Destination Butler County

Hamilton, OH – Generally speaking, tourists don’t come to Butler County by accident. 

Travel Butler County President & CEO Tracy Kocher leads the team that helps get them - and the $1.5 billion in economic impact they bring annually – to the region. She’ll be the featured speaker at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts Celebrating Self luncheon Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Kocher - now 12 years into her tenure with Travel Butler County after beginning her tourism career in Colorado Springs - shares some of the selling points they use to get people to visit a place that doesn’t have oceans, mountains, theme parks or other popular tourist attractions.

One of the most visible efforts for the last 10 years has been the Butler County Donut Trail. (And yes, she’ll have local donuts with her for luncheon guests to enjoy.) What started as a small media promotion has grown to more than 45,000 people getting passports stamped at a dozen different area bakeries to earn a t-shirt.

“What I love about Butler County, coming from a destination with some marquee tourist sites, is how things here are always changing and growing,” Kocher said. “For example, when I came here there was no Voice of America MetroPark Athletic Complex. There was no Spooky Nook.

“There’s always something new to talk about here. We get to be creative every day to bring people to Butler County. We don’t have a marquee attraction, but we have a lot to offer - from college towns to urban centers to suburban areas to great natural resources.”

Yet their efforts go largely unseen by the local population.

“Most people in Butler County don’t see what we do,” Kocher said. “But people who are already here aren’t our target audience.

“It’s not a knock, but most people don’t dream of a vacation to Butler County. Travel and tourism is incredibly competitive and we’re up against destinations like Disney World. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be the best at what we do. We punch above our weight and I’ll put our work up against anybody.”

Tickets for the Celebrating Self luncheon are $26* for Fitton Cener members, $32 for non-members and are available online right here, by phone at 513-863-8873, ext. 110 or in person at the Fitton Center box office. *Plus a $3 service feel per ticket

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture