Supporting Documents
This page provides direct access to supplemental materials referenced in our Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding application. These documents are included to provide additional background, context, and supporting data for our proposal.
As part of our Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding request, we have provided the following supporting documents to expand on the information summarized in our application. These materials demonstrate the depth of planning, the partnerships we have cultivated, and the measurable impact we expect to deliver through this work.
Our application highlights several interconnected projects — including a regional wedding show, FAM tours, hospitality workforce development, asset creation, and website expansion — all designed to strengthen Jefferson County’s visitor economy in 2026. The documents below provide additional background and detail for reviewers.
Our complete application (personal info redacted) submitted to LTAC, outlining our proposed projects, funding request, and alignment with Jefferson County’s tourism priorities.
Website Analytics Report for quimpereventscollective.com.
Fractional Executives: The Future of Nonprofits: We believe fractional roles offer a powerful, mission-friendly alternative to traditional staffing or freelance models. Key advantages include:
- Cost efficiency & predictability: Unlike a full‐time hire, fractional roles allow the organization to access high‐level skills without the burden of full salary, payroll taxes, benefits, and overhead. This makes costs more predictable and ensures that more of our resources go directly toward mission-critical work.
- Flexibility and scalability: Nonprofit priorities often shift—funding, programs, strategy, even crises can change what’s needed, fast. Fractional roles allow us to scale up or down (or change scope) in response, without the commitments or risks associated with laying off full‐time staff.
- Access to top‐tier expertise: Fractional roles open the door to people with deep experience who may not be available or affordable as full‐time employees. Often, these individuals work part-time or “fractionally” for multiple clients, bringing a broader set of insights, specialization, and efficiency.
- Olympic Peninsula Tourism Master Plan (2024-2029): A long-range framework outlining strategies to grow sustainable tourism across the Olympic Peninsula, with a focus on stewardship, community benefit, and regional collaboration. The plan sets shared priorities among counties, tribes, cities, and tourism organizations to ensure that growth in visitation supports both local economies and the long-term health of the peninsula’s natural and cultural assets.
- Kitsap County – DMO Executive Summary (July 8, 2024): Outlines the role, funding, and governance models of Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), including their benefits and considerations for Kitsap County
- Port Angeles RFP for Tourism Advertising & Marketing: As a matter of City policy, this request is made every one to three years. The objective of the City, working through the Department of Community and Economic Development (CED), is to award a one (1) year agreement, with two (2) one-year renewal options exercisable at the City’s sole discretion.
- 2024 Marketing Report: Report is created and distributed to City/LTAC by Marketing Contractor.
- Video 2025 RFP Review Meeting of PA LTAC where the top 4 agencies answered questions before the committee selected a local organization, WanderFuca.
- Diana Smeland, President of Port Ludlow Associates, former LTAC/TCC and OPTC member
- Kiana Allencastre, owner of Wake & Wave Boards
- Bryan Kelly, co-owner of Kinship Tales
- Richard Palmer, owner of Palmskirts Entertainment
- Patty Schmucker, President of PNW Business Resource Collective and former Director of Business Services for EDC Team Jefferson
Community Endorsements
I can’t think of a more deserving organization that consistently and professionally brings local businesses together in a profitable and mutually beneficial way. I can’t think of another organization (i.e. chamber, Mainstreet, etc.) that has ever been worth the membership dues like QEC.
Candace MangoldCorvus Crafts, QEC MemberQEC has been a great way for my small business to network with other businesses. And has helped to make my business relevant in this community
Jenn TillmanShort & Sweet BakeryThey have been a great connector for small businesses here in JeffCo. From food entrepreneurs to event venues to photographers. They have been the glue needed to bring all of these amazing creatives together to host wonderful events for tourists and locals.
Andrea StaffordLemon & SpruceQEC has created a critically important link between us (and) Port Townsend as (a) destination wedding trade. Their organization has grown our business this year.
Candice & PeterGariss Gardens Flower FarmQEC is a essential part of what makes community strong. The events bring people together & support small businesses like mine. They make a huge difference.
Kiana AllencastreWake & Wave CharcuterieQEC encourages teamwork and allows me to network with others in the industry to better promote my venue as well as Jefferson County as a whole.
