MeetingNews Q&A:
Atlanta CVB President & CEO Announces His Retirement
After 17 years as president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spurgeon Richardson announced that he will retire at the end of 2008, capping off more than 40 years in the tourism industry.
Q What made you decide to retire at this point in time?
A I've been blessed to have been here for 17 years, but it's time to seek out new adventures. I want to go out on top, and after all that's been accomplished in the city in the past couple of years, now's the time to do that.
Q During your tenure, you've had many accomplishments, including leading the CVB to win more than 45 major industry awards, overseeing the 1996 Olympics, creating a Hospitality Hall of Fame (a first for CVBs), and forming innovative cultural tourism and corporate development departments. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
A The increased hotel occupancy rates and demand over the years give me a lot of satisfaction. I feel a great sense of pride when I walk along the street and see people with convention badges or parents and children going to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola. These new projects have had a lot of economic impact on the city and created many jobs for its residents.
Q What are your hopes for the next 17 years in Atlanta?
A The best is truly yet to come. With $5 billion in new developments, Atlanta is going through the greatest renaissance in its history. We will continue to grow as a meetings and tourism destination, as new boutique and luxury hotels come on line and we make strides as an international destination with the new international airport terminal opening in 2011. People will be able to enjoy the new developments along with old favorites.
Q What's next for you?
A I could never truly retire. I'd like to stay connected to the industry in some way, whether by consulting, teaching, serving on boards, etc. I feel a great responsibility to give back to this community that has given so much to me.
Branson Convention Bureau Widens Marketing Territory
Branson, MOAs of July 1, new guidelines from the Missouri Department of Tourism will require the Branson/Lakes Area CVB to include Hollister and other Taney County tourism entities in its marketing efforts. The new guidelines for the state's Cooperative Marketing Program, which provides up to 50 percent reimbursement for eligible tourism marketing expenses, state that only one organization per county can be eligible for funding; in Taney County, that organization is the Branson/Lakes Area CVB.
The primary change for businesses outside of the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District is that they will be integrated into the CVB's overall marketing plan on the same basis as businesses within the district: free listings on the website and in ads and promotional pieces, as well as the ability to purchase ads on the website and in visitors guides, promotional pieces, etc. The non-district areas were previously included in the CVB's marketing efforts only when they fit into its plan to promote district tourism efforts.
A CVB in South Carolina Prepares to Pull the Plug
Georgetown, SCThe Georgetown County Visitors Bureau in South Carolina voted to start dissolving itself in late February. The bureau, which was created in 2000, decided last year to give the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce responsibility for funding and promoting the area, but board members were hesitant to shut down operations until they knew that the transition had gone smoothly. To complete the dissolution process, the CVB must file paperwork with the state, get rid of its assets, and undergo a final audit.
Originally published March 24, 2008