Chris Cannon posted on February 02, 2012 16:15
Thursday, February 2, 2012
GRCVB Contact:
Chris Cannon, director of communications
706.295.5576
chris@romegeorgia.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Smith retires from state board of directors
Savannah, Ga. — Lisa Smith, executive director of the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB), has retired from the board of directors for the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB). She has served on the board since 1999, the longest of any member of the association.
The Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau is an organization comprised of tourism bureaus and corporate members in the hospitality and travel industry throughout the state.
Smith's accomplishments with the organization include serving two terms as president, leading the restructuring of the organization as chair of the bylaws committee and working to develop a standards and education program for convention and visitors bureaus. This program, called the Benchmarks of Excellence, provides standards of achievements for the many tourism offices around Georgia.
"While leading the association, Lisa provided us with a vision of growth and partnership with state leaders, elected officials and our many tourism partners," said Julie Mussleman, GACVB executive director. "She helped elevate our programs and set standards that are on the level with just a few other states."
In 2009, Smith was honored with Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award, the highest tourism award in Georgia presented by Governor Sonny Perdue. She continues her daily work at the local tourism office in Rome and will continue to attend state events and volunteer in the industry.
"Being able to take the State of Georgia's tourism industry to a new level by increasing the importance of CVBs as marketing and economic development engines for our cities, counties and the state was the most fulfilling part of serving on this board," said Smith. "The challenge ahead is for all CVBs to stay the course and continue educating the public and private partners about the role we play as economic developers in our communities."
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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.