It was three years ago yesterday that I sat across the desk of a County Commissioner who was railing about the $250,000 that sat in a reserve account of his DMO. I remember suggesting that such a reserve account was appropriate, especially given the unknown we were facing with a little understood virus called COVID.
Three years ago today, I was facilitating a Strategic Planning workshop with that County's DMO, the day after it was announced that the NCAA was cancelling March Madness. The spectre of the unknown was clearly in the air.
As I climbed into my rental car to head to the airport, I received a text message that my flight to DTW was running late and that I would likely miss my connection to MSN. Delta was suggesting I fly to ATL to make a different connection home. However, if that connection also failed, I'd be much farther from home.
It was at that moment I sensed what was ahead. I called my rental car company and asked if I could just drive home instead. They said yes.
I didn't fly again for eight months.
Bill thank-you for your steady leadership through the pandemic. By sharing the podcasts and stories of how DMO leaders worked, adapted and were resilient, you provided an invaluable resource to all of us. Grateful.
Paul Nursey
Destination Greater Victoria
Posted by: Paul Nursey | March 13, 2023 at 08:37
Thank you for the kind words, Paul. We're all in this together...and learning from each other has been uplifting and cathartic. And, we couldn't have done it without each other.
Posted by: Bill Geist | March 13, 2023 at 08:45
"It's been a long, strange journey", hasn't it? Agree with Paul that you were a steady resource for us all out there trying to make sense of what was happening and figuring out the best way to make solid decisions. The stories relayed about our peers were a lifeline to us all. Respect, my friend!
Bonus Round: Can you name the author of the quote I stole?
Posted by: Lee T | March 13, 2023 at 15:42
Thank you too, Lee. It's what we all do for each other in trying times. We were just happy to be in a position to share the sector's responses and best practices. And, we'll continue to do that as long as people find value in the Z-News, the blog and the DMOU Podcast.
Bonus Round: I'm hearing Jerry....
Posted by: Bill Geist | March 13, 2023 at 15:54
Felt like our industry had the intire forest burn down around us. But now there is the excitement of new growth and new starts in different directions. Going back to baseball spring training this week! Wish me luck....
Posted by: Phil Bruno | March 13, 2023 at 16:32