PHOTO: © BRIAN SCHOTT
PHOTO: © WHITNEY WHITEHOUSE
WELCOME TO EXPLORE WHITEFISH!
As the official destination management organization for Whitefish, Montana, Explore Whitefish plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant, year-round visitor economy while preserving the unique character and livability of the mountain town we call home. This brochure outlines the exclusive membership benefits and the community support initiatives Explore Whitefish provides.
“The City of Whitefish is a proud supporter of the work being done by Explore Whitefish, our official tourism and destination management organization The city relies on Explore Whitefish to help protect our fragile environment, manage a healthy and beneficial visitor economy, and maintain a steadfast commitment to the livability of our community. It is a difficult job to strategically manage the delicate balance of economy and community, working to limit disruptions associated with being a small mountain town in one of the most desirable visitor destinations in the Northwest. Whitefish is a leader in the area of tourism management and stewardship. Locallyowned, locally-served businesses are the backbone of our community Businesses who are members of Explore Whitefish are making an investment in protecting Whitefish now and for future generations and help support the values we embrace as a community.”
MAYOR JOHN M. MUHLFELD, CITY OF WHITEFISH
WELCOME
PHOTO: © DREW SILVER
WHAT IS EXPLORE WHITEFISH?
Established by the City of Whitefish in 2006, Explore Whitefish, also known as the Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau, is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. Explore Whitefish manages destination tourism, stewardship, and sustainability, providing essential support for visitor information services, travel infrastructure, market research, economic development, and community relations.
HOW DOES EXPLORE WHITEFISH BENEFIT THE LOCAL VISITOR ECONOMY, COMMUNITY, AND MEMBER BUSINESSES?
Explore Whitefish exists to “Achieve long-term economic and community sustainability through steadfast destination stewardship.” To accomplish this, Explore Whitefish supports the local visitor economy, enhances community well-being, and bolsters member businesses in the following core ways.
• VISITOR ECONOMY: Attracting visitors during quieter shoulder seasons ensures a steady flow of tourism revenue year-round.
» Example: The ‘For the Love of the Wild’ initiative boosts sales for local shops and restaurants during off-peak times, ensuring a steady flow of revenue for businesses throughout the year.
• COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Explore Whitefish aids affordable housing efforts and runs a community grant program for sustainable development.
» Example: The Community Support Fund (CSF) supports projects like Housing Whitefish, Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program, and Whitefish Trail maintenance.
• MEMBER BUSINESSES: Extensive marketing and promotional efforts increase visibility and customer engagement for member businesses
» Example: Featuring local businesses in guides helps increase visibility among a targeted audience.
WHY SHOULD YOUR BUSINESS CONSIDER MEMBERSHIP WITH EXPLORE WHITEFISH?
For businesses that are interested in supporting a vibrant, balanced, year-round visitor economy in Whitefish, membership with Explore Whitefish offers numerous advantages, including:
INCREASED VISIBILITY: Businesses are featured in official visitor information, gaining exposure to a broader audience.
MARKETING SUPPORT: Explore Whitefish runs robust marketing campaigns in key markets across the country to help businesses reach a broader audience. We do the heavy lifting to bring visitors here in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. By being part of Explore Whitefish, your business contributes to (and benefits from) a much larger marketing budget that includes: Press trips, FAM trips, group sales efforts, print and digital advertising campaigns, social media, professional photography, and videography.
ECONOMIC IMPACT: The 1% Community Support Fund (CSF) benefits both residents and visitors. For example, lodging, restaurant, and transportation contributions fund workforce housing solutions, offseason marketing campaigns, summer season stewardship messaging, grants for community projects, and support for our trail systems. Membership = Investment in the economy + Investment in the community.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: Membership allows businesses to connect with others for collaboration and shared success, fostering a sense of community and collective achievement.
ACCESS TO PROMOTIONAL TOOLS: Including the community events calendar, official travel guide, and professional image library Members gain access to our Digital Asset Management (DAM) library, a curated collection of high-quality, brand-aligned images available for use in your marketing efforts. Membership also provides access to the community Events Calendar (online and print) and the widely distributed Whitefish Travel Guide.
PHOTO: © WHITNEY WHITEHOUSE
HOW IS EXPLORE WHITEFISH A RESPONSIBLE STEWARD OF THE COMMUNITY?
Explore Whitefish is committed to responsible stewardship, guided by the Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan’s pillars of community character, livability, and engagement. This commitment instills confidence in shared values and reassurance of the Explore Whitefish approach to responsible tourism management
TRANSPARENT FUNDING:
» Explore Whitefish receives a small portion of the 8% Montana Bed Tax, which the City Council publicly approves. An opt-in 1% fee on specific business sales and membership fees support the private portion of the budget, managed independently, for destination management, stewardship, and business member benefits.
