Cher, Clay County’s tourism marketing manager, told the Tourist Development Council on Nov. 5 that Clay County partnered with Wheel the World, an international travel platform, to add 30 local businesses to a verified accessibility landing page. "We've made Clay County part of a trusted international platform, giving travelers detailed accessibility information before they even arrive," she said.

Cher said each partner receives access to a Wheel the World partner portal that includes training course videos for employees and a certificate upon completion. She described the arrangement as an annually renewable assessment: Wheel the World assessors visit partner sites, document accessibility features and host the destination landing page indefinitely. Staff will provide window clings and photos for verified locations to display at their entrances.

Board members asked whether training is available to any Clay County business; Cher said businesses that join the partner program receive the portal training and that the county can invite additional assessments in increments as more businesses enroll. Teddy Meyer, tourism director, and Cher said the county will continue outreach to chambers and professional partners to expand participation.

The presentation concluded with an offer for interested businesses to meet staff, receive promotional materials and be photographed with the council to mark their verified status. Staff did not propose a new local ordinance or funding change tied to the partnership at this meeting.