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Visit Evansville Releases Results From 10-Year Tourism and Destination Management Master Plan

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Visit Evansville Releases Results From 10-Year Tourism and Destination Management Master Plan

Visit Evansville (Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau) unveiled its’ 10-Year Tourism and Destination Development Master Plan at its April 26th Visit Evansville board of directors meeting.  The $140,000 study was awarded back in October 2020 to the Minneapolis consulting firm Convention, Sports, and Leisure, International (CSL, Int’l).  John Kaatz, Principal, and Tyler Othen, Senior Manager of CSL, Int’l, presented the study’s findings to the Visit Evansville board of directors. The master plan included a comprehensive evaluation of Vanderburgh County’s assets and infrastructure.  It also identifies opportunities in multiple sectors for projects and investments that could potentially elevate Evansville and Vanderburgh County as top-tier visitor destinations one day. 

According to John Kaatz, “These types of investments can be transformational over the 10-year timeframe considered by the Plan. The Plan is designed to position Evansville and the surrounding region for growth in numerous (tourism-related) business sectors,” said Kaatz.

In the Evansville-Vanderburgh County area, the visitor industry plays an important (an essential) role in our local and regional economic health. Visitors inject new dollars into our economy, with only limited use of our public infrastructure. Visitor spending generates new tax revenue, which reduces the tax burden on our residents. One of the outcomes of this Plan is to grow our tax base by attracting more visitors to the area. 

With the pandemic hopefully in our rearview mirror, we are beginning to see a recovery in visitation to Evansville. In 2020 our hotel occupancy for the month of March was 43% where just this past March our hotel occupancy was at 57%. In 2021 the recovery has begun, and this Plan is designed to help the Evansville/Vanderburgh region tourism segment grow exponentially post COVID.  Now at the same time, competition for the visitor industry market share remains fierce. Throughout our state and region, communities that compete directly with Evansville will continue to invest in tourism infrastructure that will draw tourists to their communities which in turn will have a significant return on their investment. 

The overall objective for the creation of a 10-year tourism and destination management master plan is to enhance the Evansville/Vanderburgh County’s tourism industry by identifying projects that will not only be attractive in growing our tourism economy but will improve to the overall quality of life for the residents that call the greater Evansville/Vanderburgh County home. 

The Evansville/Vanderburgh County master plan included an extensive community and stakeholder outreach, including survey results from area residents, business and political leadership interviews, and discussions with numerous meetings, conventions, and sports clients. This study cross-referenced other studies that had taken place in Evansville/Vanderburgh County over the past several years. The tourism master plan also included an in-depth industry performance review which identified demand for various tourism sectors and overall economic growth initiatives for the region. To learn how peer cities have successfully attracted millions of visitors and residents in recent years by establishing strong reputations as work and play destinations, a benchmarking analysis was prepared. It also compared current and future tourism trends nationally so we can capitalize on any new and emerging trends.

Listed are some of the master plans future recommendations:  

  • To attract new and larger sporting tournaments, adding turf to the existing fields at Deaconess Sports Park. A study should be conducted to expand Deaconess by adding four to six additional mixed-use baseball fields. 
  • Building a new indoor athlete training facility for local athlete development at the Evansville Sports Complex 
  • The addition of a 125,000-175,000 sq. ft. Sports Fieldhouse located at the Evansville Sports Complex where Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex are located would help accommodate basketball, volleyball, pickleball, futsal and mat sports. This facility would attract tournaments from around the region and become a huge economic generator for Evansville/Vanderburgh County. This would give the complex a sports campus-like feel. 
  • There are significant opportunities to grow outdoor adventure-based tourism and create attractions that are also beneficial assets for the local population through investment in Burdette Park and Wesselman Woods.   
  • The development of trend-forward outlets in the cultural districts (Downtown Evansville, Haynie’s Corner Arts District, NoCo, Franklin Street) is essential for Evansville’s tourism economy and overall economic growth. These outlets include breweries, distilleries, arcade bars, and unique art and cultural experiences that enhance nightlife and live entertainment. 
  • To create a tribute to the Evansville area’s (specifically the Lincoln Gardens area) diverse and unique history dating back to the 1800s, using wayfinding signage, landscaping, and other initiatives to highlight the area’s recent commemoration as a historical site.   
  • The best way to create a pedestrian-friendly connection from Downtown Evansville to the Ohio Riverfront is to place a planned investment in large destination spaces along Riverside Drive. 
  • Near-term improvements to the Old National Events Plaza, including production technology to accommodate post-COVID events, will allow for more in-person, virtual, or hybrid participation. 
  • Creating a new visitor experience center in the downtown area should be explored.  
  • The development of a new large-scale festival for the region should be considered – targeting themes that could include family entertainment, a music festival with top-name entertainers, or a festival built around health and wellness.   

