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Visit Eau Claire seeks contract renewal, proposes 10‑year destination master plan funded by room tax allocations
Summary
Visit Eau Claire presented economic impact data and proposed a three‑year initial contract with funding to support a two‑year destination master plan; legal counsel recommended governance structures that maintain a non‑profit’s separation while providing contract-based city oversight.
Visit Eau Claire presented a proposed contract and scope of work for 2026 and beyond, describing its 45‑year history as the region’s destination marketing organization and the economic returns associated with its work.
Executive Director Kenzie Haplachek said tourism generated a record $461,000,000 in total economic impact for Eau Claire County in 2024, with $286,000,000 in visitor spending, more than 3,900 jobs supported, and $31,000,000 in state and local tax revenue. “This collaborative approach allows us to create a unified brand with the entire region, which strengthens our ability to attract visitors and attract economic growth for everyone,” Haplachek said.
Visit Eau Claire proposed a shorter initial contract term (three years) with an auto‑renewal structure and a two‑year destination master plan funded by an initial 3% allocation of room tax to build the plan and a 2% city destination development fund. Haplachek said the organization will provide monthly and annual audited financials and invited the city finance director to serve on its finance committee.
Legal counsel Zach Bemis (Godfrey & Kahn) advised council that state lodging tax statutes and federal tax‑exempt rules favor a separate tourism entity with membership governance rather than placing city officials as voting board members. Bemis recommended structuring the contract to provide city input, ex‑officio non‑voting representation, clear reporting and grant‑vetting processes, and safeguards against conflicts of interest while keeping the tourism entity compliant with Chapter 66 and tax law.
