Government & Community Affairs Committee

Staff: Allison Kohn & Richard Scharf

Co-Chairs:
Nick LeMasters, President & CEO, Cherry Creek North BID
Hollie Velasquez-Horvath, Senior Director State Affairs & Community Relations, Xcel Energy

Provide guidance and assist with implementation of Denver Tourism Roadmap initiatives as they pertain to public policy or require political support
Provide feedback and guidance to VISIT DENVER’s Director of Government & Community Affairs on policy issues that may affect Denver’s tourism environment or jeopardize public funding for tourism marketing in Denver or Colorado
Be familiar with and educate the Board about pertinent policy issues by engaging subject matter experts or as disclosed by VISIT DENVER staff
Be familiar with key tourism policy messages that can be shared with elected officials or stakeholders about the ROI of tourism investment, i.e. “the elevator speech”
Ensure the Board is actively involved and represented in relevant government, public policy and community issues
Develop and maintain positive relationships with local, state and national elected officials
Develop and maintain positive relationships with neighborhood, business and community organizations
Encourage Board involvement in monitoring elections and policy issues that affect VISIT DENVER and the tourism industry
Recommend Board involvement in pertinent community and business issues that foster positive outcomes for VISIT DENVER and the tourism industry
Attend various governmental and community events throughout year as a VISIT DENVER guest that educate on issues relevant to tourism