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IN THIS ISSUE:
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OHIO TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS |
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Tourism Marketing Forum Highlights Difference in Priorities Between Ohio, Michigan
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 2/12/14 (Columbus, OH) - A lively public forum between leaders of TourismOhio and Travel Michigan on Feb. 12 highlighted the different approaches of the often rival states in marketing to potential travelers.
The lunch discussion at the Columbus Metropolitan Club was presented by Bob Evans Farms in partnership with Ohio Travel Association and Experience Columbus and featured current TourismOhio Director Mary Cusick in a candid, often humorous conversation with former Ohio Tourism Director and current Visit Michigan Vice President, George Zimmermann.
Moderated by Experience Columbus CEO Brian Ross, the conversation included background on the challenges both states have faced in the past, a lighthearted exchange on the virtues of regional spot advertising buys versus national ad buys, and future marketing strategies for both states.
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TourismOhio Advisory Board Meets, Reviews Marketing & Communications Activities
Todd Mesek, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame + Museum Elected Vice-Chair, Bylaws Approved
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 2/13/14 (Columbus, OH) - The second meeting of the TourismOhio Advisory Board convened yesterday, Thurs., February 13 on the 19th floor of the Vern Riffe Center. The meeting was called to order at noon by Chairman Dan Sullivan from HNS Sports Group and the Memorial Tournament with all nine members of the board in attendance, as well as Director of Development David Goodman and TourismOhio Director Mary Cusick.
Administrative business items included the review and approval of minutes from the group's December meeting and approval of bylaws to govern the group. Group members nominated and elected Todd Mesek of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to serve as vice chair.
The meeting objective was to "outline the strategic planning process for TourismOhio and benchmark marketing... Read More>>
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Emerging Leaders Meet, Begin Projects To Build Stronger Industry
By AMBER BACON, OTA Intern
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 2/13/14- (Columbus, OH) - Emerging leaders from across Ohio met on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the Vern Riffe Center for the first Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy of 2014. The class discussed tourism economics and the role of the Office of TourismOhio in marketing the state as a tourism destination.
Class members broke into groups and began working on group projects to benefit the industry. Group projects encourage class members to explore an issue or opportunity in the industry, develop possible solutions, and present their concept. The assignment is a great way to learn how to manage an industry-based project and drive it forward with the help of colleagues and peers.
Members of the OTLA Class of 2014:
Shannon Beacham, Marietta/Washington County CVB
Mark Calitri, Clermont County Ohio CVB
Anthony Cordo, Experience Columbus
Debbie Crowdus, Cincinnati USA CVB
Jason Fallon, Ohio Depart... Read More>>
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CREATING THE OHIO TOURISM EXPERIENCE |
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Profile of a Partnership: Lake Erie Shores & Islands
 Tourism officials in Erie and Ottawa counties know that visitors to Lake Erie’s Shores and Islands don’t pay attention to which county they are recreating in. They realized travelers just want to play on the beach, visit the attractions and enjoy good meals.
"The consumer doesn’t know where the county line is and doesn’t care,” said Joan Van Offeren, executive director of the east bureau of Lake Erie Shores & Islands.
In recognition of how arbitrary the county line was to visitors planning trips to the area, the two county convention and visitors’ bureaus decided in 2007 to join forces. Today, a new entity, Lake Erie Shores & Islands, works to promote the region that includes such major destinations as Cedar Point, Sandusky’s indoor water parks, Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay.
The united effort benefits all parties, added Larry Fletcher, executive director of the west bureau of Lake Erie Shores & Islands. Visitors only have to connect with one entity when planning...Read More>>
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Managing Forward: Developing Job Descriptions
By: JEREMY MYERS, Membership & Communications Manager
Owners and directors of small tourism-related organizations across Ohio often fall into the trap of believing their business is not large enough or does not have the resources to require the development of written job descriptions for every employee or position.
I hear from OTA members regularly that they and their employees wear many hats. We are so busy, just the thought of writing a description of the specific tasks an employee performs seems overwhelming and time-consuming. In reality, choosing to rely on verbal communication to define job requirements leads to confusion, frustration, and could cost your organization time through inefficiency.
You’ve certainly heard the phrase, but let’s define it. A job description is a plain-language tool that describes the tasks, duties, functions and responsibilities of a position. Job descriptions detail who performs specific work, how the work is completed and how... Read More>>
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OTA PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES |
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Ohio Museums Association's Annual Meeting/2014 Conference
April 6-7, 2014
Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Athens, OH
For more information and to register online CLICK HERE
Statehood Day: Support Ohio's Heritage and Tourism Community at Ohio Statehouse Feb. 27, 2014
REGISTER ONLINE - Contact: Todd Kleismit, OHS Director of Community & Government Relations
(Columbus, OH) - The Ohio heritage community recognizes the importance of tourism in Ohio. So much so that they are incorporating support of Ohio tourism in their agenda during the annual Statehood Day, Feb. 27 at the Ohio Statehouse.
Heritage Attracts Visitors
Statehood Day is a celebration of Ohio and its history, as well as a legislative advocacy event. With eight out of 10 U.S. travelers participating in cultural and heritage activities, 63% of these travelers seek places where historic character is intact, and 56% seek travel that educates them on local arts, history and culture. In return, tourism supports heritage, as traveler spending directly supports museums and other heritage-based attractions.
Please join us in sharing the importance of heritage and Ohio travel messages at this event. Read More and Register>>>
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OTA NEWS & EVENTS |
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SeaGate Convention Centre, Toledo
March 6, 2014
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 (Toledo, OH) - Want to learn more about the group tour market? Join this interactive work session that will teach helpful sales techniques, share best practices and group tour trends and assist even seasoned group tour professionals take another look at their group tour marketing strategies. Don’t miss this chance to learn from industry leaders and get inspired for the future of this changing and emerging market.
There's Still Time. Get Your Group Travel Product in Front of Operators. Sponsorship packages are available in all shapes and budget sizes. Contact Janet Johnson at jjohnson@ohiotravel.org if you’d like to break through the crowd and really be noticed.
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Trending Articles: What OTA Partners Are Reading
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Career Opportunities
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Director, Pairings, Ohio's Wine & Culinary Experience
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(To submit stories, offers or articles for inclusion in OTA Partner Connect, email jeremy@ohiotravel.org)
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