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New Visit Sauk Centre director outlines marketing gains and 2026 plans
Summary
Sara Hoffner, the new Visit Sauk Centre director, told the council that Visit Sauk Centre expanded regional and national advertising in 2025, mailed about 7,000 visitor guides, reported a 2,700% increase in digital engagement and plans in‑house marketing and a March 2026 video production partnership.
Sara Hoffner introduced herself to the council as Visit Sauk Centre’s director, noting she began the role in July 2025 and that 2025 priorities included expanding reach, refreshing the organization’s digital presence and ensuring Sauk Centre appears in travelers’ searches.
Hoffner said Visit Sauk Centre placed advertising in regional and national publications, distributed approximately 2,000 visitor guides by mail and about 5,000 through visitor centers and partners, and recorded a 2,700% increase in digital engagement over 2024. She said Visit Sauk Centre invested in community events that support overnight stays and local economic activity.
For 2026, Hoffner said the organization will create graphics and ads in‑house, has added two new board members (Scott Kowski as the city representative and Dave Schroeder of Palmer House), and will partner with Explore MN Co‑Op and Sizzle Media to bring a professional video production team to Sauk Centre in March 2026 to capture local businesses and attractions for promotional use.
Quote: "Visit Sauk Centre exists to inspire visitors to discover Minnesota’s original Main Street," Hoffner said, summarizing the organization’s mission and focus on preserving the town’s character while growing tourism.
Next steps: Visit Sauk Centre will proceed with the March video production, continue digital outreach and coordinate with city representatives and local businesses on promotional activities.
