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Chamber defends $566,000 city funding, cites visitor metrics and rebrand
Summary
Visit Calistoga (Chamber) reported to the council that it receives $566,000 annually from the city, runs a seven‑person staff and produced marketing and visitor metrics—including 72,382 social audience and about 4.8 million total views year‑to‑date—defending the expenditure and explaining TBID funds are administered separately.
Eric Reichert, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce/Visit Calistoga, presented the organization’s FY25–26 report and budget overview to the council on Aug. 4, telling council members the Chamber receives $566,000 from the city and uses the funds primarily for staffing, marketing and welcome‑center operations.
Reichert said the Chamber has seven staff and that payroll and related costs represent a substantial portion of the line item the council questioned. “We do get $566,000 from the city, which is substantial, and I… agree with that,” Reichert said. He told the council marketing accounts for a large portion of the spending and that the Chamber uses contracted PR and ad buys; he also clarified that the TBID (tourism business improvement district) funds are not controlled by the Chamber.
The Chamber outlined visitor metrics it tracks: a reported audience of 72,382 across channels, about 4.8 million total views year‑to‑date, and 16,589 unique visitors served by the welcome center. Reichert said social engagement dipped slightly but overall audience reach and visitation remain strong; he estimated Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) receipts could approach $13 million this year, attributing growth to higher‑end properties and sustained marketing.
Council members asked for ongoing transparency; Vice Mayor Giff noted the Chamber provides monthly destination marketing reports and suggested that continued reporting helps justify the allocation. Council members also discussed the role of the Chamber in promoting downtown events and its contribution to hotel occupancy and local business referrals. Reichert said the Chamber’s books are open for review by city staff and the public.
What’s next: council thanked the Chamber for the report and asked staff to continue receiving monthly marketing reports; no formal action beyond the presentation was required that evening.