» Approximately 145 member businesses pay a membership fee that varies depending on the type of business About 55 members pay a 1% fee added to lodging, food, and transportation receipts. The 1% fee is a voluntary contribution to support programs that balance economic and community sustainability in Whitefish while maintaining the town’s integrity and quality of life for residents.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:
» Collaborations with organizations like Protect Our Winters and Leave No Trace promote responsible recreation and conservation and educate visitors on minimizing environmental impact.
» Example: Collaboration with Glacier National Park ensures visitors receive accurate travel information, promoting responsible visitation and enhancing their experience while protecting against the effects of over-tourism.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT:
» Timely information and support provided during community crises
» Example: Wildfire awareness & response communications
ADVOCACY:
» Explore Whitefish advocates for community values, ensuring Whitefish remains welcoming and inclusive.
» Example: Promotional opportunities that would overwhelm the city during the peak season may be declined to protect the community and the integrity of the resident and visitor experience
Thank you for considering membership with Explore Whitefish. Whether a long-term member or joining for the first time, your support helps Explore Whitefish advocate for and enhance local businesses and the community.
MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
1% FOR WHITEFISH MEMBERSHIP
ANNUAL INVESTMENT: 1% FEE ON BUSINESS SALES
BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY: Hotels, Resorts, Inns, Property Rentals, Restaurants, Bars with Food Service, Transportation Companies
BENEFITS:
Website Listing
Enhanced Listing In The Official Visitor Guide
Listing On The Official Visitor Map
Bi-Weekly E-News • Inclusion In Important Updates & Bulletins
Monthly Market Analytics Report Access To Add E-News Job & Chatter Updates
Access To Post Events On The Explore Whitefish Calendar
Special Access To The Video And Photograph Library
Promotional Opportunities (Social And/Or Web)
Group And Event Referrals
E-News Member Spotlight
E-News Employee Spotlight
Inclusion In The Whitefish Dining Guide Brochure
SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR ALL 1% MEMBERS:
One business feature on the Explore Whitefish official social media channels annually (value: $3,000-$5,000)
Inclusion on Explore Whitefish official social media and/or traditional media channels up to 2x annually (value: $1,200-$2,500+)
Invitation to participate in all seasonal value packages (e g , Spring Ski & Stay Deals; Fall Explore & Stay Deals)
SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR ALL 1% LODGING AND RESTAURANT MEMBERS:
Complimentary website listing on Explore Whitefish ‘Plan a Event’ webpage
Enhanced listing in the ‘Plan an Event’ section of the official Explore Whitefish Visitor Guide
Inclusion in the new Meeting and Special Events Digital Guide
PHOTO:
RETAIL & SERVICES MEMBERSHIP
ANNUAL INVESTMENT: $150-$1,000
BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY: All Retail and Services Businesses
Official Visitor Guide Listing
Enhanced Listing In The Official Visitor Guide
Official Visitor Map Listing
Inclusion In Important Updates & Bulletins
Monthly Market Analytics Report
Access To Post Live Events On The Explore Whitefish Calendar
Special Access To The Video And Photograph Library
PHOTO: © WHITNEY WHITEHOUSE
TESTIMONIALS
“I have been a member of the WCVB/Explore Whitefish since its inception. The reasons why I joined are perhaps more relevant today than they were back in 2006 Whitefish is a special place, at our core we offer unmatched natural beauty, recreational offerings, unique shops, restaurants, bars and accommodations. When The Hidden Moose Lodge opened our doors 28 years ago, there existed an esprit de corps within this community The vast majority of hospitality related businesses recognized a need to develop an organization that would represent all our collective business interests, out of this need sprang the WCVB. Finally, our business community had an organization that exclusively worked on our behalf ”
“By uniting in membership we pulled on the same end of the rope (as opposed to each of us going our own way) We created a special synergy that has been beneficial to all members and the community. The list of accomplishments are too long to list. As new businesses have come to town and existing businesses have turned over, the WCVB has lost membership. In some cases, many of these hospitality businesses have decided to not join or support Explore Whitefish for various reasons. This is so unfortunate. Collectively, we are a stronger, more vibrant community. Every visitor-based business can contribute so much to this place we call home My question is, why wouldn’t you want to be a member of this organization?”
KENT TAYLOR, OWNER, HIDDEN MOOSE LODGE
PHOTO: © GRANT GUNDERSON
“Visitors are a critical component of our community Explore Whitefish has been, from day one, flexible in its approach toward optimizing the relationship between visitors and residents. What started as a focus on shoulder season visitation to ensure service jobs were viable and sustainable for year-round living has become a leadership role in workforce housing. A thoughtful approach to these and other challenges is why Whitefish Mountain Resort is a member of Explore Whitefish.”
