Being a member of the Chamber has lots of benefits, which is why we like to highlight one member each month, just as a reminder of how amazing all of our members are! Learn more below about our member, Visit Frederick.
The Tourism Council of Frederick County, doing business today as Visit Frederick, is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Frederick County, Maryland. We are a public-private partnership dedicated to enhancing the economic benefit of tourism for Frederick County’s businesses, attractions, local governments, and residents. Membership is open to organizations interested in promoting tourism in Frederick County.
A conversation with Jake Wynn, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
What does your organization do?
Visit Frederick plays a key role in generating the $500 million+ in tourism-related revenues which are generated for Frederick County businesses and attractions each year. Our marketing programs and advertising are essential to bringing the nearly 2 million visitors who come to Frederick County each year to our region.
Visit Frederick supports the development and improvement of Frederick County tourism through the Tourism Reinvestment Promotion and Product Program (TRIPP) which provides grant funding to local non-profits for tourism product development as well as advertising and marketing efforts.
Tell us your story – when you started, how, why.
Visit Frederick was established in 1976 as a spin off from the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. The organization today is a 501c(6) non-profit. For decades, Visit Frederick has been essential to growing Frederick County’s awareness as a first-rate visitor destination. From our charming Main Streets to our incredible history to abundant parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, Frederick County is an amazing place for visitors to share in the love we have for our local communities. Visit Frederick has long been a leader in the State of Maryland among Destination Marketing Organizations, helping to lead initiatives that not only benefit Frederick County, but build up our entire region as a tourism destination.
Throughout Frederick County’s history, tourism has been a key part of our region’s economy and that has only increased in the first two decades of the 21st century. Our staff is excited to be part of shaping Frederick County’s future as a visitor destination.
In addition to advertising and marketing efforts, Visit Frederick also operates the Frederick Visitor Center on East Street in Downtown Frederick. The Visitor Center, available to both residents and visitors alike, provides resources and information to more than 20,000 people each year.
What do you like most about being an organization in Frederick County?
Frederick County’s collaborative spirit fuels us at Visit Frederick. We are thrilled each and every day to work with our members, partners, non-profits, and government agencies to promote Frederick as a visitor destination.
Why did you join the Chamber?
Visit Frederick participates in the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce to engage with the wider business community in Frederick. We see Frederick County’s businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities as all members of one team all pulling for the same thing: to make Frederick County a thriving, inclusive place to live, work, and, for us at Visit Frederick, visit as a tourism destination. We see the mission of the Chamber as essential for us as an organization. We participate in the Chamber’s educational, leadership, advocacy, and networking opportunities that further fuel our region’s astounding level of partnership and innovation.
How has being a member of the Chamber benefited your organization?
Visit Frederick attends Chamber leadership, advocacy, and networking events, and these are also a source of fellowship and opportunities for future partnerships. We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to aid and assist current and future tourism-related businesses and attractions.
What do you want Visit Frederick to be known for?
We want Frederick County to be known as a world-class tourism destination in the Capital Region. Visit Frederick plays a key role in growing the economic benefit from visitors experiencing our businesses, parks, and cultural attractions. We love that Frederick County residents and business leaders are already sharing their love of the region, and we will continue investing in the future to make Frederick County an even better visitor destination. What’s good for local residents – what makes us love living here – is also what visitors will enjoy experiencing.
What ways can people in the community support you?
You can support Visit Frederick by thinking of us as a great partner to help promote tourism-related businesses, non-profits, events, and efforts. We offer grant programs that non-profits and government agencies can apply for in partnership with for-profit businesses. We are here to support our tourism-related organizations and attractions and are here to support them.
Do you have any exciting promotions or interesting events coming up?
We are here to market Frederick County’s events – large and small – for visitors from across the region and around the world. We encourage residents to come out and enjoy these events and share your passion for Frederick. We also encourage residents to come and experience the Frederick Visitor Center that we operate in Downtown Frederick.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.