Keeping it in the Family

The Destination Marketing Industry has often been dubbed "a family." And I certainly feel that way each time we convene at DMAI, UMCVB and other Regional and State Conferences across North America.

But what just went down in Fort Madison IA, gives new meaning to the concept of "family."

Rachel Benda stepped down from the CEO post at the CVB earlier this year to take another job in the community. Her Mother-in-Law is the new CEO.

Sandy Brown was selected by the Board because of her enthusiasm for the community, as well as intimate knowledge of the area and people.

And that was huge because, of the four finalists, only two showed up for final interviews...because finalists were asked to come back with a presentation of how they would sell the destination to a group tour operator.

Guess this Destination Marketing thing is a litle tougher than many think, eh?