NICK POLUMBUS, PRESIDENT, WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT
“Tourism is the primary driver of our economy. In many other communities, retail businesses are forced to react to decisions made by other industries Being a member of Explore Whitefish gives retailers a seat at the table to help shape decisions affecting our business sector.”
MARIAH JOOS, OWNER, NELSON’S ACE HARDWARE
“As a new restaurant, we joined Explore Whitefish out of necessity, looking for a partner to advocate on our behalf to the millions of untapped potential visitors. We didn’t realize at the time that COVID would galvanize the small business community here in the way that it has, and Julie and her team have been instrumental in not only spearheading initiatives that add value to our employees and workers (such as the partnership with Housing Whitefish) but acting as a reliable source of information for incoming tourist seasons and tracking trends throughout the valley. Their media initiatives have been wonderful as well, beautifully done and instrumental in bringing more traffic to our restaurant.”
CHRISTIAN MORENO, CHEF & OWNER, SWIFT CREEK CAFE
FAQ’S
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP? Membership is available to all businesses that benefit from the visitor economy or support those that do To ensure that visitor dollars stay within the community, member businesses must be located in Whitefish (59937) or offer a unique product, service, or activity not otherwise available from area businesses.
HOW ARE BUSINESSES SELECTED TO BE FEATURED ON THE EXPLORE WHITEFISH SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS?
Restaurants, hotels, and transportation businesses should confirm their enrollment as a 1% for Whitefish member Retail businesses should verify their status as a Gold Member Businesses are encouraged to contact Zak or Sara with questions or to discuss membership options at membership@explorewhitefish.com.
MY BUSINESS HAS SEVERAL LOCATIONS. DO I NEED TO PAY A SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP FEE FOR EACH ONE?
Each business location is treated individually, with separate deliverables and membership based on the business name and/or location. For 1% for Whitefish members, each location collects the 1% and payments are made by the individual business name and location. For more details, please reach out directly.
HOW ARE MEMBERS SELECTED FOR EXPLORE WHITEFISH MEDIA, FAM TOURS, SITE VISITS, AND GROUP REFERRALS?
Selection for participation is often based on specific client or media requests and criteria. This may include the market the member represents—such as culture, history, or family-friendly attractions as well as event type, group interests, location, size, specific requests, and more.
IS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE?
Individual memberships are not offered. Membership is available only to businesses or professional service providers. However, once a business becomes a member, its employees can enjoy various benefits, including access to news and information, attendance at meetings and events, and more, depending on the chosen membership level.
FAQ’S
WHAT SHOULD BE KNOWN ABOUT EXPLORE WHITEFISH MEMBERSHIP UPDATES?
For questions about maximizing the benefits of membership, Sara Knight, the Explore Whitefish Member Relations Director, is the best point of contact Her details are available on the last page of this document. The member kit outlines the deliverables for each membership level. Retail members can choose from four categories, depending on the type of business and the level of service that best fits their needs. Please note that, for the first time in over five years, Annual Retail Membership Rates have slightly increased.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR PAYING AN INVOICE?
For membership payments (excluding 1% for Whitefish members), renewing members can pay via ACH, credit card, or check. Once the membership agreement is signed, the Business Manager will contact new members to confirm their organization’s details, set up payment options, and assist with setting up the member page and deliverables For assistance, contact Zak or Sara at membership@explorewhitefish.com.
IS MEMBERSHIP ACTIVE FOR A FULL YEAR FROM THE DATE OF JOINING?
Explore Whitefish memberships are activated immediately upon signing the member contract. Memberships are typically renewed based on the fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. Renewal invoices are usually sent out in early June, ahead of the busy summer season 1% for Whitefish memberships are on an evergreen contract and will automatically roll over indefinitely until either party provides notice to terminate. When renewing memberships, please be sure that all contracts are signed and sent back to Explore Whitefish by August 1 of each year. If you have any questions about the contract or what you’re signing, reach out to Member Relations Director Sara Knight.
HOW CAN EVENTS BE PROMOTED ON THE WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA?
All membership tiers with Explore Whitefish have access to our online events calendar and the ability to send events for our social media post, our kiosk calendar, and online events. For any questions or to discuss membership options, contact Zak or Sara at membership@explorewhitefish.com.
EXPLORE WHITEFISH/WHITEFISH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
100 East 2nd Street, Suite 305 Whitefish, Montana 59937 877-862-3548 (Toll Free) 406-862-3395 (Local) info@explorewhitefish.com
MEMBERSHIP CONTACT: Sara Knight Member Relations Director membership@explorewhitefish.com Zak Anderson Executive Director director@explorewhitefish.com 406-862-3395