportunity to promote all of the County’s tourism assets and locations, especially during these uncertain times in our travel industry,” Barkley said. “Chelan County is my home, and I hope to continue to use my experience and knowledge to do what I can to help grow our tourism economy.”
Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering, who chairs LTAC, is excited for the leadership Barkley will bring to the county’s tourism organization.
“We not only need to promote Chelan County as a premier destination, but we also need help managing our tourism and recreation assets,” Gering said. “With Jerri’s experience, she will be a great asset as we grow Visit Chelan County.”
Troy Campbell, LTAC board member and executive director of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, echoed Gering’s sentiments.
“With Jerri at the helm, the opportunities this new organization will create will be a gamechanger for many of our smaller communities, events and attractions,” Campbell said. “Our smaller communities have a new ally to help boost their potential.”
The LTAC board, which consists of four members representing tourist-related businesses and four members representing tourist-related organizations, has been working over the past year on ways to best maximize and manage the portion of the lodging tax funds Chelan County receives that are dedicated for county-wide tourism promotion. The committee’s goal is to have a dedicated, nonprofit organization that can best utilize the lodging tax dollars, collaborate with larger communities and assist the smaller ones with events, promotions, and strategic and marketing plans.
Visit Chelan County’s mission is to promote, protect and enhance Chelan County’s tourism and recreation industry. Learn more at www.visitchelancounty.com or www.co.chelan.wa.us/board-of-commissioners/pages/lodging-tax-advisory-committee.
