Historic Madison allocates $12,000 to Saddle Tree Factory honoring community requests

The Jefferson County Board of Tourism made significant strides in funding and marketing initiatives during their meeting on May 19, 2025. A key decision was made to allocate $12,000 to Historic Madison Incorporated, with a recommendation for the funds to support the Saddle Tree Factory, honoring a request from community member Ellie.

The board's discussions highlighted the importance of local partnerships and projects, with members expressing support for directing funds to organizations that enhance community engagement. The motion to fund HMI was passed unanimously, signaling a commitment to preserving local heritage.

In marketing updates, Sarah provided an enthusiastic overview of recent campaigns that have seen impressive engagement. Notably, the "Best in the Midwest" campaign generated over 4,300 unique clicks, marking a significant increase in online interest. The board also celebrated a successful Google display campaign, which focused on outdoor recreation and attracted a diverse audience from major cities like Chicago and Detroit.

Looking ahead, the board is gearing up for a busy summer, with plans to host content creators and influencers to further promote Jefferson County. A micro-influencer is set to visit in June, aiming to create buzz for upcoming seasonal events. The marketing team reported a substantial increase in social media engagement, with a 335% rise in sessions from Facebook ads compared to the previous year.

As the board prepares for future initiatives, they are also working on a brand and image study, with plans to present findings in July. The meeting underscored the board's proactive approach to tourism development, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and innovative marketing strategies to attract visitors to Jefferson County.