Marvin Copeland-GriggsNorthwest MaritimeI support QEC receiving LTAC funding because they have proven to be a highly organized and motivated organization that effectively connects local businesses and advances their interests. This ensures the funding stays in Jefferson County and directly benefits the people and businesses who call it home.
Rebekah FessendenSeed DesignQEC supported our creative community members by giving us a space to host a curated makers market for their Jeff. Co. Wedding Tours in 2024.
Erika HitchcockSalish Sea Makers MarketQEC is committed to celebrating, honoring, and sharing this region’s beauty and culture. They’ve shown consistent dedication and competency in promoting and supporting the area’s events, small businesses, and attractions.
Bethany MahaffeySnowberry WeddingsQEC is filling a niche that is much needed in our county.
Kate PhilbrickNorthwest MaritimeI believe QEC is a vital resource for the local business community in Jefferson Co. and directly benefits the tax base by bringing in more tourists and business.
Kelly O’Leary & Bryan KellyKinship TalesThe QEC network is full of kind, skilled and supportive small businesses that help visitors and locals alike to navigate and plan their events and time in Jefferson County and the Peninsula in collaborative and joyful ways!
Jill AlbanGarden Studio/ Floristry
Social Media Samples
Board Expertise
Two of our board members, Alexis & Natalie, recently participated in a panel on Tourism & Transit for the Transit Advisory Group (TAG) Video Link

Alexis Arrabito
Alexis Arrabito is the founder of the Quimper Events Collective and serves as its Board President. A 25-year resident of Jefferson County, she is a small business owner, community strategist, and advocate for arts and culture. Alexis brings a background in hospitality, public policy, and nonprofit leadership to her role, and also serves as Chair of the Port Townsend Arts Commission. She is the owner of several ventures including 821 Washington, Port Townsend Picnics, and The Washington Private Suites. A 2019 bride herself, she helped launch QEC to create the kind of collaborative, member-led network she wished had existed when she was planning her own wedding. Alexis and her husband Ian live in Port Townsend with their two cats, Fred and George, and are often spotted pedaling around town in their iconic personal pedicab.
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER2023-2025
Mia Garcia
Mia is an artist and community connector based in Port Townsend, WA. She loves getting involved in just about any activity that works to improve the place she calls home. As the Vice President of the Quimper Events Collective, she is dedicated to elevating the work of local event pros and strengthening the vibrant network of talent across Jefferson County. With a background in administration and project management, Mia brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to every collaboration.
VICE PRESIDENT2023-2025
Natalie Maitland
A seven year resident of Port Townsend, Natalie Maitland brings 15+ successful years of experience in marketing, communications, events, business development, hospitality, and tourism to her role as Treasurer for the Quimper Events Collective. The current Executive Director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program, she collaborates with a variety of business owners, community organizations, and public entities to foster vitality, community, and placemaking. She is extensively involved in regional events and tourism organizations. Her passion for collaboration and supporting her community, along with support from her husband and sons, fuel her work.
TREASURER2023-2025
Jessie Short
Jessie Short is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County with a commitment to supporting the people and places that make the Quimper Peninsula unique. A Communications graduate of the University of Washington, she brings a strong background in marketing and communications to her role on the Quimper Events Collective board. Jessie currently leads the marketing for The Resort at Port Ludlow, serves on the board of the Jefferson County Farmers Markets organization and has previously been active in the Chimacum PTA—ties that reflect her long-standing investment in local community life. She joined the QEC board to help strengthen the economic prosperity of the region by uplifting the small businesses that drive its event, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
SECRETARY2023-2025
Bethany Mahaffey
Bethany is the founder and owner of Snowberry Weddings. She began planning and styling weddings professionally after planning her own wedding in 2015. She added floral design services to her offerings in 2020.
Bethany is inspired by the unruly beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She loves helping clients stay on track throughout the planning process, and loves witnessing their joy on their wedding day.BOARD MEMBER2023-2025
Marvin Copeland-Griggs
Marvin is a military brat and has lived most of his life on the Eastern Seaboard. The fates aligned and he found himself in the beautiful Port Townsend area where he manages Venue Rentals at the Northwest Maritime. He has served on the Towns County Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and is happy to be a part of QEC and bring his experience to the board as we continue to grow and evolve at QEC.
BOARD MEMBER2024-2025




















