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Devil's Lake Chamber and Tourism outlines marketing push, grant‑funded accessibility projects and visitor growth
Summary
Susie Kenner of Devil's Lake Tourism & Chamber reported plans for expanded marketing funded in part by RWIP and Garrison Diversion grants, new visitor‑guide materials, video campaigns, and accessible dock installations; she also said Rip Fest will not be held this year.
Susie Kenner, representing the Devil's Lake Tourism and Chamber, delivered the organization’s annual overview and strategic plan update. She said tourism generated an estimated $60.7 million economic impact for the Devil's Lake area in 2023 and that the organization saw 334,000 page views on devilslakend.com during 2024.
Kenner highlighted a three‑year strategic plan and said the Chamber has incorporated email marketing to a monthly list of roughly 2,500 subscribers, launched cooperative marketing efforts with outfitters and resorts, and is preparing a series of videos and a rebranded "inspiration guide" to attract visitors and workforce candidates. She said the Chamber received RWIP grant funding (the packet references approximately $409,900 awarded) and that roughly $168,000 of that will support marketing and workforce attraction over the coming months.
On accessible amenities, Kenner said the Chamber received nearly $44,000 from Garrison Diversion to install a wheelchair‑accessible boat/dock system and to remodel restrooms at Lakewood Pike Park to be ADA‑compliant; a dedication ceremony for the dock was planned for early June. "We are going to have a bigger push on some of that marketing efforts," she said, adding the organization will produce eight visitor videos and four family profiles in the coming year.
Kenner also confirmed that Rip Fest will not be held this summer due to waning vendor participation. The commission approved release of Chamber funding requested by staff.