Visit Evansville’s board of directors and staff remain very committed to doing all that we can to continue to grow our tourism economy. As our tourism offering continues to improve and grow, they will contribute to the overall appeal that makes Evansville a great place to work and live.

DIVERSE GROUP ATTENDED THE “NO JUSTICE NO PEACE” PROTEST AT FOUR FREEDOM MONUMENT

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DIVERSE GROUP  ATTENDED THE “NO JUSTICE NO PEACE” PROTEST AT FOUR FREEDOM MONUMENT

Yesterday afternoon a few political people and a group of local citizens from all walks of life attended a peaceful but enthusiastic gathering at the Four Freedoms Monument.  Certain aspects of this event were reminded us of protests of the “Civil Rights Movement” of the ’60s, minus the folk singers.

Several individuals spoke on black lives matters, the need for social-political and economic change, their displeasure of the actions of law enforcement, and “No Justice No Peace.”

After a series of passionate speeches, the gathering peacefully marched from the Four Freedom Monuments down Walnut Street to the Civic Center.

A group Evansville Police Officers quietly stood by and observed the chanting protesters carrying signs that aired their grievances march by them in front of the Civic Center. Thereafter the majority of the protesters peacefully left the Civic Center and proceed to go home.

A few of the more outspoken protesters decided to stay a little longer at the Civic Center in order to continue to verbally express additional grievances to members of the EPD. Some of the remarks of a couple of the protesters became personal and insulting to members of the EPD. Members of the EPD stood quietly by and listened to the remaining protester’s grievances and insults.

A couple of the more jealous protesters became unruly and also attempted to cross police lines. One protester struck a police horse in the face and threw an object at a police officer.

Three adults and one juvenile were arrested. Some of the charges include battery on a police officer, disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, as well as other charges.

FOOTNOTE: Mayor Lloyd Winnecke (R), former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Winzapfel (D), State Representative Ryan Hatfield (D), and County Commissioner Ben Shoulders and City Council President Alex Burton.attended the event.  However, they didn’t join the protesters in the march to the Civic Center.

 

 

 

Commission on Homelessness Begins Mobile Vaccination Clinics

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The Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County today announced it will conduct mobile clinics to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at area homeless shelters, housing and services agencies. The Commission is providing the clinics in partnership with the Vanderburgh County Health Department, area healthcare organizations and volunteers using an equipped 14-passenger van provided by The Evansville Promise Zone.

The Commission’s mobile clinic will make regular stops at local agencies beginning Wednesday, April 28, 2021, and continue every other week thereafter, as needed.  This Wednesday’s clinics:

  • St Anthony Catholic Church (704 North 1st Ave.) – 9:00 a.m.
  • Evansville Rescue Mission (500 East Walnut St.) – 10:00 a.m.
  • United Caring Services (324 NW Sixth St.) – 11:00 a.m.

“We’re offering the mobile clinics to give people experiencing homelessness more opportunities to get their COVID-19 vaccination,” Timothy Weir, Administrator of the Commission, said.  “Using a mobile clinic enables us to ‘meet them where they are’ and help more members of our homeless population gain immunity.”

The scheduled mobile clinics will augment the 300 vaccinations the Commission administered to clients of homeless shelters and agencies in March 2021 with the Vanderburgh County Health Department and Ascension St. Vincent.

“The Evansville Promise Zone is excited to help the Commission on Homelessness deliver this critical resource to the most vulnerable residents within the Promise Zone,” Chris Metz, Executive Director of ECHO Housing, lead agency of the Evansville Promise Zone, said.

