A Message from the President

By now, you all know that Gloria Schleicher, our Executive Director, resigned to accept another position. It was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up and although we’ll miss her and the excellent job she did, I know you join me in wishing her well. But, there is a bright side! Her new position puts her in the ranks of a CVB employee with the Hershey Capital Region CVB, so we’ll still enjoy her friendly smile and she’ll also serve on a few of our committees!

The good news is that after a lengthy search we found another excellent individual for the position of Executive Director, Janet Stone! Janet started on November 24 and jumped in with both feet. Janet has a varied background and has previously worked with Convention and Visitors Bureau’s, including our own York County CVB. Please give her a call and welcome her to PACVB.

On another note, there is plenty of change taking place within our tourism community, especially as it relates to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office. Mickey and his team have stepped up to the plate and offered their expertise as well as some funding and the use of Mullen, their ad agency, for the Consumer Shows and ABA Breakfast. We are fortunate to have a state tourism office that wants to work with us because we don’t often see this type of partnership in other states.

Speaking of committees – the Group Tour and Consumer Show Committees have been very busy preparing to promote Pennsylvania to tour operators and consumers. The Education Committee is finalizing plans for our spring conference as well as gearing up with plans for the fall conference. All of our committees work hard for the betterment of PACVB and our members. Please remember to thank them for making a commitment which involves extra work and time for each of them.

Barry Wickes and I presented at the County Commissioners Association fall conference in November. My remarks addressed what a CVB/TPA is and what our role is in the community, our challenges, partnerships, etc. I want to thank those of you who took time to share your success stories with me. I used them to show the impact we make on the local economy. Barry addressed the overall economic impact of tourism in Pennsylvania. It was a good session and there were lots of questions, most regarding the hotel tax but others about promotion, brochure distribution, autonomy, etc. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you are not maintaining communication with your County Commissioners, I would encourage you to do so.

Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season!


Betsey Howell
PACVB President



A Message from the New Executive Director
It was with great pleasure that I accepted the position of Executive Director of PACVB. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the member CVB’s, and look forward to the opportunity to be of service to the entire membership. I plan on calling every member before the year’s end to formerly introduce myself and welcome any comments you may have for me. In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, I can be reached at 717-232-8880 x110, or by e-mail at jstone@patourism.org..

Janet Stone
Professionally, I have had many years of successful public, private, and independent sector experience, including working with the York County and Baltimore, Maryland CVB’s. My accomplishments include developing a membership mentoring program, working with membership to increase retention rates, developing creative and innovative advertising in visitor guides to meet individual member category needs, including building partnerships with adjacent cities, and creating and launching one of the highest-revenue generating programs to date for a nationally-recognized children’s museum. My program development work has resulted in enhanced revenue, building customer loyalty and increased market share.

To give you a more personal background, I guess the best way to describe myself is to say that I’m a sponge. I love research and like to absorb all sorts of things. Consequently, I have developed a diverse group of networks within the business, governmental, travel and hospitality sectors. I love putting people in touch with each other to brainstorm, complete projects, and overcome hurdles. So, I look forward to getting to know all of you so that I may serve you in the best possible way and to help you interact with each other in a manner that will strengthen PACVB as an organization. Once in awhile I might go off on a little jaunt like the one from which I just returned—a medical mission trip to Nicaragua—but I will return as I am now—renewed, re-energized, and full of enthusiasm to accomplish great things within our association.




Our association is interested in providing services and information that will help you manage the affairs of your association and help you to provide leadership in your communities. Periodically, in Members Circle, articles, surveys, and data will appear to inform you about best practices and lessons learned in growing professionally

Girlfriends Getaway Packages
The program started in 2000 when the Reading & Berks County Visitors Bureau (RBCVB) was searching for a “niche” market. The RBCVB found that, while men found it relatively easy to plan a golf or football weekend, women were being underserved. Our studies were quite comprehensive. As we like to point out “We even researched the color that would be most appealing to women. It is no accident that the Girlfriends Getaway promotion piece come in shades of purple.”

Last year nearly 700 Girlfriends Getaway packages were booked here in Berks County, and this year we are booking at twice that rate. Strong media interest has been very helpful in promoting the program. In July, 2003, our Girlfriends Getaway program was covered by articles in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and the New York Daily News--three of the top ten newspapers in the country with combined circulation of over 3.6 million.


