Simi Valley has a lot to offer tourists, and city leaders want a way to inform them.

Representatives from the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and local businesses met last week at the Grand Vista Hotel to form a committee to develop a tourist bureau.

“We realize the potential of bringing in tourists here and impacting the city,” said Leigh Nixon, chamber of commerce executive director. “We want to compile 101 things to do in Simi Valley.”

Colleen Janssen, marketing specialist for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, said the promotional materials the committee develops should emphasize what besides the presidential library and mall the city has to offer.

“What kind of city are we?” Janssen said. “We’re not just the Air Force One Pavilion; we’re not just the mall; we’re not just the Ronald Reagan Library.”

Janssen recommended publicizing that the city appears as the backdrop in a number of movies and TV shows; is consistently named among the nation’s safest; and is home to several historical sites, such as Corriganville, the Santa Susana Train Depot and Strathern Historical Park.

And it’s important to promote the city’s proximity to Los Angeles—it’s close enough to drive to big-name attractions but far enough to offer escape, she said.

Brian Gabler, Simi Valley’s economic development director, said the city’s geography as a valley, separate and distinct from Los Angeles, is a distinctive advantage.

“It’s very unique in Southern California to be a defined area,” Gabler said. “You have to make people understand what Simi Valley is before you can sell it to them.”

The group also discussed an 800 telephone number for tourist information, a kiosk at the Simi Valley Town Center and tours of the city for travel agents and writers.

In future meetings, the committee may consider creating Simi Valley souvenirs and collectibles, which could be sold at local businesses, and developing a freeway sign that directs drivers to the tourist bureau.

Tom Saulnier, owner of Hand & Hand Total Body Wellness, said the time is right to attract tourists since the national perception of Simi Valley has improved since the funeral of former President Ronald Reagan.

“People used to say, ‘Simi Valley—Rodney King.’ Now it’s, ‘Simi Valley—Ronald Reagan,’” Saulnier said.

However, Verica Weikal, sales manager for the Grand Vista Hotel, said the city needs an upscale restaurant. Guests often ask hotel staff for recommendations, and they are usually directed to Westlake Village, she said. The committee plans to meet on the third Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be at 8 a.m. Feb. 16 at the chamber of commerce, l40 W. Cochran St., # 100.

Janssen would like business owners from a range of industries to attend.

“We need your expertise, we want your expertise, and we think we’ll all benefit from it,” she said.