July 29, 2020
We are here for you!
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism provides this Tourism Talk e-news to provide ongoing information to our local businesses. We have also added tourism industry resources to Bellingham.org for access anytime.
We are here to help all our members navigate these uncertain times.
Safer.Stronger.Together. Forum Thursday, July 30:
How do we connect with young employees about COVID-19?
This week's webinar forum topic for the Whatcom County Health Dept Stronger.Safer.Together. campaign is: How do we connect with young employees about COVID-19?

JULY 30, 2020 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Recent spikes in the numbers of young people testing positive for COVID-19 have shown that many in this age group aren’t making the types of changes in their social behavior that are needed to keep them from getting infected. This forum will focus on how to encourage young employees to take safety practices seriously at work, and how their decisions during their off time impact their workplace.

Join the Downtown Partnership as they host a special Town Hall Zoom meeting with our guests, the Lighthouse Mission's Bridget Reeves, City Planning and Community Development Director, Rick Sepler, and BPD officer Lt. Crass, to learn more about the newly opened facility on Cornwall Avenue. Questions can be submitted in advance, please share them along with your insights on the new facility by filling out the following survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CPZ3T5J

Join Zoom Meeting at 3pm, Tuesday, August 4th

Or call: 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 915 7953 4418
Join us Thursday, August 6th, at 10 a.m . as the Washington Hospitality Association hosts a virtual town hall, bringing together hospitality members and local lawmakers to speak to the issues impacting our state and industry. Association CEO Anthony Anton will provide an update on the state of the industry and we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with the latest changes from state government as well as providing opportunity to let your questions be heard by your local elected officials. Click link to register.
In this week's edition of DMO Insights, you’ll find information and resources related to the following topics:
  • Latest research findings from Destination Analysts
  • Resuming media & influencer visits
  • Hospitality industry – staying safe outside of work
  • The only constant in life is change
  • Messaging for locals & visitors – a Crowdriff live Q&A
  • Recent news & useful links
You can view and share the Insights via the link here:  Destination Insights & Updates – July 28
Arts organizations are a vital thread in the fabric of Bellingham and Whatcom County. As the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, these performance spaces, galleries and events were in the middle of their busy seasons and had to abruptly shut down. Within days, numerous entities banded together for moral support and created the Whatcom Arts Project to continue their seasons online. Our arts venues united in their desire to uplift our community. Now we, the community, have an opportunity to uplift our arts venues.

A new collective fundraiser asks individuals to choose 5 Whatcom County arts organizations and donate $50 to each for a total donation of $250. This plea to support unity and show love to the entire art community is aptly titled We heART commUNITY.
by Lorraine
To me, the Farmer’s Market is the heart and soul of a community. For many, it is a weekly or weekend ritual where you catch up with old friends and meet new, interesting people. For visitors, it’s a quick way to get to know the feel of a community. Farmer’s markets also enable you to stay connected to the land through your food. Not only do you get to meet the people that grew your favorite produce, honey and flowers, you can also meet the artists and learn the story behind the unique textiles, botanicals and gifts.
The Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) announced today plans for a Virtual Downtown Sounds series to raise funds for local music venues that are in danger of closing their doors from the COVID-19 crisis. Three Wednesdays in August, a different beloved Bellingham venue will host a virtual Downtown Sounds concert to #SaveOurStages and to help support and preserve Bellingham’s music scene for years to come. 

Schedule:
August 12: Petty or Not at the Wild Buffalo
August 19: Dryland and Mostafa w/ Live Band at The Shakedown
August 26: Hot Damn Scandal at Boundary Bay

“Music is the heartbeat of a community’s culture,” Craig Jewell, Co-Owner of the Wild Buffalo and Petty or Not band member, said. “The thought of losing that is devastating and it aches me to grasp that we are currently having to recognize that there is a reality where we could actually lose our beloved music industry. My life is now dedicated to fighting that reality and doing whatever I can to make sure that future generations will be able to love and experience live music. This concert series is one small but important step to try and preserve that goal.”

The concerts will be broadcasted at 7:00pm on Bellingham’s community television station, BTV. BTV is available on Comcast channels 321 (HD) and 10 (SD) and via YouTube live at cob.org/btvlive .
July 30

Time: 11 am - 4 pm
Free
August 1

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Free
August 4

Time: 1 pm - 2 pm
$10-$35 dependent on package choice
August 6


Time: 6 pm
Free
August 10, 15 & 18

Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Free
August 15

Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Free
July & August 2020
Our region is full of beauty! Send us your scenic photos from all around the county and enter them in our latest contest for a chance at a prize! Yes, members can enter. Members can also donate prizes. Enter  here .
Questions? We are happy to answer them for you.
Give us a call at 360-671-3990,  email  us or visit our website at  bellingham.org .

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
360-671-3990|  bellingham.org