 

Frontier League Names Jon Danos CEO

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The Frontier League of Professional Baseball has named 25-year baseball executive Jon Danos as its new Chief Executive Officer. Danos will oversee the League’s strategy development and business affairs as the League embarks on a new chapter as a recently designated Partner League of Major League Baseball.

“I am truly honored and extremely excited to join the Frontier League”, Danos stated. “The opportunity to help evolve the League and shape our new partnership with Major League Baseball is special. The foundation of the Frontier League – its role in the journey of professional baseball players and its value to the communities in which we serve – is incredibly strong and well-positioned for an exciting future. I look forward to working in our communities with owners, team staffs and players to help fuel our growth in support of this great game.”

From 2003 to 2014, Danos was partner, president and chief operating officer of Opening Day Partners which owned and launched four Atlantic League teams: in Sugar Land, TX, (recently appointed AAA affiliate of the Houston Astros), York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Waldorf, Maryland. During that time, Danos and his partners collaborated with communities to construct over $120 million of ballparks that have become essential to quality of life and a source of community events and local pride. He spent all his years in the Atlantic League serving on its Board of Directors.

“We could not be happier that Jon Danos has decided to join the Frontier League”, said Board of Directors President John Stanley. “We did a national search and had over 100 applicants, many with impressive and diverse experiences, but Jon’s track record of success and baseball business expertise made him a clear choice to take the helm of our organization as we grow.”

Morgan Sword, MLB’s Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations, said: “We congratulate Jon and remain proud to stand alongside the Frontier League’s efforts to grow our game. We are excited to support the baseball fans who have long been a part of this great tradition.”

Prior to Opening Day Partners, Danos was an executive with Maryland Baseball, LLC which owned and operated three affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles in Frederick, Bowie and Salisbury, Maryland as well as facilities management and concessions companies. He started his front office baseball career upon graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1990. Danos will leave his post as Executive Director of Athletics at UNH where he has been for the last five years.

Danos will work closely with Frontier League staff members Steve Tahsler, Kevin Winn, and Paige Favor. Danos, his wife Laura, twin sons Christopher and Luca, who will both play college baseball beginning next year, and daughter Ava, live in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.

The Frontier League of Professional Baseball is an official Partner League of Major League Baseball and the largest independent professional baseball league in North America. The Frontier League features 16 teams and has moved over 1,000 players to MLB Teams in its 29-year history. Please visit www.frontierleague.com.

EPA Administrator Regan Establishes New Council on PFAS

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To help deliver on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mission to protect human health and the environment, today Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a memorandum to EPA’s senior leadership calling for the creation of a new “EPA Council on PFAS” that is charged with building on the agency’s ongoing work to better understand and ultimately reduce the potential risks caused by these chemicals.

“Coming from North Carolina, I’ve seen first-hand how devastating these chemicals can be for communities and the need for strong EPA leadership,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why today, I am calling on our senior leadership to form a new Council that will identify pragmatic approaches that deliver critical protections to the American public. As one of my top priorities as Administrator, EPA will prioritize partnerships and collaboration with our federal, state, tribal and local partners, and engage the public about the risk associated with these chemicals.

Administrator Regan has asked Radhika Fox, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Water, and Deb Szaro, Acting Regional Administrator in Region 1, to convene and lead the EPA Council on PFAS, which will be comprised of senior EPA career officials from across the agency.

“I’m honored to Co-Chair the EPA Council on PFAS and to work collaboratively with colleagues across our national program offices and our regions to forge meaningful and sustained progress on PFAS,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water Radhika Fox. “By taking a whole of EPA approach, the Council will accelerate scientific work, regulatory action, and voluntary approaches to address PFAS contamination and better protect the health of all Americans.”

“I am very proud to be asked by Administrator Regan to help lead the new EPA Council on PFAS,” said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deb Szaro. “These chemicals are a significant concern throughout the six New England states, and we understand that state and local officials, as well as ordinary citizens are looking for EPA to provide leadership on how to address PFAS chemicals that are being detected in the environment to ensure we are protecting people’s health. Our work will be based on science and will be conducted with transparency.”

“This is among the most complex environmental challenges facing states today, and it will take close coordination and partnership across all levels of government to tackle it,” said ECOS President Patrick McDonnell, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “States appreciate the opportunity to engage with EPA to help develop appropriate and workable strategies to address PFAS and to protect public health.”

