Ohio Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
37 West Broad Street, Suite 480
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-241-2226
1-888-505-9552
April 2007
Volume 6, Issue 2Index Executive Director's Report by Philip A. Craig Billboard Updates by Jacob C. Evans Calendar of Events
PAGEBREAK=President's Report by Marty Starkey}
OACVB President's Report
Marty Starkey, President
What a terrific turnout at the State Lobbying Day. It was exciting to see the industry united in an effort that can really make a difference for all of us. The fact that the legislature knows who we are, and sees that we have common issues, is also positive. I actually think they are starting to like us. Let's be honest. We don’t take over Columbus in matching glow-in-the-dark T-shirts, chanting slogans and demanding immediate solutions to problems that will take years to solve. We have clean, enjoyable products that, for the most part, make people smile.
(Below: President Marty Starkey got a chance to discuss tourism issues with Representative Jim Carmichael)
That doesn’t mean this is the time to stop and pat ourselves on the back. We need to keep working to ensure that the state budget, at the least, stays where it is, and hopefully, increases. We also need to continue conversations with teachers, parents and legislators about the post Labor Day school start. The parents and teachers that I have talked with think it is a great idea.
This also seems to be the time that the industry can have a very positive influence with the Division of Travel and Tourism. Now is the time to contact the search committee if you want to have input on the new director. Contact Kimber Perfect at KPerfect@odod.state.oh.us with your thoughts.
Also Celeste Krolak, Tour Marketing Specialist with the Division of Travel and Tourism, is putting together a tracking system for motorcoaches in Ohio. If the CVB’s get the information to her, we can get some valuable information for the future. See below to participate.
In an effort to assist the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism with their motorcoach tracking efforts, OACVB members recently agreed to provide motorcoach visitor information to calculate the estimated economic impact for the state. Please inform your group sales staff to watch for these (monthly/bi-monthly) surveys from Celeste Krolak requesting the following information:
- How many day trips did you have this month?
- How many of these were adult groups?
- What sites did they visit?
- How many passengers?
- How many of these were student groups?
- What sites did they visit?
- How many passengers?
- How many of these were adult groups?
- How many overnight trips did you have this month?
- How many of these were adult groups?
- What sites did they visit?
- How many passengers?
- How many of these were student groups?
- What sites did they visit?
- How many passengers?
- How many of these were adult groups?