Athens, Georgia- June 29, 2011 - The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau's new fiscal year begins July 1 with a new program of work accompanied by restructuring of staff.    Both the FY 12 program of work and staff restructuring are based on input from recent planning sessions, with a focus on target markets defined to provide the most return on investment in current economic conditions and to best prepare for expanded capacity at The Classic Center. 

  

Hannah Smith, who has served as Communications Manager for the past 11.5 years, has been promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications.  She will oversee the marketing plan for the Bureau as well as continue to advance Athens as a destination through digital and print media, public relations, advertising and consumer contacts. Mark Adams, Convention Sales Director for the past five and a half years, will assume the title of Director of Sales and will administer all Bureau sales, including meetings and conventions (particularly those with a trade show attached), group tour, foreign independent travel and the social market.  Adams will be assisted by Jayne Tannenbaum, Convention Sales Coordinator, and a Sales Manager to be hired.  The new Sales Manager position becomes available with the departure of Amy Clark, who accepted the Director of Sales position with Hotel Indigo Athens after serving as CVB Leisure Travel Marketing Director for five years.

  

Remarks Chuck Jones, CVB Director, "I am gratified that two long-term CVB staffers will take the helm of these departments as we restructure to best meet current market needs.  These staffing changes will position the Bureau to remain a destination of choice in Georgia." 

  

Along with staff restructuring, the CVB will implement a new FY 12 program of work.  In light of the recession, it is more important than ever to re-examine target markets and the methods for reaching them to make sure that Athens and the CVB are getting the best return on marketing dollars.  There is focus on nearby markets, particularly Atlanta.  With The Classic Center's expansion on the horizon, the CVB, along with The Classic Center, is working now with groups that have interest in an expanded facility in 2013.  These larger groups will pump additional money into the already-significant tourism economy.

  

Input on the program of work was sought from the CVB Advisory Board and other local stakeholders in advance of the CVB's planning retreat.  Further input was garnered at the June 23rd advisory board meeting shirtsleeves session, where several issues were tackled that were not resolved at the retreat itself.  

  

During FY 12, the CVB will continue to:

• Generate business and increase economic impact of local tourism through sales and marketing initiatives
• Increase number and size of meetings & conventions with increased capacity of The Classic Center
• Support destination infrastructure and product development
• Show accountability to hospitality partners and community at large
• Evaluate structure and methods of operations for best results
• Act as advocate for policy that supports and grows the tourism industry and its economic impact in Athens and Georgia

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