The agency’s ongoing work on PFAS is based on the 2019 EPA PFAS Action Plan. Developed by EPA career staff, the plan identifies an agenda and actions that have yet to be realized. Over the past few years, science has progressed rapidly, and the agency must move forward with actions that are based on this new science and a better understanding of the complex challenges so many communities are facing. To address these challenges and meet the needs of our partners and communities across the United States, Administrator Regan is directing the EPA Council on PFAS (ECP) to:

  • Develop “PFAS 2021-2025 – Safeguarding America’s Waters, Air and Land,” a multi-year strategy to deliver critical public health protections to the American public. To develop the strategy, the ECP will review all ongoing actions, propose any necessary modifications, and identify new strategies and priorities. The ECP shall make initial recommendations within 100 days of its establishment.
  • Continue close interagency coordination on regional specific and cross-media issues to assist states, Tribes, and local communities faced with significant and complex PFAS challenges.
  • Work with all national program offices and regions to maximize the impact of EPA’s funding and financing programs and leverage federal and state funds to support cleanup of PFAS pollution, particularly in underserved communities.
  • Expand engagement opportunities with federal, state, and tribal partners to ensure consistent communications, exchange information, and identify collaborative solutions.

The ECP’s work will build on the important steps the Biden-Harris Administration has already taken to address these chemicals, including pulling down and updating a PFBS toxicity assessment that had been politically compromised and issued a new assessment backed by career scientists. EPA has also taken action to begin to develop a national primary drinking water regulation, to collect new data critically needed to improve EPA’s understanding of 29 PFAS, and to solicit data on the presence and treatment of PFAS in wastewater discharges. The agency also strongly supports President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, which calls for investing billions of dollars to monitor and treat PFAS in drinking water.

Vanderburgh County Democrat Party Breakfast And Raffle

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Tickets for our annual Red, White and Blue Raffle will go on sale May 1st. Tickets are $100 each, and you can win multiple times with one ticket!

Tickets may be purchased by contacting Cheryl Schultz at (812) 459-7645, or from our Democratic Headquarters located at 220 NW Fourth Street, Evansville, IN 47708, Monday – Thursday, 11AM – 2PM.

One winner will be drawn daily beginning June 6th with the final draw for $2,500 at our picnic on July 4th.

Week 1 (6/6 – 6/12) – $150 daily

Week 2 (6/13 – 6/19) – $200 daily

Week 3 (6/20 – 6/26) – $250 daily

Week 4 (6/27 – 7/3) – $300 daily

Only 300 tickets sold and every ticket has a chance in every draw!

This is our biggest fundraiser and will support our Voter Registration Initiative, Candidates and Campaigns for 2022 and operational expenses.

Payments may be made by cash, check or debit card. Get in on the fun, and help us accomplish our financial goals.

Indiana Gaming License #003320
RSVP on Facebook

Join us for a FREE breakfast Saturday, May 15th, 9AM – 11AM at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 Court Street, Evansville, IN 47708 for a meet and greet with local Democrats.
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An all-you-can-eat breakfast will be provided, and we are inviting all Precinct Committeepersons and Neighborhood Leader volunteers to join us.

Our 8th District Chair, Thomasini Marsili, and the Indiana Young Dems President, Arielle Brandy, will be joining us as we kick off our Voter Registration Canvas!

This is your opportunity to get to know fellow Democrats and become actively involved in upcoming events. Please come and meet all the great people who are re-energizing our party in Vanderburgh County.

Breakfasts will be held on the third Saturday of each month going forward at the same time and location. If you have any questions, please call Cheryl at (812) 459-7645.

Marriage Licenses Issued

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Marriage Licenses Issued

DEATH LIST REPORT

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Weekly_Death_Report 04-02 to 04-08-21

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

EPD REPORT

ADOPT A PET

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Luke is an 8-year-old male American Staffy mix. He is a shy & nervous boy who could use a dog-savvy home. He is currently in foster care and is a TOTALLY different dog in a home, than he is sitting in the shelter! He needs a cat-free home but he could live with another calm, respectful dog after a meet & greet. His adoption fee is $110 and includes his neuter, microchip, and vaccines. Get details and apply to adopt atwww.vhslifesaver.org/adopt!

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