470. From Total Eclipse to Community Impact, with Debra Ross
Release Date: 04/01/2026
489. Building Collaboration Across Borders and Waterways, with Sally Berry
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sally Berry, Tourism Director for Great Lakes USA and Cruise the Great Lakes. Sally shares how an unexpected career path led her into tourism and eventually to one of the industry’s most collaborative regional organizations. We discuss the power of partnerships, the rapid growth of Great Lakes cruising, and why thinking beyond traditional destination boundaries creates stronger visitor experiences and more resilient communities. Sally also offers practical insights into building meaningful collaborations that benefit destinations,...
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488. Community Conversation: Strengthening Tourism Through Advocacy
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I host a special Community Conversation featuring Patrick Kaler, President & CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara; Tony Snell-Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion at Visit Milwaukee; Steven Coyle, Director of Government Relations for Transportation Policy at the American Bus Association; and Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Deputy Director of The Wild Center. Together, they explore the many dimensions of advocacy in the tourism industry, from legislative engagement and community partnerships to storytelling, relationship building, and...
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487. Building Culinary and Agritourism Through Collaboration: Conversations from the Taste of Place Summit
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, we bring you Part 2 of our Roadshow series recorded live at the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton, Alberta. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Explore Edmonton, the Summit brought together destination leaders, economic development professionals, and tourism organizations exploring how culinary tourism can strengthen local economies and create more distinctive destination identities. Through conversations with Ellen Walker-Matthews, Elaine Zedack, Eiblis Doherty, Ceri Chong, and Bryanna Kumpula-Yung, we explore how...
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486. Food Tourism Begins with People: Conversations from the Taste of Place Summit
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, we bring you the first of two Roadshow episodes recorded live at the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton, Alberta. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Explore Edmonton, the Summit gathered culinary tourism and agritourism leaders, destination professionals, farmers, chefs, producers, and artisans from across Canada and beyond to explore how food connects visitors to people, culture, and place. Through conversations with Tam Anderson, Jenni Lessard, James Eddington, Carl-Éric Guertin, and Monica Frost, we uncover a common...
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485. Building Stronger Communities Starts with an Open Mind, with Bradley Kautenburg
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Bradley Kautenburg, Executive Director of the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce in Algoma, Wisconsin. Bradley shares how a small lakeside community neighboring some of Wisconsin’s best-known tourism destinations has embraced its authentic character as its greatest strength. We discuss the power of collaboration, the importance of remaining open to change, and how destination leaders can build stronger organizations by focusing on community, partnerships, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions. What You Will Learn in This...
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484. How Research and Collaboration Is Transforming Erie, with Chris Temple
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Chris Temple, Director of Communications at Visit Erie. Chris shares how Visit Erie has transformed its destination brand through an extensive research-driven process, positioning Erie as a four-season destination built around authentic experiences, outdoor recreation, and the lifestyle of the Great Lakes. We also discuss how strategic partnerships, community engagement, and thoughtful destination development are helping Erie build momentum while creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike. What You Will Learn in This...
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483. Leading with Authenticity and Resilience, with Lauren Bennett McGinty
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota. Lauren shares how Minnesota has evolved its destination marketing strategy beyond traditional tourism promotion to focus on storytelling, quality of life, and reputation leadership. We discuss the development of the state's Star of the North brand, how Explore Minnesota responded to unexpected national attention with authenticity and compassion, and why collaboration across agencies, industries, and communities is shaping a stronger future for tourism. Lauren also shares...
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482. Customizable Luxury and Brand Stewardship in Beverly Hills, with Julie Wagner
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau. Julie shares her journey from the cruise and hotel industries to leading one of the world’s most iconic destination brands. We explore how Beverly Hills continues to evolve while staying true to its legacy, the challenges and opportunities of marketing a globally recognized destination, and the importance of collaboration, innovation, and destination stewardship. Julie also discusses how Beverly Hills is redefining luxury for the next generation of travelers and...
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481. From Port to Community: Rethinking the Cruise Experience, with Shelly Hartfield
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Shelly Hartfield, Vice President of Destinations for Victory Cruise Lines. Shelly shares how her passion for destinations evolved from a career in maritime operations into a role focused on creating meaningful connections between travelers and communities throughout the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Atlantic Canada, and the U.S. East Coast. We explore the power of collaboration in cruise tourism, how unexpected challenges often lead to remarkable guest experiences, and why destination stewardship, community partnerships, and...
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480. The Power of Crazy Solutions and Human Imagination, with John Franklin Rinehart
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with John Franklin Rinehart, founder of Austin Film Crew. We talk in depth about his latest project in Gonzalez, Texas, and the Texas Legacy in Lights project, a full-scale live-action film projected onto the Gonzalez Memorial Museum. With the film, John is helping the community prepare for future visitors by developing new branding and digital assets that reflect the community. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How John moved from a career in music to becoming a leader in experiential storytelling How thinking differently can create...
info_outlineOn this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra Ross, author, community engagement advocate, and entrepreneur. We talk about her recent book, The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities, and how it was inspired by planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Drawing from her experience planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse and spearheading community engagement initiatives. Debra also shares her practical strategies for turning extraordinary events into lasting networks.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Debra transitioned from a marketing technology background to becoming involved in the travel industry
- Why major catalysts have the power to bring communities together and create networks
- The principles Debra has identified for building strong communities
- How defining success up front and celebrating milestones can lead to lasting impact beyond a single event
- Why diversity in community groups is essential for effective network creation
- Strategies Debra recommends for building social capital through deliberate introductions and curiosity
- How ordinary people can step into leadership roles and inspire others within their communities
Leadership, Connection, and Diversity
Debra discusses why leadership in the context of connection is profoundly anti-authoritarian. Leaders aren’t dictating directions, they’re connecting people of varying backgrounds, interests, and skills, deliberately bridging gaps to foster collective action.
The magic happens when we bridge social capital intentionally by introducing people who might otherwise never meet. Debra calls her approach “painfully cheerful,” but stresses that making connections is hard work, leaders have to be persistent and positive, making it fun and inspiring for participants.
Redefining Success and Embracing Failure
We talk about redefining what success looks like in community efforts. It’s not always attendance numbers or flawless execution, sometimes, events like the eclipse don’t deliver perfect conditions—clouds marred Rochester’s 2024 eclipse, yet years of preparation created a network and impact that extended far beyond a single day. Success is in the invisible connections and the tendrils of connection that outlast any temporary event.
Disappointments, such as post-event letdown, logistical setbacks, or difficult challenges, also have value when viewed through the lens of community learning and resilience.
Creating Lasting Impact with Everyday Leadership
Anyone can be a community leader, you don’t need official authority or a title. What leadership means is being curious, seeking out others, and intentionally knitting networks that support your community, whether for a major event or to respond quickly to emergencies. Redefine leadership as connecting, celebrating successes (big and small), and embracing failure as a growth opportunity.
Tune your radar to notice moments of momentum, positive or negative, and by connecting diverse people around them, you help build something greater than the sum of its parts.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.kidsoutandabout.com/
- The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities by Debra Ross
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