Welcome New Affiliate Members
Below is a list of businesses that have joined the PACVB Affiliated Membership Exhibitor Program since our last newsletter. Please join us in thanking and welcoming them and please keep them in mind when purchasing goods and services.

Amron Unlimited
Delta / Delta Connection
Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
Meredith Magazines
Mullen Pittsburgh
Peak Computing
Pennsylvaniahotels.com / Golden Interests
Ripple Effects Interactive
Southern Living Magazine
Where & When, Pennsylvania’s Travel Guide

PACVB Committees
President Howell invites all PACVB members and their staff members to consider volunteering their time, talent, and expertise by serving on committees and ad hoc committees. Our association has opportunities and challenges at both the local and state level. Your support and active involvement in PACVB committees enables our association to hear your concerns, suggestions, and better serve you, our members. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact jstone@patourism.org.

    Legislative Dinner Committee
    The Committee, chaired by Bob Imperata, held its first meeting on November 13. The group reviewed the actual budget for the 2003 Dinner and developed a tentative budget for next year’s Dinner. Committee members also discussed the contract with the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, potential sponsors, promotion of the event, and other details for the 2004 Dinner. A follow-up conference call was held on December 1.

    Professional Development Committee
    Committee members reviewed the final proposals from host hotels for the 2004 Fall Workshop, and they selected the Inn at Chester Springs Hotel and Conference Center. The dates of the Workshop are Monday and Tuesday, September 13 & 14, 2004.

    Membership Committee
    The Committee met on November 6. Members worked on membership issues and benefits that they will present to the Board. The Committee approved a mission statement. It was agreed that the membership dues for affiliate members remain at $100 and that affiliate members will be listed in the 2004 Legislative Dinner program book. There was general discussion regarding standards of conduct and membership decals.



2003 Fall Workshop Another Success
Just Duckey Tours gave attendees a look at Pittsburgh from land and water.
The 2003 PACVB Fall Workshop, held at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh on September 9-11, 2003, was another great success. 139 individuals attended the workshop. In addition, 20 sponsors supported the event and 15 firms participated as exhibitors.

The workshop included sessions conducted by DCED with a rollout of the new marketing campaign and information on the tourism website (changing from www.experiencepa.com to www.visitpa.com).

There were also excellent educational sessions including: Ty Christian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yescavich, Pepperdine and Brown Christian who spoke on diversity marketing and humorously educated the group how to tap into this trillion-dollar market; Mark Hoy, Vice President of Travel Industry of Association of America (TIA), who gave attendees an update on the state of the US travel industry and the SeeAmerica international marketing campaign.

Attendees socialize as they wait to board the Gateway Clipper
The conference program also included panel discussion on Room Taxes in Pennsylvania and Heritage/Cultural Tourism initiatives.

Many individuals helped to make this year’s event spectacular. Special thanks to the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pittsburgh and Its Countryside, and Independence Publishing, for providing our attendees with a unique opportunity see the sights of Pittsburgh from land and sea on the amphibious Just Duckey tours and later on a fabulous dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper. Thanks also to Delta Airlines for donating complimentary round-trip airline tickets as a door prize, and a sincere “thank you” to all the sponsors for their support that made this event a great success.
As our evaluations indicate, we had a great workshop and a great time seeing the sites in Pittsburgh. Thank you to all of you who attended the workshop and completed evaluations forms. Click to view the 2003 PACVB Fall Workshop Evaluation Report (PDF).


Save the Date:
The 2004 Legislative Dinner will be held
Monday, March 8, 2004.



Update on Room Tax
In recent months Representatives from the PACVB and the PA Tourism and Lodging Association have met with representatives from the County Commissioners Association of PA to discuss the proposed room tax legislation. Betsey Howell, Bob Imperata and Bob Uguccioni have participated representing PACVB. Both sides have proposed language designed to clarify the intended use of room tax proceeds and to eliminate threats of de-certification. Keith Clark of Shumaker Williams and Republican and Democratic staff from the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee have also be involved in the discussions. Although some progress has been made, there is no final agreement at this time.

Update on Motor Coach Nexus Tax
On November 6, the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee met with Daniel Hassell, Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy and Planning, to discuss issues relating to the Commonwealth’s tax collection efforts on out-of-state tour bus companies. The Chairman of the Committee, Representative Robert Godshall, sent a follow-up letter to Mr. Hassell requesting specific information from the Revenue Department.

