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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
Tourism Promotion and Destination Development Services
Issued By:
Jay County Tourism Commission
P.O. Box
RFQ Issue Date: July 8, 2026
Responses Due: August 7, 2026
1. INTRODUCTION
The Jay County Tourism Commission (“Commission”) is soliciting qualifications from
experienced nonprofit organizations interested in serving as the county’s contracted tourism
promotion and destination development partner.
The Commission seeks to retain a qualified third-party nonprofit organization to coordinate and
implement countywide tourism promotion efforts, support local event organizers and tourismrelated
stakeholders, strengthen collaborative marketing initiatives, and assist in attracting new
events and visitors to the county.
The selected organization will work collaboratively with local municipalities, chambers of
commerce, event organizers, hospitality businesses, attractions, and community organizations to
enhance tourism activity and economic impact throughout the county.
2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this RFQ is to identify a nonprofit organization capable of:
Promoting tourism and visitor engagement throughout the county;
Coordinating marketing and promotional efforts among local organizations and event
promoters;
Providing marketing guidance and support to smaller organizations that may lack internal
marketing expertise or staffing capacity;
Increasing awareness of county attractions, events, and experiences;
Assisting with the recruitment and attraction of new events, festivals, tournaments,
conferences, and tourism-generating activities;
Supporting tourism-related economic development initiatives;
Developing strategic partnerships that maximize marketing efficiency and community
collaboration;
Enhancing the county’s overall destination brand and visitor experience.
3. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected nonprofit organization may be expected to perform services including, but not
limited to, the following:
A. Tourism Marketing and Promotion
Develop and implement countywide tourism marketing campaigns;
Promote local events, attractions, lodging, dining, entertainment, recreation, and cultural
assets;
Manage digital marketing initiatives, including website content, social media, email
marketing, and online advertising;
Produce promotional materials and visitor information;
Maintain a tourism calendar and event promotion platform.
B. Coordination of Community Marketing Efforts
Serve as a central tourism marketing resource for local organizations and event
promoters;
Coordinate cooperative marketing initiatives among community stakeholders;
Assist organizations that do not possess dedicated marketing staff or expertise;
Encourage unified messaging and branding efforts across the county.
C. Event Development and Recruitment
Identify opportunities to attract new tourism-generating events;
Assist in recruiting sporting events, festivals, conventions, exhibitions, and other visitordriving
activities;
Support event organizers with promotional planning and tourism outreach;
Collaborate with local governments and venues regarding tourism opportunities.
D. Stakeholder Engagement
Maintain active communication with tourism-related businesses and organizations;
Facilitate partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders;
Participate in tourism and economic development meetings and initiatives.
Coordinate with state and national level trade groups and wiliness to attend out of state
marketing events.
E. Reporting and Performance Measurement
Provide periodic reports to the Commission outlining activities, outcomes, metrics, and
tourism impacts;
Track marketing reach, visitor engagement, event participation, and related tourism
indicators;
Recommend strategies for continued tourism growth and enhancement.
4. ORGANIZATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Interested organizations should demonstrate:
Nonprofit organizational status;
Experience in tourism promotion, destination marketing, event marketing, economic
development, or related fields;
Demonstrated ability to manage collaborative community initiatives;
Experience working with local governments, chambers, nonprofits, and event organizers;
Marketing and communications capabilities;
Financial stability and organizational capacity;
Knowledge of regional tourism trends and visitor engagement strategies.
Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate with state and federal agencies and local
government.
5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Respondents should include the following information in their submission:
1. Organizational overview and history;
2. Proof of nonprofit status;
3. Description of relevant experience and qualifications;
4. Description of proposed approach to tourism promotion and stakeholder coordination;
5. Examples of comparable projects or partnerships;
6. Description of staffing and organizational capacity;
7. Proposed methods for measuring success and reporting outcomes;
8. References from governmental or community partners;
9. Any additional information relevant to the organization’s qualifications.
6. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Submissions may be evaluated based on:
Relevant organizational experience;
Demonstrated understanding of tourism promotion and destination development;
Capacity to coordinate communitywide marketing efforts;
Ability to support small organizations and event promoters;
Creativity and strategic vision;
Experience attracting tourism-generating events;
Strength of partnerships and stakeholder engagement;
Organizational stability and professionalism.
7. TERM OF AGREEMENT
The Commission anticipates entering into a professional services agreement with the selected
organization for an initial term of one year, subject to renewal upon mutual agreement and
satisfactory performance.
8. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
The Commission reserves the right to:
Reject any or all submissions;
Request additional information or interviews;
Negotiate terms with any respondent;
Modify or cancel this RFQ at any time;
Select the respondent deemed to be in the best interest of the county.
9. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Responses shall be submitted electronically or in hard copy to:
Jane Ann Runyon
Secretary
Jay County Tourism Commission101 S Meridian St, Portland, IN 47371
260-729-1927
runyon1966@gmail.com
Submissions must be received no later than August 7, 2026
10. QUESTIONS
Questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to:
Jane Ann RunyonSecretary Jay County Tourism Commission
101 S Meridian St, Portland, IN 47371
260-729-1927
runyon1966@gmail.com
The Commission may distribute responses to all known respondents to ensure fairness and
consistency.