Adam, thanks for posting Mr. Kageyama’s presentation—lots of great ideas in there. It reminded me of a very similar presentation given by Chet Gartner of
The Daytripper at the Bastrop TML conference in May 2023 (see my notes below).
As part of this year’s budget cycle, I’ve proposed allocating up to $10,000 for marketing. I understand Charles has already reached out to someone, and I also connected him with the gentleman from Rockport who spoke to Council a few months ago.
For reference, here are my original notes from Gartner’s presentation:
From: Paul Roberts <
PaulRoberts@SolidTechnologySolutions.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2023 10:56 AM
To: Tracie Hlavinka <
Tracie.Hlavinka@lagovistatexas.gov>; Eric Zeno <
Eric.Zeno@lagovistatexas.gov>; Ed Tidwell <
Mayor@lagovistatexas.gov>; Paul Roberts <
CouncilPlace5@lagovistatexas.gov>; Gage Hunt <
CouncilPlace1@lagovistatexas.gov>; Kevin Sullivan <
CouncilPlace2@lagovistatexas.gov>; Rob Durbin <
CouncilPlace3@lagovistatexas.gov>; Chelaine Marion <
CouncilPlace4@lagovistatexas.gov>
Cc: Norma Owen <
normaowen@gmail.com>; David Williams <
davwil@me.com>
Subject: FW: Chet Gartner from the Daytripper
Hi Everyone,
At the TML conference in Bastrop this past Thursday, Chet Gartner gave the opening presentation titled
“The Unique Character of Small Towns.” (Unfortunately, no handout was provided.)
Many of his points really apply to us. I think it would be worthwhile to follow his advice, brainstorm around these topics, and begin shaping a cohesive marketing strategy for Lago Vista. I’ve included my initial thoughts below to help spark ideas.
It may also be a great opportunity to connect with
The Daytripper team directly. They’re currently looking for cities to feature in their 14th season, and I think Lago Vista would be a strong candidate. Eric, perhaps we could share some of these ideas with you so you can reach out to the producers? Here’s the link:
https://mailchi.mp/thedaytripper/xf5qc460k5-2903224
“The Unique Character of Small Towns”
Learn to tell a story about your town.
See book from Library published circa 2000, “Lago Vista, It’s Story and It’s People” (currently on loan to Paul)
The gentleman (Chuck Johnson) who presented to the Lions Club around 6 months ago with the photo albums, etc. can tell a great story about L.V.
Other ideas?
What makes your town unique?
Lake Travis?
Boarders the Balcones Canyon Lands?
No central town square?
What’s unique about our past?
County and POA parks on lake?
Capitol of the … Balcones Canyon Lands?
_(Blank)__ capitol of the world … of Texas … of Travis County … of the hill country___?
Home of the …?
Gateway to the …?
Glamping?
Scenic views of Lake Travis / Colorado River?
Wildlife habitat?
Not a concrete jungle of high-density developments like our neighbors in the much of Travis and Williamson counties, we still retain much of natural habitat and wildlife setting?
Semi-wild deer herds?
What else?
Embrace your city’s past, try to brand it:
Pre and post-lake Travis Development?
Bar K Ranch?
Once impoverished?
Cedar Choppers ?
Proximity / Gateway to Balcones Canyonlands?
Part of Austin’s “Upper Colony” ?
Native American Past ?
Embrace the quirky things in your town. What’s quirky about Lago Vista?
Art in public spaces?
Pocket parks with art in them? [One day]
What else?
Festivals
What NEW types of festivals can we promote that would represent something
unique to Lago Vista?
Pioneer festival?
Songbird festival?
Cedar Chopper festival?
Monarch Butterfly Festival?
What else?
Food
What kind of food can we claim as having been invented here?
Home of the ____?
Currently 4 private vineyards. Banff, Tjon-Joe-Pin, Spalding and Roberts – Banff has the biggest and most established, producing 4-6 tons of grapes per year.
Art off highway
Is there anything unique / artsy off 1431 coming into town (not at present), i.e. upside down vehicles, statues, etc.? Chet suggested doing something unique … Perhaps decorate the cedars coming into town with something other than Christmas decorations? Other ideas?
Embrace The Adventure
Lake Tavis?
Balcones Canyon Lands?
Our Trails (one day) ?
Our festivals?
Embrace Your People
(Chuck Johnson) Other descendants of our past (living or deceased)?
Sylvester?
Lohman?
Marshall?
Murrow?
Others?
“The best stories are the ones that only your town can tell.”
We could promote our town’s story. Perhaps we could request permission to print new copies of “Lago Vista, It’s Story and It’s People”, and give a copy for free to new residents, make a digital copy of it, produce and audio book version, etc. ?
The Daytripper Full Episodes (for those who are not familiar with the show on PBS): https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+daytripper+full+episodes
Sharing for fun 
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/abvg...3151.mp4?rlkey=sd6rf1aenc8iyx9yejx44d293&dl=0
