Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission - Meets 3rd Tuesday of Each Month at 5:15 p.m usually in City Hall.

  • Cindy Foley
  • Hans Hilbert
  • Van Nutt
  • Scott Acker
  • Eric Rottier
  • Corey Kautzky
  • Val Steel (City Rep)

Its purpose is to promote and encourage tourism for the City. It consists of 5 citizens and 1 alderperson. 

State statute 66.0615(1m)(c)

1. If a commission is created by a single municipality, the commission shall consist of 4 to 6 members. One of the commission members shall represent the Wisconsin hotel and motel industry. Members shall be appointed under subd. 3. )

Legislative room tax obligations – 66.0615(1m)(d)2.  

2. If a municipality collects a room tax on May 13, 1994, it may retain not more than the same percentage of the room tax that it retains on May 13, 1994. If a municipality that collects a room tax on May 1, 1994, increases its room tax after May 1, 1994, the municipality may retain not more than the same percentage of the room tax that it retains on May 1, 1994, except that if the municipality is not exempt under par. (am) from the maximum tax that may be imposed under par. (a), the municipality shall spend at least 70% of the increased amount of room tax that it begins collecting after May 1, 1994, on tourism promotion and development. Any amount of room tax collected that must be spent on tourism promotion and development shall either be spent directly by the municipality on tourism promotion and development or shall be forwarded to the commission for its municipality or zone if the municipality has created a commission.


66.0615(1m)(d)3.
3. A commission shall use the room tax revenue that it receives from a municipality for tourism promotion and development in the zone or in the municipality.

Further explained at -  http://nxt.legis.state.wi.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&d=stats&jd=%2066.0615

WI Act 135 establishes a definition of “Tourism Promotion & Development” to clarify how the amount of Room Tax revenue designated for this purpose by state law can be used. The definition:

  • Provides a natural connection between overnight stays, which is what is taxed and is the source of the revenue, and the expenditure of the revenue to ensure room tax revenue is sustainable and can grow;
  • Ensures that if multiple lodging properties are collecting and submitting room tax revenue, the promotion and development projects do not just benefit one property;
  • Provides examples of marketing projects that promote tourism to help guide decision-makers without experience in the tourism industry;
  • Provides a broad range of opportunities for local decision-makers to select what investments in Tourism Promotion and Development will work best in their community and budget (ie; print or electronic promotional brochures, advertising, a tourist information center, efforts to recruit conventions, etc).

 

Per the City of Middleton’s Ordinances’ http://www.ci.middleton.wi.us/City/Departments/clerk/ordinances/middch2.pdf   -

2.26 TOURISM COMMISSION. (1) How Constituted. The Tourism Commission shall consist of six (6) members.

OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND EMPLOYEES

September 08 Chapter 2 – page 42

(2) Appointment.

(a) All members shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the Council present when the vote is taken.

(b) Hotel & Motel Member. One of the Commissioners appointed shall be a representative of the Wisconsin hotel and motel industry.

(c) Restaurant Member. One of the Commissioners appointed shall be a representative of the restaurant industry in the City of Middleton.

(d) Tourist Attractions Member. One of the Commissioners appointed shall be a representative of City of Middleton tourist attractions.

Tourist attractions shall not include businesses primarily devoted to retail or City operated attractions. If, after reasonable inquiry no tourist attraction candidate can be found, the Mayor may appoint and the Council may confirm a non-tourist attraction representative to fill a full term in lieu of a tourist attraction member.

(e) Terms. All Commissioners shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor for a one year term and may be reappointed.

(3) Organization of Commission. The Commission shall organize by May 1 in each year. Thereupon, the Commission shall elect a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a secretary and such other officers as may in the judgment of the members be necessary.

(4) Meetings. Meetings shall be called by the Chair or Vice-Chair, and the secretary shall give such notices of meetings as the Commission may, from time to time, prescribe.

(5) Record of Proceedings. The Commission shall keep minutes of its meetings and a copy of the minutes shall be filed with the City Clerk.

(6) Quorum and Voting. Three (3) voting members shall constitute a quorum, but all actions shall require an affirmative vote of a majority of all voting members of the Commission.

(7) Powers and Duties. The Tourism Commission shall have the powers and duties prescribed by Wis. Stats. Sec. 66.0615.

 

Middleton Tourism Commission’s Mission Statement & Core Objectives

Middleton Tourism Commission’s Mission Statement is to provide the best information possible to ensure a pleasurable experience for Middleton's visitors.

In order to accomplish our mission we are committed to the following core objectives:

  • To develop the convention & visitors industry as a substantial element of the City of Middleton's economy.
  • To market the City of Middleton in a way that maximizes the visitor's experience while respecting the quality of life and environment of those who live and work here.
  • To compete successfully with destinations throughout the region in attracting first time & repeat visitors.
  • To be a regional destination source that stresses partnership, productivity and return on investments.
  • To share expertise on industry issues, trends and product development.
  • To market to convention & event planners, tour & group operators, as well as individuals.
  • To offer exceptional customer service.

Meeting Minutes

For Tourism Commission Meeting Minutes please contact Val Steel, Director of Tourism vsteel@ci.middleton.wi.us .

Meeting minutes reflect the notes of city staff and should be considered to be in DRAFT form until they are formally approved at a subsequent meeting.

It is possible that members of and possibly a quorum of members of other governmental bodies of the municipality may be in attendance at any of the above meetings to gather information; however, no action will be taken by any governmental body at said meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred to in the meeting notice.

Upon reasonable notice efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals wishing to attend meetings through appropriate aids and services.

For additional information or to request this service, contact the City Administrator’s office at

(608)821-8350
7426 Hubbard Ave.
Middleton, WI 53562.