Best Practices
Articles of Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation
A primary purpose of the organization shall be the advancement and promotion of tourism interests. Articles of Incorporation are the external business plan filed with the state.
Example:
The purpose of the organization shall be the advancement of the civic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, business development and tourism interests of the City of Sandpoint, Bonner County, and the surrounding territory, the promotion of the general welfare and prosperity of the city, county and its surrounding territory, and the stimulation of public sentiment to these ends; and the providing of such social features as will promote these purposes.
Bylaws
Bylaws reflect the organization’s mission statement such as: “We are an advocate for business development and tourism in the Greater Sandpoint area.
** The difference between the two are: Articles of Inc are the external business plan and filed with the state, and Bylaws are the internal document used for daily internal operations.
Open Meetings
Idaho Open Meeting Law and Charitable Organizations (501c(3))
The Open Meeting Law applies only to governmental entities. Typically, charitable organizations are private. Generally, nonprofit organizations are governed by their chartering documents and bylaws. Additionally, Title 30, Chapter 3 of the Idaho Code, provides the legal foundation for Idaho nonprofits. Consult the chartering documents, bylaws and Idaho Code, Title 30, Chapter 3, to determine the requirements of corporate records and meetings.
Additionally, Title 30, Chapter 3 of the Idaho Code, provides the legal foundation for Idaho nonprofits. Consult the chartering documents, bylaws and Idaho Code, Title 30, Chapter 3, to determine the requirements of corporate records and meetings.
It is not mandatory, however, it makes sense for regional tourism organizations to post when/where the meetings are held, not only for those interested in becoming involved; but as a courtesy to existing members.
Council Choice Awards 2012
- Ad/Marketing Campaign
Hells Canyon Visitor Brochure for their Horizon Air ad
- Brochure/Guide
Idaho Bed & Breakfast Assoc for their Discover Idaho B&B brochure
- Website
Yellowstone-Teton Territory for their website
Logo
The ITC logo should not be altered except in accordance with the grant guidelines (see Chapter 1.2). Altering logos is not acceptable and may jeopardize a project's funding. Below are examples of incorrect logos and altered grant logos:
Advertising
Collateral Materials
Social Media
Add the official
Visit Idaho Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Visit-Idaho/76193902904. Click “
Add to Favorites” and it will auto populate the logo for you.
- For more about Facebook "favorites," use this link for information that explains favorites and how they work. The link has instructions on how a website administrator can add favorites to a Facebook page. Also add www.visitidaho.org as a link under the Info section/contact information.
Please confirm that you are setting up business page profiles for your social media account. Do not create a personal profile for business. Profiles are for people, Pages are for businesses. Quick 101 - http://blog.hubspot.com/Portals/249/docs/facebook_for_business_ebook_hubspot.pdf
Follow the official
Visit Idaho Twitter handle How? Click “FOLLOW ” from Twitter dashboard interface.
Using a free or low-cost upgrade blog format to build a professional site that supports social media. Possibilities include:
- Ning – Create a Social Networking Site with Ning, the Best Social Site Platform
- Create your blog for free with en.over-blog.com - Blog Directory
- WordPress.com — Get a Free Blog Here
- Website Design | Small Business Web Design | Web.com |
Interesting article: Web Sites -
Four Reasons to Jettison the Traditional Website and Go Social : MarketingProfs Article (Keep in mind you need to own your webpage, which can be done with one of the tools mentioned above).
For technical assistance and set-up, contact
Diane Norton, (208) 334-2470.
For ideas and social media communications, contact
Tina Caviness, (208) 334-2470.
Public Relations: Pitching to the Press
The document below can help you maximize your press release efforts:
Fam Tours & Site Visits
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Information on fams including:
- What is a fam and different types of fam tours?
- Is a fam right for you/your community?
- How to conduct a fam, from planning to wrap-up.
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Itineraries
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Itineraries, whether for hosted Fams and Site Visits or for unescorted visits, should be submitted through the ad approval process prior to the visit.
Here are two good examples of what should be included with a Request for Funds. Times, of course, are approximate.
Note: Make your itineraries do double duty: post them as "suggested itineraries" for first-time visitors on your website. Sample itineraries are something visitors want, and may need to find all the attractions and places that make your area special.
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Grant Administration
RFF Submission
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Listed below are spreadsheets that reflect invoices sent in with a request for funds. It is very helpful to have a list containing the invoice number, a descriptive name, total amount, the amount of reimbursement requested, and amount used as cash match. A spreadsheet isn't required, but it makes it very clear what is being requested, and it gives staff a way to check their totals by element.
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Match in Excess of Required Amount
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The Idaho Travel Council would like to know when cash match in excess of the match obligation is provided by advertising partners.
NCITA's 2009 Final Narrative Report is a good example of how excess match can be reported.
Twin Falls Chamber's Final 2009 Narrative Report is another good representation of reporting match in excess of the required amount.
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Your great ideas, comments, and suggestions are encouraged!