Destination On The Left

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I host a special Community Conversation featuring Patrick Kaler, President & CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara; Tony Snell-Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion at Visit Milwaukee; Steven Coyle, Director of Government Relations for Transportation Policy at the American Bus Association; and Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Deputy Director of The Wild Center. Together, they explore the many dimensions of advocacy in the tourism industry, from legislative engagement and community partnerships to storytelling, relationship building, and cross-sector collaboration. Their conversation demonstrates that effective advocacy isn't just about influencing policy—it's about creating trust, building authentic partnerships, and helping communities understand tourism's value as a driver of economic growth and quality of life.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:
Why advocacy extends far beyond government relations and begins with building authentic relationships
How destination organizations, attractions, and industry associations are using collaboration to strengthen tourism's voice
What role storytelling plays in helping elected officials, residents, and stakeholders understand tourism's economic impact
How community engagement and resident sentiment are becoming key measures of destination success
Why partnerships across sectors create stronger advocacy efforts and more resilient communities
How research, data, and personal stories work together to influence decision-makers
What practical steps tourism professionals can take to become stronger advocates within their own communities
Advocacy Begins with Relationships
Throughout the conversation, one message rises above the rest: successful advocacy starts long before asking for support. Whether working with elected officials, community organizations, business leaders, or residents, each panelist emphasizes that trust is built through consistent relationships, active listening, and genuine collaboration.
Rather than approaching advocacy as a series of requests, the panel explores how tourism organizations can position themselves as community partners. By understanding shared priorities and working toward mutual goals, destinations are able to demonstrate that tourism benefits far more than visitors—it strengthens local economies, supports small businesses, creates jobs, and enhances quality of life for residents.
Using Stories and Data to Demonstrate Tourism's Value
While economic impact numbers remain an essential advocacy tool, the panel discusses why statistics alone are rarely enough. Effective advocacy combines measurable data with compelling human stories that help decision-makers understand tourism's real-world impact.
The guests share examples of how visitor spending supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities, reduces the tax burden for residents, and generates long-term community investment. They also explore how personalized examples—from small business testimonials to resident feedback—can transform large economic figures into meaningful stories that resonate with legislators, community leaders, and stakeholders alike.
Building Stronger Destinations Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
One of the strongest themes throughout the discussion is the importance of looking beyond traditional tourism partnerships. The panel encourages organizations to collaborate with museums, transportation providers, nonprofits, healthcare institutions, educational organizations, chambers of commerce, neighborhood groups, and local businesses to build stronger advocacy networks.
The guests share how these relationships not only strengthen individual organizations but also create more resilient destinations capable of addressing community priorities together. Whether developing new programs, supporting accessibility initiatives, attracting meetings and events, or advocating for infrastructure investments, they demonstrate that tourism is most successful when it is viewed as a shared community asset. By embracing collaboration over competition, destinations can amplify their impact, strengthen public trust, and ensure tourism continues to deliver lasting benefits for visitors and residents alike.
Resources:
Website: https://travelalliancepartnership.com/
Patrick Kaler
Website: https://visitbuffalo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkaler/
Tony Snell-Rodriguez
Website: https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-snell-rodriguez/
Steven Coyle
Website: https://www.buses.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steventcoyle/
Hillarie Logan-Dechene
Website: https://www.wildcenter.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillarie-logan-dechene-2bb8aa18/

On this episode of Destination on the Left, we bring you Part 2 of our Roadshow series recorded live at the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton, Alberta. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Explore Edmonton, the Summit brought together destination leaders, economic development professionals, and tourism organizations exploring how culinary tourism can strengthen local economies and create more distinctive destination identities.
Through conversations with Ellen Walker-Matthews, Elaine Zedack, Eiblis Doherty, Ceri Chong, and Bryanna Kumpula-Yung, we explore how collaboration serves as the foundation for successful culinary tourism, connecting producers, businesses, communities, and visitors into experiences that are greater than the sum of their parts.

