CGCVB 2-24-26

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Areas of Interest (4)

Cottage Grove reports 26.9% increase in Q4 2025 lodging tax revenue despite questions on whether this signals true tourism growth.
CVB awards $17,000 contract to WA Fisher Co. for website redesign after previous vendor agreement was terminated.
City officials investigating potential tax enforcement on local short-term rentals (VRBO/Airbnb) via Department of Revenue.
CVB seeks to expand business-traveler partnerships with large local employers to reduce revenue leakage to neighboring cities.

Adopt the agenda

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Katada · Seconded by Lavine

Approve WA Fisher Co. for website redesign not to exceed $17,000

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Katada · Seconded by Unspecified

Our lodging tax collections are up... a percent change of 26.9% and a growth of $4,268.15.
— Phil

Lodging Tax RevenueComparing Q4 2025 to Q4 2024.

If we can make a deal, that would be pretty nice to see.
— Chairman Olsson

Strategic PartnershipsRegarding potential partnership with the St. Paul Saints.

Chairman OlssonChairman

Presiding officer over the Cottage Grove CVB board meeting.

Courtney PersigStaff Member

Presented the 2026 events update and 2025 annual report.

1 quote

“12 to 15ish weeks is like the sweet spot.”

Regarding the timeline for the website redesign project.

PhilCVB Staff

Presented financial data and website redesign vendor proposals.

1 quote

“Yes, they did reach out. We are currently reviewing kind of, for lack of a better phrase, what offerings they may have.”

Regarding St. Paul Saints partnership discussions.

Director KatadaBoard Member

Raised questions regarding lodging tax growth and tourism metrics.

Director OlsenBoard Member

Requested updates on short-term rental tax collection and business travel partnerships.

Nate CarlsonEconomic Development Manager

Collaborating on hotel RFP and business development.

Cottage Grove City HallKingston ParkMall of America