SEQUIM — Calling the job “a great fit,” Sequim’s new marketing and communications manager, Barbara Hanna, said that the lavender capital of the U.S. could greatly benefit by promoting visitor events and attractions beyond the summer season.
“I would like to see us focus on some events and promote attractions that would bring people here the entire year,” said Hanna, who will begin work Monday.
The City Council created the new position earlier this year to market the Sequim-Dungeness Valley and promote better communication between City Hall and the public, as well as among city staff.
The part-time position — 32 hours a week — pays $40,000 a year, said City Manager Steve Burkett, who announced Tuesday Hanna had been hired.
“I decided to apply for it because I truly thought it was a great fit,” said Hanna, who owns Lost Mountain Lavender Farm on Taylor Cutoff Road near the Dungeness River in Carlsborg.
For the past seven years, she has focused her energies on agritourism as the owner of the farm in Sequim.
She and her husband, Gary, put the farm up for sale in July, in part so she could focus on returning to her professional interests.
“I’m excited to have Barbara join the city team,” Burkett said.
“She has diverse experience in private-sector communications, marketing and business management. She has also operated a local tourism-related business.
“One of her key responsibilities will be to help the city improve our awareness of citizens and customers’ priorities and how the city can change our operations to meet their needs.”
Asked what she could bring to Sequim, Hanna said, “What I can bring is a love of Sequim.
“I know the community, and I am looking forward to getting more involved. I just haven’t been able to do that the past seven years.
Small events
Hanna said luring some smaller events, such corporate retreats, to town could be done using the area’s existing lodging and conference facilities.
The Seattle area and the Puget Sound Interstate 5 corridor could be a marketing focus, she said.
I think it’s really an opportunity. There are several distinct places on the Peninsula that have a unique draw.
“Having a strong tourism area, with Port Townsend on one side and Port Angeles on the other, can benefit more people on the Peninsula.”
Hanna has 29 years of experience in public relations, advertising, project management and event planning.
She began her career in public relations for the Nordstrom company, worked in marketing and public relations for The Art Institute of Seattle and managed multiple creative departments and projects at Humongous Entertainment and Beep Industries, both computer game companies.
She is nationally accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and has been actively involved with the Sequim Lavender Growers Association and the Sequim Lavender Festival.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications/advertising with a minor in fine arts from Washington State University.
Responsibilities for the newly created position include the development and implementation of programs related to marketing, tourism, public communication and community relations.
The position is partially funded by lodging tax proceeds, which are restricted to expenditures that promote tourism in Sequim.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
