Letter to the Editor: "Thanks to those who made 'Taste of Winneshiek' a success"

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Charlene Selbee):

"Based on the feedback I received, my own personal observations and the numbers of visitors and residents roaming downtown Friday night, the Taste of Winneshiek was a success. Thank you to all who attended and participated in the 2015 Taste of Winneshiek.
 
Special thanks to Meg Storkamp and Teresa Dehning, Central Guest Receptionists at the Visitor Center, who were actively involved in all aspects of the planning, implementation and marketing of the event. Without them, the Taste of Winneshiek would not have gone off as smoothly as it did.
 
A round of applause to Winneshiek County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) volunteers Bev Christen, Lyle and Sue Luzum for assisting at the Visitor Center on Friday night. A big thanks to volunteer Gretchen Carolan, Mary Weiss and WCCVB board member Yvette Powers for serving.
 
The event would not have been possible without the support of the Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau's board of directors who were willing to take a risk and support me as I delved in to create a new winter event.
 
It takes a team to organize and market an event. The staff of the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce stepped up to help during the week leading up to the event and on the day of the event. Thank you Nikki, Kristina and Greg for your support.
 
Thank you Decorah Bank & Trust, LetterWerks, Oneota Film Festival, KDEC 1240 AM, Empty Nest Winery, KDEC FM 100.5, Hotel Winneshiek, Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., and Winneshiek Wildberry Winery for believing in the CVB and the Taste of Winneshiek. Your sponsorship demonstrates your support in the community and the CVB and your belief in tourism.
 
Dawn Austin of LetterWerks is an amazing graphic designer and is responsible for creating the outstanding marketing materials produced at the 11th hour. Great job!
 
The Taste of Winneshiek bloomed out of an idea mentioned at a brainstorming meeting held last fall. A dedicated group of Winneshiek County businesses stepped up and met every Friday morning to plan the Decorah's first culinary stroll. Thank you for all your help. I look forward to working with you throughout the year as we plan the 2016 Taste of Winneshiek to be held Friday, February 5, 2016."