Page 24 - Vallejo_Chamber_of_Commerce_Magazine_Fall_2019

Mike makes sure to mention, however, that Visit
Calling All Tourists!
Vallejo has seen some tremendous growth in recent years, and it
looks like that isn’t going to stop anytime soon. The chamber, the
nonprofits, the city itself … Vallejo’s success is truly a team effort.
One of those teammates we’d like to highlight is our very own Visit
Visit Vallejo helps Vallejo, also known as the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau.
keep our Their job is to advocate positively on behalf of Vallejo,
mostly in regards to tourism. Believe it or not, many people
economy strong choose Vallejo as the place to spend their vacation, and
these visitors are coming to us from all over the world. This
by attracting is also the home of the Vallejo/Solano County Film Office.
visitors from “We’re so lucky to have a city that has so much happening, with
even more on the horizon,” said Visit Vallejo’s President and
around the world CEO Mike Browne. Mike is no stranger to the Vallejo community,
and he has been at the post here for 16 years. What makes
him so effective as the leader of the visitor’s bureau is that he’s
By Matt Larson truly passionate about this dynamic place that we call home.
“I have the best job!” he exclaimed. “Because I get to
promote all the good things about Vallejo. We have tons
of stuff to talk about, always will, and we get more every
year. And they pay me to do this! I’m a lucky guy.”
Hailing from St. Louis, Mike first came here to work for
Marine World Africa USA. He fell in love with Vallejo almost
immediately. One of his fondest memories was the first time
he saw the dry docks of the old Mare Island Naval Base. “You
don’t see anything like that in the Midwest,” he said. “So I was
blown away at some unusual things I’d never seen before.”
Vallejo’s accomplishments are the result of a
dedicated team effort. They only have six staff
members in total; three of them have been there for
more than 15 years, and another for nearly 25.
Having a staff with such longevity is
truly something that makes Visit Vallejo
stand out from other such destination-
management organizations. So when they
go out to a trade show or a convention
to promote Vallejo, that love they have
for our city is conveyed through their
message. Naturally, people can pick up on
that, and thus Vallejo tourism is on the rise.
“Carrie Baulwin, our director of sales, is a big reason application and pay a small investment fee: $220
that we’ve enjoyed so much success over the years,” for the year, or $110 for nonprofit organizations.
Mike said. “She does a fantastic job of promoting
Vallejo.” She helps to coordinate and facilitate any Mike is looking forward to so many things when it
activity that involves hotels, which is where most comes to the future of Vallejo, but what he really
of Visit Vallejo’s funding comes from. She’s also has his eye on at this writing is the work being
been a major player in developing a great tourism done by the Nimitz group on Mare Island. “The
relationship with China over the past six years. ideas they have, their philosophy, and the respect
they have to the past—melding those altogether
“One wouldn’t think Vallejo does international … they get it,” he said. “Out of anything that I’ve
business, but yeah, we do!” Mike exclaimed. “A seen since having this job, and all the different
great deal, in fact. Carrie has helped us bring projects that have been on the potential calendar
lots of folks here to Vallejo from China.” At first, for Mare Island and Vallejo, this seems to be the
these visitors would just stay for one night only, most ‘real’ one that is going to happen; we’re just
but as they find there’s so much to do here, crossing our fingers that it’s all going to work out.”
the visits have lasted longer and longer.
Pay Visit Vallejo a visit in the ferry terminal at
By now, it’s generally well known that Visit 289 Mare Island Way, Suite A. Call them at
Vallejo’s website has one of the most up-to-date (707) 642-3653 and especially check out their very full
calendars in town, next to Local Happenings’ website at visitvallejo.com. If you need help with your
of course, but what many local businesses pitch on Vallejo, take these words from Mike Browne:
might not be aware of is the partnership
opportunities that Visit Vallejo can provide. “We’re a hidden gem in the Bay Area because
of all kinds of reasons: our location on the
“When you become a partner, you get preferential water with ferry access to San Francisco and a
treatment as far as recommendations are concerned,” short drive to Napa Valley; Six Flags Discovery
Mike said. “We recommend any restaurant in Kingdom; we have a great history with excellent
Vallejo if anybody asks, for example, but we always museums to visit; the rich history of downtown;
recommend our partners first. Another attraction the waterfront; the historic Mare Island shipyard;
is we can enhance an event listing with a social and, of course, our diverse community.”
media boost, or at the ferry terminal there’s room
to put up a partner’s rack card or brochure.”
Partners could also be included in their weekly
newsletter, and become part of the conversation
at trade shows. To become a partner with
Visit Vallejo all you’ve got to do is fill out an