In this episode, you'll hear from these extraordinary leaders:
Ellen Walker-Matthews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-walker-matthews-6951ab4/
Elaine Zedack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-zedack/
Eiblis Doherty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eiblis-doherty/
Ceri Chong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cerij/
Bryanna Kumpula-Yung: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryannakumpula/
Collaboration Is the Foundation of Culinary Tourism
One of the strongest themes throughout these conversations is that successful culinary tourism rarely happens in isolation. While exceptional farms, restaurants, and producers may draw visitors on their own, destinations create lasting impact when they intentionally connect those individual experiences into a cohesive visitor journey.
Ellen Walker-Matthews shares how the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association views culinary and agritourism as foundational to its destination strategy. Through readiness programs, partnerships between operators, and collaborative experience development, the region is helping visitors understand not only where food comes from, but also the relationships between farms, vineyards, Indigenous foodways, and the landscape itself. Across the episode, guests demonstrate how destination organizations can act as conveners, creating opportunities for businesses to work together in ways that benefit both visitors and local communities.
Food Creates a Stronger Sense of Place
Beyond great meals, culinary tourism serves as a powerful storytelling tool that helps destinations express their identity. Elaine Zedack explains how Pittsburgh uses food to celebrate its distinct neighborhoods, immigrant heritage, and blue-collar history while embracing the city's continued evolution. Local food experiences become a form of placemaking, allowing visitors to better understand the people and cultures that have shaped a destination over time.
Ceri Chong shares a similar approach in Richmond, British Columbia, where the destination's culinary story is built around Asian dining, fresh seafood, and local agriculture. Through events, partnerships with fishers and restaurants, and immersive waterfront experiences, Tourism Richmond is creating opportunities for visitors to engage directly with the people and industries that define the community. These conversations reinforce that food is one of the most accessible ways to experience the character and heritage of a place.
Creating the Conditions for Local Businesses to Thrive
Several guests emphasize that one of the most valuable roles destination organizations can play is helping local businesses succeed together rather than independently. Eiblis Doherty describes her role as a facilitator, connecting operators, encouraging collaboration, and helping businesses develop visitor-ready experiences that might not happen without someone bringing the right people together.
Bryanna Kumpula-Yung expands on this idea by sharing how Leduc County is investing in networking opportunities, food trails, business education, and a new local food hub that makes it easier for producers, restaurants, and consumers to connect. Rather than focusing solely on marketing, these initiatives strengthen the local ecosystem behind the visitor experience. Together, the guests demonstrate that sustainable culinary tourism depends on building relationships, removing barriers, and creating the infrastructure that allows communities, businesses, and destinations to grow together.
Resources:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Website: https://www.totabc.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-walker-matthews-6951ab4/
Elaine Zedack
Website: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-zedack/
Eiblis Doherty
Website: https://www.strathcona.ca/tourism/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eiblis-doherty/
Ceri Chong
Website: https://www.visitrichmondbc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cerij/
Bryanna Kumpula-Yung
Website: https://www.leduccountybusiness.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryannakumpula/

On this episode of Destination on the Left, we bring you the first of two Roadshow episodes recorded live at the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton, Alberta. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Explore Edmonton, the Summit gathered culinary tourism and agritourism leaders, destination professionals, farmers, chefs, producers, and artisans from across Canada and beyond to explore how food connects visitors to people, culture, and place.
Through conversations with Tam Anderson, Jenni Lessard, James Eddington, Carl-Éric Guertin, and Monica Frost, we uncover a common thread: the most memorable culinary tourism experiences begin with the people who grow, create, preserve, and share the stories behind the food.

