Tourism Strategy Planning Session to Shape the Future of Local Tourism

Palatka, Florida — The Tourism Department of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce hosted a tourism strategy planning session on March 9, 2026, bringing together community leaders and tourism industry stakeholders to help shape the future of tourism in Putnam County.

The session was facilitated by Chandler Thinks, a nationally recognized tourism research and strategy firm that has been working with Putnam County over the past several months to help the community discover its brand identity and guide the development of a long-term tourism strategy.

Participants in the meeting included members of the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners, mayors representing municipalities across Putnam County, and a diverse group of tourism-focused stakeholders from the hospitality, recreation, and cultural sectors.

During the session, participants shared input on a future-focused mission and vision for the Tourism Department while identifying key strategic priorities to position Putnam County as a compelling regional destination within the southeastern United States.

Discussions focused on utilizing tourism as an economic engine for small businesses while protecting the quality of life and nostalgia of the community.

Insights gathered from the planning session will direct the development of a draft mission and vision statement, along with a comprehensive tourism strategic plan for the County. The plan will serve as a roadmap for marketing, destination development, and partnership-building efforts aimed at activating Putnam County as a competitive tourism destination.

Once completed, the strategic plan will be presented to the Chamber Board of Directors, Putnam County Tourism Development Council, and the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners for review and adoption.

“This planning process represents an important step in aligning our community around a shared vision for tourism,” said Benjie Bates, Chairman of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

“By bringing together public officials, municipal leaders, and tourism partners, we are building a strategy that reflects the character of Putnam County while positioning us to attract visitors from across the Southeast,” said Leota Wilkinson, Chair of the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners and Chair of the Tourist Development Council.

“Developing a strategic plan that focuses on data to help our local businesses grow is a great next step for us,” said Devon Pierce, The Urban Farmhouse and The Magnolia Café.

The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Department will continue working closely with Chandler Thinks and the community’s tourism-related industry partners in the coming months to finalize the strategic framework and identify actionable initiatives that support intentional, sustainable tourism economic growth.