What is the draw to the small town of Pullman? Most students who go to Washington State University would say Pullman is in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do.
JJ Martin is the tourism and promotions director in Pullman. The WSU alum grew up in a tourist area on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. Since his childhood, he has seen the promotional and tourism angle everywhere he goes. This gave him the desire to work in tourism.
He works with the community and businesses to bring people into Pullman to keep the small town from becoming a ghost town.
“I’m passionate about Pullman, I’ve lived here collectively for close to 13 years. A major part of my role is building tourism awareness,” Martin said.
Awareness of the town of Pullman matters to the community and to Martin. He knows there is value in the small towns and wants to build on that.
“There are many hidden gems and things to do here in Pullman,” Martin said.
Martin described Pullman as a safe place with bountiful natural beauty and opportunities to be involved in the community. There are businesses, schools, parks and so many other things to do in Pullman.
The term “hidden gem” perfectly describes this small town known as “Cougar Country” because anyone can see that Pullman would not be what it is without WSU. However, when one looks past the school, there is much more to experience than what meets the eye.
The Pullman tourism and promotional director job is not an easy one. Martin works hard to bring awareness to what Pullman has. He ensures the website and social media accounts are updated, he is always out talking to people, putting on events and giving the community, the state and eventually the country somewhere to talk about.
It is easy to look at a small town surrounded by wheat and see nothing, but Martin wants Pullman to be known across the country.
Pullman tourism is reaching different businesses and organizations through the town and working together to build an image worth seeing.
“I want to put Pullman on the map,” Martin said.
Learn about Pullman events and tourism here.
