MOOSE JAW — Tourism Moose Jaw annual general meeting began on a high note with the president’s report announcing that 2023 was a record-breaking year for the members, trolley tours and merchandise sales.
At the May 28 meeting, President Rick McKeown also acknowledged the executive director, Jacki L’Heureux-Mason and her team’s hard work in raising funds for the new trolley. He said they were able to raise all the necessary funds without relying on a loan from another organization.
L’Heureux-Mason, opened her report by speaking about the increase in revenues in the trolley tours, members, and merchandise sales.
“2023 was a year for the books! On the heels of a slow but steady comeback,” she said. “We saw a dramatic 39 per cent increase in trolley revenues, as well as a two per cent increase in merchandise sales and a nine per cent increase in memberships.”
L’Heureux-Mason explained that they had multiple promotions last year that were a huge success. They held a Father’s Day promotion at Battle Creek, two hot dog sale fundraisers for the Moose Jaw Humane Society, and Greek Night, which raised just shy of $30,000 that was split with the Downtown Moose Jaw Association. Prohibition Days proved to be a complete sell-out too.
Halloween Tours were also held last year, as well as the first annual Christmas season Twinkle Tours, with each tour completely sold out.
The annual tradition of Sidewalk Days in 2023 was Tourism Moose Jaw’s highest revenue-generating Sidewalk Days ever, and their second-largest vendor turnout. To top it off, it was their third-largest in attendance.
Unfortunately, Tourism Moose Jaw foresees some difficult challenges upcoming in the summer of 2024. For the first time in L’Heureux-Mason’s experience as executive director with Tourism Moose Jaw, they have been turned down for the summer student grant. However, she said she is confident in her team's ability and believes they will come out stronger.
L’Heureux-Mason also welcomed two new summer students and five returning summer students. Of note as well, Tourism Moose Jaw has refreshed their website for better online viewing.
The annual general meeting concluded with a financial report presented by the accounting and operations assistant, Trish German. As a non-profit organization, the financial on-goings are transparent as they reported they had a very profitable 2023, with the hope that 2024 will continue on that trajectory.
“A huge thank you to our more than 210 members, who continue to put so much work into operating the small businesses that keep Moose Jaw vibrant,” stated L’Heureux-Mason. “Every one of your businesses helps keep Moose Jaw a destination of choice for approximately more than 350,000 people each year.”
If you want to learn more about Tourism Moose Jaw and what they have going on, you can visit the new website.
