Holiday season greetings from the Ohio Tourism Division! A most interesting 2009 is coming to a close, and we are about to turn the corner into a whole new year of opportunity. As this is a busy season in so many different ways, my message this month will include two things: a short Division update and a message of thanks.
First, the update: The marketing team is in full swing as 2010 programming starts coming to life and key 2009 programs are wrapping up. Please take a few minutes to read the articles below with some important updates, including a summary of our recent Media Mission to Des Moines, Iowa, home of Meredith Publishing, and their wonderful stable of publications that are near and dear to many of our target audiences.
In other partnerships, please do not forget to download a copy of our Fall 2009-Summer 2010 Partnership Opportunities booklet on www.DiscoverOhio.com/industry. Some key deadlines are coming up quickly to participate in literally dozens of terrific opportunities to drive business to your doorstep (and many of them are free).
On the tourism funding issue, our ongoing collaboration with the Ohio Tourism Roundtable Leadership continues work to help formulate an optimal solution for both the short-term and long-term success of the statewide marketing effort. On Nov. 10, a meeting was held with Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio Tourism Roundtable to update the governor on the group’s progress. They received important feedback from the governor, as well as an invitation to return in mid-December with a formal recommendation on behalf of the Tourism Industry. As mentioned before, please check in with your Industry association for current updates on their hard work on your behalf. The Ohio Tourism Roundtable’s membership has also launched a Web site called www.OhioTourismWorks.org, where they have begun posting Industry-only updates and information. Once again, I wish to thank all of you who have been working so hard on behalf of this great Industry’s future success! (Photo caption: Governor Ted Strickland meets with the Ohio Tourism Roundtable on Nov. 10, 2009.)
Now for a message of thanks. Last year, my December message included a little rhyme about what our team was up to around the holidays on behalf of the Industry. Despite some requests for an encore, I think it is most appropriate that this year’s message be about giving thanks. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one, our team would like to share with all of you what we are personally thankful for:
Amir: I am thankful for three things: 1. The ability to be a husband; 2. The ability to be a father; and 3. The ability to be a part of the team serving the Industry I love trying to make a difference in people’s lives each and every day.
Alicia Reece: I am thankful for many things this year because, while it started off with the loss of my wonderful mother, it is coming to a close with the addition of my new twin nieces – Tiara and Taniyah (born Nov. 11). I am extremely thankful for our division leader Amir, our tourism team, Industry partners, and agencies for pulling together during these challenging economic times to promote Ohio.
Joy Doty: I am very thankful for the love of my family that surrounds me daily and all the support from friends to co-workers that provide encouragement during challenging times.
Tamara Brown: I am thankful for holiday gatherings with family and friends, my grandmother’s homemade noodles, my nephew’s wide-eyed wonder and curbside leaf pick-up.
Eric Herzog: I’m thankful for a healthy family, two great kids, working with an excellent group of individuals, Google and coffee!
Roger Barker: Friends and family are well, Blue Jackets are off to their best start ever. The year behind us was good and ahead is just getting better!
Andy Doty: There are so many things to be thankful for every day. Health, job, family, freedom, a place to live, a meal, a little rain, a little sunshine, etc. But I am especially thankful for family, friends and for all the opportunities presented to offer patience, kindness, encouragement and respect to those with whom I am in contact with daily.
Joe Vargo: This year, I’m thankful for all my great family members, friends and colleagues who have the good sense of humor necessary to put up with me. I’m thankful for my health, happiness and comfort and the ability to help those who aren’t as lucky.
Aimee Zerla: I’m grateful for all of the blessings I’ve been bestowed. I give thanks for having a loving family and friends, a fulfilling career, fun co-workers, a roof over my head, food on my table and the good fortune to live in a free country.
Jessie Wagner: I am grateful for all the experiences that have made me into the person I am today, and for each new day because I get to share it with all the people in my life who are on the journey with me.
From our Ohio Tourism team and families to yours: It has been an honor working on your behalf this past year. Have a terrific Holiday season and may 2010 be a year of success and renewal to us all!
Safe Travels,
Amir
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