In this episode, you'll hear from these extraordinary leaders:
Tam Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tam-andersen-b488544/
Jenni Lessard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-lessard-54103a197/
James Eddington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-eddington-9542a52/
Carl-Éric Guertin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-%C3%A9ric-guertin-4789849/
Monica Frost: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sociallymonica/
Authentic Experiences Begin with Human Connection
Throughout these conversations, one message emerges again and again: culinary tourism is ultimately about people. Whether visitors are harvesting strawberries, joining a chef around a live fire, meeting an artisan in their workshop, or enjoying a long-table dinner on a farm, the experiences that leave lasting impressions are rooted in authentic human connection.
Tam Anderson shares how simple moments, such as digging potatoes with children or tasting berries fresh from the field, reconnect families with the origins of their food and with each other. James Eddington echoes that philosophy through immersive farm experiences where guests don't simply enjoy a meal—they participate in discovering the ingredients, the landscape, and the people who make the experience possible.
The Stories Behind the Ingredients Matter
Several guests emphasize that food itself is only one part of the visitor experience. Jenni Lessard explains that every ingredient carries the story of the producer, and that chefs and tourism professionals serve as interpreters who help visitors understand where food comes from and why it matters. When those stories are shared, meals become expressions of place rather than simply something to eat.
Carl-Éric Guertin extends this idea through the work of the Économusée Network Society, which helps artisans open their workshops to visitors. Whether meeting a blueberry jam maker, a smoked herring producer, or a craftsperson preserving generations of knowledge, visitors gain a greater appreciation for the heritage, expertise, and cultural traditions behind each product. These personal encounters transform local products into meaningful cultural experiences.
Collaboration Creates Stronger Destinations
Across every interview, partnerships emerge as the driving force behind successful culinary tourism. Farmers collaborate with chefs to showcase seasonal ingredients, breweries work alongside producers and destination organizations to create immersive travel itineraries, and regional networks bring together organizations that might otherwise work independently.
Monica Frost shares how the BC Ale Trail continues to expand beyond breweries by connecting travelers with farmers, cideries, restaurants, and agritourism experiences that tell a more complete story about British Columbia's craft beverage industry. Similarly, guests throughout the episode describe how collaboration allows destinations to celebrate their unique landscapes, cultures, and food traditions while creating experiences that benefit both visitors and local communities.
Together, these conversations remind us that a true taste of place cannot be manufactured. It grows from authentic relationships, local knowledge, shared stories, and the people whose passion and stewardship give every destination its distinctive flavor.
Resources:
Tam Anderson
Website: https://albertafarmfresh.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tam-andersen-b488544/
Jenni Lessard
Website: https://www.jennilessard.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-lessard-54103a197/
James Eddington
Website: https://www.eddingtons.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-eddington-9542a52/
Carl-Éric Guertin
Website: https://artisansaloeuvre.com/en/economusee-network-society/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-%C3%A9ric-guertin-4789849/
Monica Frost
Website: https://bcaletrail.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sociallymonica/

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Bradley Kautenburg, Executive Director of the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce in Algoma, Wisconsin. Bradley shares how a small lakeside community neighboring some of Wisconsin's best-known tourism destinations has embraced its authentic character as its greatest strength. We discuss the power of collaboration, the importance of remaining open to change, and how destination leaders can build stronger organizations by focusing on community, partnerships, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:
How Bradley's career journey shaped his approach to destination and chamber leadership
Why Algoma has embraced its welcoming culture as a defining competitive advantage
How changing organizational mindsets can unlock new opportunities for growth
What questions Bradley's team asks before making strategic decisions
Why collaboration between neighboring chambers creates better outcomes than competition
How intentional partnerships help strengthen both tourism and local communities
Why staying open to change is one of the most important leadership skills for today's destination professionals
Discovering the Competitive Advantage That's Been There All Along
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan at the base of Wisconsin's Door County peninsula, Algoma sits beside some of the state's most recognizable tourism destinations. Rather than trying to compete with larger neighbors, Bradley explains how the community has learned to lean into what visitors consistently remember most: the friendliness of its people, its active arts community, and the genuine sense of belonging guests experience during their stay.
One of the biggest lessons Bradley shares is that sometimes a destination's greatest competitive advantage is hiding in plain sight. For years, Algoma's welcoming culture simply felt normal to the people who lived there. It wasn't until the Chamber began viewing the community through the eyes of visitors that they recognized this authentic sense of place as something truly distinctive. That shift in perspective now influences how the destination tells its story and creates memorable visitor experiences.
Building an Organization That Is Ready for the Future
When Bradley stepped into his leadership role, the Chamber was navigating financial challenges familiar to many community organizations. Rather than focusing solely on budgets, he recognized that lasting change required something deeper: helping the organization become comfortable with change itself.
Throughout our conversation, Bradley shares how his team evaluates new ideas through three simple questions: Does it strengthen the organization? Does it benefit members? Does it serve the community? Those guiding principles have helped shape decisions ranging from investing in new technology to expanding business resources while continuing to support tourism. His approach demonstrates that sustainable leadership often comes from creating a culture that welcomes innovation instead of resisting it.
Why Collaboration Will Always Beat Competition
One of my favorite parts of our conversation centers on Bradley's belief that neighboring organizations accomplish far more by working together than by competing for attention. Regular meetings between local chambers have become opportunities to coordinate events, exchange ideas, share professional development, and support one another through common challenges.
Bradley also offers practical advice for building successful collaborations. He explains why establishing shared goals, agreeing on boundaries, and approaching partnerships with intentionality creates stronger relationships over time. Whether coordinating community events, recognizing educators across multiple school districts, or simply providing one another with fresh perspective, these partnerships illustrate how collaboration strengthens destinations, organizations, and the people who lead them.
Above all, Bradley reminds us that openness—to new ideas, new perspectives, and new partnerships—is often the catalyst that allows both organizations and communities to evolve while remaining true to the qualities that make them special.
Resources:
Website: https://visitalgomawi.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-kautenburg-3b674315a/

