Management Williston learns the significance of tourism, media and group involvement in newest session | Williston

Leadership Williston met for their fourth session and focused on why tourism and the media are important to a community.

The class met at Williston Basin International Airport, where Airport Director Anthony Dudas took attendees on an immersive tour of the new facility. Dudas shared the history of the airport, stated that the former facility no longer met the needs of the growing community, and went through the challenges of building a new airport from the ground up. The tour took the class behind the scenes and gave a glimpse into the inner workings of the airport that many cannot see in public.

The class was attended by Amy Krueger, executive director of the Williston Chamber of Commerce, who led the morning panel discussion on arts and tourism in the community. The first panel consisted of members from Entertainment Inc !, Youth Education On Stage, the James Memorial Art Center, and the City of Williston. The group shared how each of them contributes to the arts in the community, from Inc! ‘S annual stage productions. and YES, to the monthly art exhibits and classes from the eye-catching utility boxes from James and the City.

“Art strengthens a community,” said Caitlin Pallai, a graduate of Leadership Williston and creator of the Utility Box Art Project. “It’s a way for people to get involved in the community around them, whether it’s the utility boxes, a mural, or the yarn bombs. It brightens a community and makes it more attractive.”

Kate Ogden, Park Manager at Lewis and Clark State Park, spoke to the class about all of the activities available in North Dakota’s state and national parks and how tourism is a major contributor to the state and local economies. The panel was rounded off by discussions by Krueger about the role of the CVB in tourism and, with Darin, Executive Director for Parks and Recreation, about the city’s numerous parks and the activities of the Williston ARC.

“Tourism is the first date you have with a new community,” said Amy Krueger. “No matter why you visit the community, whether you visit friends and family, for business, sport, or pleasure, 99 percent of the time is your first interaction with the community as a visitor Community and the economic engine it offers the community.

The class then returned to City Hall, where presenters from the Williston Herald, Cherry Creek Media, and Williams County talk about the media and the important role it plays in a community. Not only is media necessary to disseminate critical information, but it also plays a key role in Leadership Williston in raising awareness of attendees’ upcoming projects.

“Understanding how the media and communications shape our lives is an integral part of our Leadership Williston training program. It is important that those in positions of power use the media responsibly, not just for the dissemination of relevant information, but also for the information they choose consume and / or repeat, “said Rochelle Villa, coordinator of the Leadership Williston program. “It is also important that young leaders develop the tools necessary to communicate details about their jobs, projects and services that may be useful or useful to the public.”

The day was rounded off with a community engagement panel attended by members from Williston Rotary, Williston Community Builders, United Way and Young Professionals. Each group contributes to the community in different ways, but they all work toward the same goal of improving the Williston area. The panel encouraged the leadership class to delve into the various organizations in the area and see how they can give back to the community as well.

“There are so many opportunities in Williston to use your time, talents and skills to improve our community,” said Villa. “There are many organizations out there that do such a great job, and as leaders in our community we should do our best to contribute in any way we can. You can use your talents to contribute to the arts. You can donate your time . You can also give financially. And most importantly, you can encourage others to do the same! “

Guided Tour Williston will meet again on June 16 and focus on the history of Williston and the surrounding area.