About Visit Cook County

Visit Cook County is a strong collaboration of the existing Cook County, Minnesota community tourism associations, the Cook County Events and Visitors Bureau and the voluntary members of the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa Ojibwe. The organizations joined because they’re stronger together – there is more buying power and reach with combined revenues.

The tourism associations that make up Visit Cook County are:

Gunflint Trail Association (GTA)
Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder Tourism Association (LTTA)
Grand Marais Area Tourism Association (GMATA)

These three associations have boards of directors and are funded by the collection of a 3% lodging tax in their communities.

The 3% lodging tax has defined statutory limitations on how it can be spent, simply put: to be spent on destination marketing. These limits prevented funding for visitor experiences and lures such as festival and event hosting. To address this need, the associations agreed to an additional 1% to the lodging tax collection in 2007-2008 to create the Cook County Events and Visitors Bureau, (CCEVB). This tax is “voluntary” for non-lodging businesses, they are allowed to charge a 1% minimum to 3% maximum tax. Lutsen Mountains Alpine operations, for example, elected to collect a 3% tax on lift tickets, equipment rentals, entertainment, and restaurant sales. This corporation also participates in the lodging tax collection at their Eagle Ridge Resort.

All collected taxes are paid to the County Auditor who in turn handles the administration and distribution of revenue. The 1% CCEVB funds are allocated to assist existing community sponsored events, Visit Cook County events as well as enhancements to visitor experiences such as music, nature programs, access to information on an event calendar that is printed and online.

Who decides how these funds are spent or allocated?

All the tourism associations continue with full boards of directors and meetings. Each association has representation on the Visit Cook County board of directors. Once a year during the annual budget process, each association allocates the way they want their 1% funds spent.

The number of Visit Cook County board representatives correspond to the size of their communities’ tax collection.

Understanding Visit Cook County Infographic – updated 2021

Learn more about lodging tax here.

Meet the Visit Cook County team

Administration
Linda Jurek, Executive Director | linda@visitcookcounty.com
Kjersti Vick, Marketing & PR Director| kjersti@visitcookcounty.com
Nick Cusick, Events & Marketing Coordinator | nick@visitcookcounty.com
Lily Nelson-Pedersen, Administrative & Finance Manager | lily@visitcookcounty.com

Grand Marais Information Center
Carah Thomas-Maskell, Information Center Coordinator | carah@visitcookcounty.com

Partners
Giant Voices – Marketing Agency

We’re Hiring!

Award-winning destination marketing organization, Visit Cook County, is looking for two enthusiastic individuals to join the friendly and professional team.

Administrative Assistant

Full-time Position

Are you highly motivated with a keen eye for detail? The role of Administrative Assistant is critical to the day-to-day operations of a dynamic destination marketing organization. An adaptable team player with a desire to learn and grow are among the characteristics sought in an individual to join the organization. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Competitive wage, health insurance, dental insurance, matching 401(k), and PTO/holiday schedule are included.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by: May 16, 2022. Complete job descriptions and details can be found at visitcookcounty.com/about. Questions? Contact Linda Jurek at linda@visitcookcounty.com

See full job description for Administrative Assistant here.

Financial Coordinator

Part-time Position

Do you have an aptitude for finance, have the ability to meet deadlines, and possess exceptional time management skills? The role of Financial Coordinator is responsible for financial analysis, accounting and bookkeeping, human resources support, and other duties as assigned. This position is designed to be part-time with room for growth and additional responsibilities. Remote or hybrid work environment. Competitive wage and matching 401(k).

See full job description for Financial Coordinator here.