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Discover Kodiak reports stronger outreach, new visitors guide and fundraising gains; previews wayfinding project
Summary
Discover Kodiak told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on April 24 that it increased the print run for its 2025 visitors guide, raised $18,000 at a fundraiser, donated $2,000 to Kodiak High School’s culinary program and plans a 12–14 month downtown wayfinding signage project.
Brock Simmons, executive director of Discover Kodiak, presented the organization’s third-quarter fiscal-year 2025 report to the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on April 24 and highlighted a mix of marketing, fundraising and partnership work aimed at growing visitor interest while supporting local businesses and programs.
What Discover Kodiak reported
- Visitors guide and distribution: Discover Kodiak produced a 2025 visitors guide with 20,000 copies printed — an increase of 4,000 copies compared with the prior run to meet demand, especially in the Seattle area and for Washington-state distribution.
- Fundraising events and local partnerships: The chocolate-themed fundraiser and a separate “adjust your oxygen pricing challenge” event were sold out; Simmons said the fundraising night raised $18,000 and that the Kodiak High School culinary arts program provided 18–20 desserts. “We raised $18,000 that night,” he said, and Discover Kodiak made a $2,000 donation to the high school culinary program.
- Trade shows and video production: Discover Kodiak exhibited at the Travel and Adventure Show in Denver for the first time with partner Kodiak Brown Bear Center; Simmons said more than 11,000 attendees saw the booth. The organization is developing a new destination video with local videographer Chris Wuggenbach, scheduled for completion in October 2025.
- Wayfinding signage: As part of a contract deliverable with the City of Kodiak, Discover Kodiak is working with Fortis Design (Anchorage) on a downtown wayfinding signage project. Simmons said the design and installation timeline is expected to take about 12–14 months with signage installation likely tracking into 2026.
Cruise-ship and tourism notes
Simmons said cruise-ship scheduling was more volatile than previously anticipated; early-season cancellations reduced an initial schedule of about 30 ships toward roughly the prior-year level (25–26), but Discover Kodiak reported increased membership interest and inquiries from local entrepreneurs planning visitor services.
Takeaway for the assembly
Assembly members asked about managing visitor impacts and supporting local entrepreneurs; Simmons said membership inquiries were rising and the organization is seeing new local operators seek to serve visitors. He thanked the assembly for its support and distributed copies of the visitors guide to the dais.
