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EDA expands tourism push: Rising Tide event, Explore Middlesex app growth and kiosks delivered
Summary
Staff reported growth in the Explore Middlesex app with 25+ business registrations, 30 RSVPs for a Rising Tide appreciation event, new digital kiosks delivered, and plans for a kayak loaner system with an MOU from the Town of Urbanna.
EDA tourism and marketing staff reported March 9 that local outreach and digital tools are expanding in advance of the spring season. Ms. Law said the Rising Tide Business Appreciation Event had 30 RSVPs and that social media advertising is ongoing; an EDA resources presentation will be shared with event attendees. She said the Explore Middlesex app now lists more than 25 businesses after a recent sign-up push using an emailed Google form and social outreach.
Ms. Law described additional marketing work: the Rising Tide video series is adding profiles (Pitts Lumber, River Birch, Evolution Sales) and staff are arranging a ribbon-cutting video for a new Saluda business, Collective Creations. Digital kiosks have been delivered and staff are developing a reservation system for planned loaner kayaks. The Town of Urbanna is drafting a memorandum of understanding to host the kayak-rental system; the EDA is evaluating a backup rental plan should marina access remain limited by a bridge closure.
Executive Director Trenton Funkhouser said the EDA pays an annual fee for the Explore Middlesex app and that recent vendor and consultant costs (Treasury bill renewals, Virginia Tech contract payments) are routine. The board did not take action but accepted the tourism report as presented.
