| Athens Now:
The monthly newsletter of the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau |
 February Advisory Board Meeting -
don't miss this one!No midwinter doldrums for the CVB Advisory Board. Come on out this Thursday, February 18 for several special presentations that are sure to be of interest. Learn more about:
- State tourism issues
- Tourism-related SPLOST projects
- The new Athens Music & Entertainment Association
- Buy Local campaign
CVB Advisory Board MeetingThursday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. The Classic Center RSVP: Venessa Banks, 706.357.4432 |
 Meetings & Conventions Updates
Athens exhibited at the Georgia Meeting Planners International (GaMPI) Meetings Exploration Conference February 10 - 12 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, reaching over 300 meeting planners. The CVB and The Classic Center shared booth space. The CVB's Plan of Work for 2010 includes an increased focus and involvement with MPI, including getting involved in committees, officially joining the association and attending the monthly luncheons in Atlanta.
Newly booked: Georgia School Nutrition Association is confirmed for July of 2012. The conference will bring over 1,700 attendees to Athens and The Classic Center and will feature almost 200 exhibit booths. This important group last convened in Athens July 2008. |
 Don't Miss Out: Current OpportunitiesThe CVB will present a Free Family Reunion Workshop and mini-trade show on Saturday, March 13. This is a wonderful opportunity for reunion planners to tap into Athens resources with tips and complimentary services available for reunions. Participants will get advice about setting and staying within a budget, plus planning family fun in Athens. There is absolutely no charge for attendees; a small fee will be charged for exhibitors. Advance reservations are a must. Please help us spread the word to anyone who would like to know more about holding a reunion in Athens or reaching this important market.
Contact Amy Clark at 706.357.4433 or aclark@visitathensga.com for more information and to register as an attendee or exhibitor. |
 State & Industry Updates
GACVB Winter ConferenceChuck Jones & Amy Clark were among industry representatives who gathered February 8-10 in Marietta for the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) Winter Conference. In addition to eight hours of continuing education coursework for the Leadership Excellence Certification program, the Winter Conference agenda included a GDEcD Coop Workshop presented by Deputy Commissioner Kevin Langston, a Legislative Update presented by Erin Henderson of the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia, and Shirtsleeve Sessions for CEOs, Marketing/PR, and Social Media. Dr. Steve Morse, Director and Economist from the Tourism Research Institute of the University of Tennessee, presented Protecting Your Local Tourism Organization's Budget in a Down Economy: New Strategies for Showing the Economic Importance of Tourism to Local Officials.
The State Legislature is in Session! 
A number of bills impacting tourism are at various stages in the House and Senate, among them:
Read more about these bills here.
It is vital that our industry speak out and advocate for legislation that will preserve and strengthen our ability to generate more economic development through tourism. Please stay informed through the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia's website and newsletter, and contact your elected officials with your opinions. |
 Hospitality Newsmakers
Paul Cramer, Executive Director of The Classic Center, has been named this year's winner of the Spirit of Athens Award, which is presented by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce to honor a person who not only advocates and volunteers for the chamber, but adds to the spirit and soul of the Athens community. This is a great honor for Paul! And well deserved. Congratulations!
Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. for December and January are now posted at VisitAthensGA.com. Please join us in congratulating these fantastic front-line employees!
Athens Hosts will provide assistance during the NCAA Swim and Dive Championships February 17-19 at UGA's Ramsey Center. They will help direct attendees to local Athens establishments for food, shopping and attractions.
Chuck Jones served as a judge for Winterville Elementary School's 4th and 5th grade Spelling Bee on January 23. Congratulations to Braxton Jordan, who won with the word "unique" and then went on to the district championship.
CVB Information Specialist April Moore Skelton presented a program on Conflict Resolution on January 12 to seventh graders at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School through the Adopt-A-Class Program. |
|
 SAVE THE DATE: |
February 16 Conference Call
Arts & Culture briefing on HB 1049 (half penny sales tax for arts) 3 p.m. RSVP: Greg BurbidgeMetro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition February 18 CVB Advisory Board Meeting
9 - 10:30 a.m.
The Classic Center
March 9 CVB Meetings & Conventions Committee10 a.m. The Classic Center RSVP: Mark Adams706.357.4434
March 13 Reunions Workshop8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Country Inn & Suites RSVP: Amy Clark706.357.4433 |
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