Partnership Board Holds Inaugural Meeting
The newly-created Pennsylvania Travel & Tourism Partnership officially met for the first time on September 16, 2003, at the Governor’s residence in Harrisburg.

The 35-member public-private Partnership will advise the Governor and the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) on tourism plans and policy. Created by statute, the group replaced the Governor’s Travel & Tourism Advisory Council.

Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary of the PA Department of Community & Economic Development, chaired the meeting and made introductory remarks. Governor Rendell addressed the group. He thanked the members for agreeing to serve, and he shared his vision and outlook for the continued growth of the State’s second largest industry.

The group reviewed provisions of the law, Act 189 of 2002, which created the Partnership and discussed its duties and responsibilities. J. Mickey Rowley, Deputy Secretary of Travel, Tourism, Film & Economic Development Marketing, presented the new tourism marketing campaign.

Members agreed to initially focus on several important issues, including interagency cooperation, tourism promotion agency re-alignment, request for advertising agency proposals and heritage tourism. A subcommittee was formed to study each issue. They will meet and make recommendations to the full Partnership at its next quarterly meeting on December 10.

Three PACVB members have been appointed to the Partnership. They are: Betsey Howell, Executive Director, Centre County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Joe McGrath, CEO & President, Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Bob Uguccioni, Executive Director, Poconos Mountain Vacation Bureau.



PACVB Members Attend TRAVELPAC Fundraiser
On September 8, 2003, a number of PACVB members and other tourism industry leaders attended a fundraiser for the political action committee of the PA Tourism & Lodging Association, TRAVELPAC. Held in conjunction with the PACVB Fall Workshop, this special event was held at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Attendees made a personal contribution to TRAVELPAC and raised a net of $1,500.00. These funds will be distributed to legislators who support pro-tourism issues and legislation, and will allow the Executive Director of PACVB to attend key fundraisers sponsored by lawmakers.

Special thanks to the Westin for hosting the fundraiser, and to the following PACVB members who attended:

  • Emily Beck
  • Christie Black
  • David Brooks
  • Mary Ann Bungerz
  • Lisa Dailey
  • Paul Decker
  • Terri Dennison
  • Anne Druck
  • Greg Edevane
  • Janet Falotico
  • Jason Fink
  • Juanita Hampton
  • Dawn Holden
  • Betsey Howell
  • Mark Ickes
  • Robert Imperata
  • Thomas King
  • Joyce Lee
  • Tinsey Lipchak
  • James Longo
  • Jonathan Longwill
  • Laura Low
  • Rose Mape
  • Lisa Markowski
  • Peggy Mazyck
  • JoAnn McBride
  • Joe McGrath
  • David Morris
  • Wendy Nagle
  • John Oliver
  • Lynne Popash
  • Pam Prosser
  • Vinny Rhodes
  • Gloria Schleicher
  • Janis Schmees
  • Jerry Schreibeis
  • Diane Shawley
  • Mathilda Sheptak
  • Steve Sheptak
  • Sandi Spencer
  • Betty Squire
  • Mark Tallarico
  • Terry Van Horne
  • Jesse Walters
  • Julie Wentz
  • Laurie Zimmerman





January 2004
9-18 The Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show
16-18 New Jersey Trailer & Camping Show - Edison, NJ
21-25 Greater Philadelphia Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show
February 2004
7-15 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show - Harrisburg, PA
14-15 Going Your Way Travel Expo - Baltimore MD
18-22 Allegheny Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show
March 2004
7-9 PACVB 2004 Spring Workshop, Hilton Harrisburg & Towers
8 29th Annual Travel & Tourism Legislative Dinner, Hilton Harrisburg & Towers
13-21 Cleveland Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show
17-21 Toronto Sportmen’s Show



Route Your e-News
We encourage you to route your e-News to staff, board members, members and vendors to keep them apprised of what is happening in Harrisburg with your state association, the PACVB. If you would like to add your contacts to our e-mail list to receive the e-News when published, please e-mail jstone@patourism.org.

Also e-mail your suggestions for future articles and share your comments about format and content with us. e-News is published for the benefit of our PACVB members and their partners. Your input is important and appreciated; please e-mail Janet Stone at jstone@patourism.org or eadams@patourism.org. Thank you!