I would like to go on record in support of Visit Rainier. Since the creation of Visit Rainier in 2005, the organization has increasingly worked with the businesses in our community through marketing and promotional programs. Visit Rainier has increased communications with the gateway communities. From the initial advertising campaigns, public relations efforts and website design, the Visit Rainier program has grown in response to the need for increased levels of promotion. Visit Rainier is: Recognized as the official marketing organization for Mt. Rainier. The single point of contact for Washington State Tourism and the travel media. A collaborative partner with the National Park Service Visit Rainier's marketing program is proven effective in the area of: Website design and communication Print advertising Media relations Examples of projects that Visit Rainier has brought to the region include: an online room availability mechanism a media tour of the reopening of Paradise Inn the proposed West Rainier Scenic Byway effort the National Geographic Geotourism project USA Today coverage front cover of the 2009 Discover America guide which is produced in six international languages. Perhaps the project that has had the most direct impact on local businesses is the newly launched website. Since the 2008 launch of the website, our lodging properties have depended upon this for referrals for room nights throughout the year. The website is one of the most professional adventure website in the northwest. The website is used as a resource for our own use with our customers as well as the Mt. Rainier visitor. The events calendar, road conditions, photo and video galleries and hiking trail database are among the most popular features of the site. We urge you to continue funding Visit Rainier. In these difficult economic times, we are dependent upon marketing to compete in the travel industry. This is the best time to step up our promotional efforts and work together to bring needed revenue to Pierce County. The past investment in Visit Rainier is providing a good return to our businesses. We support and encourage you to fund the continuation of this program for the gateway communities of Pierce County.

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