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Chris Temple, Director of Communications at Visit Erie. Chris shares how Visit Erie has transformed its destination brand through an extensive research-driven process, positioning Erie as a four-season destination built around authentic experiences, outdoor recreation, and the lifestyle of the Great Lakes. We also discuss how strategic partnerships, community engagement, and thoughtful destination development are helping Erie build momentum while creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:
How Visit Erie approached a research-based destination rebrand that aligned with visitor expectations and community assets
Why authentic storytelling and a clearly defined brand voice help destinations stand out in a competitive marketplace
How Visit Erie creatively responded to the challenges of the pandemic by supporting local businesses and launching Erie Restaurant Week
What major Bayfront redevelopment projects mean for Erie's future as a visitor destination and community gathering place
How collaboration with other destination organizations strengthens media relations, marketing efforts, and shared success
Why engaging local residents and content creators has become an important part of modern destination marketing
How destination organizations continue to evolve by balancing visitor attraction with community quality of life
Building a Brand That Reflects the Good Life
Rather than simply creating a new logo or tagline, Visit Erie invested eighteen months in a comprehensive branding process grounded in research, stakeholder engagement, and visitor insights. Chris explains how the organization evaluated its existing positioning, identified its strongest assets, and developed messaging that reflects both the experiences travelers seek and the authentic character of the destination.
The result is the "Good Life, Great Lake" brand, which captures Erie's unique identity as a place where visitors can slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the rhythm of life along Lake Erie. Chris shares how developing a consistent brand voice has helped Visit Erie focus on what truly differentiates the destination instead of trying to appeal to everyone.
Turning Challenges into Lasting Opportunities
Like destinations across the country, Visit Erie faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris reflects on how the organization quickly shifted its focus from attracting visitors to supporting local tourism businesses and encouraging residents to reconnect with the outdoor experiences available in their own backyard.
One of the most successful initiatives to emerge from that difficult period was Erie Restaurant Week. What began as a creative response to support local restaurants during a challenging time has grown into a signature annual event that continues to expand each year. Chris shares how moments of adversity can become catalysts for innovation when organizations remain focused on serving both their partners and their communities.
Collaboration as the Foundation for Destination Growth
Throughout the conversation, Chris emphasizes that destination success is built through collaboration. From Visit Erie's long-standing involvement with the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance to partnerships that connect multiple destinations along travelers' journeys, he demonstrates how collaboration creates stronger visitor experiences while helping destinations learn from one another.
Chris also discusses how Visit Erie's role within the community continues to evolve. New initiatives like the Local Creator Program invite residents to help tell Erie's story through their own perspectives, creating authentic content that resonates with both visitors and locals. Combined with the ongoing transformation of Erie's Bayfront, these efforts illustrate how destination organizations can strengthen community pride while building sustainable tourism for the future.
Resources:
Website: VisitErie.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-temple-47223b7/